The Call Of The Kingdoms

Chapter 1

*Present Day* 

Orphaned Royalty, the newspaper article titled. 

Ember threw it down, tears welling up in her eyes, "It happened two bloody years ago, why can't journalists get over it?" her voice shook. 

*Flashback* 

"Citizens of Arailia!" the queen yelled, "We are here today to celebrate the birthday of your prince and princesses of the kingdom! 18 years of preparation to be your future rulers!" 

The crowd roared, proud of the three siblings. 

The king lifted his glass, "A toast to my children and wife, of course, but also to you, fellow citizens! For all of your support and patience regarding these teenagers." 

Everyone raised their glasses, "To everyone!" 

Ember and Reyna raised their eyebrows at how cliche it sounded but raised their glasses as well. 

The whole kingdom was there, smiling for their celebration. 

The king and queen took the first drink, and let everyone know they could do the same. 

Reyna looked at her parents, worriedly, "Mother, father, are you okay? You look pale..." 

Ember took notice, as well. After standing up, she walked to the king and queen, who collapsed as she approached. 

Both Alexander and Reyna jumped up in alarm and ran to Ember, who was knelt down next to the man and woman. 

The people of Arailia were already whispering. Two boys ran up to the - now crying - teenagers and their parted-life parents. They looked at each other questioningly and walked to the drinks. 

"Should have known," one of the boys stated, "But how did someone get a hold of this?" 

The other boy walked to the siblings, "Do you have any idea who might want to do something like this?"

"Who are you?" Reyna asked, her voice broken.

"I'm Josiah and that's Aiden," the one holding the glass answered. 

*Present Day*

Reyna picked up the paper and threw it away, "In all honesty, they probably want a picture of us crying again," she hugged Ember, "We need to stay strong. Not just for the kingdom, but for mother and father." 

"Strength can only exist for a matter of time, Reyna. Once it's gone, It's hard to regain," Alexander shared solemnly. 

"Well look at you, gaining wisdom now that you're older," Ember smiled a bit, "I remember you used to be an idiot, stealing from Reyna and I. Also sneaking out of the castle to visit old friends you met in the village. Mother and father used to be so angry." she laughed silently. 

"Speaking of..." Reyna pulled out a book, "I figured to make us all feel better, we could look at old pictures."

"It hasn't gotten the best of us for a while. I think that's a good idea," Alexander said. 

"Yeah, why don't we take a look Ember stated quietly. 

Reyna opened the front cover and the triplets were greeted by three baby faces, smiling back at them. 

Alexander chuckled, "You always loved silly faces," he said to the girls. 

"Past tense? Boy you best believe I still do!" Ember stuck out her tongue, laughing through the tears. 

Reyna turned the page and once again, they saw smiling faces of their past selves. About an hour later, they had reached pictures from more recent times. Their smiles started to fade. 

A family photo taken just three years before, standing next to one taken after their parents' death. 

A tear fell down Reyna's face.

Alexander calmly looked away from the book.

Ember studied the photos with a solemn expression.

They had no words. Each with different reactions, but the same thoughts. This broken family was their fault in their eyes. It had to be.

"Where the bloody hell are Aiden and Josiah?" Josephine walked in on the rainy parade. 

Their eyes landed on Josephine and Alexander shrugged. 

"Haven't seen them in says..." Reyna replied, "Do you suppose they've abandoned the cause?"

"They wouldn't..." Ember answered, "Aiden and Josiah are very honorable potion brewers. Besides, they both know it wouldn't be smart to leave us without warning."

"Ember's right, but we need to find them," Alexander added. 

"You three also need to think about coronation. What was your compromise? Who will rule?" Josephine questioned. 

"Why can't all three of us rule?" the siblings asked frantically and in unison. 

"That's not how it works. You are twenty years old, quit dreaming like you're still four, and grow up. You know the rules, so figure it out. If you don't I'm going to crown Alexander III, since he's the male of the family. You fought for a compromise, so compromise."

"Yes, Josephine..." Reyna groaned before closing the photo album and walking to her room. 

Alexander watched as his sisters cleared the room, "Josephine, I don't think I'm ready to rule alone..." 

Josephine sighed, "You're only as ready as you say you are, Alexander. Besides, you'll have Aleece by your side. And that is only if you and your sisters don't find a compromise."

"Fine, but if I ruin this kingdom, it's on you," Alexander left the room in a tense silence. He looked for Reyna and Ember, who were no longer in their rooms.