Vanieza: The Captured Kingdom

Princess Nathalia

Breakfast in bed is the best. The black haired blue eyed second princess Nathalia Vanieza thought. Slender fingers wipe her luscious red lips. Meals in their private rooms was being practiced more often in the castle. It’s all due to the outbreak of influenza the past month. The royals refrained from personal contact with each other. Same case with the the palace subjects. Each monarch got assigned three servants to interact exclusively. A personal handmaid for the females and butler for the king plus two other aids. The workers in the residence were also forbidden to go home until further notice. Isolation will be practiced until things got into control.

 Fortunately, the scare has subsided last week. One hundred percent of the infected are healed now. The precautions was supposedly lifted tonight. The timing would have been perfect. Today is beloved elder sister’s eighteenth birthday. The clan is scheduled to have dinner together. However, the blasted astronomical patterns are not in their favor. The new moon is to rise at the end of the day. It was really pitiful. The queen even had dresses brought from other countries for them to wear.

The new moon would mean their father, the king has to go on an expedition. It will take some time. The family affair would have to be put on hold again. It has always been this way. Due to the numerous duties of the ruler, he barely has time for anything else. Subjects would murmur how pitiful that the head of state did not have a son to aid him. Things would be more manageable if he had one.

Hearing these comments make Nathalia’s blood boil. How dare they belittle princess Luvelia as heiress to the kingdom. The crowned daughter is the most intelligent person in the land. She balances the treasuries account since fifteen years old. Not only in matters of money. Big sister also assures the inventories of basics needs is equally shared to everyone. This same woman also made the protocols to follow when troubles arises. It can range from natural disasters, medical concerns, relief distribution and even the educational system. Princess Luvelia highly values education. She made it available to at least one person per family even in the lowest ranks.

Honestly if people don’t send their children to school, that is already their fault. Plus the house of scholars should at least show more appreciation to the future ruler. It’s because of her their significance increased due to the role they have in the learning system. In the past education is only available to nobles and middle class. But her sister believed in innate talent and hard work. Pulling some strings the maiden convinced the king to widen the scope of schools. 

Even so those old geezers are the main critics of the elder sibling. They should act their age and own up to mistakes. Her sister unselfishly told the truth and canceled the long awaited family dinner.  

How many times have the head of the learned men predicted the moon pattern wrong? Such error is fatal, people could die due to lack of preparation. The planting and harvesting timings, Luvelia had to correct it multiple times. Despite the downplay on the contributions of the future queen, the younger princess believes the studious sister will triumph. Shouldn’t father have the faulty astrologer whipped?

Nathalia heard from the servants the elder has been spending hours and hours in the library. Well that is who she is. The penchant for wisdom and knowledge continued to ignite in the nerdy sibling. Whatever Luvie was looking on, it will surely be for the benefit of the kingdom. Silently working in the background shying away from unnecessary attention. It most likely has something to do with the Ivory Knight’s weapon upgrade. The crowned heiress is racking her brain on how to strengthen the army. Since she cannot lead in battle.

“Your highness, would you visit the weapons stock room again?” Gretchen the handmaid inquired.

“No, father is going on a mission. The knights will be busy in there.” Placing a finger to her lips. “Tomorrow, I want to see what types they did not to take.” 

Why would the lady be interested in unused weapons? The younger would report it to her sister. It can be decided which must be deemed obsolete. Resources must be maximized in the enclosed kingdom.

This caged circumstance is no thanks to the pack of werewolves straying around. Recycling old items is very economical. Additionally she will take the senior knights opinion about their tools too. They do need to gauge battle experience of each defensive artifact. It’s like a good luck charm from the numerous victories in the past.

Through the years, the house of Vanieza and the cavalry of the Ivory Knights kept the creatures at bay. But werewolves procreate. The population is not increasing but they seem not lessening too. Given the fact, the territory is always on its toes. If not survival rate will surely drop. This is the main concern of the woman in succession

Deciding to start up her day, the aid assisted the princess to arise from bed. “Since it’s a bright day today, head to the garden. Rare plants peak at this point of the season."

The maid bowed, her mistress always preferred outdoors. “Milady, I shall prepare a light fabric dress for you.” The royal nodded in agreement. The aid took it as permission to proceed.

Like Luvelia, Nathalia is equally intelligent. But the second princess is more of a visual learner. The need to see things up close and experience it first hand is necessary for comprehension. The elder on the other hand only needs information. Her vast mind does all the work in accuracy.

The older would always acknowledge the information provided by the younger. The contributions is labeled as essential information. The acceptance pushed Nathalia to continue doing what she can. Her goal is always to be helpful to he family.

In the future no else but she and Luvie to take care of the kingdom. Team dynamic is essential to  ensure the territory’s safety. When big sister becomes queen, people will demand she get married and choose a king consort.

That person should be smart enough not to be insecure of Luvelia’s wisdom. He must be strong to degree to lead a fight against werewolves. Does such a man exists? Vanieza is a limited territory. Options are quite few. 

Speaking of suitor’s the older sibling is at the age to entertain them now. Outsiders definitely will not arrive at the moment. Some noble families might try to make a pass. Honestly none of them seem qualified. There were households who managed to push their sons to the Calvary.

From the updated list, the highest titles the noble houses got are third rank. That level is not qualified to escort the future queen to the outskirts of town. Plus the ages of those men are too old. Ranging from twenty five to thirty five. The younger nightly would pray that Luvie be not in a huge age gap arrangement.

Father would be more empathetic about it perhaps? Compared to the men before him, the incumbent married for love. The queen was a classmate in classical literature. The head would jest, that only reason he endured the boring class was because of the matriarch. The ruler managed to confess by inserting a love letter in the lady’s book case.

The bloodline of the queen was from an esteemed line of doctors and knights. In her youth, the matriarch is known for flexibility and stealth. An attribute she would showcase in sporting events. People were often scandalized that the youthful noble woman would wear tights. To a point the young king was advised to find a more suitable candidate.

Due to lack of manpower, the house of Altair openly allow their women do the same tasks as men. Lady Arha would go horseback riding with her father and siblings. Being medical people, the household would venture into safe areas to gather herbs and other essentials. This practice was looked down upon by other nobles. But their patriarch cared less of what others say. The kingdom’s citizenry betterment comes first.

Young Arha Altair took a year to respond. She waited to turn eighteen to accept the proposal. In Nathalia’s opinion, her mother wanted to test the feelings of the suitor. The two were engaged the same year they decided to be committed. During that time the king is still being trained for succession, the engagement is expected to be a long one.

The incumbent head also slammed with criticism for choosing an unpopular candidate. To prove that women can serve just like men. In the first few years of engagement, lady Arha accompanied her fiance. Assignments varied from small to huge hunting sessions. The strong maiden served as a medic. It was said that the queen has skills to fight for herself. But none could guarantee the validity. However knights would attest that the noble managed help them survive expeditions.

The couple waited three years before tying the knot. After the marriage queen Arha was advised to stay within the kingdom. For the reason that is some misfortune occurs, the royal household can still stand. Plus the former ruler and the council wanted her to bear heirs as much as possible.

During the time of trying to conceive, doctors and scholars would make her drink potions. Promising it might help produce a male heir. The lady diligently did all instructions with determination. The house of Vanieza must be preserved. 

Nonetheless, during the first pregnancy she gave birth to a lovely baby girl. Despite the murmurs of the male spawn project was a failure. The couple delightedly welcomed the offspring and named her Luvelia. The product of their love.

After two years Nathalia came into the world. It was unsure if the queen Arha partook anymore experiments during pregnancy. But what was guaranteed is Luvelia has a sister whom she can depend on. Both daughters will never be lonely.

To ensure the two princesses grow up close. The queen would make them wear identical clothes.  Both receive similar gifts not to ignite jealousy. They share toys. The two royals stayed in a common room until the elder was twelve. When Luvelia turned thirteen, the queen gave the two more space to explore themselves. The first daughter embraced her introvert studious self. While the other spread her wings inside the castle walls. Sometimes within the safe outside perimeter too. 

The two girls though born two years apart look identical. They can pass as twins but their height difference would give them away. Both have slender figures but the older is a foot taller. It seems the heiress inherited the king’s tall stature. The younger may be petite but possesses the household’s combative skills. Which is the reason the younger has permission to leave the castle.

Princess Nathalia, despite being female fared well in combative training. Knights would normally use long double edged swords. The second princess is adept in controlling a lighter version a saber. A bit shorter and lighter curved single edge weapon. It came in handy whenever she would join herb gathering assignments. A task their mother values a lot. She is yet to encounter a werewolf.

At first the second child felt bad of having to leave the elder behind. Why can’t Luvie enjoy outside adventure? Their parents would explain that safety is the top priority. Luvie is too frail to go outside. But Nathalia needs to train and hone skills. It would be a pity not to. Each of them have a part to play for the betterment of the kingdom. Luvie will take care of state affairs while Nathalia can oversee the Calvary.

The elder argued it is too dangerous. She doesn’t want to put her sister in harms way. However in their tender years the king made it clear. Part of the responsibilities of the lineage of Vanieza is to sacrifice their life for the kingdom. Until the werewolves cease to exist, they cannot relax. Due to the dark reality, Luvelia dedicated her time in findings ways to reduce casualties. It resulted to numerous achievements in managing the kingdom when a pinch comes in.

The king considering the future spearheaded a project named Volhan Grove. Day and night the brightest scholars will find ways to utilize the blossom. In order to gain victory over werewolves permanently. The progress of the last ten years is to be officially reported. But Nathalia is hopeful the results will be what Luvelia needs when she becomes queen.

As proof of love to the elder sibling, the second daughter accepted the fate bestowed on her. If the role to be played is a sacrifice to keep the household afloat so be it. Luvelia is a magnificent sister. Selfless to an extent. The older would always spoil the younger but still be strict when necessary. Humility is a trait that is very much being practiced in the lineage. 

Nathalia would recall how the elder with let her enjoy the toys first. The older never complained when the younger wanted the better portions of food or clothing. In everything, she would give as long as Nathalia asked. Could it be Luvie’s way of saying sorry? It was not her fault the two them had to face different destinies.

“Princess Nathalia, the dress fits you so well.” The handmaid praised the pale blue frock the mistress is wearing. It was said that light colors attract less heat. Therefore it is best to wear it in outside outings. “Milady, which part of the garden would you want to visit?” The aid clarified. 

The castle grounds has four gardens, each planted flora pertains to the seasons. Even if Vanieza only has one season, the gardens show case the other climates the outside world has.

This was made possible by the effort of some visiting mages centuries ago. It was a sign of thankfulness. Their caravan was saved from werewolves by the Ivory knights. The head magician managed to fertilize the soil based on season. All that was needed is to follow the instructions of the potion to be mixed with the dirt. It serves as an extra source of time sensitivity to the outside world. Since as mentioned before, merchants barely flock Vanieza.

Typical trade would be, local merchants would be escorted by lower knights to sell their items. Then the same team would buy the basics the kingdom will need to live on. Despite the limited business opportunities, Vanieza makes a lot o money.

From what Nathalia has seen. Volhan blossoms is not only a perfume for the royals and the rich. It is believed that bathing in it can prolong youth and vitality. History wise, the royal house of Vanieza is known for their outstanding gorgeous features. The men of the lineage can lead battles until fifty while having the vigor of a twenty year old. Women barely showcase wrinkles until aged sixty. The monarchs have an average lifespan of ninety. Given the male does not die in battle.

Outsiders cannot consume the Volhan. Like the females of the house, people who dare suffer severe food poisoning. In worst cases death. So in order to gain the benefits, other users chose to bathe in it instead.

Nathalia smirked at the memory. Are all these legends of the Volhan true or too wild? Well the territory earning a  considerable sum. She should not be complaining. Breaking out of her reverie, the lady answered the servant’s question. “We are going to the area of spring. I want to pick flowers for princess Luvelia’s birthday today."

“Milady, such a thoughtful gesture.” The handmaid praised. Together with two other servants the princess exited her room. 

“Has Aira shared any news of what my sister is planning tonight?” The royal inquired.

“Your highness, Aira the aid informed the cook that the crowned princess will have dinner in the dining hall.” Nathalia’s lips pursed, she will not let her sibling celebrate alone.

“I will join her. Make sure the schedule is arranged.” Gretchen bowed in obedience. “We will place the blooms in the dining hall to surprise her.” The monarch happily explained. “I also need to dress up later, prepare the gown mother got for us. Knowing princess Luvie, she will be wearing the new frock tonight too.”

“My liege, I would make sure to account that.” the servant confirmed. The ladyship suddenly stopped on her tracks.

“Oh dear I left my notes in my room. One of you get it me. It is necessary I jot down the progress of the garden.” One of the servants gently excused herself and headed back to Nathalia’s room. She would do what can be done for Luvie to enjoy this day. Still it would have been great to get her something other that flowers. Should she go downtown and try to find something? 

Speaking of gifts, the royal wondered if a certain brunette man with onyx eyes accomplished his task. If her memory serves it right, a year ago the knight sought advise. Sir Irvald Koane was a close friend of Luvie. He was the man in training to protect Luvelia at all cost.

Like all the top males in the house of Koane, Irvald was trained at an early age. The position is to be the future queen’s first knight. The lady recalled the conversation in the weapons stock room. Sir Irvald particularly asked what to give the crowned princess on her eighteenth birthday.

The question intrigued the younger sibling. It seems the lad sees her sister in a high note. The gesture was rather sweet, contrary to his stoic face. The second daughter then shared Luvelia’s frustration on handling a weapons. If only the elder can manageable an object for defense. It would make her extremely happy. Plus it would boost the latter’s confidence and sense of security. Then the petite royal, began to do nonstop talk on how the present should be prepared. 

The fitting weapon should be a two edged dagger. The grip should be six inches in length and an inch in width. It would fit Luvelia’s huge hands. It should not be metal. But rather the best material. Canis, werewolf bones to be exact. It will be lightweight, durable and packs an extra force without much effort.

The knight was rather perplexed with the suggestion. Aren’t women interested in jewelries, dresses and perfume? Pretty type of things. Why would frail kindhearted Luvelia want something so barbaric? The male argued with the younger monarch. The female rebutted that her sister is not some ordinary woman. She will be queen. As she treks this road, the elder understands the sacrifices and threats along the way. That is why it is best to prepare in advance.

The older man rubbed the back of his neck and stated whatever. He might as well give it a shot knowing the sisters are very close. The chance that princess Nathalia is correct roughly eighty percent. If by chance the crowned heiress does not like the present, she would still be kind enough to keep it.    

“Gretchen, arrange a carriage for me after lunch. I need to check something downtown.”

The maid however nervously swayed her head. “Apologies mistress, the queen gave strict orders. No one leaves the castle grounds.” 

The royalty sighed. Outbreaks do have an incubation period of seven to fourteen days. Their mother is probably is not risking any up rise in the cases. If people began to roaming again the decline could be disturbed. “That’s so unfortunate. Now all I could do is gather flowers."

Disappointment was painted all over the monarch’s face. “My heart goes out to you milady. However I am sure Princess Luvelia will love anything you give her.” 

“I just wanted to do something extra special.” The master reiterated. If she wants to go out, the matter had to be taken to queen Arha. Knowing the matriarch, the sisters never won an argument with her. Often pulling the mother’s knows best card on them. There is no choice but flex her flower arrangement skills. Who knew that boring course actually had some use?

Not to belittle the artisan of flower arrangements. It was just not the siblings cup of tea. However their parents and tutors insisted it is necessary to show great impressions. Specially that the insignia of the kingdom is Volhan blossoms. The outside world assumes they specialize in flora. If the other nations only new that the duo is more interested in combat. It is one of the major means to secure the kingdom’s survival.

Arriving in the Spring garden, bountiful butterflies are in sight. It seems the insects are celebrating the arrival of spring season. From what the lady read, spring is a joyous time to enjoy festivals. The festivities give thanks the earth is once again brimming with life. There are so many variants of flowers around. The monarch could hear the servants speak in awe of the beauty upfront them.

Luvie loves the color white. Even if they debate that it is easily stained and hard to maintain. The older would not hear any of it. The elder would reason that it is a matter of discipline to keep it immaculate. Unfortunately, there is isn’t much white flowers in the harden except the Volhan blossoms. But the sibling is already too familiar to it. The younger heiress need so find something more interesting. With keen eyes on, she scanned the massive space to check out for anything interesting.

After searching for thirty minutes, a unique set of flowers caught the majesty’s attention. It was bulb shaped flowers in different hues. What was it called again? Nathalia tried to dig deep into her mind to recall. In a minute or two she gave up, no sense in stressing over it. The present palette was red, orange, yellow, white,violet and pink. Might as well take it all. Since big sister Luvelia will be eighteen, it would be nice to mix and match three of each.

Which one should be the center piece? White because its her favorite? Violet because the sibling is crowned princess? Maybe red? The elder is very passionate in everything. Even if its in an introverted way. Yellow might be a consoling color too. Knowing how lonely the pass few days was. How about pink a symbol of femininity, since it is a coming of age day. Or perhaps orange because …

The second daughter sighed, maybe she should leave orange out of the arrangement. Orange has always been associated with him. The gentle and kind scholar Earl Kaema Maal. The maiden can still recall his auburn hair and golden eyes. He looks flaming like fire with a voice calming as the wind. Luvie’s precious good looking personal tutor.

Eventually the teacher acknowledged the successors innate intelligence. As preparation for the future, the learned individual taught the elder to read the stars. At the age of six, it was crazy. The student diligently studied anyway. 

Ever since that educator came into the picture, studying became Luvelia’s hobby. The older royal was so smitten with the scholar. It was something Nathalia did not get at all. Why would her sibling sacrifice fun time to hit the books? The elder would share about the stuff she learned that day. Majority was not comprehensible to Nathalia’s young mind. Maybe when that man becomes her teacher, big sister’s enthusiasm will be understandable. Alas, before that person could be her tutor. He was tasked to go on the special Volhan grove project. 

Clenching both fist, the second daughter recalled how earnestly the first cried in their room. It was just not for one night. The first choice heiress wept for months. That long time, for some guy who did nothing but give homework. It was one of the perplexities of life, that strange occurrence.

Being the good daughter, the elder never questioned father’s decision. She did not express curiosity about the project. In her own way, Luvelia tried to forget him. Even in innocence, Luvelia knew the kingdom came first. Wants and longings are not the priority of a future ruler. A leader must put themselves last, subjects first. That is what their parents would instill to them. So each subordinate in return will trust their judgments and visions.

If her calculations are correct, that person would be twenty eight by now. Most likely Earl Kaema might have settled down. That is if he survived the trip or living in the grove all these years. How could people live like that? In total isolation? Maybe his hobby of looking at the stars is enough to pass the time. Come to think of it, can he snatch a wife in location of who knows where?

Occasionally when Luvie is mapping the sky, she would mention him. The glint of sadness in the eyes of her sibling has not changed. Until now the elder is still hung up on the tutor. A man they have never seen in the past ten years. Why was the older girl bewitched by the man? Maybe that senior fed her sister something that led to strong devotion. Hopefully someone can fill the void the educator left. It might seem harmless now. But keeping something bottled for so long is never a good idea.

Nathalia does not have the courage to confront Luvelia with the issue. She simply does not want to cut open old wounds. Through the years, the younger did her best not to talk about the educator. She even went to bounds of blocking things that could remind the elder of him. The younger sibling, desperately wanted to keep the older happy. The crowned one has enough burden to shoulder. An unchangeable past with an absentee man is not worth a moment of her time.

Troublesome. Simply troublesome even if he is not here. That guy managed to irk and disturb her thoughts too. It’s settled screw the color orange. The birthday bouquet will only contain five colors. Three of each red , yellow and pink with four white and five violet blossoms. Because above being the lady who is pure as white, big sister Luvelia is future queen. Who with full devotion Nathalia vows to protect and serve.       

“Milady, I assume you want these for her majesty princess Luvelia?” Gretchen blurted out of the blue. The younger heiress was staring at the flowers for so long. If looks could kill, the blooms would have burned by now. It was very out of character of the maiden to space out. The servants began to wonder if the royal is in distress. Is getting a present for crowned elder sibling heavily burdening? All have known that the two royals are extremely close. This is such a warm display of sibling love. “Your highness, would you like my assistance in harvesting the flora?” The servant offered again.

Snapping herself out the trance, the princess nodded. “Yes please do.” Gazing back at the servants, she smiled tenderly. “Hand over the notebook. I need to record the things observed on this variant.” The ladyship is curious of the new breed of flower witnessed. Gretchen felt relieved that there was nothing to worry about. In haste the aid carrying the notebook bowed and gave it to the monarch.

“Three of each red , yellow and pink with four white and five violet blossoms” ladyship ordered. The request perplexed the three maids. Why only five colors when there are six? Then the handmaid recalled, princess Nathalia has a rather peculiar dislike to the color orange. 

The history of it is unknown. It is best to leave it as a view on preference. In reality there are things that people don’t like for no reason at all. One does not need to like everything. Especially in the cases of royals. It is expected that their wants be placed in the back burner. The people’s need should come first.

This attitude is something Gretchen is proud with the members of the house of Vaniezia. Their masters never fail to express selflessness in all occasions. Even if the kingdom is isolated. Werewolves lurk and await to pounce beyond the walls. And last week there was an influenza outbreak. Vanieza is still better than any of the territories plagued by greed and corruption. Here people are treated with dignity and respect.

Gretchen glimpsed at her mistress absorbed in recording her learnings. The second princess is such an earnest individual. Charismatic and easy love. She will definitely be a pillar in the future queen’s court. The siblings compliment each other well. There might be no royal male heirs in the household right now. But seeing how hard the two members of the lineage are working, there is hope. One way or another, the two ladies will anchor Vanieza to a prosperous future. The loyal handmaid sincerely believes. Gladly she would bet her life in thick and thin, Princess Nathalia Vanieza would never abandon her crowned sister.