Thread: The Weight of the Crown (JellyFish & Greeneyed23)

She wasn't even close to her room when she heard people calling out her name. By Zoar, I swear I will never find peace today.Looking this way and that, she hid herself in an unused hallway, holding her breath as the sound of footsteps came her way. Princess Aretha! Princess! You have been requested to come to the meeting! They were so close. So close in fact they were right next to the darkened corner where she hid. She prayed for all she was worth they would not find her. Where is that damned girl? Always disappearing when needed. It's like she does this on purpose. You would be pulling a disappearing act if I saw your face, she thought. Soon enough the footsteps passed and she was allowed to breath. She stayed there for a moment, in attempt to pull herself together. What's wrong with me? She closed her eyes, her breath still out of beat with her heart. Here she was playing hide and seek with the servants all because she couldn't go back into an uncomfortable environment, that she had made. A promise to hold her tongue, how would she manage that? Sarcastic remarks came to her so easily and to bury that She would surely kill an innocent soul with her viciousness the next day. But then why did she even start a verbal battle with someone who was older than her? Wiser than her? Because youre an idiot, she told herself aloud. Placing her hand on the cold floor, she pushed herself up to stand. There was no longer a point to playing her game and if she was forced to go she would accept it as so. Drained of any fiery impulse, she made her way to a guard. She stood behind him and coughed, dragging the man from his statue like state. At first he seemed ready to yell at her, thinking the person who had disturbed him to be a simple stable boy. But once he caught hold of the feminine features that resembled so much of the queen, her realized who it was. Princess, I have been told if I saw you to take you immediately dow- She held up a hand, halting him from speaking anymore. I understand I was called upon and I shall be there momentarily. Just tell the servants to stop their outrageous search and yelling. I already have a headache and the noise only makes it worse. The armoured man was obviously not pleased that he was being told to do something other than was first ordered. Princess, I cant allow you to go on your own. You have a reputation for wandering. Aretha finally at a point of just being dragged off without argument was saved by the intervention of her mother. Gaurd! Leave her be. Ill take my daughter down with me. The large man nodded, bowed and without another word went back to his earlier position. Like a stone. Aretha wondered how people could actually do that, just stand all day without speaking. Must be absurdly boring. Aretha, I would ask why you are dressed like a stable boy but that question can come later. The dazed woman looked to her mother, who was holding her with worried eyes. Aretha, do you feel well? You look like youre about to pass out. She blinked and smiled softly. No mother. I am fine, I must of just be winded from earlier. Hooking her arm with her mother, they walked down to her chambers, once more. You were wrong to speak against Hama today. He had done nothing wrong and you accused him and his people of treachery. And then you made me worry for your safety. You are lucky he has a kinder heart than you thought. Aretha stared at her mother as if she had gone insane. What proof do you have that he is kind? Ive seen no action of this. Nila sighed, before sternly speaking to her daughter. I just witnessed Hama playing with Kurtis. The boy is sitting on his lap and playing magic tricks with him. And Agatha is comfortably sitting by his side as if they were old friends. Aretha choked, playing a hand on her heart as she nearly stumbled. Traitor!, she had thought at first but then she remembered that Agatha was always welcoming to strangers in general. But still...her sister was being friendly to the dragon! Why!? What if he put a spell on them or something? Her words held disbelief and stuttering now had taken hold of her tongue. She had tried to think of a reason on why her family was suddenly changing sides and came to the solution that perhaps they were under some spell. Or she was just being stubborn but the first idea sounded better. Aretha, dear, please listen to yourself. You accuse the poor man of wrong deeds which you have no proof of. Your worrying in unfounded and cumbersome. Your sister and nephew have already befriended Lord Hama. I suggest you do that same. It will do you some good in the long run and will gain you favor. Aretha was torn, should she really be more open like her other suggested or should she listen to her head. Every piece of logic told her this was a bad idea and the queen was being blind to the truth. Monsters! Beasts! Mankillers! History has proven it to be so and they deserved the way they were treated and more some. But she began to soften. They were persecuted by all the nations and her actions were wrong. She had tried to make everyone question the dragon and he had shown he could defend himself. Fine. I shall give him the benefit of the doubt. But will he be willing to deal with me? Nila smiled in rejoyce, glad her daughter was being reasonable. That is what I came to tell you, he said that you did not offend him and that you would be accepted! It was agreed that your bravery and intelligence is needed and has to be spoken. Aretha now remained quiet. He had already forgiven her, at least thats what she thought. But on top of that she was expected to speak. I see, she murmured. Their voices lowered as Nila continued to speak. But Aretha's mind wandered away. What a predicament. Hopefully Siddel wouldnt take her seriously but she knew he would and he would hold her to her word. Aggravating brothers. Ellen came into view and curtsied before the two women and opened the doors. As Aretha went to dress herself her mother wondered around the room. I have forgotten how much you changed from a little girl. You used to have dolls and dresses scattered throughout the floor. The maids would complain of tripping. The queen giggled, placing a delicate hand to her mouth. She seemed more youthful right there, reminiscing about the past. Everyone would think of you as trouble maker. But at least that still remains the same. Aretha clicked her tongue, as she pulled away the shirt from her being. A maid is meant to clean and I made sure they did their jobs. Tis not in the wrong. They were lazy in my point of view. Nila walked over to her daughters closet, opening the wooden doors. She pulled out a gown of black and silver holding it up. Without her daughters consult she placed it on her bed for her to wear. So cruel you are, love. You used to be so sweet and gentle. And here I am wondering what happened to my little baby? Aretha looked into the mirror, catch a glance at her mother. I grew up. Thats all to it. Aretha walked over to where her mother was and collected the gown. But Aretha, you have grown so crude. What honestly made you even try to start an argument with the dragon? It was a test, she lied smoothly never skipping a beat. She really was attempting to see what pressed his buttons. She learned of how to deal with people after learning their weak points. And one of his was the mentioning of his people. Though she would have to lean far from that subject, the warning he spoke of still made her shiver. I wanted to see if what he spoke was true. Usually befuddled people make a mistake in their talk and compromise everything they stated. I was seeing if it held true with the dragon. I still wait to see if his actions follow up his speech. Nila walked up behind her daughter, helping her tie the back of the dress but an exaggerated expression was in place. A test? Dont you think he could see behind such frivolous things? You underestimated him and made yourself look silly. Now was it worth it? Aretha made not attempt to reply because she already knew the answer. Instead she spun in the dress. The sides and back of the gown were black, while the bodice styled top provided extra support to the bust. She fingered a white dagget sleeved chemise top, adjusting its place on her shoulders. The chemise had an elastic neckline that fall around her bare shoulders and the sleeves trimmed in black and each arm has a black bow made of ribbon on it. It was a beautiful dress that was given to her long ago and she never seemed to wear it much. Her mother began to play with her hair, braiding it carefully and forcing her to sit down in a chair near her night stand. So you know you much apologize for your grievances? Aretha waved her hand in acceptance, putting in pearl and rhinestone earrings. The necklace she left alone, not enjoying the heavy metal around her neck. It made her feel as if she would choke at times. Nila had braided her hair into a long braid that fell between her shoulder blades. Where is your crown?, she had asked. But Aretha stared at her mother so blankly that the queen just lifted her hands in defeat. She knew Aretha had no interest in expensive things just like she, but there were times she just wished her daughter would indulge herself. Even just a little. Aretha, putting on white slippers followed the queen out of her room. Aretha was confused when she saw that her mother was not going to the court rooms. However confusion was turned into a giddy joy when she saw that the meeting was to be held outside in the gardens. Siddel caught her eye from where he sat and smiled slyly. Oh yes, he was making sure she would keep her word. An inward sigh bounced her her chest as she took her seat next to her mother. Her gaze traveled through all the members presented and stopped when Hama and Agatha came into view. Just like her mother had promised, Kuris was in Hamas lap playing with the man. He was filled with a child like wonder, and searched the males large hand in search of a missing object which had vanished. She stared at Agatha who didnt seem concerned in the least and it made her wonder if maybe he wasnt as evil as she thought before. Apologize she twitched when a small voice echoed in her mind. Licking her bottom lip, she prepared herself. Lord...Hama. I apologize for my outburst earlier. I was being foolish and daft. I hope you can find it in your mercy to forgive me.