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 was lounging in her room when her phone rang. She saw who was calling and immediately became alert. A smile lit up her face, and she didn't hesitate to answer the call.

"Caroline," Lucia sang her sister's name into the phone.

"How can you not tell me you got engaged?" Caroline's voice had a strong hint of what Lucia recognised as fake anger.

"How did you know?" Lucia was curious.

"News travels fast when the queen wants to hold a gathering to welcome her next daughter-in-law into the family," Caroline sang.

"Oh my," Lucia said in horror, and then something clicked; how did Caroline know?

"Oh please," Caroline said with a roll of her eyes, "That's not important. What's important is you getting engaged and not telling me! I'm your sister!"

"I just got home this morning," Lucia defended herself. "Can I not have a rest before I start calling you?"

Vein Of Love