The Legend of the Dragon Princess

Twenty-sixth part

Heavy Responsibilities....

Happy new year! 

Serena12195

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Marchioness Alitia was slightly taken aback. She had not expected that her little treasure would suddenly turn so serious. She had expected to have to coax and give her a lengthy explanation before she would even be able to get to the heart of the matter.

For a moment she only stared at her little treasure. Finally, she looked away and sighed heavily.

'So, this is that so called 'bittersweet' feeling a parent feels when a child grows up and is ready to leave the nest.' Thought Marchioness Alitia.

"Alright then Lyretta, let us talk about how you will present yourself tonight." Marchioness Alitia for the first-time address Lyretta not at her 'little one' or even her 'Little treasure' instead she called her by name, further signifying how to her Lyretta was now grown and ready to deal with the hard truths that came with her birth.

Lyretta also did not miss her aunt's change in tone and sat up even straighter.

"Yes, Aunt."

"Lyretta do you know how the people of this kingdom view you?" Marchioness Alitia decided she would not hide anything and be as straight with Lyretta as she could.

Lyretta looked down. In truth regardless of how innately optimistic she was, she did have a good inkling. She had not forgotten how new servants tended to treat her. She had noticed the mocking or scornful stares. It's just that...she just was not the type to take offense from such things. She would rather get to know someone and have them change their opinion of her once they really knew her. Perhaps this type of thinking had been a result of those types of stares, that too was a possibility.

Marchioness Alitia had paused for a moment, but hearing no answer she continued.

"Lyretta a long time ago a prophecy was passed down by a very powerful oracle. She predicted that a royal child would bring a period of great prosperity and peace. Because you were born at nearly the same time as your Elder sister confusion ensued as to who was the destined child. However, the previous Queen was very smart and was able to establish solidly in the minds of the people that her daughter was the child of prophecy. At the same time, she portrayed you as an usurper and characterized you as a child born of sin." Marchioness Alitia paused. Lyretta's eyes had become wider and wider as her Aunt had spoken.

Lyretta had never heard of any prophecy, she had never known that there was such a past between her half-sister and herself.

Lyretta paid no mind to the sinister actions her Aunt had hinted at coming from the deceased Queen, as these were all in the past; however, knowing that there was more to the reason her sister treated her so coolly....for the first time she wondered if their relationship was irreparable.

While Lyretta submerged herself in her thoughts her aunt continued speaking. "Luckily the Soumi clan is old and powerful. Even though your father and the Queen could turn the opinion of the people they were not able to directly attack us. I have taken great pains to make sure you were not tainted by their actions, but now, now you wear your mother's dress and must learn to take the burdens she once dealt with as your own." Marchioness Alitia stood and slowly walked to a drawer by her bedside.

Earlier when she had removed her sisters dress she had removed one more item. Now she took it to Lyretta and handed it to her as she sat down once more.

"Lyretta, this is the seal of the Countess of Soumi. It used to belong to your mother, and I have held on to it for you as I waited for you to be old enough to take the responsibility behind this seal on your own shoulders. "

Lyretta held a circular piece of heavy gold engraved with the crest of the Soumi clan. A purple tassel dangled from it.