The Lost Princess of Zenclora

Chapter One

The silence held by the dark room is interrupted when a maid walks through the golden chamber's doors, carrying an array of enchanting foods on a silver platter; each of which are neatly placed onto the bedside table. The maid swiftly pulls back the silk curtains that were holding back the rays of the sun that began to rise, illuminating the chamber with its light. A whimper is heard, in response to this, the mess of blankets begins shifting gracefully on the mattress; a mop of purple hair pops up from under the blankets and she starts rubbing the sleep from her golden eyes.

"Good morning your Highness, your breakfast is waiting for you," the maid says bowing to the newly awoken Princess. The Princess wordlessly reaches out to the myriad of food on the platter, picking up a small, golden apple, taking a little bite of it. She looks to the maid and gives her a nod to dismiss her. After the maid leaves, the Princess stands up, stretching her limbs to the sky, breaking from her slumber.

Three knocks sound throughout the chamber before a powerful voice is heard through the golden doors: "Princess Luna, your mother wishes to see you in the grand hall."

"Alright; thank you. Tell her I shall be there after I dress," she replies to the guard through the door, quickly slipping out of her night attire and trading it for her summer gown. She decides to put on some light makeup before she leaves the chamber.

"Could she have not waited until I had finished breakfast?" The Princess wonders out loud while walking down the long corridor. As she continues on, she turns the corner and is met with the head guard.

"Hello, Princess." His face blank as he looks at her without a bow. She couldn't tell exactly what he is feeling but she senses a stark bitterness in his voice. Not wanting to be rude, she returns the greeting and carries on, feeling the eyes of the guard, staring at her back. Feeling uncomfortable she quickens her pace.

A few moments later she is met with the glorious gilded doors of the grand hall. Two guards open them, allowing the princess to enter. The clicking of her heels echo as she walks in, and she observes two thrones; the larger of the two sits empty. Standing before them she bows to her mother who sits delicately on her throne.

Standing up, the Queen sweeps her long blue hair out of her face and releases a sigh. She then walks over to the young Princess and holds onto her shoulder looking into her beautiful golden eyes. "Luna, I have news about your father," Her voice holds worry. "His illness has worsened. He's bedridden, and has been since yesterday after dinner." Her gaze brimming with tears as she continues, "I think it would be best for you to take on the rule our solar system and take over rule on Zenclora. I cannot stay here and take care of your father and the system. I know you are young but I believe you have the knowledge to rule. So please, if not for me, do it for your father," she said, her grip tightening slightly.

"Mother, I can't! I wouldn't be able to, I'm too young!" The Princess exclaims moving away from her mother's touch. Her mother's face h a look of shock but only for a second before it is wiped away with a sad smile.

"I know you're only seventeen, but darling, this is the age you should start ruling anyway. When I was seventeen, I had started my rule as Queen. Now I'm passing that role onto you as my mother did to me."

"If I must, Mother." The Princess says sullenly.

"You are dismissed. Go back to your room and ask the maids to help ready you for the Coronation. Today I am to pass the crown to you. Afterwards I will still be here, but I will not be on the throne making decisions for this solar system anymore. Do you understand?"

"Yes Mother." Walking away from the thrones quickly Luna feels tears ready to spill from her golden eyes. The sound of her heels echoes through the hall once more.