Chapter 1
Astrid
I wake up to the sound of a loud banging on my door. Cassian , I believe. I quickly toss away my blankets and walk over to my closet, which is full of beautiful dresses and other things. I’ve got to say, as much as I despise being the princess of the other side, I do enjoy having numerous outfit options.
I barely have time to get a deeper gray dress before my brother bangs on my door again, “Ash , I swear to God you’re going to get me in trouble if you don’t hurry downstairs right now.” I swear under my breath and say,”Chill out, Cassian. I’m getting dressed.” He continues complaining about how long I’m taking and I eventually snap, “Cassian, if you don’t shut up, I swear I’m going to shove my heel up your couch.”
Cassian huffs outside my door and mutters, “That’s great. I’ll inform Momma and Papa that you’re on your way.” When I hear the sound of his footsteps returning downstairs, I take the dress and head into my bathroom. I put on a dress, brush my hair and teeth, apply mascara, slip on my heels, and stroll downstairs.
~
When I walk downstairs, Momma gets up and exclaims, “There she is!” “Good morning, sweetheart,” Mama says as she carcasses my cheek. “Morning, Ma,” I say, smiling. As I sit next to Papa and Cassian, Papa smiles at me. I pour tea into my cup and take a sip as Papa says to me, “So, your brother and I have decided it’s time to call a truce with the Outsiders.” “What?!” I nearly spit my tea. “We realized we haven’t been on the greatest terms with them,” Papa adds, “but…..we want to give it a chance at the very least.” I laugh bitterly, “Are you joking?” My family gives me blank stares, as if they aren’t sure who I am. I laugh once more, “You’ve got to be kidding. This is completely ridiculous.” I continue, “Papa, they’ll never agree to a truce, I say, folding my arms across the table. Papa nods in agreement, “This is probably true, Astrid, but as we said, it’s worth a chance.” Irritated, I say, “We are built as enemies, Pa, it will never work,” I rub my eyes “, suddenly feeling nauseous. “Ash-please-” Cassian tries. I stand up from the table, “No. it’s not true. I am not assisting in any way.” I walk away from the table, and simply leave.
~
Atlas
My black hair is blowing in the breeze as I sit with my legs off the roof of my hideaway. I keep an eye on the sun and feel it’s warmth on my skin. In a way, it’s comforting. I took the time on my wrist watch. It’s past midday. Nice. It’s time for me to return to see my father. I’m sure he’ll assign me some work on the other side. I get to my feet and climb down from the roof.
Of course, when I return to the palace, my father, the king of the outsiders, has to lecture me for the fifth time this week for venturing out. He’s dressed in a black for a jacket and black pants today, with his usual black crown on his head. He declares, “ Atlas, I’ve told you 1 million times this week to quit going out there so much, if you’re caught on their turf the other siders won’t care. They’ll do anything they want with you, son.”
it’s funny. Because my father already knew I was unconcerned about what happened to me. After the other side killed my mother about 10 years ago, I’ve cared less and less about what happens to me. I’m sick of being afraid like my father. My father is a coward. “Atlas,” my father says, clearing his throat. I reply, “Yes, father?” “Promise me you’ll stop going outside so far away,” he says. I’m tempted to throw my head back and laugh. Instead, I say,” Sure.” I turn to walk away, but my father stops me, saying,” actually, son, I’d like you to go spy on the other side again.” “Tonight.” I ask, frowning at him,” Why?” “You’re so disrespectful,” he says, raising his voice. “Don’t enquirer as to why, son.” I silently wish I’d never said a word. I nod to my father and head out, “Yes, Father.” And he’s in control yet again.
