Queen Adara
As darkness fell over my kingdom, I was called out to the seamstresses hut. Two guards follow behind me as I march through the relentless and full gardens. I went in without knocking— not really bothering if I interrupt anything. I stop Delta hunkered over in the corner, the drum-drum of a sewing machine accompanying her. "Delta?" I ask, walking towards her. She looks up, as if startled. "Oh, Queen Adara." Her voice is high, excited almost. I lean over to look at what she's working on.
A deep red velvet dress, with intricate gold beading and thread. The neckline plunges deep and the back is left open. Black frills line the ends of the sleeves, which reach just past the elbows. A gold tiara with flames crusted in rubies sits off to the side. "It's perfect..." I breath. "I'm glad you like it, it's one of my most beautiful creations." She mutters. "It's done. You can take it up to the lady. Isn't the festival tomorrow?" I pause. "Yes, it is. I forgot, actually." Delta giggles, a very girlish one.
"You haven't been planning it, I assume?" I shake my head. "No, I haven't. Lady Xan insisted she plan the whole thing." I say while slowly picking up the dress. "She does enjoy a party, doesn't she?" I nod. "Yes, that one does. I've known her since a girl, she grew up next to me. Except she lived in a huge mansion and me in a tiny scrap wood shack." I watch Delta's eyes grow wide. "Not much different from what I grew up in. But I suppose you always had your gift?" I nod. "Once I was six." She nods. "I got mine when I was ten." My head snap up.
"That's four years late." I point out. She nods. "My mother said it was because of my size. I was premature and was naturally small anyways. She believes I only got mine when I was mature enough for my body to handle it." I cock my head slightly to the left. "So what you mean is that you think you got only when your body could handle it?" She nods. "And the mark— did that for right away?" She nods. "But it wasn't on my cheek at first. It kept moving places, like the side of m knee, my back, my neck and finally my cheek."
"How many people know about this?" She shrugs. "Only the people it's happened too, really. The last queen had no idea what it was." I narrow my eyes. "Would Roya have one?" I ask. She shrugs her shoulders. "I don't know." I pierce my lips. "Maybe I should go ask." I turn to leave when a small hand clutches my shoulder, stopping me. "Are Roya and Christopher courting?" She asks. I turn back around. "Yes, they are indeed." She nods. "Good. I walked in on them kissing." Delta murmurs, her face falls slightly. "Well, I suppose it is acceptable with their circumstances." I say. She nods.
"Anyway, I best be going. Diner will probably be served soon." Delta smiles and nods while she turns back to the machine. I walk back to the castle with my guards trailing close behind me.
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Diner is served at half past ten. It consists of a roast pig with applesauce, mashed potatoes and corn laid in a creamy, sweet sauce. I pick at my food gingerly, my stomach twisting and turning due to my nerves for tomorrow. After diner, I send a maid to fetch Roya for a small chat in the drawing room. I enter to find Roya sitting alone, no Christopher. "Where is your guard?" I ask. She shrugs. "He was sleeping." I crinkle my brow. "Then you must wake him. I forbid you from going anywhere without a guard." I try to keep my voice light, but a hint of annoyance seeps into it.
"Yes, my queen." She whispers. With a wave of my hand, the conversation is forgotten. I sit down. "Now, to the matters ahead." She nods once. "Tomorrow I am to announce you as my rightful heir, in front of a crowd in the court yard." She nods. "Have you received the dress?" I ask. "Yes, it's lovely." She whispers, looking up at me. "I am excited, but yet nervous." She admits. I smile. "Naturally you should be, I was terrified, really. My first time was forty years ago. I was only 15." I say before I stop myself.
My head snaps towards her. "But you're only 16." She nods. "Hmmm...." I murmur, my mind turning and twisting. She yawns then I finally speak. "Go rest, Roya. You'll probably have trouble sleeping, so go early." She nods and stands up. "Goodnight, my heir. Menho mai." She stops abruptly at my use of the native tongue. "You can speak the ancient language?" I nod. "Do it more." She says breathlessly before turning and leaving. "Shesha teill." I whisper once she leaves.
I find myself wondering around the castle. every room I enter, I light a small fire in the heath and rest by it for a moment, then move on. My stomach starts to growl, and I suddenly find myself in the kitchens. I walk through the throngs of cooks and maids until I stand beside a large pantry. I pull out a piece of bread and consume it without being toasted. A maid I don't recognize taps me on the shoulder, bring me from my trance-like state. "My queen, are you right?" I blink. "Shesha teill va zo." Her brow crumples, then I realize my mistake.
"I will be fine, sorry." I say. She nods once. When my mind get running, I often speak in my native language. "Are you sure?" She ask. I wave my hand. "Perfectly fine, my dear. I was just coming for an evening snack." Lines crease her forehead. "Oh but my queen, it is nearly six in the morning." The words shock me. I pick up my dress and run towards my room. I have only two hours to sleep.
I sleep none of them.
