The Kingdom's Keep

Chapter One

"Nora Maxine Jones, get up from there this instant!"

I looked up to my mother, who was standing over me with a look of disdain. She always interrupted me during my personal time, though this time it was for a reason. I mumbled that I was awake and shakily stood up, though by the time I had adjusted to it she was already dragging me to the estate.

The next time I had a moment to breathe was after they had dolled me up. I was in a stiff, puffy rose-pink and lavender dress, my hair was put into a tight ponytail at the back of my head, and I was forced to wear high heels. My mother explained to me that because I was soon to become the archduchess of the kingdom, I should go to the Easter Ball with her. She said it was simple: just stand there and look pretty, and speak only if spoken to.

"And if nobody speaks to me?" I asked.

"Don't speak," She replied, with a stern, demanding tone.

I thought this was very stupid. Why should I keep quiet if all the males could speak? Yet, I followed what she said. Keeping to myself, I hummed to the ballroom music and occasionally had short conversations with the others. That was, of course, until a servant pulled me to the side.

"Madam Nora," they started, "your father, he--"

"Is he back?" I said, getting a bit excited. My father hadn't gotten back from his trip to Leïnd, our sister kingdom, in a few weeks, leaving me no time to practice my techniques with a staff.

"No, he's," they paused. They seemed a bit disheartened, like they didn't want to give any further details on the subject. Finally, they reluctantly said, "he's disappeared."

My eyes widened. The archduke, heir to the kingdom once the King dies, and my own father, gone. Or worse. I shut my eyes tight, and looked away; I wouldn't cry in front of a mere servant. My mother had overheard, and gasped, causing the whole of the dance to look at us. Murmurs started in the crowd, some holding shocked expressions or covering their mouth with their hands.

"Everything is fine, darlings!" my mother tried to reassure the group. "My husband will be found very soon."

I knew she was lying, and I left the Ball. I went straight to my room, got back into my usual light dress , jacket, and knee-high boots, and went to the armory. I looked through all the weapons there: knives, daggers, swords, bows and arrows, crossbows, spears... And bow staves. I grabbed one, and left. My mother gave me a questioning glance, then stormed over to me.

"Where do you think you're going, young lady?" her shrill voice inquired.

"To find Father. I'm finally tired of all of this," I stated, "I promise I'll come back. With him. For now, you'll have to deal with the loss of two family members."

I now think leaving was the best idea I could ever have had.