Leah

Chapter 1

Leah

I ran inside the conference room. Today was the meeting of the five very important Princes; my brother Rayon being a part of it. I wanted to know what the issue was because it was scarce that such a meeting happens, so I hid inside a large blue vase before the meeting began. I could hear their loud voices when they entered the room. As I peeked over the pot, all of them were arguing at a marble table. The only calm one was Derek, a prince my brother and I never talk to, but he is handsome. He has the wealthiest kingdom in all the land. Lazarus, our best companion, was of an alliance between my father's kingdom and Prince Ragus' kingdom. My brother's face dropped and passionately says, "I will never let my sister marry that evil king!" Prince Ragus stood up fast, "I suggest you hold your tongue if you want it, Rayon!" Then Lazarus holds his hands out between them and yells, "Silence! Rayon, even though Ragus' father is a widow, Leah will not marry him. He will die very soon, and the next in line will be Ragus. He will need an ally and keep a good queen to lead his people with." My brother grew angry by his words and stood up, "Marry him!? My God, are you mad Lazarus?," then he points his finger in Ragus' face and declares, "I will never ally with your kingdom Ragus! Over my dead body!" Lazarus pulls him aside, close to where I can hear them clearly, "Rayon, think of the future for your kingdom. I am your best friend and only thinking of what's best for you." After a moment, Rayon nods and they go back to the table. He clears his throat and says, "I thought about the future of our kingdoms, and I give you my blessing to marry my sister, Leah." A smile formed on Ragus' face, "Very well then. Tomorrow will suffice." I gasp and fell to the bottom of the vase, shocked that I have to marry an ugly, and evil monster! Lazarus looked as if something was disturbing he wanted to let out. He says, "The marriage is only one part of what I wanted to talk to all of you about. Of course, there are other matters to discuss like the rumors going around the land of an evil sorcerer. And he is more powerful than our wizard and is controlled by the very thing we have; power." Charles, the prince with a double chin, asks, "And why should we be afraid? It's not like he will kill all the royalty in this land and take over our kingdoms." Lazarus stares at him and slowly says, "That is exactly the reason why we should fear him. My men tell me he can shift shape into anyone, which makes it hard to catch him." This sends shivers up my spine. Derek says, "Maybe our wizard can use his protection spell on us. And the kingdom to ensure their safety."

After that announcement, they left except Lazarus and my brother. "You should make ready to tell your sister the news," he said. As he was about to leave, Rayon grabs his arm and says, "You knew this would happen and you didn't tell me. How could you betray me like this?" Lazarus lowers his voice, "I had no choice, Rayon. Now let me go." Before he leaves, Rayon says, "You're not my friend. You never were. Goodbye." The door shuts, and I climb out of the pot. "No," I whisper. In shock, Rayon says "What are you doing here Leah?" I grab his collar, "Please don't make me marry that devil! I fear him, brother!" I sink into his chest and cry hard; he hugs me and says, "You don't have a choice." Those words make my heart sink. He pulls me off him and calls the guards to escort me to my room.

When I'm alone, I drop on my bed and cry. I thought that one day I would marry for true love, but...this happening. I hear my door open and see my old nanny Jane. "I heard the news dear!" I sat up as she sits at the edge of the bed and says, "I already know Jane, but I can't marry Prince Ragus!" She asks, " Well, why not dearie?" With tears forming in my eyes, I force out, "I don't love him!" As I uncontrollably breakdown, Jane rubs my back and says, "Think of it like this; you're doing for what's best for the kingdom." I deeply sigh, "I want to do what my heart tells me to do. I couldn't possibly fall in love with that evil man." Jane says, "Then do whatever you feel is right." I get up and grab my black hood, "Then help me escape."