The Blessed

Chapter One

"You wished to see me father?" I walk into his office and look up at the old man. He seems to wither away quicker each day since mother died. King Jacobs was not a kind man, and he got crueler after mother died. Of course my brother thinks the world of him, but you would if he was training you to be a king.

"Xiomara, you're nineteen now, its time for you to learn your place in the world. I have found a King willing to marry you to his son." I suddenly feel the world begin to spin around me.

"No. No you promised me you would never make me marry someone I don't love!" I flinch as his fist connects with the desk.

"Xiomara Dawn Nocte! It is time you learn you are better seen and not heard!" I flinch and try to stop the tears.

"I'm sorry father." He scowls and shakes his head, before I could walk out he stops me.

"Oh Xiomara, I suggest you keep your mouth shut when talking to your brother and sister, Liam has to focus on his studies to be king, and Kahris just got promoted to ranger scout, she doesn't need the distraction."

"Yes your Majesty." I say as I slowly walk out the door. Once I hear his office door slam shut I let my power flow. I feel it quickly place a veil over me, muffling every step and bending the light around me making me invisible. I run as fast as I can through the castle to the forest behind it. When I make it I drop the veil and run deep into the woods, finding  my spring and falls. When I hit the ground I begin to bawl and let out all my frustration. As I cry I feel the waters pull, I send a wave away from me.

"My child, I could feel your sorrow, what is wrong?" I turn to see the moon goddess Selene.

"Mother." I say and she smiles. No Selene is not my true mother, but when I was born she bestowed me with her gifts. Since then I have been the Daughter of the moon. Just as anyone else bestowed with gifts from one of the five gods is considered the son or daughter of any one of the gods.

"What has troubled you so much that I could feel you from so far away?" I sniffle as she sits across from me.

"Father has had me betrothed to some prince, I didn't ask who." She nods moving the water in circles.

"When do you leave?" I shrug at her question.

"I was too hurt to ask, I just left without a word." She nods and sighs.

"I'm sure your father didn't mean to hurt you." I look up at her and sigh.

"He has forbade me from telling Kahris or Liam. He said they didn't need any distractions." She sighs and hugs me.

"I'm so sorry my child, your mother has spoken to me, and she wishes you the best on your journeys, she knows life will not be easy for you." I nod and sigh as I feel he presence disappear. I decide to sit there for a few more hours until I know it is time to get back. Quickly walking to my room I don't bother to veil myself, my emotions now in check. Once I get to my room I flop onto my bed sighing. I hear a knock and second later my little sister Kahris walks in. She lies next to me and sighs.

"So, I was just training above the waterfall." I swallow and nod.

"You really don't know when you leave?" I shake my head and she sits up.

"I wont tell him I know, but I saw their carriage pull up about five minutes ago, so I suspect Valley will be in to dress you shortly." I nod and sigh. My sister quickly hugs me and leaves me to myself. I sit in the mirror taking my braid out slowly and putting it in an up do. Valley walks in silently laying out my black dress and tiara set with blue gems. She dresses me in silent careful not to touch the scars on my body. I look myself in the mirror, happy that all my dresses are made with long sleeves. Valley finishes by fastening a black travel cloak to my dress.