“A death sentence? Don’t you think that is a little dramatic Mother?”

The Queen’s eyes are red from her tears. Rubbing her face gently she takes a few calming breaths. “You can’t honestly believe that they won’t kill you as soon as you step on their lands?”

Taking the skirt of her dress in her hands, she rises from the floor. Her royal purple gown glistens in the faint candlelight. Purple was most definitely my Mother’s color. In a restless manner, she starts to rummage through my drawers, separating essentials that I will need in Xosta.

Proceeding with her business she continues. “King Thybaut is a cold-blooded barbarian. They have no respect for our culture. For centuries we have been at odds because of their disrespect for human life. He placed a law that each family may only have one child in order to lower his Kingdom’s poverty. If anyone breaks that law the additional child will be executed immediately. He would rather kill innocent children than lower their taxes for the impoverished. It is despicable.”

In Theora culture, every birth of a child is a miracle from the Earth. We believe that the Earth is the source of all life, and therefore is sacred and should be treated as such. We regard our traditions and praise to the Earth, which has led to extremely fertile soil; resulting in plentiful harvests, healthy cattle, an abundance of wildflowers, and even fruit fertility of our people. Just the thought of executing children to reduce the Kingdom’s poverty levels goes against everything we stand for. It puts a weight on my heart just thinking about it.

Trying to ease both my Mother’s mind and my own, I interpret her ramble during a brief lull. “Perhaps this is a chance for positive change.”

She shakes her head in disappointment. “You are more naive than I thought if you think that. Women have no say in Royal regulation there. Your role will be to bear the Prince’s children and nothing more.”

“Then why did Father agree to this? Surely you discussed this with him!” My voice raised on its own volition. I cringing inside that I even allowed myself to speak at that decibel. Princesses must never shout, but my fear is setting in seeing my Mother act this way. I have never seen her this unraveled.

“The King is blinded by the anxiety and terror that this War could bring. They are slowly making their way to our land, and our current defenses would certainly fail. He wouldn’t listen to me.” The Queen slams the top dresser drawer shut. Her anger pushing it with force. “I tired… I tried so hard to change his mind… but the King didn’t want to risk asking for the alternative. The letter King Thybaut sent explicitly said ‘this is a final offer, and will only come once’.”

A knock at the bed-chamber door cuts the tension in the room. One of the King’s guards announces his presence before letting himself in. Following close behind him is the Xosta soldier I saw in the Throne room. The dark knight is, even more, intimidating up close. “Your highnesses may I present Sir Esteve. He is the personal guard to Prince Galleren. He has been charged to accompany you from this moment forward to ensure your safe arrival to Xosta.”

The Theora guard takes a low bow to us, while the Xosta guard stands tall and true. It is as if he is announcing his dominance in the room. Our trusted castle guard laughs uncomfortably at his behavior. “Please don’t mind Sir Esteve. He is a man of few words.” Before leaving the three of us alone, the King’s guard takes one last bow toward me. “Your presence in the castle will be missed, my lady. Please try and get some rest. You have a long journey ahead.”

I take in every ounce of the guard’s kindness, knowing that I will not see it where I am going. His words remind me of the love I have for the people of Theora. A tear of melancholy escapes from my eye. With a hand over my heart, I show a small courtesy of gratitude to the loyal guard for his thoughtfulness.

“Thank you,” I say gracefully.

When The Queen and I are left with Sir Esteve the room falls silent. We can’t talk ill of Xosta in front of the Prince’s guard. I know that my Mother would not want to risk putting me in any more danger than I already am.

Silently the two of us continued to pack while Sir Esteve stood watch. Steadfast he did not waiver, keeping his right hand on the hilt of his sword. His lack of voice causes me to think he is not just a ‘man of few words’, but that perhaps he is mute.

Circling back to my vanity, I take the small wooden chest on the table that acts as my jewelry box. Looking at its interior I see the few pieces I have collected over the years. One of the teachings of our culture is to find joy in simple things, and only take what is necessary. As members of Royalty, each of us only has a handful of valuable possessions to call our own. Any excess valuables are given to the Kingdom to maintain prosperity.

“You may take, one.” The mute knight speaks to me. His voice is harsh and clear like he will not be kind enough to repeat himself.

I turn to my Mother looking to her for guidance. She nods acknowledging Sir Esteve’s request. “Do as you’re told. The less to carry the better I suppose.”

Taking my fingers I trace across each piece of jewelry reflecting on each with fond memories. The pearl earrings I wore to my first ball. It was where my Father taught me to dance. Edom was still a baby at the time, but if he could I am sure he would have danced with me too.

Looking at the plain gold band, I remember that it was a gift from my mother. She said that it belonged to my Great Grandmother and it is a treasured family heirloom. It meant the world to me that she entrusted me with such an important artifact. I am sure my mother would want to keep it with her for safekeeping.

What stuck out to me was the brass broach I was given after my Earthly induction. The ancient ritual requires you to plant a seed and pray to the Earth for your soul and the Earth to be connected. The seed is chosen by the inductee at random and once bloomed will reveal the fate of that individual. A few weeks after induction, I returned to my seed, which had grown into a bright blooming mustard tree. I couldn’t believe my eyes, that after a few short weeks my tiny seed had grown so large. My Father had a local blacksmith make this broach for me in celebration of my plant’s results. The broach is simple but powerful. An upside-down triangle with a line slashing through the middle; commonly known as the ancient symbol for earth.

If I am going to get through this alive, I am going to need divine intervention with me. Clutching the broach I close the jewelry box and place it back in its rightful place.

“I left the ring for you,” I say to my Mother.

She looks at me with a smile. “If you want to take it, it is yours.” My mother has always wanted the best for me, and for me to be happy. I know how much that ring means to her, and she would still have me take it.

“You let me keep it all this time, I think it is your turn.” Standing up I pack the broach away in a small sack. I manage a soft smile for my Mother. “Besides, now you will have something to remember me by.”

Without warning the Queen wrapped her arms around me in a loving embrace. As she holds me tight, I can feel every inch of care and love that she has for me, and I her. Squeezing her in return I send her the same message of admiration and respect. The tender moment was cut short by Sir Esteve, stomping his armored boot on the floor. He did not speak, but his demeanor spoke for him. I interpreted it as ‘stop wasting time’, but who knows how accurate that is.

Wiping a small tear from her cheek, my Mother steps back from me. “My apologies, I got caught in the moment. Ariella, you should be able to take care of the rest yourself. I should retire for the evening if I am to see you off tomorrow.”

“No.” the Knight declares. Astonishment takes over my Mother's face. Any composure she had for this situation is long gone. “What do you mean, no?” She says with a furrowed brow

Sir Esteve moves from his fixed position taking one step forward. “I said No. You are not to see her tomorrow.”

The Queen is at her wit’s end. Rage forming into crimson patches on her cheeks. “As the Queen of Theora, you have no authority over me! If I want to see my daughter off on her last day home-”

“Your daughter does not belong to you!” His sharp tongue cut off any argument my Mother may have had. “When King Edom III signed our treaty, Princess Ariella became the property of Prince Galleren. His instructions were quite clear. No family visitation on the day of travel. Unless you wish to break our agreement…”

I shiver thinking that I belong to the Prince of Xosta. If these orders are any indication of his character, then I don’t want to know what he is like in person. My heart is heavy knowing that I won’t get to say goodbye to my brother. I am sure Prince Edom will be devastated when he finds out.

With two hands the Queen grasps my face and looks me in the eyes. “Always remember where you are from. You were born with the heart of a Theoran. Don’t let them change that. May the Earth bless you, my beautiful girl.”

I will carry her last words with me my entire journey. With a final goodbye, my Mother kisses me forehead one last time.

🜃

Sir Esteve slept in my room that night to ensure there were no surprise visitors. He used the stool at my vanity and propped himself against one of the corner walls. While he was able to sleep with a full set of armor on, I could not in my comfortable bed.

There were many reasons I couldn’t sleep. All of these changes are happening so quickly. What is my future going to look like? Is my mother right; is this not a wedding but a death sentence? When will I see my family again? I would have to assume that I will never see them again... I suppose I answered that question. Emotion bubbles up in my chest. I can feel the pressure of sadness begging to be let free. Everything in my body wanted to cry out as my Mother did moments ago. But I don’t want to give Sir Esteve the satisfaction. I must be strong if I am going to make it out of this alive. I swallow my sorrow, and my pain, and save it for another day. With a deep breath, I close my eyes and hope for rest to follow.