The King of Ruin

Letters

The Next Morning

I open my eyes at the sudden light flowing through my window. The curtains that I am sure I closed last night are wide open. A small female stands at the window, looking out. She wasn't the female who took me to the dining room last night. She was taller. Almost as tall as I am. This female is closer to Hertha in height.

Oh dear spirits, Hertha. 

"Good morning, my lady,"

"Oh, good morning,"

"His royal highness Beck sent me to wake you for breakfast. He thought you would like some time to yourself before you ate with his court again,"

I uncover my legs and swing them over the side. "Thank you...what is your name?"

"Leora, your majesty." Leora curtsies. 

"Nice to meet you, Leora. I can dress myself, though I would appreciate the company on the way to the dining room,"

"Very well, your majesty." Leora leaves. 

I take a moment to stretch in bed before getting up. I dress in a pale purple dress. It's perfect. Simple yet cute. Much better than what I wore in Amberanian. Not as scandalous. Thank the spirits. 

A few minutes later, I leave my room to find Leora. I don't have to go far. She stands across from my door. She leads the way. Thankfully, I don't think I'd be able to find my way if I was given a map. That requires me to know how to read a map. That was not in my royal schedule. 

Inside the dining room, Beck and the others wait around for me to arrive. Leora announces my arrival. Heads look up from their conversations and to me. 

The decor has changed again. From the single circular table in the middle to an additional three separate tables with food. The bookcases are still in their original spots. As are the two chairs beside the fireplace. A small desk facing a balcony has been added.

It's cute and homely. Perfect for a morning meal. 

"Good morning," Myla grins, rushing over to me. Her pale yellow jumpsuit flutters with each movement. 

I don't get a chance to say good morning before she begins pulling me toward Kerri and Darrian. "Kerri, Darrian and I were about to start a game of Capitals. You can be Darrian's partner,"

"What is Capitals?"

Myla's jaw drops like I should know the game and how to play. "How do you not know about Capitals?"

"I was in Amberanian for six months, and before that, I only had two friends," I mention sitting beside Darrian, the slightly taller of the two redheads. Darrian takes a few minutes to tell me how to play the game Capitals.

"At the beginning of each pair's turn, a kingdom is named. After that, the opposing pair has one minute to name as many towns as possible before naming the capital and moving on to another kingdom. Towns are worth 3 points. Kingdoms are worth 10 points, and the capital is worth 35 points. If you name the capital before your time is up, it doesn't mean you will win you could have named fewer towns and kingdoms,"

All the time I spent learning about the twelve kingdoms should come in handy. That's if I can remember them. "Let's play,"

"Beck!"