My Unexpected Lineage
1035 Words
I couldn't believe what I had just heard, there's just no way. The story was like something out of a fairytale, albeit a tragic one. My father, the king's younger brother, fell in love with my mother, a woman from a much lower class. Though they loved each other very much, the Emperor, my grandfather, would not permit the union between them. As a prince, my father had to fulfill his duty and marry another, the princess of a foreign land, in order to secure her nation as an Ally. However, unable to forget his love for my mother, my father renounced his claim to the throne and left the palace. They lived a simple life in a small village where my uncle would visit them in secret. It's where they got married... and had their first child, a boy by the name of Damien. The Emperor was furious at his son for choosing my mother over the kingdom and ordered her execution, to save his younger brother and the woman whom carry his child, My uncle challenged their father and a war broke out. After years of fighting, My uncle claimed victory and became the current Emperor, but it was too late.
" Your Father " The Headmaster says "Perished in that war. We believe the previous Emperors' men discovered them and your father stayed behind to hold off the forces as your mother and Prince Damien fled."
"Prince.." I say
"Yes." Enoch says, "Upon becoming the reigning Emperor, his majesty, your uncle, restored your father's title as Prince, as well as granted titles to your mother and your brother."
"I see."
"We had no idea that Anika had once again conceived a child". The Headmaster says
"Anika?"
"Yes, she was your mother."
"What became of her?"
"I'm afraid no one knows, Your highness" Enoch says, "to this day the fates of your mother and older brother are unknown."
"I see"
Suddenly, the headmaster stands up, a gentle smile on his face.
"Your facial structure and hair are very much like his Highness" he says, "but your eyes, they're without a doubt your mothers."
He walked over to his window with a piece of paper in his hand.
"Geran"
A large white bird flew over, perching himself upon the Headmaster's arm.
"Deliver this to his Majesty, the Emperor"
He rose his arm towards the open window and the bird took flight, its white feathers agleam in the sunlight as it faded into the horizon. The headmaster turned towards me... and fell to his knees, kneeling before me. Enoch, noticing this behavior, immediately followed suit.
" Welcome Home, Your highness." the headmaster says.
I stood there, unable to move, my mind trying to process what exactly had just occurred. How can I be a member of the imperial family? I'm a commoner! And Magic? Are you kidding me?!
" His Majesty will be overjoyed."
I'm not quite sure how to process this... or what this even is… What does this discovery mean for my life? I came here hoping to learn more about my birth family, but everything I learned seems impossible... even though, somewhere deep down, a part of me knows it's true.
" Enoch will be your personal attendant going forth"
I look to see the headmaster had returned to his desk, Enoch once again standing just a step behind me on my right side.
" I am here for your every need, My lady." Enoch says " should you desire anything, I shall acquire it. such is my job"
"wait... what IS your job?"
He paused a moment then smiled.
" As your attendant", he says " my job is to ensure you want and need for nothing. I will handle your everyday affairs, manage your schedule, and oversee your care. No matter the distance we must travel nor the experiences we come to endure, I will remain at your side."
It's starting to sound like we're married.
" My lady," he says "I am merely a servant. An advisor, if you will."
Can he read minds?
"It's nothing quite as intimate... as a holy union."
He can read minds.
" I simply exist to make your life easier."
He bows, which makes me feel awkward. I'm not used to this kind of thing.
"So please, put your mind at ease," he says. "My lady."
"a-alright" I say
Not like I really have much of a choice here, judging by his demeanor throughout the entire time we've been together he takes his job very seriously... I couldn't decline if my sanity depended on it. I'll admit, this is going to be a huge adjustment for me, what with just learning I'm royalty and all, but it couldn't be that bad could it?
I was never more wrong in my life.
"Lady Solani!"
"Lady Solani!"
"Your simply breathtaking, your Highness!"
"Would you come to tea at my estate, your highness?!"
Who are all of these girls? And why are they acting so friendly towards me?! I look towards Enoch. Save me! He simply smiles and walks forward.
"My lady, Its time to go"
Oh thank the Gods.
"Of course." I say
I turn to the ladies with a gentle smile, trying to keep myself from losing my cool.
"My apologies, ladies" I say, "but I have prior commitments to attend, perhaps, another time. Good day."
I followed behind Enoch quickly, but he made sure to soon fall behind me. Why does he always do that?
"I've only been here a few hours, and its like everyone wants my attention"
"they do, My lady." he says " its because your a member of the royal family, they wish to build a connection to your uncle through you."
"Well, that's a sneaky tactic."
"It is," he says, "but its functional... and not a bad idea, either."
"I'm sorry?"
"You could benefit from mutual… friendships… So long as you befriend the right people." He says "For example, I would keep lady Valerian very close, Your highness, she may come of use to you someday."
And so, politics have made their entrance. Thanks to my unexpected lineage, things are about to get a lot more complicated. .
- Writer
