Royal Disaster

Chapter 1: Emmy

Emrose

"Mother, do you always have to braid my hair like that? I want it down and free." I told my mother who did not seem to hear me. "Mother!" I exclaimed.

"Oh hush, emmy! That's nonsense. How could you find a suitable husband if your hair looks like a rug?" Mother laughed. "It does not! How dare you mother!" I bit back, turning around and laughing with her.

"It smells like one too." she continued laughing acting to smell my hair and trying to wrinkle her nose.

"Oh well, I got it from you!" spreading both of my arms, trying to hug her from behind me. She hugged me right back.

"Darling, you are so beautiful. I wonder how I got so lucky to have you as my daughter." She told me while looking at both of our reflections in the mirror, still hugging me.

"Well,it is undeniable. I also got that from you too mother." I turned back to her and hugged her more properly. I loved my mother so much. I owe her and my father everything I am and have in this world. I wouldn't stop until I provide them with what they deserve.

"Marissa! Emmy!" we heard father call out. We hurriedly went outside to see what the commotion was all about. "Emmy! Marissa!" we saw him running towards us, panting. "Elchard is on his way home." father had a big smile on his face as he delivered the news to us.

"Truly father? Why haven't he sent a letter that he is?" I can't hide my excitement. Elchard is my brother and he is finally coming home after three long years. He was away as he needed to pay my father's debt by working for a rich merchant. At that time I was still fifteen and he was my best friend. My only friend, actually. It was sad seeing him away, but I'm so proud of him for being so brave and volunteering to take my father's place instead.

"Yes dear Emmy. He is. I saw his friend, Connor, in the market earlier and he told me your brother is arriving tomorrow. He said Elchard did not have the time to write to us as the merchant died so suddenly last week. He told Connor to inform us in case he arrives first in our village." Father answered, still panting but the happiness on his face was refreshing.

"Oh! finally we will be complete. I can't wait to hug dear Elchard. I hope he is well." Mother clasped her hands together and sighed,and she too was beaming. I, on the other hand, was thinking of all the possible questions I would ask him once he is home. We have a lot of catching up to do. Being away for three long years from my brother made me a very lonely child, seeking comfort from my own troubled thoughts. Although both my parents are here, I cannot say that they really understand me deeply. That connection almost always only existed with Elchard and I.

After rejoicing with my parents, I told them I would be at my usual happy place and they just smiled. "Be careful. Be back before dark." Mother told me. I then went directly to the woods, where I usually head to when I'm sad, happy, or when I just wanted to be alone for a while. This has been my sanctuary since Elchard left. The chirping birds would be my music, the fresh soil my bed, and the heavens above as my own canvass of paradise.

I brought a book with me, a gift from father last month during my birthday. I just turned eighteen and this is the first time father had given me something other than him hunting boars for us to eat for supper during my birthdays. Not that I complain, he gives what he can and I would always appreciate him for that.

The book was entitled "Events Leading to Happiness". I read the first few chapters and I found it rather odd that father gave this to me. It's not like he knew I was lonely? I was always cheerful and full of energy when I'm with him and mother. I guess they have always been so worried since my brother left.

I was halfway through my book when I noticed some movement from my periphery. Was there someone there or was I just imagining things? I did not wait to find out. I quickly turned around and move toward the path I always took when heading home. It was strange hearing footsteps approaching me when no one comes to this place often. Frightened, I picked up my pace. The footsteps were coming closer so I started running. I was a mere few feet away from home when I halted. A figure was right in front of me, a man, but I can't make out his face as his back was against the sun, blocking the light and the shadow was covering his face.

"How's my Rose?" the big man spoke. My heart fluttered and I knew. He's back. My Elchard is back.