This story is based off a novel I wrote back in high school, five years ago. This world I created has become something that I pull from, even though I have yet to rewrite that novel. I wrote a stageplay using characters from this novel in one of my second and third year courses and now I've written part of the back story to the novel itself.
I hope you enjoy!
***
She has been told she is special, and now, standing between Mother and Father with that ridiculous grin on her face, I know she believes it. But it should be me up there, not her. What is it about her that makes her special?
"Andreana," Mother snaps, gesturing with her hand for me to step up next to her.
I put a smile on my face and step forward. The people of our kingdom are kneeling in the front courtyard below the balcony, but all eyes are glued to Andralyn. Of course. It is not fair that she will inherit the throne for no reason other than her ability to control all six elements; I am the eldest. That throne is rightfully mine.
***
Andralyn's coronation is tomorrow. Her wedding is now. I stand beside her, a bouquet of some hideous yellow flower in my hand. Mother sits in the front row, a kerchief to her lips, while Father's arm is around her shoulders.
I do not know why Andralyn chose me as her maid of honour; expected perhaps? We hardly ever spend time together.
The priest says those four words and it takes all of my will power to keep the smile on my face. What makes her more important than me?
***
The three moons form a triangle in the sky tonight. Their light reflects off the blade of the dagger twirling between my fingers.
Mother and Father are across the castle in the West Wing, their new home. The newlyweds are in their new suite in the main part of the castle. My room will always be located here in the East Wing; unless I do something about it.
I look down and drag the dagger across my pointer, lightly pressing into the pad. It would be simple.
The hedge maze is dark below my balcony, and I trace the path through the thick green leaves with my eyes. This cannot be allowed to happen. That throne is mine.
I step back from the railing and walk into my room, grabbing the lit candle holder off my bedside table. No one should be awake at this hour.
I open the door to my bedroom, glancing down the hallway, but it is empty, and shall remain that way for many more years. I walk down the hall and stairs, my bare feet making little sound against the stone. I slowly push open the door to the main part of the castle, peeking around it. The hall is dark and no light shines from beneath any of the doors.
The door creaks as I close it behind me and I cringe, staring at the door to the maids quarters across the way. I can feel my heart pounding against my ribs as I click the door shut behind me.
I tip toe pass the maids quarters to the door at the end of the hall. I glance behind me before slowly pushing this door open and slipping through. Darkness greets me again and I ascend the stairs.
I take a deep breath and clench my fist around the hilt. I place my candle on the floor before I open the door in front of me. The hallways is dark, the only light coming from the moons peeking into the windows. I go to the middle of the three doors and stop in front of it. There will be no going back.
A grin takes over my lips. Finally the throne will be mine.
I grab the knob and twist, slowly pushing it open. The curtains around their canopy bed are pulled back, his back bared to me with his arm thrown across her body. The covers are bunched around their waists and I wrinkle my nose; I didn't realize he was so hairy.
I step forward and gently close the door. I tip toe around their clothes as I make my way to his side. I peek over at his face just as he snores. God why did she choose him?
I place my hand over his mouth and nose before swiping the dagger across his throat. His blue eyes snap open and look up at me, wide, and I press my hand tighter to his face. I watch the blood pour from his neck onto the sheets and my sister's hair, waiting for him to go limp. He doesn't even try and fight me, or bring his arm up to mine. Instead he tries to curl closer to Andralyn. Pathetic.
I take my hand away once he goes limp and walk around to the other side of the bed. Even in danger my sister still sleeps soundly. I twist the dagger to make it easier before I do the same to her.
"Sorry, sister," I mutter when her grey eyes just like mine open wide. "You will not be allowed to take my place."
She tries to twist her head out of my grasp, causing more blood to squirt onto the sheets. She stares up at me as if she's trying to get me to pull away and save her. I watch her and wait.
I step back and wipe the dagger on my nightgown. I stand beside the bed and watch them, making sure they're still. When I can see the bottom moon through the window I press a finger to my sister's pulse. Nothing.
I grin. The throne is mine. I turn and leave their room, heading back the same way, my candle now half burnt. I make sure everything is back to as it was before on my journey back to my room. I place my candle on my bedside table before I walk out to my balcony again.
***
Mother is inconsolable and I give up trying a month after Andralyn's funeral. Father has finally stopped pushing back my coronation, and tonight I'll be marrying the second eldest son of Father's right hand man. Not my choice, but Mother said he'll protect me; not that it matters.
At my wedding, Mother is weeping uncontrollably and Father is stoic. I had thought they would be happy for me; after all I am still their daughter.
***
Mother passed a week after my coronation, poison, and I know she killed herself. Father stops instructing me after that, but I take over; I knew enough by then.
A month after Mother, Father dies; same method.
At both funerals I acted appropriately; shed tears, accepted condolences, but I could not say I was particularly sad. Finally, this kingdom was mine.
***
Right now is the only time I regret my actions. I just gave birth to a son, but the only one in the chamber with me was the midwife. My husband is out at sea with the army; I do not know if he will return.
I look into the blue eyes of my son and I realize how alone I have been. But as he latches onto my finger I cannot dwell on the past. I got a son, and this kingdom will be his.
