The Harp

Tap, Tap. Lila jolted awake and immediately swept a dagger out from underneath her pillow, holding it out threateningly in front of her. A bird sat on the window sill across her room, hidden in the shadows caused by the moonlight. She felt herself stiffen in tension as she slipped out of bed and opened the window.

The little bird hopped in immediately, dropping a fan onto the tabletop before taking flight. Lila froze in shock, her fingers numbing as they tightened around the handle of the dagger. No, no it can't be. She felt hope blossom in her chest as she stared at the all too familiar fan.

"How could it be?" Lila gasped out, shock slipping into her voice. She hurriedly unfolded the fan, jolting as a folded piece of paper dropped out.

With trembling hands, she unfolded it, tears spilling out of her eyes. It's grandpa, Lila thought hopefully. He's back.

*Flashback*

"Your highness!" Lila's nursemaid exclaimed as five-year-old Lila cartwheeled through the halls squealing as she went. Three nursemaids bustled after her mumbling apologies to those the little princess almost collided with.

"What is that!" Lila curiously exclaimed as she spotted something mid-cartwheel. She ran up to a large, see-through cabinet with lots of shining trophies and medals inside.

"His Highnesses, Prince Blake, and Prince Zack won these, Princess Lila," One of the nursemaids managed to gasp out once she caught up. Lila gazed silently at the trophies, intelligence sparking in her eyes despite her age. She silently wandered into a nearby room while her nursemaids were catching their breath, taking the chance to evade them.

Looking around, Lila realized she had wandered into her grandfather's room and he was discussing something with someone.

"Will, the harp-"

"Shh! Someone's there." Will warned the two men fell silent for a few moments before one came around the cabinet next to the doorway Lila was crouched next too.

"Lila?" Her grandfather said, surprised. Lila guiltily hung her head as she stood before her grandfather, wringing her hands. Lila's grandfather waved his hand, dismissing Will who bowed then left the room.

"What are you doing here my little Albino Hummingbird?" Her grandfather asked, crouching down so he was eye-level with Lila.

"Hiding from my nursemaids," Lila mumbled, looking at the ground. Her grandfather gave a booming laugh, then sat on the couch and patted his knee as an invitation for Lila to sit. Lila climbed onto her grandfather's knee and gave him a curious look.

"What is the harp?" She asked, staring expectantly at her grandfather. Her grandfather froze, then looked somberly at Lila.

"If I tell you, will you tell anybody else?" He asked, looking Lila right in the eye.

"I won't, I promise," Lila vowed, confidence shining in her eyes.

"No matter what?"

"No matter what."

"Let's begin with the ruling system of our kingdoms. Although every kingdom is owned by different kings and queens, there are three who hold the ultimate power. This system was established so every kingdom could be kept in check." Lila giggled as her Grandfather tapped her nose, then continued, "The process to choose one of these, Judges, they are called is not an easy one." Her grandfather's eyes grew distant as if he was reliving an old memory.

"A few centuries ago, wars shook the earth, Kingdoms fell to other Kingdoms, and the very ground you walked upon was soaked with the blood of strangers, friends, family. The world had fallen into darkness, and all the people knew was war. But, it was then the Judges had arisen, to stop the chaos that had swept through all the kingdoms. The Judges, led by your ancestors, brought the long wanted peace to the kingdoms. The position was passed down from generation to generation until it reached me, but little by little tension is once again separating the Kingdoms. The blood feud between kingdoms is not that easily forgotten, and much harder to resolve." Her Grandfather sighed, looking as if he had suddenly aged ten years.

"There are three Judge positions. One of them is passed down. One is determined by the royal tribunal that occurs every ten years and the last is chosen by the people. It happens that this year the harp has reappeared, causing a stir among the Kingdoms and Judges. They suspect that it will reignite the tragedy that occurred years ago."

"Whatever am I going to do?" Her Grandfather had a hopeless look in his eyes and he slumped in his chair, rubbing his temples.

"Grandfather?" Lila said, causing him to jump as if he forgot she was there. "Is the harp you're talking about the one in the story you always tell me?" Lila excitedly exclaimed, awaiting his response.

Her Grandfather looked startled, then hesitantly replied, "I should've suspected you would link those two together, my clever little girl."

"Grandfather!" Lila sternly looked at him, propping her hands on her hips as if she was about to ask him about a serious matter. "Tell me the story again!"

"Not now." Lila's grandfather smiled. "But I will later."

"Awww," Lila whined. "Promise?"

Her Grandfather solemnly placed his hand across his heart. "Promise."

"Okay," Lila giggled. "I bet my nursemaids are frantic right now. They'll scold me for running off again later."

"You silly little girl. Always getting into trouble every second of the day." Lila laughed as her grandfather tickled her, making her squirm.

Lila smiled mischievously, before replying. "I can stay out of trouble if I want to." Her grandfather raised an eyebrow but just gwuaffed at the look on her face.

"Okay, okay, my little Albino Phoenix. But I have a surprise for you." Lila squealed in excitement, jumping around the room.

"What is it?" Lila asked, her eyes sparkling in delight. Her grandfather gave a booming laugh.

"There's a boy the same age as you named Klen who will come to our kingdom." He smiled at the look of delight on her face. "You will begin training with him and will be able to meet him soon."

"When?" Lila asked, barely containing her excitement.

"As soon as you want to."

~~

The paper crinkled lightly in her hands as she read, a mix of emotions welling up in her.

Lila, hope you are doing well my Albino Phoenix. I heard you might be getting married soon. I trust that you have a plan.

Grandpa

"Where did Grandpa hear that? He hasn't been in the kingdom for over seven years." Lila sighed, plopping down on the soft settee. "Nevermind, I shouldn't be surprised. I bet he has informants planted in the court." Lila could almost see the mysterious smile cross his old haggard face in her mind. I wonder how he's doing, frustration swirled inside of her as she pondered her situation, making her nervously twist her signet ring.

"The engagement..." Lila whispered into the darkness of her bedroom. An internal battle raged inside of her like a tornado of emotions. "I wonder who it is I'm engaged to."