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

Dominique finished the call with his family and put his phone in his pocket. He looked ahead and exhaled. He immediately felt tired. It was almost over.

His car stopped in front of the building's entrance, and he waited for his security to get his door. When they did, he stepped out of the car and into the storm of flashing cameras and voices calling out his name and asking redundant questions.

He ignored them all and made quick work inside. He was shown to his seat where King Gustav was seated. King Gustav looked up as he approached him and got up.

"Your Highness," the Myrian king greeted.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," Dominique returned as both men sat down, their hands smoothing their ties down.

The room around them was busy as people were getting into their seats. The council seats were empty, but the forces sent by the council's country, acting as bailiffs, were keeping order.

Lions & Crickets