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

Lucia studied her sister, wondering where and how to start. She studied her as if looking for signs of distress. Adela stood there looking blank but somehow serene and controlled.

"You just arrived?" Adela asked her little sister.

"Yes," Lucia said and bit her lip hesitantly.

Coming here had been an impulsive act. She had been on her way to her room to rest. She always felt tired after a long car ride or any kind of travel. She cared for her sister, but she was also aware that they were not close. How was she going to get to her? How could she help her? She clasped her hands in front of her. Lucia's ring caught the light and threw it into Adela's eye.

Adela looked at the ring and then at Lucia's face.

"You got engaged," she said simply.

Rings & Marriages