AnotidaMandemwa

[WSA 2024 Entry]
Everyone is playing a regal game. Everyone except Lucia (who probably should).

After her father faced accusations of trying to seize the throne from his father and king, he was exiled along with his family. They were no longer royalty, but his wife would not have it. She was friends with the queen of Vershia and used that to her advantage. Her two older daughters were the right age to marry the two princes, and she would make that happen come what may.

That became a problem when the oldest daughter was ignored by the crown prince, who formed a friendship with the youngest of the girls. There was still hope; Lucia could become the future queen. But Lucia was not groomed for this role. She did not want to live for the type of marriage she could snag. She did not want to take the man who had been planned for her sister.

But that’s the thing with plans, isn’t it? She never planned to fall in love with the man, and there she was: an unwilling participant in the regal games. Would she capture the crown? How would everything affect her relationship with her sister? Was there ever pleasing her mother?

Regal Games

<p>Lucia had not looked at Prince Michael all morning. She had done everything to avoid him and to not be alone with him. Every time their eyes connected, she looked hastily away. Her skin heated up as she remembered how firm his hand had been on the small of her back, and how the muscles there contracted in response to his firm yet gentle kneading fingers. If she closed her eyes she could feel the taste of his lips on her mouth. She wanted more of that but she wanted his friendship more. She did not know what to say to him.</p>

<p>So, she had busied herself with Caroline. This was Caroline's last day as a single woman. Her last day as a Handhoff. Lucia might not be the maid of honour but she would do her best to be helpful and ensure Caroline had the best day of her life.</p>

Pearls & Diamonds