01: An Introduction
"...it is for our kingdom's sake."
My parents words rang again and again inside my head.
For the past week of sailing through the sea, I've tried my best not to think about the reason why I would be going to the capital. But I always failed.
"Aish!" I grunted as the memory popped up again.
I held my head with my left hand as I leaned on the ship's deck. I sighed as I watched the sky-colored water twinkle under the sun's light.
Marriage. Alliance. Peace.
All to maintain the safety of the kingdom, I was sent to the capital for an alliance through marriage.
Truly, things were not supposed to go this way. But the king who has always feared our abilities kept on looking for a way to hold his hands on us.
Islauth isle is the home of us phrasers– the kingdom's hidden defense who has the ability of controlling fire, earth, wind, and water through words. Because of this ability, we were sent by the previous ruler to that island found at the kingdom's border as it's defense.
But the island is not something that people could locate if they want to. This is the reason why we were called as the kingdom's hidden defense.
However, this evoked the envy of people, especially the kingdom's nobles. The island has been attacked many times in hopes of finding the enchanted tree which they believe, has been giving us these abilities.
This jealousy then turned to fear. And because they can't eliminate us, this marriage was brought up to control us.
Even though we haven't done anything to offend the crown, the islanders reluctantly agreed. Especially my parents, the duke and duchess, the one leading the island.
"... it's for the best."
That was the answer they gave me when I asked them why we should give in when we can put up a fight.
"I'm sorry, Nesrin."
Heaving a sigh, I shook my head as I remembered my parents' faces when they sent me off. It was… weird.
"Nesrin," a voice pulled me out from the depths of my thoughts.
I turned around to look at the person who was calling me.
"Grandpa," I softly called out.
Valde Asteria, the duke who ruled the first migration of the phrasers on the island.
"Is there anything…? Grand?"
"Nothing," he replied unhurriedly.
My forehead creased slightly at his answer. Too fast for him to notice.
I've been wondering why but my parents and granpa's actions are very suspicious. I don't know why but it's what I feel.
I tilted my head and pushed that thought aside. Maybe I was overthinking.
Grandpa stood beside me and joined me in watching the horizon.
After a long silence, he spoke.
"I'm sorry, Nesrin. We're sorry," grandpa started.
I remained silent and intently listened to what he was about to say.
"We," he sighed. "We have no choice," he finished.
"Uhm," I nodded, telling him that I understand.
I looked at the man who has grown with time but his back still stood straight. He has carried the burden when they were thrown on the island. And now, even with my father present, his anxiousness towards the safety of his people and granddaughter overwhelmed him.
Even with the way he answered me told me that, he too was not too sure if sending me was the right thing to do.
"If we faced them Grand, we still can't make sure if we'd win," I said.
Grandpa's eyes widened in shock and then he slowly smiled. His old eyes slightly crinkling.
"Aren't you the one who suggested to fight them head on?" He asked with his brows raised.
I coughed and laughed awkwardly.
"Well, I've thought about it."
"What did you think about?"
"That after those years, they wouldn't stay weak right?" I half answered, half asked.
"No," he replied. I guess I was right then.
"They were never weak," Grandpa said.
They were never weak. Then why? Why the threats?
"Why Grand?" The questions in my mind escaped from my lips.
My question was not complete yet Grandfather still understood what I was trying to ask.
"You'll be amazed how jealousy affects people, Rin."
Jealousy. Is it that powerful that they would resort to hurting people?
I stayed under the sun for a few more hours until the sky was dyed orange with a tint of pink and red.
Grandpa already retreated after that short talk. He said he wanted to rest early for tomorrow's event.
We'd be arriving at the capital tomorrow and I don't know what to feel.
I spent my time on the deck wondering what would happen tomorrow. The world that I'd be entering for the first time is also the world that turned its back on us. And I'd be staying in their den for the rest of my life.
The sun was out of my sight in no time and without knowing it, the world is now under the grace of the moon and stars.
I mumbled something under my breath and the wind blew stronger making our ship move faster.
•••
"Eat some first," Granpa said while pushing a plate of snacks towards me.
We are inside a carriage sent by the palace to receive us after we arrived at Ione– the capital of the kingdom of Maev.
My gaze then drifted to the snacks Granpa introduced to me.
I stared at it with wariness. My stomach clenched from seeing the delectable sweets plated so temptingly. But I held on the urge to eat and chose to stare at the scenery from the window. I'm afraid that that food may not be served with good intentions.
My eyes shifted from the window to my grandfather when I heard a soft chuckle. He was holding his mouth with his hand, preventing his laugh from bursting out. His shoulders vibrated and his face was now starting to turn red.
I glared at him after seeing his reaction. "What? There's nothing wrong with being cautious," I reasoned out.
My grandpa then stopped laughing and he put his index finger in his lips, gesturing me to keep quite.
The silent meaning from his actions, both of us know what it was. He did not ask me to eat anything anymore and we both stayed quiet until we reached the royal palace.
