Aquamarine : Daughter of Fire [On Hold]

CHAPTER 2

"Were you out for the whole night?" Says my mother as she narrows her eyes out of suspicion.
I pass a guilty look.

My mother starts explaining to me my  duties as a princess.  And that how worried she was. I could've been kidnapped or murdered. I should be ashamed of myself.  I am careless, I don't care about others, I am the only heir and her only daughter.

But I don't know why does my mother has such an effect on me because at an instant I feel guilty.

When she is finished, I sigh of relief.
She comes and hugs me and says that she was relieved.

"We have a ball tomorrow and I want you to join it. Wear something DECENT. I will send the maids to get you ready.  It's about time we announce the next Queen."
I was so overwhelmed.  I was never allowed to attend balls. Now, I am about to be eighteen and finally.
"Really mom!" I exclaim and hug her.
She smiles and leaves my room. I had been isolated from the world and that's why I never had a friend. I never met a boy except for some of my brothers. Finally I have  the chance to meet different people, my people.

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It's nearly noon and I am waiting in my study for Master Andrew to arrive. He teaches me magic.

Master Andrew enters my room. He is an old man in his late eighties. He is tough looking with bushy eyebrows. His face is full of wrinkles but his hazel eyes bear a determind look. He has long grey beard and wears half moon  spectacles. He is one of the wisest men I ever met and is quick with his answers unlike other teachers that had taught me in the past. Mother has a special place for him in the council and he is very influential.

  I stand up and bow. He nods his head and gestures me to take a seat. "Dear Aquamarine! It feels good to look at you my child. Today I am here to teach you something completely different from what I've taught you before. We'll learn to do magic with ICE," says my master in his deep voice. Well I don't have words to say, so I nod my head and pass an assuring smile.

For an hour he explains me how to use ice. But life is nothing without practical examples. So, my master rises up and asks me to close my eyes and imagine water around me. I do as he says. He then asks me to imagine the water freezing and repeat the following spell after him - "Icicle brinkada", I repeat after he finishes.
Nothing happens. 

"You need to concentrate on the things I tell you to imagine", summons my master. I try harder and harder until I- I finally see snowflakes around my hands. But they disappear the second they had appeared.

I feel disappointed and angry with myself.
I wish I could be like my mother. She is so amazing at everything she does. People see her as their ideal. And I am good for nothing. Being her daughter, I had hoped for atleast half of her perfection. But it turns out that I don't resemble her in any way except for the physical appearance. I am sure this kingdom will fall apart if, I become the Queen.

Mother used to tell me that everybody is born with a motive but now I even question my existence.

"Aquamarine! Aquamarine are you okay?"
"Huh."
Master Andrew's voice brings me back to reality.

I nod my head as an answer to his question.
"I'll try again," I tell Master Andrew out of determination.

"Icicle Brinkada," I say the spell with my eyes closed. As I open my eyes I see the flakes around my hands.

Master Andrew seems pleased, He asks me to freeze the nearby glass of water.

I feel nervous but try to concentrate. A bolt of lightning escapes my hand and reaches the water, the water freezes.
I am overjoyed and it feels like I am on top of the world. Even though it was a small achievement and nothing compared to the wonders my mother performs, I can't help smiling.

In the evening, After my magic lesson I sneak out of the palace and go over to my ideal destination for a quick me time. Just as I am about to strip my clothes off, I hear a peculiar noise. I turn around and find no one , I sigh and turn back. But I never expected someone to appear in front of me. I open my mouth to scream.

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