Scarlet Heir

Chapter 1 - Scarlet

"You do it like this," I pull fire from my hands and throw it at the target.

"But you don't need a bracelet!" Alfie moans like a little boy.

"Stop being such a mopey matchstick and do it!"

"Stop fighting you two," Our instructor a strongarm steps in to stop us from squabbling like siblings - well we half are.

"Now do it Alfie and Scarlet give me a storm in this bottle,"

He passes me an old wine bottle. Red. I grin at this - there is no Silver wine so my father favor the taste of red wine. I focus my attention but nothing happens lightning is the power I find most difficult - I am uncertain why though. After I am unsuccessful, I attempt a different method soon enough I manage to create a small lightning storm in the bottle and put the cork in to secure it so it doesn't fill the air.

"Good," Julian says winking at me as he comes to where Alfie and I always train.

"You can go early." My instructor calls over to me.

I shake my head - I never miss a minute of training, I can't not if I want to prove myself to father.

"You have dinner with some special guests tonight and I suspect that your stepmother thinks it will take longer for you to get ready than your brothers."

"Uhhhhhhhh!" I complain staggering back to my chamber where my step-mother awaits my arrival.

"What time do you call this?" She asks.  

"I don't finish training for another couple minutes," I state rolling my eyes.

"Manners girl!"

"But-"

"As Princess you should always be organised enough to arrive early," She scolds glaring at me the way she always does. The way that chills you in a way that doesn't make you shiver. "Now go get in the bath."

I nod and quickly proceed into the bathroom with my two red maids. They wash my hair, shave my legs and armpits and polish my skin until it's pristine. After I climb out of the tub I wrap myself in a towel and let them do my hair with Evangeline barking orders at them like "It's not dry enough yet.", "Look you missed a bit." and "It's too scruffy."

Eventually I end up with a one dutch braid that twists my brown hair to form a bun - Evangeline weaves metal through it, she has always suggested I wear my abilities like her. It is a strange thought that of all her four sons none of them inherited her ability, yet I did and we are not related. I dress in my house colors, orange of course for the burning crown but I wear a ruby and steel necklace to show my blood - red like commoners, however it is noble blood all the same for I shall be Queen one day.

 When we enter the dining room my brothers are already sat in their finery along with my father, uncle Julian and our guests two woman who must be near to my father in age one with jet black hair and dark skin the other with short blonde hair that hangs just above her strong shoulders the final guest is a girl who must be close to my age with the same blue eyes as the woman with blonde hair - I assume she is her daughter.

"I was wondering how long it was going to take you Scarlet," Father gives me a disapproving look but I keep my jaw closed he's trained me well - his little Princess. He turns to our guests.

"This is my daughter Princess Scarlet and you of course know my Wife."

We each curtsy gracefully.

"Scarlet this is Cameron Cole, Diana Farley and Clara Farley."

Each of them nod in turn.

"Now take a seat."

I nod and take a seat next to Alfie.

"So Farley why did you request to meet today?" Evangeline asks.

"There is much to discuss," The older woman with blonde hair replies - her accent isn't native perhaps lakelander.

 "What shall we start with?" My father asks.

"Dinner?" The woman I think is Cameron Cole speaks up, she says it as if it's obvious which, really, it is.

"Yes I agree," Evangeline says.

Some red servants bring out our starters carrot and coriander soup. After that we work through the rest of our courses the youth among us stay silent. Clara gives me a few glances but that is the only communication between us and her. Alfie and I mutter to each other.

"I think Dad used to know them," Alfie whispers.

"Why?"

"There's something in Miss Cole's eyes that tells me she hates him."

"Lots of people hate Father. He's King and doesn't have the most charming personality."

 Alfie elbows me. ”Don’t say that,” he says urgently. "True though."

I giggle lightly. Evangeline thuds her hand on the table.

"Stop this unladylike behaviour at once Scarlet - how disrespectful at the dinner table!" Evangeline scolds.

"But-"

"And answering back as well, what has happened to your manners?" Evangeline grasps my wrist. "Don't let it happen again!"

I nod and she releases me from her grasp; I rub my wrist to revive myself from her firm hold. I stay silent for the rest of dinner listening to my father's discussion with our guests.

"I know you think our loyalties still lie alongside the Scarlet guard but the rebellion is no longer the cause we work for." Cameron Cole says.

"I understand Cameron however for your presence at court I require you to prove your usefulness," Father says.

"We have information on Mare Barrow," Farley says.

My father keeps a stern straight expression.

"Thank you I-" Cameron cuts him off.

"Perhaps the Princess should leave?" It's half a question half a statement.

"Yes I think that would be a good idea."

"Father?"

"Go," He orders not taking one glance at me. I nod and leave the dining room without much more hesitation, not in the mood for a fight and the punishment that will follow. I go straight back to my chamber and change into my night clothes. I slip straight into bed after brushing my teeth. I'll ask questions tomorrow, perhaps father will be less harsh then.