Flame Of A Phoenix

Like a true Phoenix, I will rise from my ashes,
And dazzle you with my brilliance.

Introduction

Set in a fantasy world, but with same intensity of our lives, Flame of A Phoenix is a story on love, loyalty, family and betrayal. 

Andra thinks she is a regular everyday girl who works in the fields and has a mother who raised her lovingly and single-handedly. She dreams of marrying Cleo, the boy-next-door and settling down for an unobtrusive life on the moors. But her illusions is shattered when the truth about her father's parentage is revealed. She is immediately whisked off in a royal parade of excessive fanfare, tall words, debts you cannot imagine and retributions of a lifetime. 

Suddenly, she finds her as Alessandra Pheonix, daughter of the nation and perhaps the only one who can save their grace...but is the deal asking too much from her? Is her freedom worth more than a country's gold? Forced into a marriage with the cold Prince Oriane of Erde, Andra finds her only source of happiness blocked and soon learns that there is nothing that can make Oriane look at her the way he looks at his work.

Betrayal only comes from friends, not from enemies as Andra soon learns and manipulates her way through the high castles in a bid to adjust to her new life and find love. As more and more conspiracies unravel, nothing is impossible in a royal family full of secrets who have everything to lose and everything to hide.

Who is the true villian? And in the bid, will she lose her right to love?

Find out!

Chapter 1: The Lost Princess

The crowing of the rooster woke me up. I turned 

over in bed, trying to enjoy the last precious minutes of sleep.

"Rise and shine, Pumpkin!" Liena's voice called out. I rolled over and got up with a sigh. Waking up was the most difficult part. Following through was a piece of cake.

The straw bed creaked as I stood up and stretched. A cursory glance around my room would tell you that we aren't that well off, but definitely not poor. The small farm is enough to sustain me and Liena, my mother. Besides, I work part time at the deli down the street. So we've always had just about enough.

Ten minutes later, I climbed down the loft, which was my room and after feeing the hens and cleaning the veranda, sat down for a breakfast of bread and omelets.

"Mornin' sunshine!" Liena beamed.

"Morning Mom," I said stuffing a mouthful of bread. "Did the hens recover?"

"We're out of medicine. Buy some on the way home, will you?" she said.

"Sure thing," I grinned giving her a thumbs up. Just then the wooden door to our cottage burst open and my friend Cleodel stepped in, messy blonde hair flying in all direction.

"Heavens, Cleo! You'll break the door one day!" Liena said sternly.

"Sorry Mum, I'll take care next time," Cleo smiled. My heart melted a little at that. Cleo was my childhood friend. We had grown up together and were close enough that he called Liena 'mum'. None of us seemed to mind it because he was just as much a part of our family. And somewhere between spending our days together, I'd grown to like him as something more than a friend. Of course I was too scared to admit it. Cleo had never given away any hints of liking me as anything more than a friend and I didn't want to ruin what we had.

"You planning to eat that entire thing?" he asked eyeing my omlette.

"Yes," I replied and stuffed more of it into my mouth.

"Jeez, look at you eat. You'll never be royalty!" Cleo exclaimed.

"I'm a farm girl. I don't need royal manners," I answered and finished the entire plate. Liena gave us an odd look at this comment.

"Stop talking nonsense. Why is everybody in this country obsessed with the royal family?" she threw her hands in the air.

"Uh, 'coz they rule us?" Cleo stated. "And 'coz politics right now is the latest gossip!"

"Yeah, what's the latest news from Phoenix?" I asked.

"Their relations with Erde dynasty just got worse, I heard," Cleo said. "Anyway, let's go or we'll be late for school."

I slung a bag over my shoulder and left. Liena kept waving at us for long at the door, like always.

My name is Andra Devlin. I am 17 years old and Liena and I live in Westpine, a small village in the extreme west of Liefder. We're ruled by the Liefders. Just like Phoenix is ruled by the Phoenixes and Erde by the Erdes and Arlighe by the Arlighes.

Westpine's a small fishing village bordering the sea. Liena spends her free time fishing. To our right lies the kingdom of Phoenix. And to our left –The Shadow Sea, the ocean no one dared cross.

Westpine, for all its poverty, is a beautiful village. Be it the cobblestoned streets, the snow capped mountains in the distance or the sparkling blue waters of the sea, it's a sight to behold. Being small and far flung from the capital, we receive quite little amenities and not much is known of what goes on outside. But now and then a trader or traveler stops by or someone receives mail from their relative and we're informed of how the country is faring.

Cleo and I took our respective seats in the classroom. It was an antique cottage, lined with rows of crumbling desks. My friend Ivanna hoped up to me.

"Did you hear the latest news?" she shrieked. "Erde's going to declare war on Phoenix!"

"What? No! That's impossible!" Cleo and I said in unison.

"War was outlawed years ago. It can only be declared for the gravest of matters," Cleo said knowingly.

"The Phoenixes owe the Erdes tens of millions," Ivanna said. "You think this doesn't call for a war? Erde isn't exactly known for forgiveness."

"Erde, the country of the earth," I recited as I remembered from my history textbook "What does that even mean?"

"It means they're grounded, down-to-earth people. They think rationally and can separate their wants from needs. And that means they'll get even with Phoenix some way or other," Cleo said.

I think this is what I love the most about Liefder. It's the country of love. It's warm and loving. Not like Erde where every move people make is mechanical and calculating.

Our teacher, Miss Eve came in and we resumed our seats.

Miss Eve was a learned, scholarly woman and that is why she held classes for the under privileged in her free time. The day began with us learning more about the history and geography of our kingdom.

When I returned home after my shift at the deli, I found Liena hunched over a newspaper cutting. She quickly hid it as I entered.

"What's that?" I asked.

"Nothing," Liena mumbled as she made her to the kitchen. It was more of a kichenette actually.

"Hey, show me what it is!" I said and snatched it from her hands. Smoothening out the crumpled paper, I saw it was an old picture of the Phoenix family of Kingdom Phoenix. The ink was smeared and the picture, grainy but I could make out King Imean, his wife Queen Anirelle and their son Renuan.

"Why do you have the Phoenixes's photo with you?" I asked.

"I keep a tab of what goes in my birth kingdom," Liena answered turning away. I had forgotten. Liena was originally from Phoenix. She had moved to Liefder to have me. Liefder is more accepting to single mothers because the people understood and shared pain. She never really told me why she changed countries. Or who my father was. "Ignorance is bliss," she would say whenever I asked. "Knowledge will only bring pain."

Over time, I had stopped asking. I had Liena and Cleo and Ivanna. I could survive without a father, couldn't I?

Life in Westpine was easy. I woke up every morning, did the farm work, left for school, worked at the deli and returned home to diligently finish my studies and homework. I was proud of being a literate farm girl.

It was about a week later, Cleo and I were sitting by the Reine, fishing rods in hand, and indulging in random banter. Moments like these with Cleo, I cherished forever.

"Have you ever thought about your future?" I suddenly asked Cleo

"My dad owns a ranch. Is there any doubt as to what my future will be?" he laughed. "Maybe I'll save enough to enlarge it. Maybe add a few more goats and horses. Then I'll probably marry and settle down with someone like you."

A crimson blush covered my cheeks as I heard this. Was this a hint? Did this mean he wanted to marry me someday?

I looked at his beautiful face, lit by the golden glow of the sun. His blond hair sparkled like golden threads and the blue eyes were ever so warm and inviting.

Not being a courageous person, I just grinned broadly and said, "That sounds easy enough."

"What are your plans?" he asked.

"Pretty much the same," I shrugged.

This was a lie. Westpine was all very good. A peaceful village on a peaceful coast. But I was never satisfied. I always dreamt of getting out of here, getting to know the world. There were so many questions I needed answered. I didn't want to work on a farm forever. But I couldn't tell Cleo that. It was one of the things we never agreed on. Cleo was perfectly happy where he was. I wasn't. I always wanted more.

"Let's head home," he said gathering up the days haul. "We'll be having a feast today!"

"For a girl, you sure tuck in a lot," Cleo observed. We were sitting at my house, feasting on the days fish, cooked deliciously by Liena.

"She does, doesn't she?" Liena sighed. "I keep telling her to keep a tab on her diet. When the time comes, nobody will marry a fat hag."

"I'll marry her then," Cleo winked and I nearly choked on my fish. Liena suppressed a knowing smile.

"What? I can do that much for a friend whom everyone suitor has abandoned," he grinned. We laughed heartily through dinner and then Cleo left us for home.

"My old man will begin to worry," he said and set off.

"You like him, don't you?" Liena asked as she washed the dishes.

"What?" I asked startled. "I'm not that transparent, am I?"

"I'm your mother!" Liena guffawed. "Give the woman some credit."

"Perhaps," I admitted.

"He's good for you," Liena smiled.

I looked at her and sighed before beginning to dry the dishes. Yes, I liked Cleo. A lot. But we would never do. Our core thoughts were too different.

"Did you hear?" Ivanna ran up to Cleo and me. She was our daily newspaper.

"What's it today?" I asked.

"Phoenix is in grave danger. Renuan Phoenix has taken ill after an accident. The royal physicians said it's fatal and even if Renuan did make it out alive, he'll be crippled and bedridden for the rest of his life!"

"Oh my god, that's terrible!" I gasped. Cleo looked shocked too.

"Phoenix is doomed," he said. "Renuan is their only son and King Imean won't last long. The kingdom must be in turmoil. Erde could declare a war any day and defeat them with ease."

"No. That's underhanded, Erde won't stoop that low," I said.

"It's not a matter of honour. Any rational person would know that now's the time to subdue Phoenix. Phoenix is doomed," Cleo said.

"Nope," Ivanna countered. "There's more." A smirk covered her features.

"I'm all ears," I said.

"Years ago King Imean had an affair with his maid. But she got pregnant. He tried to convince her into giving up the child but she refused. He tried to pay her off but she refused and instead disappeared. Not a word more."

"How could I not have known this?" I demanded. This was news! This was a scandal!

"Nobody did," Ivanna said. "Even the Queen didn't. The King dismissed it off as a petty rumour but personally, I think it’s true. Renuan's on his death bed and Phoenix is without an heir. Imean himself won't last much longer. This illegitimate child might be our only hope."

"Only if the rumour is true,” I reasoned.

"Yep," Ivanna confirmed. "But if it is, that kid has the best claim to the throne right now. The King can lie all he wants but it isn't that hard to believe, is it? Young princesses are often sent away to obscure Princess Training Schools and finally make their debut on a selected day. They could easily bring her up and say she had been kept hidden to avoid the press from damaging her childhood. It's not unheard of. Didn't the King of Liefder pull something similar 70 years ago? I read about it somewhere."

"I wonder how Queen Anirelle is taking this," Cleo said aloud.

"She must be devastated," I agreed. "Prince Renuan too."

"Believe me, they are," Ivanna nodded gravely. "If you put a knife in her hand, Imean would be dead already."

"Can we quit talking about all this?" I asked. "Let's plan our weekend or something. This doesn't affect us anyway."

"Right," Cleo agreed, "I vote we take a trip across Reine to the lagoon over the side. I can borrow father's boat."

In the end, the three of us decided upon it and resumed our seats just before Miss Eve arrived.

I woke up early on the weekend. Spring was a glorious time of the year, especially in Westpine. Everything looked so radiant. Even the water of the sea seemed to glow more Prussian than ever.

"Where are you guys going this time?" Liena asked.

"The lagoon by the Reine," I answered, packing my lunch. "I'll be back by nightfall."

"Did anything happen? With Cleo, I mean? Like, did you guys –"

"Mom!" I said, scandalized.

"What? I'm just asking for updates," Liena grinned. "I thought I might be hearing wedding bells."

Jeez, what is it with the people of this country and marriage? I was 17 for heaven's sake. Granted that people got married as young as 18, but I wasn't ready for anything that big. Even with Cleo. Let a girl enjoy her teenage years!

"Maybe you should keep your hair down. That’ll encourage him to actually make a move," Liena suggested. I made a face that said "As if!" and left. On the way I shrugged off my bandana and rubber bands and let my flame red hair fall down to its entire length.

"Drop the hooks!" Ivanna shouted. I did as I was told. Cleo gave the boat one last push before he jumped aboard with us. I took the oars and we began to sail, slow and tranquil - like everything else in Westpine.

The wind from the sea was salty. We made ideal chat as we trudged on at snail's pace. Ivanna seemed busy surveying a map, her untied brown hair flying all over the place. Halfway through, Cleo took the oars from me and I sat in a corner, admiring the view of Cleo working away at the oars, muscles flexing and heaving. We would make a good pair – me with my porcelain skin, green eyes and red hair, Cleo with his forget-me-not eyes and sandy blond hair.

"There!" Ivanna shouted, pointing at the green lagoon. We high-fived, cheered and pulled ashore.

For the rest of the day, we fished, ate, talked or simply lazed around. Ah, the bliss of weekends! When the sun reached high up the sky, we scurried to the shade of a grove of trees nearby. In the evening, we left the place, tugging along a bucket load of fresh fish.

We crossed back to Westpine.

"No one can eat so many fish," Ivanna stated.

"Then let's sell them," Cleo said matter-of-factly. And so we ended up at the village square, before the fish market, bargaining prices.

"This cod is worth much more than that!" Cleo protested.

"Take it or leave it, sonny. I need to get back," the man said. The sun had already set. It was getting late. Liena would be worried.

"Hey," I said. "Take up his offer. We have to go back too."

Suddenly the shopkeeper squinted at me.

"And you are?" he asked.

"Andra," I said promptly.

"Andra Devlin," he chanted and shook his head, as if trying to remember something. "Andra Devlin." It was eerie the way he kept on nodding his head as he repeated my name over and over again. The dying light of the sun did not make things better.

"Andra Devlin," the man said again. Suddenly he looked up straight at me and I took a step back in fright.

"Don't go back home," he whispered. "Go away. Run, hide, don't go back home."

It took me five seconds to regain my bearings. I looked at him, then Cleo, then Ivanna.

"Andra? You okay?" Ivanna asked. I didn't reply. I just spun on my heel and ran.

Don't go home, he said. Why? What's going on? If anything had happened to Liena, what would I do?

I head Cleo running after me.

I ran down Dove Street, my thin cotton gown bunching at my knees. This is what I hated most about our attire. If people had been pointing at me and whispering things as I ran, I hadn't been conscious of it because I was running so hard.

Our cottage was in a corner of Westpine. It stood isolated and empty. And looked perfectly normal. I burst in through the doors and came to a halt.

The place had been turned upside down. Everything looked bare. Racks, shelves had been stripped down. In a corner stood Liena, hastily packing everything we owned into four suitcases.

"Andra! I was worried. I was so worried," she sobbed as she came forward and cupped my face. Cleo arrived behind me.

"What the –?"

"Oh Cleo," Liena sobbed. "We have to go or they'll find us. I'm so sorry to take Andra away."

I was stumped. "What's going on?" I asked.

"They've come for us," Liena said as she hastily resumed packing. She presented a maniacal picture as she threw everything she could lay her hands on in the suitcase. I thought she had lost it.

"Mom, who has come for us?" I asked slowly. "And what about the farm? We can't just leave."

"You don't understand!" Liena screamed suddenly. "Of course you don't. I never told you. I will one day but right now, we have to run."

As soon as she said this, there was the sound the of hooves. Lots of them. More like an army of them. Westpine didn't have so many horses!

"Oh no," Liena gasped just as the sound drew nearer and stopped right outside our farm.

"Hide!" Liena panicked and dragged me behind her.

"Mom! I don't –"

The door was flung open and blocking it was the silhoutte of a man almost seven feet tall. He was wearing black pants, a crisp white shirt, a blazer emblazoned with the royal mark of the country of...Phoenix? His shirt had the sigil of a Phoenix rising from flames and from his waist hung a sheathed sword.

A Phoenix guard.

"Your Grace," he said and bowed before Liena (I later realized he was bowing at me, who was cowering behind Liena). "We've come to take you back."

"Then you shall return empty handed," Liena thundered.

More similarly men trooped in behind him. They had sent an army after us and I didn't even know why!

"They're not going anywhere," Cleodel's rational voice cut through the thick tension in the room as he stepped between us and the soldiers. I shot him a grateful look, despite not having any idea as to what was going on.

"Forgive me, Your Grace," the man bowed, "But we have been instructed to use force if necessary."

Saying this, he lashed out at Cleo and landed a punch on his shoulder. There was the sound of a crunch as strong arms connected with bone and with an inhuman cry of pain and anguish, Cleo went down.

"Cleo!" I shouted and rushed to his side as he writhed on the ground, wincing and grabbing his shoulder.

"You're killing him!" I shouted at the man.

"He's just hurt. I didn't hit him hard enough to actually break anything," the man replied, cold and mechanical as ever.

"You," Liena said in a raspy voice, "Out of my house. Now."

"We're just doing our job, Your Grace," the soldier bowed at me and whistled. Immediately two of his men came forward and handcuffed Liena and me.

"Let go!" I shouted as they dragged me away from Cleo. Out of a corner of my eyes, I saw Liena thrashing and screaming like a mad woman.

"Let go!" I screamed again. "Cleo!"

"He'll be looked after," the man promised. We were dragged away and bundled into the back of a carriage with covered windows. Soon I felt the carriage set away on the bumpy roads, away from Westpine, towards my destiny.

We travelled for over a week, taking numerous different lanes and staying at various inns and moors. We crossed hill and plateau and desert and forest. We went through slums and villages and towns and cities. And Liena still wouldn't tell me what was going on. We traveled six days on a ship as grand as anything I had seen. Pure wood with sails enough to cloth the entire of Westpine. And we were treated like royalty through it all. Or at least I was. With my limited knowledge of geography and with no information, I knew that we were heading west, which meant the moment the ship set sail, I had left my country Liefder behind.  We were crossing the seven seas and I knew not to where. The thought chilled me.

"You'll know when you get there," she would sigh. "It's your destiny. I was a fool to try to prevent it."

So one day, while watching the elegant city ladies bustle around in their embellished silk gowns, I gathered the courage to ask Vaur - the seven foot tall man, the head of the expedition - what was happening.

"Hasn't Your Grace been told?" he looked surprised.

"No one tells me anything," I made a face.

"I apologize for keeping you in the dark," he bowed so low I thought he would topple over. In the days we had spent travelling; I had been treated with excessive deference, always being addressed as 'Your Grace' and always being looked after and guarded. The same couldn't have been said for Liena who was treated like one of them.

"Stop calling me that," I muttered under my breath.

"Pardon, Your Grace?" Vaur asked.

"Nothing. Forget that. Tell me what's going on," I said.

He looked lost for a moment, probably debating if it was okay to tell me.

"You're the lost princess," he said quietly after some time.

Chapter 2 : The Deal

I choked on my chammomile tea and Vaur sank into a fit of apologies.

I sank in my chair, contemplating. It was plausible, yes. Liena's history matched what Ivanna had told me. Liena had left Phoenix to have me. She wouldn't tell me who my father was. She wouldn't tell me where she worked at before. And she kept paper cuttings of the Phoenixes. It made perfect sense yet I refused to believe it, I don’t know why. I asked Vaur again and again and he assured me that it was the truth and no mistake had been made. So finally, I lost it.

I stomped into our room and confronted Liena head on.

"I'm King Imean's bastard?" I demanded.

Liena flinched at the strong usage of words.

"Andra -" she began.

"I can't believe you hid something like that from me!" I shouted.

"It was for you. What good would knowing do?" she said standing up and reaching for me. I slapped her hand away.

"You lied to me for seventeen years of my life," I said.

"I didn't lie," she said fiercely, "I just hid the truth. If I had known that one day they would come back to take away the only thing I ever loved, after your father, perhaps I would've told you earlier."

I was silent for a moment. "You were his maid," I said at length.

"I was," she said, tears filling her eyes. I cursed myself for being so blunt. "But I loved him. Yes, I gave myself up to him but I haven't regretted that decision for one second in my life. He gave me you."

"You weren't the one who had to grow up without a father," I retorted. I was hurt and angry and I just kept on talking, trying to hurt her as well.

"Hate your father if you must," Liena said, her face darkening. "He offered me money to get rid of you. Men are all the same everywhere."

At the entrance of Phoenix, stringent checking of the Phoenix guards went on. After being detained two days, we were allowed to leave. I turned to look at the country I had grown up in one last time. Liefder –the country of love. Is that why Liena had run here? To learn how to love again?

The caravan moved on, this time travelling on Phoenix soil.

If I had thought Liefder was beautiful, Phoenix was even more so. If Liefder was a swan, Phoenix was a peacock. The Kingdom of Fire, it was full of lush green fields and huge water bodies. The towns were well planned and clean. Carriages and cars rushed past and yet the place possessed an antique, timeless beauty. The country was rift with rich, influential people and everything was ostentatious and well maintained. The people seemed perpetually busy, scurrying about like ants. The shops were lined with bodices embellished with the brightest of stones and shoes that sparkled.

Here and there I would see fountains with statues of past Kings erected on them. The weather was chilly and Vaur told me it was snowing at the capital Valburn. Liena had become strangely quiet after our showdown and I blamed myself for it. She was quiet but had a determined look on her face. Her face had aged ten years since we left Westpine. She should've happy to be back home after eighteen years but instead, she just looked occupied. Like the place brought back too many sad memories.

"You're back home," I said lightly one day.

Liena shook her head slightly. "After all these years, Liefder had become my home. It's the country that accepted me with open arms when everyone here shunned me."

That was true about Liefder and its people. They knew and understood love. Each country has people belonging to it's own type. Liefder was for love and Phoenix was fire and strength. A country as gentle and feminine as Liefder, full of towering hills and beautiful countryside could never match the economy of a country like Phoenix that was rife with power wherever you went. Everyone seemed to hustle as if there wasn't a moment to lose.

"Liefder healed me. As long as I was honest and earning my food by work, nobody questioned me. I could fish and run and see the stars. I was young when I had you. 22. Phoenix certainly paid well but Leifder gave me time to recuperate," Liena said. And I felt an unexpected twinge of nostalgia for what I had left behind. Perhaps it wouldn't have been half as bad if I hadn't been thinking of Cleodel every second. It was mean of Vaur to punch him like that, out of the blue. I wondered if his shoulder had healed.

When we set foot in Valburn, a single flake of snow fell down the sky and settled on my blue cloak. I looked up. I had never seen snow before. Westpine was warm throughout the year.

"This way, Your Grace," Vaur guided me and Liena followed. I gasped in shock. I had come to Phoenix with a mix of emotions. I was angry at the father who had abandoned me, excited at being half blue blood, terrified at what would transpire. But right now, I just felt shock. And surprise.

Before me stretched acres and acres of lush green manicured lawns, surrounded by shapely hedges and lined with rows of red, yellow and white flowers. A wide road ran in between and at the end stood a towering castle, as huge as the entire of Westpine. The cream walls bore the sign of strength and age. The red roof looked brilliant in the sun and the spiral towers rose high in the air. The gateway itself was two storeys tall and exquisitely carved. At the top was a maroon red banner with a golden Phoenix drawn on it.

The Phoenix High Castle.

"Welcome home, Your Grace," Vaur grinned.

The interior was something out of a storybook. Heavy golden chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminating the wallpapered walls. Portraits of Kings and Queens hung all around. The furniture was expensive and plush. Passion hung in the air like a mist.

We were escorted down a carpeted hallway right into the Court where King Imean and Queen Anirelle sat. King Imean had a shock of flaming red hair, just like me. Or rather, mine was like his.

"We found her, Your Grace," Vaur announced. "Andra Devlin, from Liefder." He bowed and stepped back to let me through. Liena was stalking behind. Years ago, she had dusted these hallways. How odd must it be to stand before this man again after so many years in a familiar environment?

"It's a girl," Queen Anirelle commented. "And she calls herself Andra." Her voice was stiff and harsh. Her eyes were focused on Liena, spewing venom. I didn't blame her. The Queen of Phoenix was many things including a woman you never wanted to cross. Her face would've been beautiful had it not been contorted in anger and disgust. Her golden greying hair was tied in a tight bun and her green gown sparkled with emeralds.

"Welcome back, Alessandra Rosalind Phoenix," King Imean said warmly. I was stunned into silence. What do I say? Thank you, I'm glad to be 'back'?

But Liena saved me the torture. She stepped forward and standing tall, said, "You can't have her back."

“Neither do we, trust me, but circumstances,” Queen Anirelle waved her hand in gesture and shrugged.

“I’ll talk to Imean,” Liena said.

"I don't think you understand your position, commoner," Queen Anirelle spit.

"I am her mother and that is enough," Liena said. "Andra belongs to Westpine and she shall stay there. I won't let you have her after you abandoned her for so long."

"A nation depends on her!" King Imean exclaimed. "You can't make that decision for her."

"Can't I?" Liena's eyes narrowed. "All these years you were busy borrowing from Erde, I brought her up. I changed her soiled pants, I nursed her bruises, I fed and clothed her. I bore the cross alone. And you dare ask her back when you have done nothing but abandon her? All you've brought us is pain and grief! You have no claim to her as a father. You have failed your duty."

Queen Anirelle flared up in rage. "Take the commoner away!" Guards sprang up immediately from every pillar.

"No!" King Imean said and all eyes turned to him.

"What do you mean?" Queen Anirelle asked.

"She's right. I abandoned my daughter. And now I ask for her back. I shall prove my duty as a father. It's a King's honour," King Imean said.

"You have no honour," Liena spit. "You didn't need her then. You can't have her now. Just because she might be the saviour this country needs, doesn't mean I'll hand her over."

"Phoenix begs you," King Imean bowed his head and the Queen flinched seeing him bow his head before a commoner.

"Phoenix is no longer my country," Liena said slowly.

"Enough!" The Queen snarled again. She was like a viper, waiting to sink her fangs in Liena. Her beautiful features were contorted in rage and her strands of her pale blonde hair had come undone.

"Liena, you don't understand," King Imean said. Anirelle balked at the first name use. Imean was about to launch into a lengthy lecture when I decided enough was enough. This was me they were talking about. I wasn't a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder. I was a person with feelings and desires.

"Shut up all of you!" I shouted. A collective gasp went around the room. Queen Anirelle puffed up. She had probably never been told to shut up in her entire life.

"Why, this scum!" she shouted. "I see you haven't even been taught manner!"

"Let's not lose our tempers, dear," King Imean said, his voice quivering but still polite.

"She dared talk to us like that," the Queen gasped again.

"I think I ought to have a say in this," I announced. I don't know where I got the courage to stand up for myself but whatever it was, was fading away and I wanted to cower and hide in a hole.

"Andra," Liena looked at me with concern.

"I'm a grown girl," I assured her. I turned to the King. My feelings were in turmoil. I was an illegitimate child who was now being legitimized as a last ditch attempt to save a kingdom.

I finally found my father and my half - brother. I wanted to stay here. But I had Liena to think about who had suffered so much thanks to them. Honour, glory and standard, that's all the royals cared about.

"Please Alessandra," King Imean looked at me helplessly. "The nation needs you."

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. There was so much hurt, what do I do? Finally, I opened my eyes and in a low whisper said, "I'll stay." I didn't turn to see Liena'a reaction. Hurt? Betrayed? No mom, you don't see. It's all for you.

"Thank you," King Imean said standing up.

"But I have my conditions," I said.

"Of course of course," King Imean nodded eagerly. "I'll see to it that you are formally introduced and treated our equal. And we'll make accommodation for Liena as well -"

"Liena will return to Liefder," I cut him off. "She doesn't need your pity or gold. I shall stay here for as long as I feel I am needed and not a second longer. I do this to honour the blood in my veins."

"Yes, you will stay here for as long as you are needed," King Imean agreed and I thought I saw a dangerous glint in his eyes. Queen Anirelle looked as stiff lipped as ever.

I turned around to face Liena and what she said next, I knew it was the bravest thing she had ever done, the hardest sacrifice she had ever made.

She nodded and said, "I will honour Andra's wishes."

"I know what you feel," Liena said. We were standing at the gates. Liena was about to leave. A barrage of guards stood behind me. There was nobody on Liena's side.

"That is why I didn't stop you," she said.

"I promise to come back," I said giving her a long hug. "Please take care of Cleodel and Ivanna. Tell them I'm alright and that I will return soon."

I was assigned to a room on the same floor as Prince Renuan. It was weird to be in such a huge room after living in a hayloft for years. Whenever I looked around the room, all my mind thought was, "What a waste!"

Ornate mahogany tables, bubble baths, and I even got my very own huge bathroom. Westpine lacked basic amenities like running water. What were bath salts anyway? 

It felt as if I had been living in a forest all these days. My mind was blank. I cried the entire afternoon over leaving Liena behind, then I got up and wrote a letter to Cleodel, telling him everything and asked him to look after Liena until I returned. I knew I had to be strong. A nation, my nation needed me. Strangely enough, I felt like an outsider in my very own house.

In the evening, a woman dressed in a black and white maid uniform came to my room.

"I'm Rysa, your personal maid, Your Grace" she said with the Phoenix accent and bowed. I instantly liked her. She was so docile and timid, it made you want to hug her tight and never let go.

"Get up," I said, catching her shoulder. "This is awkward."

She gave me a timid smile before bringing out a beautiful red and gold gown. It was an off shoulder gown, lined with rubies and weighed half as myself.

"What is this?!" I asked.

"Why, it's your dinner dress, Your Grace!" she said. I looked down at my plain peasant dress made of papery cotton and sighed.

This would take getting used to. Rysa dressed me up brilliantly and then she tied my hair in a Phoenixian braid.

"A princess must look beautiful," she said slowly. "Everyone everywhere will follow you."

The thought of people actually looking up to me terrified me. I was a peasant till yesterday! Every girl dreams of being a princess. But my situation was something of a nightmare.

I was assigned my very own butler Afae. He was over sixty and had hair that was snow white.

"Our family has served the Phoenixes for generations. My son Morys serves Prince Renuan," he explained.

He escorted me down the stairs and out of the gate where a long carriage was waiting for me.

"You have it all to yourself," Afae bowed. Ever the gentleman. He gave off such a fatherly vibe. Maybe I didn't like the King and Queen but there certainly other people here who were worth knowing.

The carriage took me to Santa del Michel, a huge castle like auditorium that had been rented out to throw a welcome party for me.

No sooner had I stepped out of the car than flashes went on all around. A hundred reporters thrust their mikes in my face.

"Are the rumours are true? Is King Imean guilty of adultery?"

"Why did the princess wait until now to introduce herself? The nation is falling apart. If you had been unveiled a year back, we would not have faced such a crisis."

"Were you really packed off to a training school?"

"What are your views on Prince Renuan's sudden accident? Was it a calculated move to legitimize you?"

Afae quickly came to my rescue.

"Follow me, princess," he said and made his way through the crowd. A troop of men-in-black dressed guards came and surrounded me.

"They hate me," I whispered to Afae, on the verge of tears. He just took my gloved reassuringly in his and guided me along.

Santa del Michel was huge and I was scared. The floor was filled with reporters, paparazzi and men and women belonging to the crème-de-la-crème of society.

King Imean was on stage. He spread an arm towards me and I took his palm as I stepped on the stage. Cheers, jeers and criticism went all around. Light bulbs started flashing in my face. Queen Anirelle gave me a look of pure hatred.

"Ladies and gentleman," Imean began, "I now introduce you to Princess Alessandra Rosalind Phoenix. Despite her questionable roots, true blue Phoenix blood does flow through her veins. I implore you to honour and welcome her and give her the respect she deserves."

Saying this he stepped back and I was left at the podium. My insides were queasy. Imean's plastic smile - Liena was right. If Phoenix hadn't been in danger, I would've spent the rest of my life as an ignorant peasant. I was being used like a discardable toy.

But, my sub conscious reminded me, they need you now. You have absolute power. You are a saviour.

So I smiled and waved and made small talk. I remembered all the details I had been told. I had been sent to Eritova Princess Training School, had passed with distinction and had immensely enjoyed my time there. Fake smile. Slight wave.  I mingled freely with the guests and endured plastic compliments the entire evening. I chatted and laughed and saw to it that I was in the good books of the men and women of power.

If I was to play the game, I would play it well.

Days of the women in a castle are boring. Queen Anirelle spends most of her time organizing balls and charities and sometimes advising Imean on matters related to women empowerment. But for most part of it, castle life is bland and boring.

I spent my first night in a deep sleep. And the next day rushed by in a whirlwind of getting measurements taken so that gowns could be made for me. Dinner and Lunch with the royal family was a solemn affair. Queen Anirelle shot me disgusted looks at my table manners and King Imean tried to pacify her. Prince Renuan's food was taken to his room. I hadn't seen him even once.

I could care less about the Queen. It was difficult enough trying to walk around in high heels, an elaborate hairdo and a heavy, embellished gown without tripping. For that at least, I admired Queen Anirelle. She moved so effortlessly and elegantly.

In the evening, I finally retired to the library and found Imean sitting on a comfortable leather chair.

"Your Majesty," I said bowing, instantly cold and distant.

"It feels funny to have my daughter address me like that," Imean chuckled.

"Because I don't consider myself one. Trust and respect have to be earned," I said pointedly.

"A true Phoenix," Imean smiled again. His scruffy beard twitched as he did so. The crown sat crooked on his head, over the shock of red hair. I stood silently, looking over the books.

"You have Liena's eyes," he said quietly. Instantly my hands flew up to my face.

"Don't you dare take her name like that," I spun around to meet his gaze. "Don't associate her to someone like you."

"I suppose you'll never forgive me," Imean sighed. "But sometimes, love is not enough. Remember that, Alessandra."

His eyes were filled with such a terrible sadness that for a moment, I began doubting myself. Could Imean have been a victim too?

"I don't think you realize how it is for us royals. This isn't Liefder where you can follow your heart and people won't judge you. A King leaving his wife to marry his servant, it's unheard of. It would besmirch the family name our forefathers have kept alive for years," he went on. "Sometimes I'm glad your mother went away. Liefder healed her."

"What do you care anyway?" I said. A corner of my mind warned that this was no way to talk to a King.

"I do care," Imean said. "I do care because I loved her."

I didn't know what to say. I was torn between sympathy for this man who was just as broken as Liena and hatred for what he had done.

"You loved her?" I asked again, voice quivering. I wanted to hear him say it again. I wanted Liena to hear it somehow.

"I did. That's why I didn't try to stop her. You think I couldn't have found her out? I didn't because I knew that wherever she was, she was happier than I could have ever made her."

"What do you see in Queen Anirelle anyway," I muttered.

"I don't see anything," Imean admitted. "Ours was a marriage of convenience. It was for the sake of peace between Phoenix and Orina."

I looked at him with wide eyes. I never knew that! All the papers always reported them as a happy couple.

"We put up appearances for the public's sake," Imean shrugged, reading my mind.

"You are just a coward," I said. Angry tears filled my eyes and threatened to spill over. "You could've avoided all this. You just didn't dare! You chose honour over love."

"I chose nation over love," Imean retorted, "Would you have chosen love in my position? I have a duty towards the nation."

I was numb for a moment. If I was in his place...how does it feel to be a king? To have millions of people depending upon you?

"To commoners, we live the ideal life. But how many know of the restraints we face?" Imean asked me.

"I loved Liena," he went on. He was talking to himself now. "I swore I would protect her but I couldn't."

With sudden resolve, he looked straight at me, "But now I finally have you and I shall protect my daughter with all I have. I regret I wasn't their to see you born or hold you when you took your first step. I've always wanted to meet you Andra. Always."

"You must earn her trust first," I said turning away. No, I would not melt so easily. If he wanted forgiveness, he would have to earn it.

"I have learnt this the hard way but love only destroys you. Caring for someone is never to your advantage. Listen to me, Alessandra, and listen well. Don't ever fall in love. Your path is set in stone. Now you must turn your heart into one."

Dinner was unusually quiet. After dinner, I wandered around, roaming the several passages and carpeted hallways. The architecture was old and that meant it was filled with numerous twists and rooms within rooms. I ran my hands over the pictures of the Phoenixes hanging from the walls and not much later, I found myself standing before Prince Renuan's room.

I hesitated slightly before knocking lightly.

"Come in," a voice said. It was so weak and strained that I was moved to pity.

I pushed open the huge mahogany doors and went in. His room was as big as mine. The window was open, curtains pulled back to reveal the snow capped mountains beyond. On a huge four poster bed in the centre, lay Prince Renuan, propped up on three pillows, reading a book.

Prince Renuan was a few years older than me. He had taken after the queen - pale blond hair, grayish-blue eyes and a strong jaw. He was wearing silk pajamas, lying safely tucked under layers of blankets. I knew for a fact that he was once a handsome lad with great strength but ever since the accident, he had been bed-ridden. His arms were thin, muscles sagging and his collar bones stood out starkly against his deathly pale skin. He looked sick and weak and somehow it made me feel terrible to see him lying so helplessly.

"You must be my half-sister," he smiled. I knew it hurt him to speak from the way his fingers twitched.

"Alessandra Rosalind Phoenix," I bowed and returned the smile. "I hope His Highness gets well soon."

"His Highness will probably never walk again," he answered looking away. He had fallen from his horse. It had gone rogue and had thrown him off and then stomped on his legs. God knows why I felt guilty.

"But he is alive," I tried to cheer him up. He turned to look at me and said, "I always wanted a little sister so that I could protect her and take care of her."

"I came a little late, I suppose," I smiled, now at my ease.

"Now it seems like you'll have to look after me!" he grinned. "Tell me, what made you leave a blissful life on the meadows and join this rat race of being queen?"

"Err, duty?" I asked. "King Imean thinks I might be able to save the country though I have no idea how."

"Can't say that I'm not the least bit relieved. Before you came, all responsibility was on me. The country looked upto me - their future King. Now, I feel like I can finally take some time off to rest."

"Your Hig -" I began.

"Ren, please," he admonished. "My sister will either call me Ren or Big Brother."

"I choose Ren," I said, "You can call me Andra."

"Well, Andra. Welcome to Phoenix."

The next day, Queen Anirelle called me into her chamber.

"Alessandra. You're late," she said. I was late by a minute. But one look at her scornful face and I didn't have the courage to say this.

She walked around me, scrutinizing me. I was wearing an ocean blue gown with platinum earrings and a necklace. She finished her inspection and sat on a chair, crossing her legs elegantly. Ever the lady.

"All this must be so new for you," she commented. "Living in a palace, being chauffeured around, being dressed. Were these considered luxuries in Westpine?"

"Yes, Your Grace," I said. She pretended to look away in shock.

"You truly have a peasant's upbringing!" she exclaimed. I cringed. The smirk on her face infuriated me.

"I always knew Imean didn't particularly love me. But a maid? Really? That's a new low even for him," she smiled demurely.

"Enough," I snarled. "That's my mother you're talking about!"

"And this is the Queen of Phoenix you are talking to," she said getting up and staring at me long and hard.

"Watch your tongue, peasant. Or else I just might make life very hard for you," she said with an almost wolfish growl.

I looked down and clenched my fist to keep my temper in check.

"You eat food like a bear. Your stance is like a pelican's. Your posture, good grief! And you barely know how to use a typewriter. Did your mother bring you up in a jungle?" she asked. I did not answer.

"The Phoenixes would be put to shame if anyone was to ever see you like that. From now on you shall attend princess training classes ten hours a day. It is necessary if you ever wish to gain suitors. I have already hired a tutor for you. Besides that, I also hired a scholar to teach you the history of our family and the crisis we currently face for four hours everyday. It is important for a princess to know what goes on in her own land."

I looked up in surprise, "That's...a lot."

"For a peasant's child, you do whine a lot," Queen Anirelle said and stormed out.

The next few days were filled with classes. I was tutored in Phoenian, and taught how to walk properly on heels. I learnt the history of the kingdom and the economic troubles facing us. Phoenix apparently owed the country of Erde tens of millions in terms of gold. And Erde was growing impatient for repayment.

I was taught never to raise my voice, to behave elegantly and demurely in public, to always smile, to cross my legs when I sat and to never begin eating until the King and my husband - if and when I had one - picked their forks.

"You must remember the different ways of placing your fork," my tutor explained, "A knife crossed through the fork means you did not like the meal. Placing them horizontally means the meal was excellent. Placing them vertically simply means you've finished. And crossing them to form a plus means you're ready for a second serving."

"A princess must walk straight, do not slouch. Put your shoulders back, tuck your stomach in and hold your chest out. Yes, like that. Walk in a straight line and don't keep looking down when you climb down the stairs. Place your hand softly on the railing. Don't clutch it but be ready to grasp it if you fall."

"Don't talk while chewing. Close your mouth and do not speak while the King or your husband is speaking. You're the youngest so you'll get up only when everyone else has finished their meal."

It was endless list. And I needed special care, it seemed. Queen Anirelle visited me every day to scoff at my slow improvement.

"Remember you shall be a queen one day. A Queen must always support her husband's decision. It is her duty to stand by him when no one else does."

"A Queen must set an ideal example for the other women in the country."

I walked on chalked out lines for hours on heels and mastered the perfect hold of a fork. I learnt how to curtsy, how to greet dignitaries and how to sit without ruining the pleats on my gown.

I knew this was all for a good cause so I put my heart into it, trying to remember every instruction I was given. But sometimes, it was hard not to long for Liena's warm hug or Cleo's obvious statements or Ivanna's morning news. I longed to go back to feeding chickens and weeding the garden but duty bound me here.

A month passed and I had hardly enough time to visit Ren or explore the castle grounds. Rysa tucked my groaning self into bed every night and Afae rushed around to get ointment for my blistered feet. Finally two months later, Queen Anirelle arrived and deemed my 'feeble' efforts to be passable.

"So it's true what they say - put a pretty dress on an ugly duck and she turns into a swan," she smirked.

"Sometimes the prettiest of dresses can't hide an ugly personality," I retorted.

"What did you say?" Queen Anirelle snarled as she drew close and took my face in her hands, her long nails digging into my chin. I remained silent.

"I am the Queen of Phoenix. And if I hadn't been generous enough to admit you here, you would still have been cleaning stables," she spit into my face.

That would be so much better, I wanted to say.

"You will regret this," she snarled and walked away, her silk gown swishing around her ankles.

My shipment of clothes and accessories arrived. My wardrobe was an entire room in itself, filled with rows and rows of silk and calico dresses, laden with jewels or lined with semi-precious stones.

I often went to visit Ren. How could he be her son?

Ren had been diagnosed out of the fatal zone but he was crippled and would never be able to walk again.

"I don't know how to feel about that," Ren said. The pain in his voice was evident. We were sitting in his room, enjoying a cup of coffee.

"I want to live. But I'm just surviving," he said. "I want to ride on a horse again and run up the stairs again. Now, I have to use a wheel chair all the time. I need people to help me get dressed!"

"Me too," I said and he gave a small smile.

"I would trade anything to be in your shoes right now," he sighed.

"Then you'd have terribly blistered feet."

"I would still be able to feel them at least," he said.

I had always wanted an elder brother and I loved Ren. But sometimes, I felt so sad around him. I felt so helpless. Ascending the throne - that's what his entire life had revolved on. And now it was gone. Just like that. I had taken over what he had been training for years for. Did he hate me for that?

"Ren," I said slowly. He looked at me quizzically.

"I'm sorry," I said. "I'm sorry for whatever I have taken from you. If I could turn time around, I would."

For a second, a shadow crossed his face. Just a flicker of darkness. Then it was gone.

"Tell me," he said looking away, "Could you give it all up? Could you forfeit all this and go back?"

"I-I don't know," I whispered, never more aware of how helpless I was. My life was being decided by duty, not me.

"Then why do you apologize, stupid girl?" he turned with a sad smile and knocked me lightly on my forehead. "Duty, duty, duty. We have no personal lives, do we?"

"Queen Anirelle asks for you in her chamber, Your Grace," Rysa bowed. I was sitting in my room, going over our cost policies. King Imean said that if I wanted to be a model queen whose advise the King sought, I should be acquainted with the country's fiscal problems.

"Now? Why?" I wondered aloud.

"She seemed happy," Rysa said. I liked if when she spoke informally. It made me feel that much closer to having a friend.

"Then it's definitely bad news for me," I muttered and headed out.

Queen Anirelle's chamber was like a palace in itself. It had a full glass wall that overlooked Valburn. The room was done in shades of grey and red. The furniture was sophisticated and new, unlike the rest of the furniture in the castle that had probably been here since ages. When I entered, she was sitting on a grey leather couch flipping through a magazine, wearing a silk nightgown, her legs crossed and hair tied behind in a perfect Phoenian bun. That woman remembered her lessons alright.

"Rysa said you wanted to see me," I said when she didn't even look up when I entered.

"Your Grace," she said still flipping the pages of the magazine.

"I beg your pardon?" I asked.

"You will address me as Your Grace," she said finally looking up.

"Yes...Your Grace," I added.

"Well, Andra," she said crossing her arms over. "Sit down. Let's have a woman to woman talk, shall we?"

Puzzled, I sat opposite her.

"Tell me, is there someone you love?" she asked. I was thrown off track for a second. What was she heading at?

"Tsk-tsk," Queen Anirelle shook her head, "Look at your face. You look like you've seen a ghost."

I gulped and turned to her. Someone I loved? Instantly the image of Cleo flashed in my mind. I loved Cleo. Didn't I? I had hardly thought of him in the past month. Was that because I had been too busy or because he was already receding into the distant corners of my mind?

It didn't matter. I couldn't let her know about Cleodel. She was hell bent on hurting me. I could take that but if she ever decided to prey on Liena or Cleodel, that I would not tolerate. Queen Anirelle was still talking and I turned my attention towards her.

"As a princess, you must never show true emotions. If you let the papparazzi know a particular thing shocked or saddened you, they will skin you alive. They will yield it to their advantage. What type of princess lets her face be so expressive? You need training classes for answering interviews too it seems," she went on.

"No," I said firmly.

"No?" she asked, shocked.

"No, I don't love anyone," I said. Anirelle clicked her tongue in irritation.

"Were you listening? You have to do a few interviews and you have to come across as likeable. The nation needs to adore and accept you. Though that might be somewhat impossible for you, you need to try," she said.

"Yes, Your Grace," I nodded.

"I'll find a tutor for you. And I'm glad to hear that you don't love anyone. Makes things a lot easier for me," she smirked. "Dismissed."

I spent a sleepless night pondering over what she meant. I wanted to ask for Ren's opinion but I couldn't exactly ask him questions about his mother's secret intentions, could I?

I did undergo several hours of torturous interview training though. And I did give three exclusive interviews to clear my name, assert my position and prove my birthright.

A day after I returned from my last interview, Anirelle called me to her chamber again.

"You must leave for Erde at once," she said.

"Erde?" I asked shocked. "That's another country!"

"Tsk! Don't let your shock show!" she clicked her tongue impatiently. "You're visiting another country. I need you to be on your best behaviour. Smile a lot, curtsy a lot, look pretty and elegant. Be seen, do not be heard. I can't have your peasant upbringing showing through."

"Yes, Your Grace," I bowed. I was used to this by now. "May I ask why, with such evident haste am I being sent away?"

She gave a chortle.

"Sent away? Not yet my love, not yet." Her smile made me uneasy. No good ever came out of it for me.

"Afae and Rysa will accompany you. Remember, best behaviour," she wiggled her finger at me. "Dismissed."

Afae prepared my luggage and Rysa dolled me up. I have to agree that she did a splendid job. I had never so much as touched a bar of charcoal liner before. And now my entire face was painted over a million other products. I donned my purple gown, Rysa braided my hair and held it up in a bun, fixing it with a jade clip. I wore crystal slippers that King Imean's butler delivered to my room.

It had been weird to be around Imean ever since we had the talk. I didn't know which one of us was hurt more. But I appreciated the effort he made to earn me back. He didn't try to win me over with chocolates and promises of new dresses like any father would with a ranting child. He gave me my space and looked into the small details of my life. Like making sure the chefs made Liefder food and seeing to it that Anirelle was kept busy enough. That didn't work well though.

Erde was across the Arcenian Ocean and both Imean and Anirelle came to see me off. Anirelle with her usual cocky smile and Imean with a sad, pained look. Afae and Rysa loaded my luggage on the ship.

Before I crossed the plank, Anirelle hugged me for the benefit of the paparazzi and whispered in my ear, "Thank you, Alessandra."

It made me shiver in an eerie way. What was I to be doing? The press described my undertaking as heroic and said this truly made me a daughter of Phoenix. Was I the only one kept in the dark? Even Rysa and Afae hadn't been told because I could have easily pried it out of them.

Imean stepped forward and patted me lightly on the head and then he leaned forward and said with an almost teary voice, "I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you."

I jerked back. I was about to say 'What?' but remembering my lessons, smiled and nodded demurely.

I had barely gotten used to the Fire Country and now I was being shipped off again. At least this time I would actually be doing something heroic. As per the press.

Suddenly a voice called out.

"Andra!"

I turned to see Ren on his wheelchair, furiously paddling towards me.

"Ren!" I called happily and bent forward to hug him. The sight of him made my uneasiness melt away. At least there was someone who was genuinely sad to see me go.

"You're really brave, you know," he said.

"If only I knew why," I whispered back.

He looked at me puzzled. Then he grinned and said, "C'mon. Don't pretend like you don't know. Write to me everyday, okay?"

I would have protested but the ship was about to leave. So I stepped off Phoenix soil and began to sail towards Erde.

The New Country

Erde was a brilliant, lustrous city. Like its people, the country of Erde had no illusions. The roads and buildings, everything bore the mark of crisp formality. Unlike Phoenix, nothing was ornamental, but just important. As we made our way in the carriage towards the palace, we passed lush green fields of barley, wheat, maize and rice.

"Erde, Country of the Soil," I recited.

"The soil is mineral rich. It's an agricultural country," Afae said, seeing my wondering look.

"I wonder how the royal family is," I wondered.

"Your Highness will find that they are...quite different," Afae said.

"Different?" I asked. Afae shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"C'mon Afae, tell me the truth. I won't hang you for it," I pleaded. Rysa spoke up, "What Afae means, Your Highness, is that the people of Erde are cold and calculating."

"Rysa!" Afae looked at her, scandalized.

"I don't mind," I said hurriedly. "Do go on, Rysa."

"Well," she began, "You come from Liefder, the kingdom of love. You grew up in an environment of love. It was a place people weren't judged. Phoenix is different. Status and honour matter a lot. People are fiery because they would do anything to prevent besmirching the country's name. But Erde is in a league of itself. The people of the soil know what they need and what they want."

"Phoenix is a beautiful country," Afae said. "But the beauty you see is all borrowed. The lavish roads, the extensive architecture, the elaborate festivals, they all come at a price. We are fierce and reckless, like fire. We also destroy. But Erde, they know how to manage their lives alright. Have you noticed the country? Have you seen any sign of wastage of funds? Erde doesn't know love or passion. Ornamental buildings are banned. So are marble statues except for Kings. Even their architectural style is very solid and box-like. They do not indulge in unnecessary carvings that could increase cost. You might even seen the most affluent of people wearing cotton gowns with no stones set in them. Beautiful no doubt, but no embellishments. "

"Life must be a curse to them then," I muttered to myself.

I was shocked to see the Erde Mansion. It was as huge as the Phoenix palace. But it was a grey stone manor with huge windows and a slated roof. It radiated cold and harsh reality. The lawns were trimmed and manicured. As far as I could see, only vegetables were grown. No fancy flowers or trees cut in the shape of dinosaurs.

The palace gate was crowded by the paparazzi who were being restrained by the guards. The Erdes came out to welcome me.

A motherly woman in a simple coat came forward to welcome me.

"Princess Alessandra, welcome to Erde," she smiled. A genuine smile.

She introduced herself, "I am Queen Sybil Erde."

I was a bit shocked because her plain gown had me thinking she was probably the lady-in-waiting. Only when I looked carefully did I notice that the gown was made of pure Faynian cotton, though devoid of any design. I felt unnecessarily ostentatious before her.

"This," she motioned towards a bearded, slightly pot-bellied man beside her, "is my husband - King Nigel Erde." I smiled and curtsied and we had the usual pleased-to-meet-you chat. Unlike his placid wife, Nigel Erde had the calculating Erdian eye Afae had told me so much a out. He was scrutinizing me head to toe like he was calculating if I was worth it. I could feel his cold gaze run over me. To receive a once over from a man, I would've deemed it harassment. But coming from him, it had a harsh ring tinge to it.

Sybil and Nigel. They even have such plain names, I thought.

"And these are my young children - Ciel," she pointed towards a boy of twelve with black hair like his parents. "And Irilda." A girl of eight with black curls hanging loosely around her shoulder. Sybil and Nigel must've been handsome in their youth because the young Erdes certainly possessed those genes -porcelain skin, deep calming almond shaped eyes and long shapely limbs.

"I apologize for Oriane's absence. He's the one, you know. My eldest son. But he's away transacting a business deal at Fairfan. He'll be here on the day of announcement, so don't worry," she smiled again.

I returned the smile as if I understood everything.

I was assigned to a room. A huge, albeit rather common place room. Like everything else in the entire country, the palace was devoid of extensive decorations. It was plain and simple and monotonous and nothing like hallways I had become used to.

Gosh, I'm turning into a snob! I thought to myself.

The evening was spent in the library (no leather bound books), where Nigel, Sybil and I held conversation. Rather Sybil and I did. Nigel simply nodded and continued his scrutiny.

I didn't know why I was here but I knew I had to please them. Remembering Anirelle's words, I was at my charming best. Sybil was a homely woman whose practical mind was a welcome change from Anirelle's scheming one. Perhaps that's why Nigel valued her opinion in a way that Imean never did Anirelle's.

If I'm ever a queen, that's the type I want to be, I thought.

"Phoenix is a beautiful country," Sybil said, "I've only seen pictures but I'd be glad to visit one day."

"Liefder is beautiful too,"I said.

"Liefder? You've been there?" Sybil asked, astonished. I bit my tongue. The secret about my parentage had been a carefully guarded secret. The press had simply been told that I had been sent away at my birth to an instituition that specialized in the upbringing of royalty because Imean and Anirelle were busy trying to being up Ren and manage the country's funds at the same time. Such institutions did exist and my red hair was the same shade as Imean's. There were whispers here and there but with no concrete evidence, they had nothing to go on.

"I've only seen pictures," I said in reply to Sybil's question. My parentage had to remain a secret or everything would fall apart. Phoenix would fall apart.

"Oriane hates Liefder," Sybil said. "'A country founded on love is a waste'. That's what he says. He doesn't seem to care much for their easy0goung manor and acceptance of everything and everyone. Says it bad for the economy. Don't let that dishearten you though. He really is a nice kid. My pride and joy." She smiled like a proud mother.

"He's so good at managing the country's affairs and has such a great bond with the poeple. Never fails to arrive at an appointment on time, my Oriane," Sybil continued. I was mildly stunned by this. Wouldn't she say how nice and kind and considerate her son was? No, this was Erde. A person's worth was measured by his work, not by his personality.

Sybil told me that a ball would be held in the Town Hall the next day to introduce me to the public.

"I look forward to it," I said and retired for the night.

Afae escorted me to the Town Hall which was a huge stone building at the centre of the town, now decorated, though rather simply, for the ball.

Rysa had picked out a cream dress with netted designed sleeves and peach shoes with exceptionally high heels. She tucked my hair into a bun, braiding back several locks and intertwining them to form a sort of clasp to hold the bun in place.

"Where did you learn to do all this?" I marveled.

"My mother was a hairdresser," she said, "She owned a beauty salon in Valburn."

"What made you enter the King's service then?" I asked, surprised.

Rysa shrugged lightly, "Mother owed certain people. So when she died they took over the salon. I was broke and there was a vacancy for a job here. I needed the money badly. After that I guess I just continued staying here."

"Don't you want it back? The salon? I know you love you love this line of work."

"Maybe one day I'll save enough to buy it back," Rysa replied. "You should go, Your Highness."

I left in silent contemplation.

The Revelation

The atmosphere in the Town Hall was joyous and loud. Champagne flowed freely and people chatted away like old friends. I could identify a few viceroys and governors.

"Welcome to Erde. How do you like the country?" a woman asked me. I later found out she was Lady Lucielle Therese, wife of the Viceroy of Riverside.

"It's a beautiful country," I said loyally.

"Beautiful?" she looked stunned. "That's truly a compliment coming from someone used to Phoenix and it's high life."

"What would life be if I didn't taste the various shades of it?" I laughed.

"Ah, he's here! They're about to announce it. Aren't you excited?" she clapped happily. Unsure of what to say, I turned to look at what she was pointing at and for a second my heart stopped still.

Dressed in a royal white and blue uniform, stood the most handsome man I had ever seen. His tousled jet black hair was hastily swept back with a careless hand and his greyish-blue eyes shimmered like water on the surface of a lake. Unblemished creamy skin and delicately masculine features bode his toned body well. I could almost see the pectorals beneath the heavy drapes of the royal costume. A sigh escaped my lips involuntarily.

A chuckle sounded beside me. Lady Lucielle glanced at me.

"In love already?" she grinned. I blushed a deep red and stole a look again. For the briefest instant, our eyes met. Jade green eyes looked into grey-blue ones.

And I shivered. His gaze was...cold. It was cold and mechanical and harsh and scrutinizing like everything else in this goddamned country.

I quickly turned away. The announcer was introducing the royal family. Sybil and Nigel were waving at the crowd. Ciel and Irilda stood huddled.

"And now, please welcome the Prince of Erde, Oriane Van Den Erde."

And the man I had been stealing glances at, got up and walked up the stage, regally. I gasped in shock. He's Oriane!

My trained eyes instantly saw how confidently he walked, stance perfect, posture relaxed yet formal, steps measured.

A true blue blood, I thought.

"And now," the announcer continued, "The main reason why we are all gathered here today. Ladies and gentlemen of Erde, I present before you Prince Oriane's fiancée - Princess Alessandra Rosalind Phoenix."

I was stunned for a moment. Maybe I had misheard it but everyone was looking at me expectantly.

"Go on," Lady Lucielle urged. For a moment, fire flared within me. This is what I had been sent to Erde for? To be married off? Imean had played me like he had played Liena. After all those words and promises, he had just wanted to get rid of me after all. And this was an effective way of doing so as I would also end up serving the nation by bridging our differences. I would have stormed off then and there if Phoenix's dignity wasn't resting on my shoulders. I hated being royalty.

My head felt as if it was on fire but I hid my anger and resentment behind a smile and willed my legs to move. Prince Oriane was smiling amicably at everyone. He had known.

Yet there was a frostiness about his smile, one that few eyes would perceive because it was ever so slight. Applause broke out as I went onstage and Sybil moved aside so that I stood beside Prince Oriane. The crowds were cheering and clapping and I felt oddly suffocated by it all.

The minty smell of Oriane's cologne wafted up to me and suddenly, I was oddly conscious of being so near him. It wasn't our physical proximity that scared me though.

He was handsome, agreed. Jet black hair and grey-green eyes, the chiseled jaw and slender fingers. But heck, being engaged to this guy?! I didn't even know his middle name! And I am just 17 for crying out loud. I had always thought I would marry Cleo or someone from my class. And right now, I would give anything to be back in my loft, with Cleo's arms around me.

So yeah. This marriage - not happening.

I'll give Imean a chunk of my mind later.

Suddenly, the host thrust the mike in my face, "So, Princess Alessandra. Tell us the tale of how you met? You both look perfect together!"

I was brought back to reality. Right. Story, story, story. Think of a story. Just this one night, play it right.

"Uh...," I began. I was never good at this sort of stuff. "It was the usual, uh..."

"We met quite young, actually," Prince Oriane's masculine voice cut through the air.

"We did?" I looked at him in surprise.

"Yes," he said, smiling a million dollar smile. "Andra and I met when we were nine. I hated her at first sight because she wouldn't play with me."

Ah, he was ad libbing. And he was good at it.

"Because I had high standards," I added and laughed.

"She did," Prince Oriane nodded. I once skipped school to visit her Royalty Training Center. I thought she would be pleased to see me."

"But I told him to go home because I didn't talk to illiterates," I said. This was fun!

"So I hated her. Because I couldn't have her," Prince Oriane continued. "I'd met so many girls who fell for my charm - I am quite charming - and Andra never cared."

"He sent me roses on my sixteenth b ‘day," I grinned thoroughly. Bahahah! Oriane shot me a surprised and spiteful look that said - "Enough. You're making me look like pansy."

I grinned in response, feeling a trickle of pride at having cracked his frosty demeanour.

"He did?" the anchor gasped. The audience cheered ever more.

"I did," Oriane sighed and shook his head. "A waste flowers are surely. but the things we do for love." Dramatic sigh. 

I almost snorted. Love. What did an Erde know about love? Cold, mechanical cyborgs.

"But I did say yes in the end," I said.

"Yes. Now that's all that matters," Oriane looked at me and smiled. Boy, he was a good actor! The clapping continued and the party went late into the night.

I was standing in a corner sipping champagne, finally having managed to extricate myself from the horde of well wishers. Oh, if only they knew that this marriage would never happen. I couldn't imagine the rage I'd see on the mechanical face!

"Care to dance?" a familiar voice said behind me. I turned to face Prince Oriane.

"Nope," I said smoothly and sipped my champagne. He might be the sexiest beast on the planet but I still would not marry him. Feminism.

"Believe me, I don't want to either. But we're being watched," he shrugged. Well, so much for feminism. That was blunt.

I caught the paparazzo peering at us and nodded taking his outstretched hand. I had taken my gloves off and his hand felt steady and inviting. I say steady because I wasn't so steady myself after all those drinks.

We slow danced for some time, clinging close to each other. His chest was like a headboard. It was toned and inviting and his cologne just kept drawing me in. I'm a sucker for guys who smell good. I kept my head down most of the time, but whenever I did look up, I’d catch his grey-blue eyes staring at me intensely. I felt a blush creeping onto my cheeks from the alcohol.

"You're sniffing me."

"Eh?" I looked up in surprise, trance broken.

Prince Oriane was looking down at me with an amused expression.

"You're. Sniffing. Me," he said again.

"I got that the first time, I'm not an idiot," I slurred.

"Great. You can't even handle a drink," he muttered and looked away in irritation.

"Well, if you were to be shipped off to another country given no reason as to why and then you found out that you are engaged to a total stranger, you might need a drink or two," I snapped.

"Wait, no one told you?" he pulled back a little and I stumbled, losing my balance. He held me up and wrapped an arm around my waist pulling me close. His arms went round my back and I was pushed against his body, his lean masculine frame. Ah, that heavenly smell! His face was close. Everything was a bit blurry but those eyes were inviting me. Involuntarily, I raised a finger to trace his lips –

"You're a royal. Act like one," he ordered.

"Yesh, Your Highness," I said and giggled. My hands dropped to my side and I suddenly found the incident extremely funny. Oriane sighed in defeat.

"I need to get you to bed," he said matter-of-factly.

"Oh, you naughty boy!" I flicked his nose and he jerked his head away cursing under his breath. He helped me walk and took me to Afae who had been standing aside. Afae escorted me to the limo and I fell asleep on his lap.

I woke up on my queen size four poster bed. Events of the night before flashed before my eyes. It had been fine until I had gotten drunk. Ugh, what must the Erdes think of me now?!

But embarrassment gave way to anger.

"AFAE!" I shouted. "GET HERE NOW!"

Afae and Rysa hurried into my room with scared faces.

"Princess -"

"Your Highness -"

"Send a pigeon to the King now," I ordered. I had never spoken so harshly. A visibly shaken Afae left to place the call and Rysa began to arrange the room. "Use every curse word you know!"

Ten minutes later, I came down in my gold and white gown, my hair braided and pinned up. The Erdes were having breakfast.

"Your Highness," Afae came up to me. "I placed the letter with the emergency doves. They're the fastest here."

I exhaled deeply and dismissed her.

It would be an entire day until I would receive two replied - one from Anirelle and the other from Imean.

Love, suck it up and deal with it. 
The Royal Queen Anirelle Phoenix, 
Emergency Administrative Head of the State,
Cremel Tower,
Phoenix High Castle,
Phoenix.

No points for guessing who sent THAT.

Andra, I'm so sorry. It was Anirelle's idea and quite possibly, the only way out. I might be the King but all she had to do was implant the idea and I admit, I see no better way. Phoenix owes Erde a lot of gold. And we can't pay up so soon. Your marriage to Prince Oriane will better our sour relations and buy us time. They have agreed to extending our time of repayment by a decade. Phoenix is a beautiful country, but as you said, it does not stand on its own feet. The Erdes are the soil we stand on. And this is the only way we can ensure their support for some more time. If we were to fall now, think of all the people who'd go homeless, bankrupt and worse. I have already curtailed expenses on defense so we're at our very weakest. People do not appreciate the ban on liquor and revolts might arise. 
Please, you're our only hope.
Imean.

I was silent for some time. My reply was as short as curt as Anirelle's.

"I still can't do it."

I went into the dining hall where Nigel was the only one left. He was reading the newspaper.

"Sorry for being late," I said.

He nodded and 'humph'-ed. Then he handed me the newspaper. Puzzled, I took it and instantly went rigid.

There on the first page, in full colour with the caption 'The Prince Finds His Match' was a picture of me and Oriane, dancing.

My head was resting on his chest and my face was flushed from the alcohol. Oriane had his arm around me and in the picture, it looked protective and adorable. We totally looked like a couple in love. My face went red.

"People can't see this," I said to myself.

"Why not?"

I glanced up to see King Nigel inspecting me curiously. I had the feeling be didn't consider me good enough for his eldest son.

Because I'll be breaking off the engagement and that will ruin your familial pride, I thought.

Instead I just gulped and said, "The hounds never leave us alone, do they?"

"Irilda! Have you seen Oriane?" I asked the little girl.

"He went in the office with some important looking people. He told me not to disturb him," she said. I nodded and moved on after ruffling her hair.

I was getting a bit tired of the monotonous grey walls. They should just take a cue from Phoenix and hire an interior designer! I waited for some time and eventually Oriane stepped out of the room for a breath.

"Oriane!" I called out. He turned around to face me.

"Yes?" he asked in mild irritation.

"Well, I thought we need to talk," I said.

"About?"

Jeez, he was being so curt! He was fine yesterday. But then, I don't really remember.

"About the wedding. I guess -"

"Alessandra," he cut me off. "The people at Fairfan are dying due to drought. I think discussion on our marriage and what flowers you want can wait." I looked at him surprised.

"That's not what I meant," I said. "The wedding is still months away."

"I know," he said breathing deeply. "Mother and you can discuss the details. I'm fine with whatever theme, dress, colour or flower you choose."

This was getting maddening. He didn't care about all this cause it's an arranged marriage. He's married to his work. I'm probably just a trophy and hence not worth his nation time. Got it. But he doesn't have to be such a jerk about it!

"Prince Oriane Van Den Erde," I said pointing my finger at him. "I'm not going to marry you."

Then I spun on my four inch heel stiletto and stormed off. The effect was somewhat marred by his barely audible whisper, "I doubt you’re in a position to choose."

In the end, Oriane hadn't even taken my warning seriously. I had thought he would go running and inform Nigel but he stayed in that room the entire day. In the evening, Sybil called me to my room and gave me the details of the wedding.

"We'll hold it a month after you turn 18. That's eight months away, isn't it?" she droned on. "Oh, it'll be great! Nigel even doubled the budget so we can actually have a lavish over-the-top wedding with five hundred guests! Nigel and I had such a sub-standard drab wedding. And I had to wear my grandmother's wedding dress because of traditions but we'll get you a new one! Everything you want, Andra! Are you getting cold feet yet? It comes on the last week, I suppose-"

Now you tell me how to butt in and say 'I'm not gonna marry your son'. She went on about how brilliant it would be and all I could do was listen and nod and act excited when in reality I felt like crap because I really liked Sybil and didn't want to break her heart.

"I think you'll be good for him," Sybil said.

"Pardon?" I asked puzzled.

Sybil lowered her voice conspiratorially.

"I suppose we Erdes must seem very cold to you," she said. I was startled that she actually said that!

"Everybody loves Oriane because he's good at his job. He'll be an ideal ruler, I know," Sybil sighed. "But as a mother, I feel like I failed somehow. I want my children to be appreciated for who they are, not for their worth in gold."

"I understand," I nodded.

"Oriane doesn't understand love," Sybil said. "I arranged so many meetings, but he was as comfortable marrying Girl No. 1 as Girl No. 2."

"Oh," I managed. Despite it all, I felt a twinge of – I don’t know, sadness maybe?

"Everything he does is for the kingdom. He settled on Queen Anirelle's proposal and agreed to you as his bride because it would improve our relations," Sybil said.

How could I ever say what I wanted now? Sybil might be an Erde but she had a mother's heart. She wanted her children to grow up into good men and women, she too dreamt of big fat weddings and an extensive guest list.

"Sybil," I said slowly. "I don't think I'm the one for Oriane."

Sybil looked up in shock, "No, no, no! I never should have said this. Did I scare you? I know an arranged marriage is tough -"

"I think he deserves a chance to fall in love," I answered.

"But you're perfect for him," Sybil said. And she had tears in her eyes. "Promise me Andra, you'll teach him to love, won't you?"

It was ages before I found my voice. I nodded, "I will."

The entire family sat down for dinner. It was the first time all of us were present, including Oriane, who was more focused on the file in his hand. We were sitting side by side, opposite to Sybil and Nigel. Ciel and Irilda sat at the two ends. Kept them from hatching mischief, Sybil said.

"Oriane," Sybil called out, "Ditch the work at dinner at least. Let's just eat like a normal family."

"We aren't a normal family," Oriane said.

"For heaven's sake child, you're getting married," Sybil cried, "At least get to know your bride."

"There will be a lot of time for that after the marriage," Nigel spoke up, "Let the boy do his work."

A silence fell over the table and I saw Sybil look at Nigel unhappily. She cast me a sorry look. After sometime, Oriane got up and excused himself. I finished my food and left.

Ambitions

Oriane was leaning against the door frame of my room. Clothed in a simple white shirt with the few top buttons open and formals pants. He had probably just got off work.

"What're you doing here?" I asked startled. It was late night and I had just been about to get into bed after a study of Erde's history.

"Waiting for you, obviously," he replied with a bored look.

"Shouldn't you be studying Fairfan and its climatic conditions?" I asked. Two can play the game.

"I'm just getting to know my bride," he smirked. And then added, "Seeing that she decided to stay."

"You don't have to be all cocky about it," I replied and tucked the book away. 

He entered and sat on the leather chair at the far end of my room in silence, maintaining a formal distance between us. At length, I asked, “So, how’s work?”

“It’s managed to work out so far,” he replied tonelessly. What a beautiful jaw. Was it because it was made of stone? 

“Did the relief funds manage to reach the people of Fairfan in time?” I tried again.

“They did,” Oriane nodded. “We’ve lost a few men but there are enough supplies to outlast the calamity.”

“That’s good,” I nodded. “That’s very good.”

Oriane sighed. “I guess I should be heading back to my office.”

Way to go Romeo. That wasn’t even two minutes! Heck, if this man is to be my future husband, he will pay attention to me. He must! I don’t care if he’s an Erde or an Arlighe, I refuse to spend my life as Anirelle.

“Oriane,” I called out after him. “Let me help. I want to know the matters of my country too.” He looked unsure for some time and finally nodded a hesitated assent and led the way. I would’ve preferred if he had walked beside me.

Oriane’s office was formally furnished, crisp and important-looking. Papers were neatly stacked and arranged alphabetically. Books were arranged by the genre on the bookshelf and a glassed wall overlooked Valburn. It was snowing outside and the little flakes wafted down peacefully.

Oriane handed me the files related to the economic crisis at Fairfan.

“Being an agricultural country,” he began, “Fairfan depends on its soil and farmers. Climatic conditions have been regular and predictable for the past twenty years. But the Westerly Wind shifted course last December due to pattern changes – are you listening?”

“Oh, yes!” I jumped. I had been watching a snowflakes journey. “I’m listening. The Westerly, go on. I know all that though. I did study them last night.”

Oriane shot me an irksome look at being interrupted and perhaps I also saw a glint of acknowledgement? He continued, “This pattern change was noticed by the Geographical Committee and yet they failed to notify us, dismissing it as nothing major. If they had managed to inform us in time, perhaps tragedy could have been avoided.”

“This matter is sealed to the public?” I asked.

“Of course,” he nodded, “It might lead to revolts in Fairfan.”

“And your solution to this is?” I prodded.

“I fired them,” Oriane said simply.

I nearly fell off my chair. “You what?!”

“I fired all the current employees of the Geo-Com. They’ve been lazing off,” Oriane repeated slowly.

“Are you an idiot?” I screamed. “You can’t just fire 300 people!”

“I just did.”

“You can’t! Think of their families, they have mouths to feed like you and me. And we aren’t even facing recession,” I thundered.

“Will you keep it down? You’re yelling my ear off. Those employees were slowing the system down. If on organ fails to operate properly, the entire system comes crashing down,” Oriane said. “It’s either them or the country. Besides, not everyone was fired per se. Some were just demoted to lower levels. We don't want high rates of unemployment now.”

There it was again. A calculated move. Could the King of Liefder ever have done something like this? No, here, all that mattered was the result. The worth. If you slipped, you were kicked out.

“People make mistakes,” I said quietly.

“That doesn’t mean they have to be forgiven for it,” he replied curtly. “This is why I never allow women in the workplace. They are too much governed by emotions.”

That comment did it. “And what’s wrong with being human?” I shouted.

“Erde isn’t a place for mistakes,” Oriane replied calmly.

“No, Erde’s a place for douche bags like you,” I snapped.

“I’m sorry?” Oriane stepped back in surprise, apparently never used to having been called so before.

I sighed. “Let me come down to your level,” I spat. “The people you’ve just fired know about the mess-up. They can leak it and cause a revolt. Demoting them makes them only more worked up! Give them a warning, a last chance - whatever! Firing at such short notice - do you think people won't notice half the Geo-Com is suddenly out of work? Make budget cuts, fire out the lazy ones - God knows when they last did a rain check. But you just fired everyone which might include passionate interns, ambitious geologists...”

Oriane looked at me silently for some time. His eyes were looking straight at me, as if challenging me. So I held my own and stared steadily back. And I had never been more aware of the physical chemistry brewing between us. It was in the way he stood so rigid and straight and the way his muscles flexed when he moved his arm. There was something about his eyes, the way they shimmered that made me want to draw close and –

“You’re right,” Oriane broke the gaze off abruptly and nodded, “You’re right. It’s an unnecessary and hasty move.” He turned away and sat on the leather chair. I gave a mini-sigh at the moment’s passing away.

I smiled. Score one for the Phoenix.

“I should get going then,” I said as Oriane prepared to make some calls. He was already deep inside his work and I knew when I was unwelcome. I took a last look around and left through the door.

“Alessandra.” Oriane’s voice reached me.

“Yes?” I turned around to face him. It was weird, the first time Oriane actually called me. I looked at him, he was staring intently at me, his grey-blue eyes blazing with intensity. I’m sure I caught him give me a quick once-over from head to toe. There was a slight curve hanging at the edges of his lips.

He’s going to thank me and say what a wonderful queen I’ll make one day.

“Next time, try to be objective and not overcome by emotions,” Oriane said.

 Way to ruin a perfectly nice moment.

_________________________________________________________________________

TO BE CONTINUED...

_________________________________________________________________________

A/N :

This is only the first part of the story of Andra and Oriane. Hope you enjoyed it.

More to come soon! Do comment and let me know your views.