It's Your Duty

Mirelah:

"Father, you can't possibly mean this! "I croak with tears threatening to steal my voice as I stare up at my father. We're alone in the throne room, and he looks miserable.

He looks upset, but I don't buy it. If he truly cared for me, he would have fought for me. He would not have agreed to send me with the varkaines so easily.

"I don't even know Kealith, Father! Not his face, not his voice... Nothing! All I know are rumours and none of them are good. I can't do this. I can't just nose-dive into marriage with an absolute stranger! "I complain, and my father pinches the bridge of his nose as he turns his back to me.

My jaw drops at this, but I won't let it rest. He can't just send me off. I woke up this morning planning to finish two novels by nightfall. That's how simple my plans were. I most definitely wasn't planning to get married! That too, to a man I have never met. A man who is a rumoured monster.

I pack my dress up and walk over to my father. Standing in front of him, I throw my dress back down and glare at him.

"I won't go, Father! "I state matter of factly, and his forehead wrinkles as he looks at me.

"Do I mean so little to you? Is my lack of powers enough for you to see me as just a possession you can give out for political reasons!? I can bet that if it were Seraphina, Veylira, or your precious Azra in my shoes, you'd fight to finish to keep them safe. Why is it different with me!? Do you truly not feel any love for me!? "I begin to cry, and he stares at me in shock.

This is the first time I am speaking my mind or speaking in this tone to him, but I have to. I won't let them do this to me. I will not get married to a stranger just cause I am told to!

"I may be weak, feeble and nothing like my sisters, but I won't let you get rid of me like this, Father. I won't! "I conclude, and Father takes his hand away from his face.

His white hair shines under the sunlight pouring into the room through the ceiling-to-floor window beside us as he moves closer to me. I see hurt erupt in his golden eyes, and he suddenly reaches out to hold my shoulders.

"Is that what you think of me, Mirelah? Is that what you think I'm doing? Getting rid of you? "He questions, and I shrug his hands off my shoulders as I step away from him.

"Isn't that what you're doing? I know I'm not as valuable as your other daughters, but I'm still your child. Is it so easy to throw me to the wolves!? "I demand, and he stares at me for a few seconds.

"Just last month, Pixie Valley was conquered by rebels. "He replies and I raise a brow.

"Pixie Valley pales in comparison to Velmoria's strength! "I retort, and he turns away from me like I'm some stupid child he can't stand.

"Come on, Mirelah. I taught you to think better than that. "He says, and I struggle to hold back tears as I stare at him.

"Pixie Valley is almost as old as Velmoria. The age gap between both kingdoms is just 50 years. If rebels were able to take down such an organized kingdom, don't you think it would be foolish of us to underestimate them!? We have to think ahead! Be prepared for anything. Velmoria needs this union with Blood Crescent. "He adds, and I struggle to blink back tears.

"So suddenly I have to be the sacrificial lamb? Father, I'm not cut out for this. "I croak, and he stares at me with that usual look of pity that I hate seeing in his eyes.

"You're a princess, Mirelah. It's your duty to step up to it when the people of Velmoria need you. "He replies, and I can't stop my tears.

"But I don't want to get married! I don't know anything about him. What if he isn't kind? What if he's truly a monster? Father, I've never even left this castle. How do you want me to survive in another kingdom? "I begin to cry, and my father looks away from me.

"Can't you talk to King Damarion? We can still make Darven and Azra's wedding work… "I begin, but my father sighs.

"You know King Damarion never goes back on a decision. It's you they want, Mirelah. I'm sorry. But I can't think as a father now. I swore to protect my people, and I must do that. Even if it means sending you with the Varkaines against my wish… "He replies, and I swallow.

"Am I not also your subject? "I question as I move closer to him and hold his hand with both of mine.

"My precious girl… You're a Royal. In times like these, you get to understand what that truly means. You were born to serve. Not just to be served. "He replies as he takes his hand to my head and pulls me to himself.

I crumble in his embrace and he gently kisses my forehead.

"I'm sorry, Mirelah… I'm so sorry my sweet girl… "He whispers, and I hold onto his cape as I hug him.

"I'm not ready for this… "I croak, and my face gets hot as more tears escape my eyes.

"I know… "he replies and silence engulfs us for a few seconds, but he suddenly pulls me away.

He lifts my chin so I can look into his bright, golden eyes, and he smiles at me.

"You're not weak, Mirelah. Forgive me for making you believe otherwise all these years. "He whispers, and I raise a brow at him.

"You've let your sisters walk over you for a long time, and I said nothing 'cause if it ever got too bad, I could protect you. But you're going to a new place today. Don't give them room to do that to you. They can only treat you how you permit them to. "He speaks, and I sniffle as I listen to him.

"Do you understand me? "He questions, and I nod, even though I don't understand him. I don't have any power. My whole life has been built around that fact, so this pep talk is... all a bundle of lies. 

"You're a Vaelary's daughter… dragon born, with a core of flames. You are regal and graceful. If anyone… Anyone at all tries to hurt you, or tell you otherwise… put them in their place. You are a dragon's daughter. You will not forget that. "He says, and I nod slowly. Surprised by my father's sudden, soft side.

"Yes, father. "I reply, and he nods.

He steps away from me, wipes his eyes, and squares his shoulders.

"Go to Bunny. You should both prepare for your trip. This is impromptu, so I don't want you unprepared. "He says before walking away and as he leaves the hall, I can't help but wonder.

Is something bad going to happen to me?

Is Kealith going to hurt me?

Father was happy about Azra and Darven's wedding. But now... now he's acting like sending me to Kealith is a death sentence.

Does he know something he's not telling me? Are the rumours about Kealith true? If they weren't... Father wouldn't be this scared. Is my father sacrificing me for his kingdom?

As my vision blurs with tears, I can only wonder one thing...

Has my father just signed my death warrant?