The Divide

Chapter Two: Aurora

How ironic that a city of such beauty houses a people so ugly, I think, observing the city which sprawls out before me. From the palace balcony, I can see everything: the town square, the markets, tall apartments and spacious houses, restaurants, bars, the docks... it's all there. The city is a sprawling mass of thatched roofs, white buildings covered in rose bushes and ivy, and lush green parks filled with trees which are perfect for shielding oneself from the heat of the summer sun. It's a city where all kinds of people come together as one... except for the unspeakables, the Greymorians, those poor exiled souls. Yes, you're welcome here---as long as you fit the mould.

Despite its beauty, the sight of the city does not bring me joy. As ever, it's a reminder of how out of place I feel in a country that should be my home. I can't hide how I feel---my temper simply does not fit Auroria's mould of perfection. I don't belong here and everyone knows it. At the very least, they've thought it once before.

There's a reason that my bedroom faces the palace gardens. The city prompts unwelcome thoughts that only bring me bitterness.

I turn to look at the nearest person to me, which happens to be my cousin, Chadwick. I need a distraction and Chad is often perfect for those. Whether it's his dramatic antics or his often brave sense of fashion, it's hard not to look at him. His head of dark curls glitters in the sunlight filtering through the tall windows, a product of the canned sparkle he applied to his hair this morning. His almond-shaped eyes are painted pink to match his silk suit, created just for this occasion. Chadwick is certainly not afraid of showing off his wealth, but unlike the rest of the people in Auroria, he's not afraid of saying what he thinks. In a world full of people who wear fake smiles like armour, I value that.

"How long has it been since they arrived now?" I ask, stepping away from the balcony and into the lavishly furnished living area.

It isn't exactly a distraction, but at least it draws my attention away from the docks. My eyes had been glued to the Greymoore ships as they drew closer to the city earlier in the day, and I was hungry to lap up every last detail. I've spent years cooped up in the castle reading of pirates and mermaids; seeing pirate ships in person is more than exciting, but it's not just that. My dream of living in a land in which even I feel comfortable being myself doesn't seem so far off with the arrival of the Greymorians in Auroria Central.

Chadwick rolls his eyes, falling back onto the chaise lounger dramatically---which is typically how he does everything. "Like, forty five? I dunno. I mean, what takes pirates so long to unload all their stuff? What do they even take with them? Stink bombs and rum?"

I shoot him a look that says I'm half amused, half exasperated with you. "I think the stink might be natural, Chad. And don't play into that stereotype. You never know---"

"They might be lovely?" Chad rolls his eyes, looking over at me with a half-grin.

"They might be fans of vodka," I quip with a grin that mimics his own. "I may be more open to the idea of the Greymorians than most, but even I know better than to describe them as lovely."

At that moment, we're interrupted by a servant garbed in ivory and gold--the uniform for castle staff--as he pauses, waiting for our attention. He lingers in the tall archway leading to the living area we now reside in, bowing only once mine and Chad's eyes are on him. I nod towards him, gesturing for him to speak.

"The visitors from Greymoore will soon be arriving at the castle, princess," he tells me. My heart skips a beat in either excitement or anxiety---I can't tell. "Your father requests your presence in the ballroom. Yours too, Prince Chadwick."