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

Love can be cultivated, the words echoed in Lucia's mind.

Could it be though? She looked at him. Love was like a mystery seed. It could decide to grow in certain conditions or die in others. For some people, harsh conditions would cultivate love while for others love would die. Did she dare try to love him? He had lowered himself in front of her. That alone was significant. It meant he was sincere. That meant she owed it to him and herself to try. What if he could love her? Would she forgive herself if she gave that up? But what if it did not work out? She would be the laugh of the country and beyond. She would also lose her friendship with him.

How sure are you that you would have that friendship? She asked herself.

A Chance