Mystic

Chapter 1; Amira

"Lady Amira!" Amira's maiden ran into her chambers, panting.

"What is it, Zarah?" Amira asked calmly.

"Lady Aiesha needs you in her chambers immediately," she said.

"Say that I'll be there soon." Amira said lazily, picking the second earring from her table and hooping it in her ear. After a moment of silence, Amira turned to Zarah."Is everything okay?"

Zarah was quiet for a moment." It's your father."

Amira's heart skipped a beat and immediately she ran out of her room. She hurried through the halls until she reached her parents' bedroom. She slowly walked over to the side of the bed. Amira looked up at her mother and she nodded. She sat down on the side and took her father's hand in hers.

He opened his eyes and grinned slightly. He removed his hand from hers and stroked her face gently. She could feel the tears slowly forming but she dared not let them fall. Lady Aiesha walked away slowly to the open balcony and her father motioned for Amira to go.

She got up and stood alongside her mother in silence. Amira thought it was getting a bit awkward but instead she focused on the wind blowing on her face and the smooth dunes outside the palace overlooking the caravans traveling east.

Her mother suddenly took a deep breath, hinting that she was ready to finally say what was on her mind.

"There is something I need to tell you," she started.

"I can see that," Amira replied matter-of-factly.

"I have a feeling... it may be time for you to take over."

Amira's eyes widened." But... you're still here. If father doesn't make it..." The very thought made her heart ache with sharp pain.

"Yes, I know. I'm supposed to take over. But I am becoming old and you know that I've been having some breathing difficulties lately," Lady Aiesha explained.

"Yes." Amira looked down at her hands but didn't know what to say.

"So I need you to know the responsibilities of becoming a queen."

Amira drew in a sharp breath. She had always wanted to be queen, since she had watched her mother and father rule the land of Javan for more than a decade.

"I'll do it," she said at last.

Her mother nodded her approval." Good, because the whole city will be gathering for your speech tomorrow in the grand hall."

"Wait, what? You-you told them about father's condition?" Amira was surprised.

"Yes, vaguely."

"But why would you do that? What if word were to spread beyond Javan? Other nations might sense our weakness."

"We are not weak," her mother said sharply. "I am still here and we have a strong militia."

"B-but what if I'm not? What if I'm not prepared?" Amira asked.

"Well then, may you be prepared soon." Her mother said. "Maybe it's time for you to think like a queen." And with that she walked away in her graceful manner.

Amira stood there alone, watching the sky envelope in hues of navy and purple. She felt

the wind sweep across her face and pick at her long, wavy, brown hair.

Well I'd better get started on my speech, Amira thought.

The next morning, Amira woke to the sound of her curtains being drawn back, filtering through bright sunlight.