originals here and here. dated 2011-11-04 and 2013-08-12
A/N: To make up for the several many missed posts of the last few days and the possible missed post I will have tomorrow (traveling again), I’m just going to cross post some of the more complete ASTC related writing I have from my lj.
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Crown Princess Kenadia is eight years old when she loses her crown. Not literally, since only the reigning monarch of Alzeida–in this case, her father, King Aleron–wears a physical crown, but figuratively in the sense that she is no longer his heir. She is eight when Crown Prince Alerick is born.
The path her life is on has been shifted: no longer will she one day rule as queen until her death, her future is that of an advisor at best and a bodyguard at worst. Her lessons will be adjusted accordingly; though she will still learn politics and diplomacy, her tutors will no longer say “when you rule Alzeida.” Instead they will say “to help your brother rule Alzeida.” Swordsmanship will be added to her daily schedule, for she may one day lead her brother’s armies in war. Or in peacetime, she will lead her brother’s guard against assassins and lay down her life for his.
She is eight and she is no longer Crown Princess Kenadia, but her life is still tied to the throne.
—
She should have known something was wrong when she spotted one of the palace servants whispering in High Warrior Edwin’s ear and the subsequent frown. High Warrior Edwin was one of the few nobles whose facial expressions were completely transparent, he was also one of the few nobles she tolerated and the only one she liked. But nonetheless she continued training, the sword feeling more natural with every swing and thrust. Her opponent, Warrior Hayne, had the strength and reach advantage and required the majority of her attention despite her superior speed.
“Focus, ‘Nadia!” He warned, even as he continued his attack.
The entirety of her attention, then, as she barely avoided a cut to her cheek. Not that she hadn’t lost to him before—quite the opposite, she had yet to win against him—but she had improved to the point that she should be able to last longer before the defeat.
His sword was already at her throat, “You are dead,”
“Merely distracted,” She argued, stepping slowly away from the blade’s edge.
“Distractions can cause death on the battlefield, Kenadia” The slide of metal and polished wood, Warrior Hayne had sheathed his weapon, she was allowed to do the same.
“Which I won’t be on as a foot-soldier. You and I both know this training is all formality, it will be my powers not my swordplay that will cut down our enemies,”
“Princess,” High Warrior Edwin was allowed to use her name without a title, Warrior Hayne was not. She didn’t understand why they did the opposite.
“What does that harpy want with ‘Nadia now?” She wished she could speak as freely as Warrior Hayne.
“Yes, High Warrior Edwin?” But she would have to ignore him for now.
“The king’s wife wants… the king demands our presence in the audience chamber. And you shouldn’t call the king’s wife a harpy, Hayne,”
“When?” “I only speak the truth,”
“Immediately,” The man sighed, apologetic for an old friend both more powerful and weaker than himself, “Princess, you do not have to listen to… do not forget your place in this kingdom. As the firstborn, heir to the throne or not, you have more power than that… woman,”
Sometimes she tried to wonder what it would be like to not be a princess. But she always faltered on whether she preferred to be a prince or just not to be royalty. “I know my place and I know my duty. I am to always obey my king, who he obeys will always have more power than my own,” What would it be like to have High Warrior Edwin as a father? “But… I thank you for your words. Shall we leave now?”
“Yes, of course, Princess. Hayne, you’re in charge for now, and teach my boy how to fight properly, will you?”
“I can only try, Uncle,” He smirked, nudging her arm with his elbow and winking, “I much prefer sparring Kenadia here, she at least makes me move my feet,”
“Justin is not that… he’s improved…”
“They may be expecting us, High Warrior Edwin, we should leave Justin’s training to Warrior Hayne for now. Perhaps when we return we may continue this discussion,”
“My apologies, Princess, after you,” She turned to leave first, the High Warrior following behind her.
“Kenadia! Would it kill you to say just my name?” Warrior Hayne called out to her, easy grin in place even as he stared down his cousin. Or perhaps because Justin was his opponent.
Were she not a princess, the response would be witty, sly, even. “Only grievously injure me,” she could say, or maybe an opposing question, “Would it kill you to say my title?” But she was a princess. A dignified one. Repartee was not amongst her many traits. Obedience was.
She smiled anyway.
JackSGreyson Says 