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

Everything was sold. The presenter had just told them how much money the foundation had made by actioning the donated items. The auction room buzzed with impressed chatter.

Lucia looked at her mother as she got up and walked towards the stage. The chatter continued as the people continued chattering among themselves.

"This has to be a record," Prince Michael told Lucia, "You must be proud of your mother."

Lucia turned her head to look at him. She jerked away when she realised her lips were a few millimetres away from his cheek. She had not realised that he had leaned into her. The sudden movement seemed to startle him and he looked at her. Just then, the auction presenter's voice boomed through the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" his voice carried clearly, "Please direct your attention to the stage. We have a special guest who will address us shortly."

Awkward