The King Aracnopar

“I want to go to the college father,” I spoke respectfully, my eyes focusing into his hazel ones. Him and my step mother sat callously amongst their thrones. “I—“ he went to speak but was quickly interrupted by Angel, my step-mother. “To practice alchemy?” She scoffed. My father's saddened and tired eyes beamed toward her. “Yes.” I bowed to her as I requested, although I truthfully held no respect for her.. I knew that was the only way. “We hold the arrangement ball in just a few days. You can’t just run off to a life you weren’t designed for.” She spoke with vexation dripping from her honey like tone. “I will run away.” I warned her. I watched as both of their eyes clicked open in surprise. “May I speak for her?” A voice chimed in from inside the room. I turned to see the castle mage bowing as he approached the thrones. “You may.” My father granted him permission. He pulled his hood from his head, revealing his soft black hair that seemed to shine beneath the candlelight chandelier, his hazel eyes gleamed as they stared at both of my parents without a hint of fear. He was braver than me.. he was braver than most. “I’m unsure why she can’t do both. It will be years before she takes the throne.. correct?” I felt myself cringe as he spoke.. I didn’t want to be queen, I wanted to practice magic and herbs.. as my mother once did. I know I definitely didn’t want an arranged marriage either. “The responsibility of being queen is her duty as the kings daughter. Why does she want to do more puzzles me. Why are you even speaking on her behalf Asmon?” Angel snapped toward Asmon and I watched a smile appear across his face, his porcelain white teeth beaming at her. “Why are you so hellbent on forcing her into a way of life she doesn’t even want puzzles me, that’s why. Are you unable to give the king a son.. or perhaps another willing daughter?” Asmon’s eyes darted toward me for a moment, taking in my look of surprise. My step-mother scoffed before sharing an evil look at my father for remaining silent. “Leave my sight Asmon. Now!” Angel yelled at him, he relayed a bow in her direction before retreating from the throne room. “Mom I—“ I went to protest as the door clicked shut behind him. “You will find your husband at the ball, you will marry him, you will bare a child and you will take the throne. There are no ifs, there are no buts and there and no ands. Are we clear?” She stated coldly, leaving tears swimming within my bloodshot eyes as I stared with my mouth agape. My father remained silent. “We’re clear..” I allowed her to win. I stared at my father with a look of sadness.. wondering how, how could he allow her to do this to me? Why would he allow her to do this to me? My mind thought back to the times of us lying amongst the field of flowers behind the kingdom's walls. He would speak so softly whilst placing wildflowers in the braids along my hair, saying, "you don't have to live this life my little M.. If it isn't for you.. just tell me." I had made up my mind though, I was running away. Inside my quarters was the only place I had privacy. My father never dared to enter and he had forbidden my step-mother to enter. I had various types of herbs, crystals, spell books and scrolls.. she would absolutely flip if she knew. I picked up a map I had lying on my table of our land and laid it across my bed, using my fingers to trail away from the castle. The king Aracnopar ruled most everything with his evil doings.. he held the army of the most powerful mages, alchemists and warriors; he was undefeated in many categories. I wished to bring balance back to this world.. where children didn’t have to fear making a run from their village to large kingdoms for supplies… or so families didn’t have to live in fear awaiting their villages to be destroyed. I had heard stories of all the chaos, horse-riding men entering villages and kingdoms, burning them til there's nothing left, slaughtering the people with their swords until they took their last terrified breaths.. I clenched my eyes shut at the very thought of all of it. I wanted to do more than just be a queen.. and I knew I could.