The Shattered Queen

Chapter Two

My heart was racing as I finish reading my father’s letter to me. I knew I had to return to the castle, but I was afraid, afraid of claiming my crown. Because of my loyalty to my father, and taking care of him throughout his hardest years, I put off finding my mate. In a way I was grateful that my mate wasn’t stuck with my crazy family yet. It was hard enough living with them through the years. But what was a queen without her king?

I knew my royal advisors, and all of my subjects would be pushing me to step down if I didn’t find my mate soon. So what choice do I have? I shifted into Esmè, my beautiful wolf. She grew stronger by the day, and I knew soon, no one would be able to defeat me. Even my father said that he had never seen a wolf as strong as her. She was special, and I was blessed she was part of my life.

I burnt the letter that my father had written to me. I didn’t want anybody else finding out that I had enchanted objects from my father. Lord knows what they would do if they ever found them.

I raced home to my fathers observatory with the key in my mouth. I approached the gigantic Mahogany door and shifted back. Every time I came here the door only seemed to grow. It was massive with giant iron handles. I pushed open the giant doors, revealing the dusty telescope. My dad had once used, now laying untouched, frozen in time.

I approach the bookcase where my father, kept all of his prized possessions. There sitting on the highest shelf was my music box. It was the most beautiful music box in the world. My dad made it just for me. Hand carved into it was two swans, interlocking necks to make a heart. In the middle of the heart was a keyhole, the perfect size for the key that my dad had given me in the letter.

I turned the key as far as it would go, and with a click, the box opened. Inside was the enchanted pieces my father had gifted me. They glimmered in the now setting Sun. Everything about them was beautiful. My father always took pride in his work, and this was by far the finest I had ever seen. I put all three pieces on and swore I would never take them off. I could feel the effects of them already working their magic. I almost felt invincible.

The enchanted jewelry gave me the courage I needed to face the royal advisor and my subjects. There was much planning to be done if I was to become queen. So much to do in so little time. I walked away from the bookcase and closed the giant mahogany doors behind me. With a newfound hope, I made my way to the advisers quarters.

With how big my father’s castle was it took me 10 whole minutes to make my way to James. I knocked twice and entered. James looked up from the scroll he was reading with a hint of shock in his eyes. “ your highness I wasn’t expecting you so soon, please forgive my ignorance.” He bowed as low as he could go, almost touching his nose to the ground. “ never mind that James, we have much to do If I want to become queen before there is an uproar with my subjects. I’m going to need your help.” I stated plainly. My father always liked James because of his loyalty. If anyone in the kingdom could be trusted with these tasks, it would be him.

“ James, no one will let me become queen unless I have my king. I want you to send word far and wide to all the available bachelors. I will be hosting a ball, and all of them will be welcome to join me.” I said as James started writing details down. “ tell them that my ball will be held this weekend, and that I am looking for my king.” I was hoping I would sense my true love close to me if he attended.

James looked up to me and finally spoke after a long silence. “ Allurah, are you sure this is what you want? You don’t have to become queen. You could pass it onto your older brother” the look of uncertainty in his eyes was enough for me to question my own actions. But this was what my father wanted. This was what my kingdom needed. A strong and powerful ruler. “ I am sure James this is what my father had envisioned for me.”

“ as you wish Allurah. I will send the word out as soon as possible, and I will make sure the chef and the planners start preparing for your guests.” He said with a kind smile. Even though he was only ten years older then me, it felt as though he was a second father. He had worked with my father since I was just eight years old. He made me feel safe and cared for.

With the invitations being sent out soon, I had just one thing I needed to do. I had to travel in disguise to Xanderfield, a town on the outskirts of my territory. Only there could I have my fortune read. It was going to take me awhile to get there, so I needed to leave right away. Lady Gianiah was only doing fortunes a handful of days each year, and tomorrow was the last time she would be willing to help me.