Rise

Vita

I come back to my country in shambles. Nearly being killed as we made our way into Lumen. It is the farthest rise was willing to take me. Riots are breaking out in Ardson and Sercue, Lumen is the calmest and safest city for them. They made me look dirty and bruised, tearing up the end of my nightie and shredding my cover-up. When I finally step out of the shadows, I am surprised that people recognize me. My bloody lip and hunching, limping stature looking nothing like the princess I was when I disappeared. The first thing that draws my attention is all the posters. They're posted on buildings everywhere. The posters are of my families face. Words like "relinquish your crown" and "die" scribbled all over my face.

A baker is the first one to notice me, and instead of trying to harm me as most would, he grabs the attention of the nearest authorities. They pull me into a convoy shipping me to Tellus as fast as possible. I arrive at the steps of Edendale palace with only servants to greet me, taking me inside and cleaning me up, putting me in clothes that are fit for a princess. A deep v-neck cut off by a banded waist, chiffon flowing behind me like a cape, my legs covered by leather pants. I barely slip on a pair of strappy grey heels before making it out of my room.

"I want to talk to my parents." I head straight to their office. Well, it's not really an office, more like a council room. Except the only people allowed in are themselves. I walk with a purpose, enough to stop anyone who might try to stop me. And I dare for anyone to try.

I don't bother to knock, turning the door handle and pushing. The room is obnoxiously large, a giant island cover with maps and books about military strategies or financials. The far wall holds two large oak desks, one for my mother and the other for my father. Each stacked with notes and even more books. The high rise ceiling bedazzled with a large chandelier, tinting the room with an orange light.

"where is father?" my voice is soft. I haven't seen my mother in months, and she doesn't even look up at me.

"he is in Terram. One of the only places that aren't up in flames." my mother mutters. Her hands are shaking, and her eyes are twitchy and bloodshot. She leans over the island, eyes running over letters from what looks like captains stationed in the northeast. I'd ask about what they say, but I don't get answers unless I ask a million times.

"mother maybe you should get some sleep." I move to her side, trying to peek at the notes scribbled on the mud-soaked pages. The words 'under siege' and 'on the edge' attract my eyes before I look away.

"yeah. Maybe." she huffs, seeming annoyed by my presence. With a low sigh, I turn to my mother desk, sitting in her large leather armchair.

"mother, what does on the edge mean." I look up at her. She tenses and turns. Observing me before surprisingly speaking.

"There are riots from Ordre to sercue. There are news stories of officers turning up dead and explosions all over the northeast side of the border. " she sighs, tucking a piece of greying hair back into place before continuing.

"it sounds familiar, just like the bombings in Rubeus, where riots are quickly snuffed out afterward by Ignis officers, but I'm getting messages that officers are joining in on the fight. I've lost my captain in Secure and the others in Ardson and Ordre are under siege. "

"then the troops are turning?" she answers my question with a curt nod.

"there are thousands of workers in each city. And more than half of them realize that they outnumbered the straggling soldiers that aren't fighting at the Pugna. It's around three to one. "

I'm conflicted. Three workers to one soldier make my heart sink. Silva doesn't stand a chance. But then my heart flutters. Silva doesn't stand a chance.