𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈

As the rays of sunlight beam through the tall window of the grand room, the song of doves beam in tune, performing as they have each morning for seventeen years. And yet, the young woman, who's eyes open gently as they adjust to the burst of light, has never grown sick of the sweet melody. Unfortunately, the birdsong does not last long, before interrupted by a wailing voice. 

"Amalia, it is time to seize the day! Not any ordinary day, however, but an extraordinary one!" 

Just before Amalia can muster a reply, the door swings open, revealing another young woman, of a slightly older age. 

"Silvia, hush before mother and father hear and rip us to pieces," Amalia whispers, standing to grab her by the arm and pull her towards the bed. 

The young ladies giggle as they stare into one another's eyes, sitting along the edge of the mattress. 

"Trust me, Amalia, they are most certainly awake by this hour, especially on a day like this."

Puzzled, Amalia glances away, as Silvia's expression morphs to one of disbelief. "You-You're playing a joke, right? You couldn't seriously forget what today is," Silvia hardly mutters. 

Amalia stares at the floor, "So what might I say if I did forget." 

"I cannot believe my very own eyes and ears," Silvia exclaims, rising from the bed to stand. "Amalia Popa, my sister, has forgotten her birthday. But its only the single day she and the Popa royalty have awaited for seventeen years, isn't that right, Ama?" 

Amalia's eyes widen as she gawks at her sister. "I didn't think that was today, Via, I thought it was in the coming weeks!"

"Well then, get ready for breakfast. I hear the chefs prepared a wonderful meal! I'll leave you to yourself"

Silvia walks to the door and opens it, stepping out, only to turn her head around for a moment.

"Happy birthday Ama," she whispers with a slight grin on her face. She continues her way out, slamming the door behind her.

Amalia huffs as she falls backward onto her bed, staring at the intricate ceiling above her. Each corner had been carved into stunning designs. In the center, a painting of an outdoor scene: A man and woman sitting in a vast forest of green, as they converse with one another with seemingly loving eyes. This scene on the ceiling of Amalia's bedroom was the most of the outside world she could experience for seventeen years, for she was the Popa royalty's greatest secret. 

Amalia Popa was born the second daughter of King David and Queen Adela, following her then 3-year-old sister Silvia. Silvia was the light of the King's and Queen's life, for they knew she harnessed great power; enough power even to rule the kingdom with her own two hands. However, that was not enough for the power-hungry royalty. Therefore, came Amalia: the secret weapon. King David and Queen Adela had decided she would come to use in later years. They did love her as a daughter, but they loved her more for what she could achieve: an alliance with another kingdom. A year prior to her birth, the Nowak royalty paved the way for a son: Nikolai. He was to be first in line for the crown after the passing of his father, King Constantine, meaning greatness for the young boy. With this, Amalia transformed into the kingdom's hidden weapon. And so, hidden she was. From the minute she left her mother's womb, Amalia was destined to never know the outside world, for no one could know who she was. 

One year after her birth, the King and Queen finalized a seemingly foolproof plan. On the night of her seventeenth birthday, Amalia would be sent on her way towards, what is now, modern-day Poland, to seek out the castle of the Nowak royalty. Once there, she would look for work in the palace, eventually working her way up the ladder. Prince Nikolai would swoon for her, for her parents believed she would become the most beautiful of the land. She would marry into the Nowak royalty and reveal her true past. 

Amalia raised herself from the bed, walking to the mirror. She locked eyes with her complexion. Her eyes shimmering like emeralds, freckles overtaking her face from her hours of basking in the sunlight of her window whilst reading, hair as deep as exotic chocolate. She retrieved a hairbrush from a dresser and pulled at her hair as the knots slowly disappeared. She sighed at the young woman in front of her and slowly grinned. However, the grin faded as she sighed once more. She had certainly awaited this day for many years. She had long wanted to feel the grass on her toes, let the wind sweep her locks of hair, and smell the roses lining the castle walls. But anxiety suddenly crawled her back, as she contemplated what life might become outside of the four walls she had known for seventeen years. She feared the idea of unfamiliarity, for it was all she had known.

Sudden knocking at her door brought her back to the present, as she called, "Yes? Who might this be?"

The voice of a woman replies, "Your highness, its Alexandra. I am here to help you change into a gown King David wishes to see you in for breakfast. May I come in?"

Amalia approached the door and opened it to reveal a middle-aged woman of a lower class than herself. Amalia grinned, "Of course Alexandra. Please come in."

~{+}~

a/n

hello all! i hope you've enjoyed the first chapter of this story ! the pace will begin to pick up as the story continues. lot's of love to all of you !!

sincerely, charmolyqi