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This book contains actions of abusive and abusive language. Viewer discrection is advised. 

Rising Tensions

The sun rose over the Kingdom of Regalia, casting a faint light that filtered through the windows of the royal palace. Today was Princess Amira's eighteenth birthday. It was a day that should have been filled with celebration and laughter. Instead, heavy tensions hung in the air, so thick you could feel it. As if the air itself would retaliate.

 

 

Amira stood before the mirror in her room, adjusting the dark obsidian tiara that dawned her head. The jewels on the crown shimmered against her silver hair, a symbol of her royal status. But as usual it felt more like a shackle than a prize. She wore a gown of deep red silk, lined with a gold belt, reminiscent of the royal colors. She was poised to step into the world of adulthood, yet the shadows of her father's tyranny felt too suffocating to bare. 

 

As she practiced her smile for the ball that night, to welcome dignitaries that were visiting for the occasion, a soft knock interrupted her thoughts. The door creaked open revealing her maid and closest confidante, Susan. The girl's usually dark eyes were even darker with dread. 

 

"Princess, have you heard the news yet?" Susan asked, her voice low and hard. 

 

Amira turned, her heart racing. "Heard what?"

 

"The king has committed an act f war." Susan stated, looking down at the floor. For she knew the actions committed today would result in catastrophic damages.  

 

Amira stared, dread filling her to the brim. "What do you mean?"

 

"They say he has killed the envoys from the Kingdom of Vedora. All of them."

 

The news was like a physical blow to the face. Amira stumbled back, shaking her head, "What? What drove him to do such a thing?" She knew her father had a short temper, and was murderous on most days, but these were people from another country. Vedora of all places. That kingdom was known as a military empire. 

 

"I don't know the details," Susan replied, shaking her head, eyes closed. "But the palace is in chaos. Those that witnessed the altercation refuse to speak; fearing being killed themselves. However, the council is meeting, and there is already talk of war."

 

Amira's mind raced. The envoys were meant to negotiate a vital trade agreement that could bolster Regalia's failing economy and restore some of the peace with the kingdom and neighboring countries. Instead, her father's bloodlust has just shattered any hope for future diplomacy. 

 

"I must speak with him," Amira declared, her voice stable as resolve set in. "If he's truly responsible, I cannot allow this to continue." 

 

Susan shook her head, shock and fear etched onto her face. "You know he will not listen to you. He sees weakness in compassion, and compassion as teachery! He will destroy you. Do you not remember the last time you stood up to him?" Susan knew that raising her voice at a royal could get her beheaded. However, unlike the rest of the royal family, she knew the princess would not resort to such acts on her behalf. 

 

Amira looked down. Of course she remembered. She had been locked in the dungeon for 3 days, without food or water. Her father did not care for the wellbeing of anyone. Even his own children. She shook her head. 

 

"He doesn't understand the consequences of his actions!" Amira insisted, her heart pounding in her chest. "Innocent lives will be lost if we engage in war with the Kingdom of Vedora. Their military will destroy us. I won't let him destroy everything!"

 

Susan reached out, taking Amira's hand in hers. "Princess. You need to be careful. If he finds out you're questioning his decisions-"

 

"I am not afraid," Amira interrupted, though doubt was clear in her eyes. "I will confront him, for the sake of our people. If this continues, the people of the kingdom will suffer. I can't let that happen."

 

As she walked toward the door, Susan's grip tightened. "Please Princess. It's your birthday. At least try to enjoy today. You have the ball to prepare for."

 

"How could I enjoy the celebration when our kingdom is on the brink of disaster?" Amira snapped, frustration brimming in her. "I refuse to be a doll anymore Susan. I must take a stand. Besides, by the time the ball starts the whole kingdom will be aware of what has transpired. It will be more of a funeral than a party."

 

Susan sighed, releasing her hand. "Very well than. I pray he is in a better mood. For our sakes."

 

The two girls made their way through the long-stretched corridors of the palace towards the war room, each step heavy with the weight of impending doom. Amira's mind swirled with memories of her father- his laughter, and fierce pride in his eyes when he spoke of Regalia's glory. However, that glory came with a terrible price, and today she would challenge the man who had sacrificed everything for power. 

 

And as they approached the war room, the sound of raised voices echoed through the thick doors. The council was in session, and Amira's heart was still racing. She exchanged a glance with Susan, a silent agreement passing between them. No matter the outcome, she would not turn away from her duty. 

 

With a deep breath, Amira motioned for the guards to open the doors, stepping into the room. The atmosphere shifted as all eyes turned to her, the voices dying down. Her father sat at the head of the long-polished table, flanked by her brothers- Lamin, the eldest and most ruthless: Zamir, the charming yet cunning second born; and Arin, the youngest, who often lingered in the shadows and her only full-blooded brother. 

 

"What is your business here girl?" her father barked, his voice like an earthquake, the ripples of power shaking her to her core. 

 

"I've come to speak with you about the envoys," Amira said, forcing her voice to remain steady. "Why would you kill them?"

 

 His cold gaze pinned her in place. His blue eyes, piercing her as if staring into the vast ocean. "They were traitors, conspiring against me. Thir deaths will serve as a warning to all who defy me."

 

"Father, you've jeopardized everything! We were looking for allegiance not war! They will retaliate with a fury!" Amira's voice rose, fueled by fear and desperation. 

 

He stood, towering over her, fury radiating from him. A resounding smack resonated through the air. Amira's head snapped to the side by the force. A red bruise already sporting on her pale face. Her father had hit her. Her eyes wide, she looked back up at him, holding her face with one hand. 

 

"You dare to question my authority? Just because it is your birthday, does not mean you have any right to talk back to me. You are naive Amira. Power is not given; it is taken. And I will not allow weakness to undermine my rule."

 

Amira's heart sank. The gap between them had grown far wider than she had imagined. But deep within her, a spark ignited-a determination to fight, not for herself, but for her people and the kingdom she loved. 

 

"I refuse to be silent and witness your tyranny anymore," she declared, each word louder with determination." I will find a way to shop this madness."

 

The room erupted in murmurs, shock rippling through the council members. She was openly spouting treason. Her father's eyes narrowed, a murderous glint flashing in his eyes. "You think you can challenge me? You are but a child, and this is a game you do not understand."

 

Amira straightened. The shock of her father hitting her no longer there. Only hard determination. Summoning every ounce of courage. "Then let the games begin. From now on, consider me in the running for the throne. I will not be a doll of a princess that sits and waits in the wings."

 

"What! You're a girl! You're not eligible for the throne!" She turned her head. Lamin had spoken in protest. His face scrunched in disgust. 

 

Amira stared at him and smirked. "There is no law in our country that a women cannot fight for the throne. We just do not have many women in our history that have tried. I think...It is time for a change." still smirking she turned back to their father. Lamin still seething with rage at being embarrassed. 

 

"Father! You cannot allow this!" Lamin yelled. 

 

Their father turned to glare at him. "Do you instead to order me now?" He stared at Lamin. Lamin sensing his mistake, shrunk back a little. 

 

"No..I...uh. Of course, not father. I would never order you do to anything." Lamin back peddled to get out of his father's bad graces. He sat back down. Now silent at the reprimand. Their father turned his attention back to Amira. 

 

"As for you. You say you want to join the race. Are you prepared for the consequences that come with that statement?" He stared at her, eyes full of unbridled fury. 

 

"Of course, I am. For years I have done what you have told me to. And I have done nothing to contribute to the kingdom thus far. I am prepared to face whatever challenges I may face." She stared right back at him. Meeting his eyes, so that he knew she was completely serious. 

 

"Very well. If you can prove your worth. Then I will agree to let you join the race. However, If you fail, your life will become far worse than a commoner. You will travel to the Kingdom of Tavo, and convince their king to side with us, should war occur. Do anything within your power." The king stated turning back around and walking back to his seat. He sat back down and stared at her, awaiting a reply. 

 

Amira shuddered at the thought of the punishment she would endure should she fail. However, she was confident in her abilities to negotiate. Her father did say any means necessary. She smirked. "As you wish your majesty. I will begin preparations immediately." she stated while bowing. 

 

"Good. Now get out. This is not the place for you." Her father stated, shooing her away. 

 

As she turned on her heel and strode from the room, she could feel the stare of her brother Lamin as he continued to glare at her. The weight of the crown felt heavier than ever, but a fierce flame had been lit. Today marked the beginning of her rise to power. She knew her path would be fraught with danger, but it was one she was willing to follow to the end. The battle for Regalia had begun. 

Twin Love

As the Princess walked back to her chamber, her mind was filled with the thoughts of how she was going to get more support from the nobles to get ahead of her brothers. She had the support of the people, from the multiple volunteer campaigns she did. However, the support of the citizens was not enough to raise position. The nobles saw her as the powerless princess. One who's only job was to wait to get married off. But that was not going to happen now. No one would support an unknown. She knew that.

 

As they reached her room, the Amira wondered to her study. There were multiple things in the palace that could be accomplished through various means. For example, hidden rooms. Amira had hired an alchemist to create a hidden room connected to her bed camber. She used this room as a hidden study, as well as meeting room for her confidants.

 

As she reached the bookcase closest to her window, she reached up and pulled a book titled In Plain Sight forward. The wall silently pulled apart, revealing a dimly lit room with a sleek wooden desk and chair. Ask Amira walked over to the desk and sat down, Susan walked in front of the desk and stood there, waiting for future orders.

 

"We need to figure out what to do about the Kingdom of Vedora before anything else." Amira stated looking down at the papers scattered across her desk.

 

"What would you like me to do Princess?" Susan asked.

 

"Have Amilia go undercover to Vedora and see how things are going over there. Have her report everything she sees and hears to you, and report back to me. Push comes to shove; we will plant one of our own and have them act on our behalf." Amira stated crossing her arms and leaning back.

 

 Amilia was part of a group of battle maids the Princess had put together when she was sixteen. They were created privately and only listened to her command. Amilia had created them as a way to stave off her brothers' assassinations. Each girl was trained in specific weapons. Susan was part of that group as well, specializing in daggers and assassination. Amilia also specialized in daggers, but her specialty was infiltration. When it came to getting information, she was number one. 

 

"Yes, your highness. What about the assignment your father gave you?" Susan asked, taking note of everything the Princess was saying.

 

Amira slightly smirked. The Kingdom of Tavo was a small country to the northeast of the kingdom. It was small compared to any of the other kingdoms, but its military power was second to the kingdom of Vedora. 

 

"The kingdom of Tavo won't be a problem. I already have a plan for that. Send a letter to Princess Beatrice and let her know that I would like to visit her." Amilia stated, standing up and walking back over to the hidden door. 

 

"Make sure no one finds out you sent the letter." A stern look on her face. 

 

"As you wish Princess." Susan stated, bowing slightly. 

 

They both walked out of the secrete study and back into the Princesses chamber. Amilia began walking towards her reception room, when a knock sounded at the door. Susan walked over to answer it. Amilia turned towards the door waiting for whoever it was to walk through the threshold. Surprisingly it was her brother Arin. 

 

Arin was her only full-blooded brother. Her beloved Twin. They used to be inseparable, till their mother died. 

 

"Brother? To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing your face?" The Princess asked as she gracefully walked across the floor. Her brother stared at her for a few seconds before relying.

 

"Have you lost your mind?" His question didn't surprise her. She expected him to ask something along the sorts with the stunt she had just pulled. 

 

"Why don't you join me for tea, hmm." The Princess said, ignoring his question and gesturing him to follow her to the reception room. As he followed her, she could feel the hard stare of his eyes piercing the back of her head. They sat down on the couches facing each other. She motioned for Susan to fetch some tea. Susan bowed and rushed out of the room, leaving the two of them alone. 

 

"Now. As for your rude question from earlier. I have not lost my mind. Unlike most of the men in this family, I am completely sane." She admitted the comment was a backhanded insult. However, she couldn't help but regret it when she saw the way her brother flinched a little.

 

"Why would you want to join the running? You're putting your life in needless danger. Lamin has already set his sights on you after the stunt you pulled. He was supposed to go to Tavo to get the alliance from them. Now he feels you have stolen his job." Arin stated, clenching his teeth in anger. 

 

Amira rolled her eyes, before steeling them and locking them with her brothers. "I'm surprised at you brother. We haven't spoken in 6 years. What makes you care now?" 

 

Her brother looked like he was at a loss for words. His eyes were wide, and his mouth dropped open a little. She admitted she was bitter but also really was curious. He had not spoken to her in years, and now all of a sudden, he cared. Where was he when their father locked her in the dungeon? 

 

"I. I thought I was protecting you." he stated, his voice low. She stared at him. Was he serious?

 

"Protecting me from what?" 

 

Her brother sighed before looking up and meeting her eyes. 

 

"I was protecting you from Zamir." he stated firmly. 

 

Zamir? She expected Lamin. But Zamir. He barely participated in politics. Only when he needed to. The confusion must have been clear for her brother, as he continued talking. 

 

"Zamir, is the most likely to win the crown at the moment. Lamin is first born, but his rashness and brutality do not sit well with the nobility. Most of the noble party stands with Zamir. He is clever, cunning and will do anything to get what he wants. When we were twelve, I overheard him and an attendant saying that you were getting too involved with politics. That was around the time you started doing your campaigns at the shelter for the citizens. He felt like you were up to something. He said that the best way to get rid of you would to be to make it look like an accident." 

 

Her brother's explanation was getting quite scary at this point. Arin, looked down at the floor, looking as if he had committed the ultimate crime. He sat there a minute, Amilia letting him take his time to continue. 

 

"He had someone sabotage your carriage and bribed the coachmen so that when you went over the mountain ridge, the coachmen would drive the carriage over the cliff. You would have died if I didn't do anything. So, I had the carriage you were supposed to take changed at the last minute, and hired a mercenary kill the coachmen while he was off duty. That way, Zamir wouldn't be able to bride someone at the last minute to take over the job. Everything I did, I did to protect you." Arin had a sad look in his eyes. 

 

Amira was stunned and a little saddened. Her poor brother had wasted the last six years of his life watching Zamir to make sure he didn't target her again. She was touched, but a little hurt that her brother had ignored her all these years, instead of just talking to her.

 

"Arin. Why didn't you just tell me?" Tears welled up in her eyes. "I thought you had abandoned me for the crown. That you didn't care anymore." By now tears were streaming down her face. She had tried to hold her tears in, but this was all too much. Arin got up and hugged his sister. He held her in his arms for a while before letting go. 

 

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I thought it would be best that you didn't know anything. I didn't want you to have to be afraid of any and everyone. I spent those years protecting you from Zamir's schemes trying not to get caught, and I regretted it all the time. I just thought it would be better for you to keep a distance from me, in case he got suspicious." Arin held her at arms range looking into her eyes. Amilia understood now and she was thankful for her brother.

 

"I understand. But you don't have to protect me anymore. I'm old enough to take care of myself. Besides, there are things that you don't know about me that have changed over the years. I'm not some frail little girl." Amilia stated. Her brother stared at her and sighed. He sat back down on the couch across from her. 

 

"Now that I've explained why I care. Explain the mess this morning. What are you going to do now?" Arin crossed his arms looking at her. Amilia smiled crossing her legs in a graceful manner. 

 

"My dear brother. I already have a plan for that. Tavo will ally with us. That is guaranteed." She knew she was being vague she just didn't want to reveal too much, just in case there were listeners. 

 

At that moment Susan had come back with tea and sat it on the table. She poured Amilia and Arin a cup then bowed and went to stand by the door till she was needed. Amilia picked up her cup and took a sip, eyes closed softly. 

 

Arin just kept looking at her, ignoring the cup up tea that sat in front of him. He sighed and shook his head. 

 

"I hope you know what you're doing." He stated firmly. 

 

Amilia smirked slightly, looking up at her brother. 

 

"Trust me. I know exactly what I'm doing."

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 15.01.2025

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