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Prologue

Nalies set the brush down on her well-polished dresser. Looking down at the amber nightgown she sighed. What if I'm not good enough to be a crowned princess? She thought. The silk carmine coloured tapestries that decorated her room suddenly became painfully present. I shouldn't deserve any of this. Nalie slumped down on her bed and pulled the soft dark velvet quilt over her head. Her mother was the only reason she was here, but she had been proclaimed dead only two months ago today. There was a knock on the door.

"Enter!" Nalies said without withdrawing the heavy quilt. The door creaked open and closed. Soft footsteps tiptoed toward her.

"I thought I heard Nalie say come in, but I can't see where she's gone?"

It was Prince Alekos, that goofball. Removing the blanket she said.

"Here I am!" with false enthusiasm.

Alekos looked almost exactly like Nalies. He had a thick tan from being outside every single day, he'd always joked that it was his element. He had the same silky brown hair as her's. And he rarely wore anything but his favourite colour: caramel red.

He ruffled her hair.

"Hey sis, you ready for the big day tomorrow?"

Nalies crossed her arms over her covers disappointed.

"And here I thought I could have a big brother that drop by to just say 'hi' or 'goodnight'." Nalies sighed sarcastically than sticking her tongue out at him. He laughed, and shuffling to the right side of the bed and took a seat beside his little sister.

"So you're what? 10? 28? Hardly old enough to become Crowned the Princess of Konderinー" 

Nalies bit her lip. 

 "You're nervous aren't you?" He asked knowingly. 

"I'm going to be crowned princess tomorrow and you think I'm nervous," she sighed, leaning back on the headboard. 

"I'm terrified."

Alekos buried her in a hug. 

"You're the most amazing person I know Nalie, and that's all you need to be. And that's all are people need," he said

Nalies looked up at him.

"Really?"

"Absolutely,"

She punched him in the shoulder playfully. "I'm 15. Plenty old enough to be crowned princess." 

He laughed. 

Nalies yawned sliding back down under her covers. Standing up Alekos bent down and kissed his sisters forehead.

"Goodnight light bug." He said blowing out her candles and left. Nalies quickly succumbed to sleep.

***

The usual empty throne room was now crowded with people. Large gatherings usually didn't bother Nalies, but the usual gathering wasn't about her. With her back toward the crowd, Nalies curtseyed to Priest Ayub and her father who started the crowning ceremony.

"Princess Nataliesia Armada Gwyn Nie-Koehler of Konderin, what I lay upon you is a symbol of humility, grace, compassion, courage, and wisdom. May you wear it with pride until you bare the crown of our dearly departed Queen, Queen Meela Nataliesia Nie-Koehler," he announced. "Cotae," 

The audience echoed the formal chant. Which historically meant, long may you live. According to her professor. 

The priest placed the sapphire pendant around Nalies neck. It was identical to her brothers except his had emeralds. Hers was covered in shimmering diamonds and sapphires. Nalies looked up at her Father, he smiled before returning to his normal neutral expression. But Alekos, who was beside there father, was practically jumping out of his shoes, urging her on with frantic hand gestures that even she didn't understand. Taking a deep breath Nalies turned to face her new subjects. The crowd was enormous, there were so many people in such a seemingly small space.  Her heart seemed to skip a beat. It seemed like just yesterday that she was a little girl playing pretend in the castle gardens . . . with her mother. Relief washed over her as the crowds applause became a roar that echoed far beyond the room. They approve, Nalies thought. She glided to stand by father's throne, feeling light and fragile. But as the festival dragged on Nalies wished for the peace and quiet of her room.

"Princess Nataliesia Nie-Koehler —" the sudden voice snapped Nalies out of the train of thought, making her jump. Prince Colatar of Dowren stood before her with his father, King Oteck.

"Oh, un. Greetings. Er, I mean, Welcome to Konderin your Majesties." Nalies sank into a deep enough bow so that they wouldn't see her embarrassed blush.

"A pleasure Princesses Nataliesia." said King Oteck. He gestured to his son. "I assume you know my son, Prince Colatar."

"Of course your Majesty," Nalies said pinning her gaze anywhere but her company.

"It is the wish of myself and you father for you and my son to . . . get to know one another." King Oteck said, and hastily made his way into the crowd without another word. 

It took Nalie awhile to bring herself to look at Prince Colatar, the blush return instantly. Get to know him, the words repeated in her head.  Her father wanted her to build relations with other kingdoms. She knew they were facing difficulties with supplying food the the outer towns and villages, but she didn't think I would come to this. At least not any time soon.

The silence dragged on like nails piercing skin, making Nalies nervous.

"I assume your father didn't  tell you before the ceremony?" Prince Colatar inquire. But Nalies thoughts were not on him anymore. 

"My dear King Roucon it's been too long." Nalies overhead the soft purr of the women addressing her father, not to far away. She wore a straight velvet dress that touched her ankles. The dark fabric clashed with her pale complexion, enhanced her beauty. 

"Meela you are no longer welcome here!" her father said, almost shouting. 

"Well, well, well. If my presence isn't appreciated,ー" she paused.

"ーthan I'll make it appreciated." her purr had become rugged and hard. The room fell silent. 

"Hear me people of Kondorin!" she spate. "Let this be a lesson to anyone who dares defy me!" She pointed to the King.

"You will feel my suffering, tenfold!"

King Roucon stood. "Do your worst witch!"

She laughed, and turn to Nalies. The crowd gasped. 

"No!" Alekos shouted drawing his sword. Prince Colatar moved to stand in front of her, acting as a shield. 

Then everything went black.