Phoenix Reign

Chapter 5

I sat on my bunk bed listening to the snores of my roommate. It's hard to imagine that just a few days ago I was a thief and today I was a rebel working to undermine the king of Xabia. Tomorrow, I will be addressing the rebels as a whole and claim my support as the princess for the rebels.

Since I came to Celina, I have been preparing for this speech, surrounded by speech writers and public speakers. It seemed crazy that this is exactly what I would be doing if I was still an acting princess.

I scribbled the last of my notes on my speech and sighed. This was going to be a long fight.

The next day, I stood in a fiery red tunic and black leggings as the speech writer gave me little reminders. I had braided my long brunette hair simply down my back.

When the speech writer finished, she filed out of the room and Celina walked in. "How are you feeling?"

I sighed and sat on the gray couch beside me, "Overwhelmed. It's hard to see myself in this position."

She sat down next to me, "This has been quite sudden. But we have been waiting for this chance for ages. We have always kind of been hoping that the 'Lost Princess' would reveal herself and join us."

I faced her, "Is that really what I'm called?"

She smiled and nodded, "You're kind of a legend."

"Well I certainly don't feel like one." I muttered.

She put a hand on my shoulder, "We don't expect you to be perfect. We only expect you to be there. Just your presence is enough to give people hope. It's just what this revolution needs." She handed me a small bag, "I thought I would make your membership official."

I opened the drawstring and saw the shine of the phoenix emblem. I looked to her and she took it out and put it around my neck, "Welcome to the Phoenix Rebellion."

The speech writer came in and motioned for me to follow her on stage.

The stage was set up in the center of the commons area and the rebels had assembled around it. I was ushered in by a guard who parted the crowd and I walked on stage. As I looked about the room at the rebel's tired faces, I noticed a bit of confusion. That was to be expected since they didn't know I existed.

I took deep breath, "Hello, members of the Phoenix Resistance, my name is Elysia. I am here because I have a message and no, this is not some motivational speech. I believe you guys have had enough of that. I'm here to tell you my story. Just a few days ago I was living out my life as a thief. During the annual thief tournament, my life was turned upside down. I was given a rare opportunity," I pointed to the red gem on my forehead and motioned to my arm. Incendia burst from the edge of the crowd and flew to my arm. Gasps were heard throughout the room, "This phoenix came to me and gave me this. This a phoenix mark and it is my understanding that it is only given to those who are destined for the throne of Xabia. Now let me introduce myself again. My full name is Princess Halla Hallia Elysia Infinity Asoura and I am the legendary 'Lost Princess'. I left the castle eight years ago, not because I abandoned you, but because I was escaping the abuse from my father. I know what you have gone through and I want the same thing you do. So I have come to offer my services to end the oppression of my step-father."

The crowd sat for a few seconds in shock, then someone began clapping and the crowd joined in. Then they started chanting "Long live the Queen!" The chanting became louder and louder until it was almost deafening. I saw out of the corner of my eye Celina smiling and clapping with the crowd. I knew that this was something that I could work for.