Alanna and the Princess

Chapter 2

Mia

The life of a princess is not as easy as people think. One day I would be expected to rule over a kingdom with a man at my side. I am expected to have the wisdom to rule, yet only give just and wise counsel to my husband. He is the one who would actually rule once my father passes into the sunset, not I.

Still, I pour over texts from across the known world and prepare for my future. I do as my late mother would suggest and study the world's religions. I learn of their philosophies and study intensely the principles which motivate the minds and hearts of the people whom I would one day rule. I even study the trade routes which traverse the kingdom, linking my city of Fairuza with the capitols of the known world and bringing commerce to Al-Labia.

While I appreciate the literature and art from across the world, I am not happy. My mother, whose adventurous spirit I inherited, passed away nearly ten years ago from a blistering fever. Since then there was little joy in the palace. It loomed like a shadow over all who entered, though perhaps no one more than I. While my father, the Sultan, had to maintain his focus on the needs of his people and the welfare of the kingdom, I mourned for her, even as I grew into womanhood and became as a twin in both appearance and demeanor.

As for my younger sister Sasha, last in line for the throne, she was far too young to remember our mother. As such, she is not burdened by the late Queen's legacy. Sasha studies with far more enthusiasm than I could ever hope to muster. While I would rather see and experience all that the world has to offer, she revels in every fact and every scintilla of information that she could squeeze from her books and private scrolls. The tutors hired from across the known world were always impressed with all that she retains.

"Look at all you know! It is far too much for one who is second for the throne!"

Sasha would meekly reply, "Well, it is important to be ready for the kingdom, should anything happen."

"And you, Miss Mia! You can barely keep your eyes open! What would your parents say?"

"What? I study day and night, learning of things that I have never seen! I learn of places from across the mountains and the seven seas, yet I have never even been beyond the palace walls! How could I possibly be expected to lead the people when I have never met a single person from the city?"

"Princess Mia, you know it is not safe for a princess beyond the walls," he replied.

"So I would be expected to lead those I am told to fear?"

"Yes! Your father insists that you stay here where he knows that it is safe!"

"I am not some fragile doll from China! I am a woman! I need to feel the wind from off the sea. I need to feel the touch of another's hand, o-or a kiss upon my lips."

"I am sorry, Miss Mia. It is out of my hands. You should take it up with your father."

"Believe me, I shall."