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 could feel the shift in energy in Leroy. He was quieter and more serious than usual. What was going on? He was usually teasing her or Adela during meals. As she twirled some pasta onto her fork, Lucia wished Caroline was home so she could debate it with her. Adela was not looking at her. She was putting all her focus on her plate. Their father seemed more serious too. But that had been his demeanour since Adela got married. Was there a problem with the business? Was it Adela's engagement that was giving them pause? She had seen in the news that the Myrian king was seen in Siambi with a pretty blonde.

Lucia looked at her mother. Josephine was also focused on her meal, but wasn't she always? Lucia put the forkful of pasta into her mouth as she looked at Leroy again. If she wanted to know anything, she would have to ask him. She twirled more pasta onto her fork.

"How was your day, Lee?" she asked him.

Leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!