Chapter One.
Alexandria licked her fingers, eyes trailing through the passage of words as her mind dwindled down into a world in between lines within the book, captivated and intrigued with its contents. She leant back to rest against the willow tree, shuffling herself further into the shade, shielding herself from the summer rays that had slipped through the leaves. Pulling her knees up against her chest, Alexandria flipped the page, taking a deep breath in.
Magic, a wonderful and captivating source of energy that has been present since the very start of time, has passed down through many generations. Those who have wielded magic since the very brink of it are called Orions. Orions are a variety of beings, some highly accepted while others are looked down on like they are sickening creatures. An example of an Orion would be Vampires, blood-sucking creatures that are written down in Eastern-Europe’s mythology or Wizards and Witches, the best of them thriving in Great Britain, Alsia and Themis.
Magic has evolved through its time, through how it’s utilized and wielded by individual bearers, for example, the use of Electric Generation, where a user channels a large amount of electricity through their body and employs it. Those who wield magic but are not Orions are called ´The Gifted´. If an Orion blood is mixed with a Gifted or another type of Orion, they are classed as hybrids.
The birds began to sing as they spread their wings across the vast skies before them, free to explore the wonders of the world. Alexandria closed her book, a hand falling to her side while her fingers fiddled with the freshly cut grass beneath her, a summer breeze slipping through her soft crimson waves. Envious she was of the birds, free to travel anywhere in the world and saw the beauty in it, while she lived her life every day through the same routine in a castle and spent hours upon hours a day signing letters and documents.
“Your highness,” a voice rang out, a white-gloved hand slipped through the leaves and pushing towards the side, peeking through to see if anyone was there.
“Yes? Who is it?” Her violet eyes curiously trailed up to see who it was, resting her book on her lap.
A tall man entered through the leaves, a hand on his waist, and a loud huff breaking the silence between them. Kier, her personal butler who had been by her side for as long as she could remember. He had jet black hair that was slicked back, sharp ember eyes that made people felt like he was glaring daggers through them, and thin lips, which were slightly drained in colour.
“We agreed that Your Highness was going on a thirty-minute break, not an hour,” he snapped, crossing his arms over his chest as he stared the girl down.
Talk about an icy glare. Alexandria shivered, pushing herself hastily on her feet with the book still clutched by her side, dusting the dirt off her blue gown, a sheepish grin spread across her face.
“Lost track of time Kier, I’m sorry, I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again,” she reassured.
His gaze wandered down onto the book that Alexandria held, reaching his hand out so he could take the book out of her hands, inspecting the title. The book’s cover wasn’t as grand as he expected it to be, a mere blue leather case with golden engraved words for its title, The History of Magic,
“... By Althea Victor,” he muttered under his breath, directing his attention back to the girl again, raising an eyebrow, “not really what I expect a fifteen-year-old to engage in. Either way, this was what you were going to learn when you turn sixteen at the end of this year so we can prepare you for your coronation.”
“Whoops?” She shrugged her shoulders, biting her lower lip slightly while a wide grin formed onto her face, backing her way out, “pre studying.”
Alexandria pushed the leaves aside and made her way through them, her eyes immediately squeezing them shut tightly to shield her away from the scorching light, sucking a sharp breath in from the sudden intrusion. Blindly, Alexandria took a couple of steps forward, her heels finally hitting a gravel path.
Alexandria placed a hand over her eyes, opening the violet hues so she could look around and observe where she was standing. Flowers that were neatly arranged embellished the sides of the gravel path, butterflies fluttering around the garden. The gravel path lead towards the centre of the garden, a large fountain surrounded by neatly cut hedges stood proud in the middle.
“Your Highness,” another low warning came from Kier, who had appeared beside her out of nowhere, “we have to return to preparing you for the Luna Hunting festival tomorrow.”
“Yes, I know. Is Elza going to attend the festival?” Alexandria craned her head to the side so she could look at Kier, excitement bubbling up in her chest.
“I don’t believe so, she’s got work to deal with,” he shook his.
“She’s always busy,” Alexandria huffed under her breath, her lips extending out into a small pout, shoulder drooping.
“Your sister decided to take her family’s name and she is fulfilling her duties as Duchess. You on the other hand was taken in by His Majesty, Selene rest his soul, so you will be fulfilling your duty by leading this country,” the man scolded.
“Now Kier, let’s not lash out on her too much, she’s still a teenager,” a woman’s voice interrupted a hand placed onto his shoulder, rubbing it softly. There, next to Kier, was a tall woman. Rose pink hair and emerald, green eyes, lips curled up into a soft gentle smile that made Alexandria’s mood brighten up.
“Syndra!” Alexandria cheered, snickering under her breath as Kier’s face morphed into a gentle smile as he stared at his wife next to him, his body easing up.
“Your Highness,” Syndra curtseyed, her white dress held up slightly, so it didn’t touch the ground, fixing the strap on her shoulder. “Enjoying your break?”
“Mhm,” Alexandria nodded, a bright smile creeping up onto her face, “it’s a fine day really. It’s a shame that I have to be inside,” she glared at Kier who only shrugged his shoulder.
“Now Your Highness, you have responsibilities as the future queen of this nation,” Syndra reminded her, “now come on let’s get you back to your office.”
