Avelyn was first and foremost a lady. That would never be denied. She was the definition of elegance and grace. Kind, gentle and compassionate, she was ideally suited to be a ruler. But just because she was sweet and gentle didn’t mean she wasn’t strong. Quite the opposite. Avelyn was powerful. She was strong but it was more strength of character, strength of heart and will that made her so. But no one, not even her, knew just how powerful she was.
Demina Mikios (fondly called Demi by Avelyn only) was one of Avelyn’s best friends and her lady-in-waiting. It was a strange and many wondered about their bond. But they had been friends since childhood and Demina didn’t care about what people said. If Avelyn was the definition of a lady, then Demina was not. She was or at least, acted, touch and she a sarcastic sense of humor. The only person she had ever shown weakness to was Avelyn. Demina didn’t trust people and Avelyn trusted everyone. They balanced each other out.
The kingdom of Impreza was a fairly good-sized kingdom, with a fairly good-sized economy and fairly good people. Like all kingdom, it had its challenges although they were very minor. All in all, it was a nice place to live and it was the place that Demina and Avelyn called home.
Demina rushed down the hall to her mistress’s room, the envelope waving in her hand. She burst into Avelyn’s room, making her jump.
“Demi!” Avelyn gasped, “You scared me!”
“Ava! You got a letter from Jaxon!” Demina sang. Her mouth turned into a smirk. Jaxon was Avelyn’s beau from the neighboring kingdom of Barnstadt. Avelyn blushed prettily as she tried to snatch the envelope out of Demina’s fingers. Her friend danced away, mischief lighting up her eyes.
“My Dearest Avelyn,” Demina read, “OOH! He sounds SO in love!”
Avelyn finally snatched the letter away and scanned the contents. She held the letter close, eyes shining. Avelyn laughed, placing the treasured item on her desk.
“I cannot wait until you fall in love, Demi,” she said.
Demina scoffed, wrinkling her nose in disgust as she made the bed.
“Why would I do a thing like that? Boys are stupid.”
“Oh, Demina. Someday, someone is going to come and sweep you off your feet,” Avelyn replied.
Demina laughed.
“He’ll have to be a special sort of man. Anyway, what did your prince Jaxon say?” Demina asked.
Avelyn’s grin grew wider, if that were possible.
“He says...he’s coming for a visit.”
