The General and the Princess

Chapter 12 || Alleyni

 "They've taken it, you know," Alleyni mumbled, pushing her face into a pillow.

Evyn sat on the edge of the bed next to her, trying to offer what little encouragement he could to a princess who did not wish to be encouraged. "What?"
"Everything. They've usurped any power that I had, my right to the throne, and any privileges I hold as princess."

Evyn's face paled. "But, Al, you were dreading this day. Doesn't it come as some relief that you do not have to go through the process of courting and choosing a suitor? You revile the whole process!"

She sighed dramatically. "I don't wish to be married; that's not the point. I don't even want to be in Lyssa's current position. I just feel powerless. I am nothing. No more than a discarded mistress or disregarded spinster. Every chance I ever had of getting out of here disappeared as soon as Lyssa took my rightful place. If I am not the princess, I am nothing."

Evyn gently touched her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Al. And I'm sorry that I didn't speak up for you. I'm a terrible friend, I should have said...something."

Alleyni sat up for a moment and regarded the boy who had been her best friend since infancy. Evyn had a youthful look to him with his willowy frame, light hair and skin, and pale eyes. He was handsome and gentle and kind and loyal. Evyn had never treated Alleyni like a princess ever since their squabble in the courtyard that had to be broken up by Alleyni's personal guard. He was her friend and possibly the only one who would stay with her as she shrunk into the shadows of the castle.

"It wouldn't have mattered if you had said something. They only care about your opinion when you agree with them. You know, regardless of everything I know about Lyssa, I still didn't expect her to go behind my back and betray me. Can you believe we used to be friends?" Alleyni asked, her pale blue eyes as round as saucers.

"Are you sure you ever were? I remember you fighting when you stole her doll as a captive for ransom. She wasn't too fond of you then." Evyn laughed quietly.

"So maybe we weren't friends, but we weren't enemies. We've never been outright enemies. Until now."

"Al, you realize you are being a bit selfish. There is the chance that Lyssa wishes to be wed to an eligible bachelor."

Alleyni cast him a dark glare, "Do not act as if this is a good thing, Ev. You want her to get married about as much as I do."

Evyn's face reddened a little. "Fine. I don't want her to get married. But I also don't think this was merely a ploy to steal your power."

"I know, I'm sorry. I'm glad I'm not being bargained off. Besides, Father may be right. It's possible that no one would want me, I mean, look at me." Alleyni gestured to her dirty face and tangled hair and laughed dryly. "I'm not beautiful or elegant like Lyssa. They would only see me as a bargaining chip for the throne, money and power. That's my nightmare."

Evyn frowned. "Don't be ridiculous. Your father is wrong, and you have something that Lyssa doesn't have."

"A heart?" She smirked a little.

"No, you're smart. And you really care about people even if you hide it behind your wild temper."

Alleyni frowned. "So sometimes I'm a bit rash. I just grow tired of everything staying the same way it's always been. I want to do something with my life."

"You're the princess, Al. That's something."

"We both know that title is little more than a formality now. I have no power and no future. I want to go somewhere, or do something." Alleyni sighed, "I don't know what I want."