Ember to Ashes

“EMBER” A voice calls from down the hall.

I turn around to see Alica, I mean Princess Alicia, coming towards me. “Your Majesty,” I greeted her, mockingly.

“Oh, just shut up and come with me.”

“Where are we going?”

“My fa- I mean the King, has requested your presence in his office immediately.”

“Why would his Majesty need to see me?” I asked, but Alica didn’t have time to respond. We had arrived at the King’s office. The large wooden door blocking our entry, was closed.

I knocked lighly, and a butler opened the door for me. “Welcome Lady Ember.”

Ugh, I hated being Lady Ember. Just because my parents were of Nobility, doesn’t mean I should be a Lady. Right? “I was requested?”

“Yes, yes. Come in Lady Ember.” King Hecter said, once he saw me.

I fell into a curtsy, “Your Majesty, what do you need from me?”

“Please take a seat Lady Ember.” His Majesty said, motioning to the seat across from him. I quickly sat down as he continued. “As you know, my army is planning an attack against Isolten. But, I am down one officer. Officer Radley is out of commission due to an injury to the knee.

“I have heard great things about your fighting skills, and was wondering if you would like to start training to be a temporary officer in my army.”

“Are you sure, your Majesty?” One of the King’s advisers asks.

“Yes. My son, Prince Emerick, has told me of how much you train, and how good you are with a sword. And, I have also heard that you can be quite the leader. So, are you up to the challenge? Will you be my honorary officer?” His Majesty asked, turning to me.

I tried to compose myself, and answered just as I was taught to. “Your Majesty, I would be honored to be an officer in your army. I won’t let you down sir.”

“Excellent! Training starts tomorrow in the training yard at 8am.” The King said, clapping his hands together.

I stood, curtsied, and left his Majesty’s office. I was still in disbelief with what just happened.

Alicia was waiting for me outside the door. “What was that about?”

“He asked me to be an officer in his army for the battle in Isolten this month.”

“Really!? That’s great! OMG, your going to Isolten! I heard the land there is beautiful!”

“Whoa, calm down! I’m excited, but a little worried. I mean, what will the other soliders think of a girl officer?”

“You’ll be fine. Come on, it’s almost curfew!”

Me and Alica quickly went back to our rooms in the west wing. I closed the door quietly behind me, and Kara was there waiting. Without saying a word, she helped me get dressed for bed. I was asleep within minutes, awaiting the next morning.