Broken But Still Alive

Caelum

Aliyah:-

It was him. It has always been him. He took the one thing that meant the most to me. He destroyed the most heavenly thing ever made and while he was breaking, he shattered me into a million pieces.

I had always been taught to fight and defend those who were incapacitated and couldn't protect themselves. That's all I knew. That's all I had been taught, but I have come to realise the world is much more immoral and complex than that.

I grew up in the most divine kingdom. Caelum was beautiful. It was surrounded by captivating nature with gentle hills and a gem blue river that flowed so peacefully. Hearing the constant sound of the water was enough to make everyone in Caelum believe they were in seventh heaven. But the centre of attraction in the kingdom was the enchanting palace that was positioned on an immaculate hill. Surrounding the palace were welcoming houses that the people of Caelum resided in. People were optimistic, they led a modest life but it was filled with happiness and love for one another. Every day in the kingdom was a blessing. The laughs of children playing were music to the ears. The men accomplishing business and the women spending time with their loved ones was all perfect. But unfortunately, this perfect kingdom had limited time left. Everything about Caelum pulled people in until it no longer existed.

Seven months ago everything changed. There were fires, anguish and death. Caelum was no longer a serene place. It was filled with chaos. Screams of women and children could be heard from the crown of the palace. Homes were destroyed and people who could still save their lives and their families fled as far away from Caelum as they could. Regrettably, many of the innocent civilians lost their lives. There were lifeless bodies scattered everywhere. It was a horrific sight and I would obliterate that day if I could. But I cannot and I won't ever be able to. If only I knew beforehand that the twelfth day of June would be the most historical incident for Caelum.

It was a glorious morning. The warm, luminous sunlight shone through my window and gave rise to a golden image that lay elegantly on the grey carpet in my bedroom floor. I was too tired to get out of bed but I knew I had to get up very soon as there was going to be a celebration ball for the King's 56th birthday. I laid in my comfortable bed allowing myself to fall deeper and deeper into the brightness of the sun. It was too bright to open my eyes yet it was just as bright to keep them shut.

There was a subtle knock at my door and Brianna, my Godmother walked in. I can't comprehend how naturally stunning she is. Her silky ginger hair makes her look like a goddess and her frost blue eyes are enough to calm the most powerful storms.
"Are you prepared for the special day Aliyah?" asked Brianna clapping her hands together. "Of course I am, I just hope that everything goes to plan. This means a lot to the royal family and I don't want to be the one to mess it up." I replied. I was ecstatic to be a part of this celebration ball however I was nonetheless extremely apprehensive. "You won't mess it up, you have been organising this ball for months now and I have seen how much effort you have put into this." she explained. Brianna walked over to my bed and I felt the bed dip. I looked up at her as she lifted my head to make eye contact  
"Aliyah, you know how much it will mean to Prince Alexander and he will recognize the outstanding job you have done."

After Brianna left, I began to get ready for the ball. A quick shower later, I gazed at the dress I was going to wear.  It is a beautiful baby pink dress with a beaded and sequenced bodice which carried on into the A-line skirt. The thin double strap put together the entire dress. I put the dress on and called for Jenna, my maid, to work her magic on my hair and makeup.

I headed down the grand stairs and I noticed Prince Alexander, the Crown Prince of Caelum standing in the hall. He was wearing blue royal robes and his curtained, light brown hair looked luxuriant. The Prince was conversing with a soldier in the royal army. He ordered him for extra security and protection around the palace in preparation for the ball. I walked towards him and curtsied "Your Highness."
He smiled "Aliyah you look wonderful, I trust everything is in order?" he inquired. His sapphire blue eyes staring intensely.
"Yes, Your Highness everything is prepared" I replied. "Very well, now I have told you many times I don't want this 'Your Highness' nonsense. You're my best friend, you can call me by my name." he declared. "Thank you Prince Alexander" I smiled. I always felt loved in the palace. I grew up here my entire life,
never knowing my parents but the royal family took care of me like their own and Prince Alexander was like an older brother and best friend. He never left me feeling alone and has  been there for me whenever I needed him to be. Normally I would just call him by his name but it's the Royal Ball so I have to be careful with the people around us. After talking to the Prince for a while, I went around the palace to help with last-minute decorations and before I knew it, it was time for the ball.