Chapter 1
828 Words
“The best way out is always through.” -Robert Frost
There’s a kingdom similar to the Garden of Eden before and after the temptation. The first half of the kingdom was a pure vision with tons of saturated food, everyday life, glens, mountains, and trails that could lead you anywhere if you weren’t careful.
After hours of etiquette lessons, Genevieve Violet Reins replaced a waist empathizing vivid color ball gown with a blouse and pants. She dashed to the door that hid the book to all her answers. There was one thing in her way: the guardian that halted her every time she wanted to pass.
“Genevieve Violet Reins, how many times do I have to cover for you?” Josalyn, her best friend, the princess of their kingdom, asked. She was stern-looking with everyone else but Genevieve. She's pale-skinned, skinny, with the sun like locks and emerald eyes. She wore a Cinderella silver gown and a tiara and amulet that matched.
“I apologize, but I was better off this time,” Genevieve said.
“Do we have to go back?” Genevieve sighed.
“Yes, we do, your mother wants a word with you,” Josalyn replied.
A surplus of frogs paid rent in Genevieve’s throat as they walked back.
The queen, Elizabeth, and Genevieve’s Mom, Arianna, were talking like the best friends they had always been.
“Sometimes I wish Genevieve was more like Josalyn, it would give me less of a headache,” Arianna sipped her tea.
“Sure, she’s not a traditional woman, but she’s not supposed to be,” Elizabeth said.
“Elizabeth, no man will come near her, and she’s not getting younger and neither am I,” Arianna pointed out.
“I know,” Elizabeth said.
There was a knock, and the girls walked in when their parents permitted them.
Genevieve couldn’t keep her eyes on her mother’s scolding expression, so she focused on squeezing her best friend’s arm and the mirror in the corner. I am not beautiful. My pigmentation is too dark. My height is too short and I look out of shape. My hair is too erratic. I have lazy eyes with no light in them. And these clothes make me feel like a fraud. Josalyn is so beautiful. Tall, elegant, poised, someone’s wife. She is everyone’s choice.
“What do you have to say for yourself?” Genevieve’s mother waited.
“I’m not that and will never be,” Genevieve spoke.
“A disgraceful, fat pig!” her mother said.
Genevieve looked at the queen and saw her jaw drop and her soul diminish.
Genevieve faltered. “You’re right,” she spoke and ran off.
“You think you’re so elevated; however, if it wasn’t for my Mom, you wouldn’t have a title,” Josalyn chased after her.
“You are a disgrace, get out of my sight until you learn to respect,” Elizabeth growled.
“Fine,” Arianna walked out.
Genevieve went to the never-ending river and sat on the edge of the bank. Her feet dangled in the rippling river. The sun was counting sheep. Ambers and rubies were on the trees surrounding her.
“Lady Genevieve, your princess wants a word with you,” Josalyn approached her and sat next to her.
“I’m no lady,” Genevieve said.
“I could give two shits what your wretch of a mother says; you are a lady in my book,” Josalyn pulled her friend close.
“Thanks, but-,” Genevieve sniffed.
“You have natural bravery and empathy; you can’t teach that,” Josalyn said.
“What are you saying?” Genevieve asked.
“I want you to give yourself a chance like everyone you meet,” Josalyn smiled. “Shall we go to eat like pigs?” she asked.
“I love you so much,” Genevieve eased.
Elias was waiting for them after a mile of riding horseback from his home. “Evening Princess Josalyn and Lady Genevieve,”
“Good evening,” Josalyn curtsied.
“Can you guys just get together already; you are torturing the universe with your s****l tension,” Genevieve pulled his horse, Percy, to the stables.
“It’s not up to us and you know it,” Elias was ghastly in energy and expression.
“I know, but it could be,” Genevieve answered.
“How are the etiquette lessons going?” he asked.
“The same it's always been; and my mother will get my wrath if she’s not careful,” Genevieve explained.
“When has anyone known your mother to be cautious?” he asked.
“That’s a fair point,” Genevieve thought.
“Regardless, do not disrespect her, she is family, and that is beneath you,” Josalyn advised.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Genevieve sighed.
“How are the fence lessons going?” he asked.
“That is my home,” Genevieve beamed.
“Then you should train with me,” he suggested.
“What are you talking about?” Josalyn wondered.
“I’m saying that if I recommend you they have to train you,” he said.
“Bless you, Elias,” Genevieve hugged him tightly.
Genevieve skipped happily to her bedroom. Her bedroom was her escape from reality. It was smaller than any other room in the castle. There was also a mirror and a chest with her name carved into it. A bed was under the window. Some wouldn’t be able to stand sleeping there, but she was a simple 24-year-old. She grabbed a clean and roomy nightgown and went to take a bath. If you can hear me, can you do me this favor?
The door that hid the secrets to an ancient prophecy heard Genevieve’s request.
- Writer
