A Princess Who Does Not Know Her Fate

Elsewhere

Alanna kneels before the council of masks, aptly named for the councilmen and women who adorned their faces with stylish and colorful masks of different shapes and makes, and her queen. Bowing her head in respect she waits for them to speak before she moves even a single muscle, her breathing evens out as she listens to the soft murmurs of the people around her. Had she passed her tests, would she be made heir apparent? As the council quiets she hears a voice telling her to raise. She does so, taking a deep breath to calm her now racing heart.

"Alanna." The queen begins with an impressed look in her brown eyes.

"Yes, Majesty." The woman scoffs.

"I wish you'd call me mother more." The queen muttered. "Your tutors tell me you are improving and that you've taken up the sword and the bow."

"Yes, Majesty." She said with another hasty bow, an annoyed noise escapes the queen. "Yes mother." Alanna corrects. A mask whispers to her and the queen frown before turning to Alanna.

"You are not sure of your fate?" The disappointment in her tone stings but Alanna is used to it.

"Cicile was made Oracle last year which means there are only two predestined outcomes for me. Neither feels right." Alanna said. The queen clenches the armrests of her throne almost painfully, her lips press into a thin line trying and failing not to let her frustration show.

"We've had this discussion before,

'To sisters born of three

of one role you must be.

To she born just and fair

No doubt will be the Heir

To whom the future is foretold

The title of Oracle is Bestowed

The binding key between all three

Named Protector she will be."

"I know the rhyme Mother." Alanna huffed, "But I'm neither binding nor fair." She said. The queen stares sadly at her daughter. She too had the same difficulty when it came to finding her role. In time Alanna would as well.

"You will find your destiny as I found mine." The Queen says knowingly. "For now be at peace, it will come when you least expect it." Alanna bows, taking the advice with a grain of salt, her mother and the masks never listened to her, choosing instead to spout off thousand year old rhymes about fate. She hated how rigidly her people stuck to those rules while ignoring the progression of the other realms. She is dismissed from the court's presence and she returns to her room.

Couldn't they see Asperos was dying? Alanna felt it every day and even Cicile, named Oracle, and Valisse could feel it as well. The books and rules didn't have the answer but Alanna knew who would. Justice.

If she could summon her, her people would be saved, Asperos would prosper. The council of masks would never let it happen, choosing instead to think of summoning justice as a metaphor. Alanna crossed her arms over her chest and sighed.

"The binding key between all three, named protector she would be." The girl chuckles.

"I better start protecting something."