ARIELLE:
I wake with a gasp, the taste of smoke bitter on my tongue. My heart hammers against my ribs, a frantic bird trapped in a cage. Sunlight streams through the silk curtains of my bedchamber, painting the room in a warm, golden glow that does little to ease the chill that clings to my skin.
It was all a dream. But the memory of a chilling voice, the promise of a destiny, lingers. What could that have meant?
Pushing the unsettling thoughts aside, I rise and walk to the balcony. The familiar sight of Khavena stretches before me: the gleaming white towers, the lush Aphrodite Garden bursting with vibrant colors, the distant mountains that mark the border of our land. Everything seems peaceful, normal. Except… my fingers tremble as I grip the railing.
It isn't.
My breath catches in my throat. Gathered near the main gate are a group of unfamiliar creatures, their forms awkward and unsettling. They don't look like anything I've ever seen in Khavena.
There is one who catches my eye. Its posture is different, with sharp angles but also an almost graceful stance. I see blue-green eyes, like a calm sea on a sunny day, under dark, curly hair. What is it doing here? An odd feeling creeps up my spine.
I need to know more.
Ignoring the nagging voice in my head telling me to stay put, I slip on a simple dress and quietly leave my chamber. I creep along the corridors, avoiding the gaze of the maids and guards.
I have to investigate these creatures. It feels dire, that I need to know.
Reaching a secluded balcony overlooking the gate, I peer down. The creatures are talking to the guards, their voices low and guttural. I strain to hear what they are saying, but the distance is too great. I have to get closer. But what if it's just a normal scouting trip? Normalcy is not normal nowadays, ever since my kidnapping attempt in the woods. It was a dream but seeing these creatures here is quite...baffling.
As I am about to slip away a figure approaches me. "My princess, what are you doing here?" I know that voice anywhere. Ugh!
"I am doing what a princess must do, Niobe." I am caught! Niobe sighs.
"You are to prepare for your bath at the temple. Please, my lady. Let's go."
"And what of the beasts at the front gate? This is suspicious."
"This is not suspicious, my queen." Niobe grabs my hand. "Come. If you are not there, you will get an earful from your mother." I groan quietly. "And, my princess," Niobe says as she drags me, "Your mother knows of the creatures already. Now."
Defeated, I allow Niobe to lead me away. As we walk, I can't shake the feeling that something is terribly wrong. I have to talk to my mother, even if it means facing her displeasure. I need to know why these strangers are here and what it has to do with my dream.
I decide to confront my mother before my bath. I find my mother in her study, pouring over scrolls, her brow furrowed with concern. She rubs her temples, and I see the weariness etched on her face. The tension is palpable.
"Good morning, mother."
"Good morning, Arielle."
"Mother," I begin, trying to keep my voice even, "what's going on? Why are those strange creatures at the gate?"
Mother sighs, putting down the scroll with a frustrated thud. "They are emissaries from Nain, Arielle." She doesn't meet my eyes.
"Nain? But we've always been separate. What do they want?" I emphasize "they" with disdain, hoping my mother understands my revulsion for these creatures.
"They come seeking… an alliance."
"An alliance? With? Why?"
"That is not important, Arielle." Her voice is sharp, dismissive.
"Not important? Mother, the last time outsiders showed up, they were seeking treasure and almost killed you." My voice rises, fueled by frustration.
"That is in the past, Arielle. You need to focus on your duties." She finally glances up, and her gaze feels distant and cold.
"What duties? Smiling and waving? I am a Princess!" I clench my hands. My palms are beginning to sweat.
"It is not your place to question me!" She snaps, finally meeting my gaze. Her eyes are cold, distant. "You will go to the temple, and you will meditate."
"Meditate?" I challenge, the word dripping with disdain.
Mother's expression hardens. "You will do what is best for Khavena and yourself. I will not tolerate this insubordination. Now go."
Tears well up in my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall.
I seethe as I walk away. I can't do this. My mother, always so composed, so regal, is unraveling before my very eyes. We can barely say two words to one another without it ending in an argument, with me or her furious.
"You seem quite unhappy, my princess," Niobe sighs as she leads me towards the temple
"It's not fair, Niobe. My mother and my sisters always make me feel so…inferior."
Niobe sighs, her hand tightening on mine. "Your mother is a queen, Arielle. She carries the weight of Khavena on her shoulders."
"And what does that make me? Just someone who can be thrown away to fix her failures? I can never be perfect for my mother," My voice cracks. "My sisters are much better suited."
Niobe stops walking, turning to face me. "Arielle, you are a princess as well. You have a destiny to fulfill. Your mother sees that, even if you don't."
"My destiny? All I see is a gilded cage." I cross my arms. "I wish I were like you, Niobe. Strong, confident, knowing exactly what you want."
Niobe smiles sadly. "Don't wish to be someone else, Arielle. You are unique. You are…Arielle."
She glances over me, taking in my medium height, my skin, the hue of ancient bronze, seeming to catch the light and hold it, my long hair in neat rows of braids, a woven tapestry. My bodice of curves I wish were wider, like those of the women around me. I am indeed different.
"Besides," Niobe continues, "you have a beauty all your own. But you must look inside, to find this beauty."
I roll my eyes. "Easy for you to say."
Niobe sighs. "You will understand, in time." She pushes me gently towards the temple entrance. "Now go. The waters await. And remember," she adds, her voice low, "you are stronger than you think."
I hesitate, glancing back at Niobe. What does she know that I don't?
I reach the entrance to the Temple of Hespera, the air growing cooler, more fragrant with each step. The heavy doors loom before me, promising cleansing and clarity. But as I push them open, a shiver runs down my spine. It's not the cool air. I feel something, a presence. What awaits me in those waters?