Chapter 1
"AAHHHHHH!!!"
A deafening screech pierced through her ears. Iris looked around confused since her surroundings were blurred due to the fire. 'Fire?' she thought and looked for the source when she realized what was going on.
Thousands of people stood around the wooden stake while people were burning up there. Her eyes went wide with the horror in front of her.
The people around her chanted slurs and insults.
"Rat bloods!"
"You will perish in the deepest of hell!"
"Die you witch!"
"Disgrace to the magical society!"
Iris couldn't comprehend anything.
'What's happening?'
Suddenly everything went blank and she staggered forward.
Iris woke up with a start, sweating. The skin around where her pendant was touching burned. Another weird dream, she thought to herself. But soon she shook it off and went to wash up. It was a long day ahead.
Iris went to the dining hall in her regular corset to find everyone except for Harlin, who was obviously busy doing her makeup.
Iris sat down beside Elina and nudged her with her elbow.
"I will ask Mother and Father now, okay?" Eli nodded. Aylin looked at Iris from the other side of the dining table in a meaningful way and nodded.
"Mother, Father, are you aware that we are going on an expedition tomorrow?" Iris said. Queen Eleeza slightly frowned her eyebrows.
"Where are you going?" said the Queen as she cut a small portion of her steak.
"We are visiting Raczil to look at what the war has left behind."
"I see you are interested in war, my dear," King Franks said, his reddish eyes glinting. "I'm so proud of you."
Iris nodded and smiled. Harlin had entered the dining hall by then. She looked frantically at the others and bowed deeply, "I apologize for delaying my arrival."
Elina mocked her, "No need to be so polite, tardy queen. We know your makeup takes more time than your breakfast." Ayleen nudged Elina since the Queen was literally sitting across them.
"That's normal though." They kept bickering.
After breakfast,
All four of them were walking down the hall towards their classroom, the hem of their black robe dangling around their feet.
"Don't you think they will find out?"asked Harlin, slightly frowning.
"Well, we got to risk it, Haru. We just have to act well enough for them not to find out," said Elina, slowing down to match her pace.
"It's not just acting though. If Mr. Rupert tells her mom, we are doomed. We have to make sure our plan works out," Aylin said, looking kind of worried.
"Iris?" Aylin said as she pulled Iris by her arm, "Is there anything on your mind?"
"Yes, you have been really silent," Elina mocked her.
"Uhm, actually, yes. I had this weird dream this morning and I can't just forget what happened."
"Haven't you been having way too many nightmares lately?" Aylin looked worried.
"Did I tell you it was a nightmare?"
"I can tell," she smiled warmly, "now, tell us what you dreamt about."
"It felt as if I had seen that dream before. Or, more like, I was there myself. It felt so real."
"Was it the same thing you saw last time?"
"Nope. Last time, I couldn't exactly remember what I saw; it was vague. But it was really clear this time. I saw that some people were being burnt in the city plaza. The crowd was chanting insults at them. And everything was covered in black mist. I felt as if I were present in that dream."
"That's spooky. Maybe you should consult the psychologist," Harlin suggested.
"Hey, I'm not going insane. I don't need a psychologist."
They arrived at their classroom. Wind blew in through the floor to ceiling windows and the chirping of birds filled the air with a nice vibe.
There were not many students as usual. Well, it was normal because, of course, the princesses of four of the most powerful kingdoms wouldn't sit in the same classroom as others. They attend special magic classes meant only for them. They learn how to hone their basic magic skills; learn to talk to birds, how to fly, and how to teleport. But all of them have a long way to go before they can become experts like their parents.
"Hey, Iris. Have you read that book yet?" asked Alison walking up to them.
"Yes, I have. It was so good. I loved the details about the war. It's interesting."
"I knew you would love it," Alison warmly smiled at her.
Eleena rolled her eyes, "There he goes again with his sweet tongue." Harleen smirked, "Or are you jealous that he doesn't use that sweet tongue while speaking to you?" Elina cursed at her, "I would rather have a dog lick me in the face than be jealous of him. Ew," she crinkled her nose, "I guess you should work a little harder on your makeup though."
Harlin grinned as she sat at her desk, "Even though I wouldn't mind if he admires me, personally my standard is way too high." Elina rolled her eyes. Irees continued her chatter with Alison as Ayleen sat between Elina and Harlin.
"Will you two stop fighting like street dogs?" Aylin said, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"Oh, mother! Please forgive us for such brusqueness. We shall never disappoint you again," Elina said, mockingly pleading to Aylin. Aylin pursed her lips.
"I'm not your mother."
"But you sure don't let me feel the absence of my mother." Harlin burst out laughing. But just then Mr. Rupert entered the classroom.
"Okay, everyone, sit down. Mr. Alison, why are you standing at Ms. Iris's desk?"
Alison hurried away.
"So, today we are going to learn about the rise of the Ackerman kingdom." Elina looked smug-ly at Alison.
...
Later that afternoon,
"We should pack for tomorrow," Harlin said taking a sip from the golden trimmed pink tea cup.
"What are you gonna pack? Makeup kit?" Elina asked as she munched on her apple pie, Cathyon sitting on her lap as she played with her brown hair.
"You know the answer, Eli. By the way, aren't you gonna pack some food for you?"
"Oh, thanks for the reminder! I gotta ask Brandy for some cookies to carry."
Iris was there reading a book called 'War and Runes', too intent on reading to notice the bickering.
Aylin sat there quietly sipping tea and adoring the beauty of her favourite flowers— violet, iris and whatnot. The western wind was tender against her pale skin. The cool bridge carried the smell of flowers into the tea pavilion.
"Ris, what are you reading?" Harlin asked.
"Oh, it's the book that Alison gave me," Iris said. Elina rolled her eyes.
"Didn't you say you were done reading this book?" Aylin asked.
"I lied," Iris replied in don't-give-a-damn way. "But I gotta read this in case he asks me about the contents inside this book."
"Why do you lie about being interested in war? You don't like brutality, Ris."
"Well, I'm the crown princess. I have to handle wars and stuffs in the future even if I don't like it. Better get used to it from now."
"And, why do you keep being friendly with that General-boy? I don't like the way he acts around you. He kinda creeps me out," Elina said devoured another piece of pie.
"You will know, Eli, when the time comes," answered Aylin in Iris's stead.
"Wait- is there something I don't know?" Elina said urging forward.
"Now is not the right time, my sister from another mother, it is not the right time. Just wait until the full moon of next mon—" Iris was saying nonsense to divert the conversation.
"Shut up, Ris. If you don't wanna talk about it now, then it's fine. Just tell me if you are committing any crime. Lemme join," Elina said mischievously. Iris laughed aloud.
"There is no crime that I shall commit without inviting you, my dear," she said in a wise tone.
