Curse of a Dragon

Chapter 2

Viveca Cornela: Kingdom of Lormont

              I can’t be queen. They know about my curse. Why me? What did I ever do to deserve this?

              “Mother, I’m home!” I called as soon as opened the door to the stone castle cascaded with crawling vines from the beginning of time.

              Mother was sitting in her purple silk cape lined with fur. She looked like a queen. She wanted to be queen, but I get it instead. I’m the eldest. That must be why they gave it to me. “Viveca, you’re back!” Why does she sound so surprised? “I have to tell you something. Something important.” She doesn’t like to ease into things, she just gets right down to it.

              “I know, Mother, I’m next in line for the throne.” She looked confused, then she smiled.

              “Who…who told you?”

              “A friend.” In other words, Hector.

              Mother turned away from me and started walking up the marble steps to the throne. Banners of Lormont’s royalty symbol hung on both sides of the throne by two marble pillars. Guards were stationed everywhere and I sure hope that they won’t be a problem in the future.

              “It’s exciting, isn’t it? You’re going to be queen!” How come I’m not happy about this? Maybe because I’m unfit to be queen.

              “Mother—“

              “Oh there’s so much to get done. Your gown, your crown, your scepter, the party decorations. Everything has to be per—“

              “Mother, would you just listen to me!” I shouted. And a princess should never shout. Oh well. “I believe that I am unfit to be ruler of Lormont.” Her smile faded into a reassuring grin.

              She came down the steps and looked at me like a mother does when they are about to comfort their child. “Viveca, just because you’re cursed does not make you unfit to rule. This is only temporary.”

              “You said that when I was five.”

              “Yes, but I promise you, you won’t have to live with it forever. You haven’t had an incident for ten years now. As long as you wear the charm, you’ll be fine.” I love listening to her speak those words to me. I just still can’t believe that she thinks I will make a good queen.

              As Mother held me in her arms, the castle entrance slammed shut. “Oh, you’re back.” I know that voice anywhere. My beloved younger sister.

              I turned around and smirked at her. “So are you.” Mother let go of me and traveled upstairs.

              “How was your walk?” She asked. I know she doesn’t really care. She just wants to tell me about her day.

              “Fine. How was your hunt?” She looked at her wooden bow and smiled a pretty smile. For an eighteen year old, she looks much younger. Beauty and charm have always come easy to her. She could get a date by just saying ‘hello’.

              “Fun,” She said as she took off her hunting equipment and set down her bow. “I came across a couple of werewolves and two vampires. Killed one of the werewolves, but the vampires got away. Who knew vampires were such cowards?” She laughed as she talked about killing Supernaturals. It’s just sick.

              “Idla, you should be more careful and stay away from the Supernaturals. You could end up starting a war with them.” I said hoping she would understand.

              “Don’t bother, Viv. The Supernaturals need to know that humans are not going to take the death of their king lightly. They deserve to die.” Just the way she talks about them with a frightening smile makes me want to leave the kingdom.

              “So if you see a mermaid that isn’t attacking anyone, you’re just going to kill it anyway?”

              “Yes. Every one of them needs to know that we are not to be reckoned with.” Idla scares me sometimes. She will kill any Supernatural that she sees on sight. The worst part is, she never misses a target. With each arrow she releases, not one misses the bull’s-eye. “I hear you’re going to be queen.”

              “Yes, apparently I am.” I said doing my best to manage a smile.

              “Good. Maybe you can rid Nire of the Supernaturals then.” After she said that, she gathered her stuff and headed upstairs.

              I won’t rid the world of the Supernaturals. I can’t. Perhaps I’ll propose a treaty to stop a war from happening. That sounds like a good idea. Maybe being queen won’t be so bad after all.