#sunar

Month 1: Turqui 19th, 251

(November 18th, 731 CE)

The morning struck Sunar in such a manner, for it was Winter. The snow painted the ground just like the artists painted the heiress, Princess Beautia Diamond.

A princess who should’ve been up already. She was still lying in bed, taking in all of the heat that her sheets brought her. She was the prettiest maiden, or woman, in all the land. (Some still have yet to know she is no longer a maiden)

Her eye-captivating blue hair and eyes, both inherited from her parents. Her figure that of a Goddess as some would say. Some would also call her a servant of evil considering her attitude towards her beauty.

It was about 9:00 AM, and the child was feeling miserable. She would be turning 18 soon enough, come next Varoth (January), and she was not looking forward to it.

Why? Well, it’s simple. It’s due to the fact she would most likely be forced to find a suitable husband, and she would most likely be crowned Queen in the next three years.

Why could she not be 14 forever? That was a great year. For it was the first year she got into the idea of “indulging in the bowl of delectable fruits.” Yes, she was 14, and way too young in everyone’s eyes. But did she care? No.

Why should she? It seemed as though everyone was against her anyway. She was always irritated, and she had no idea why. So the Princess decided to try and block out that irritation by participating in intimate activities.

But nothing seemed to work, she was always irritated. Beautia used this irritation to boost her already massive ego, and put down her sister who she saw as “ugly.”

The castle was already bustling with servants and nobles. Princess Pretia Diamond and Prince Hando Diamond were already up and doing their duties as royals.

Princess Lalaola Diamond was reading her books with her tutor, and old man. He had taught Beautia way back when, and now he was old and gray. Beautia had taken an interest in him when she was around the age of 10, but lost it as soon as she met a noble boy.

The two young Princes, Prince Corrow, and Prince Bendressed Diamond, were in the nursery, playing the day away. Beautia sometimes found herself envying the boys, wishing for her simpler days to return as well.

But it was 9 AM, and the Princess had yet to rise from her chambers. So a maid was sent by her mother, the Queen, to go and wake her. The maid looked at the wooden door, afraid to find out how the dearest Princess would react.

She gathered up her courage and lightly knocked on the door.

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She tried again.

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Nothing once again.

The woman sighed in defeat and opened the door. The lights were out, curtains over the windows, and darkness overcame the room. Grabbing a torch, she marched into the darkness.

The child slept in her bed, which her ancestors have used before her. This bedframe has lasted a while. Though, it was getting quite old, very old. Could break at any moment.

The maid looked over and saw her, the Crown Princess. Her hair covered her face, skin glowing with the light of the torch, and a blanket covering her most likely nude body.

The woman placed her hand lightly on the child’s back, whispering, “Princess Beautia, your Highness.”

Beautia groaned and rolled away from her humble servant. She knew exactly what she was here for, and she didn’t want to open her eyes.

The maid sat there for a good while, not knowing exactly what to do. She let the sounds of chattering people fill her ears as she thought.

Her Highness seems to be a bit more tired than usual. Did something happen? Is she alright?

Beautia groaned as the maid walked over to face her. The torch seemed to have been hurting the girl’s eyes since she squeezed them shut. The maid looked at the girl, trying to see if there were any love marks on her neck.

This maid had known Beautia for basically all of her adolescence. The maid had blonde hair that resembled the sun, fair skin, emerald green eyes, and a pointed nose.

The maid shook the Princess again. Beautia mumbled and her eyes fluttered open. She looked at the woman who had been serving her for the past seven years. She had to be at least 37 by now.

As soon as the blew orbs spotted the woman, all the Princess could think was, Fantastic, the witch is here again. Beautia judged people based on their appearance. So she thought all were below her.

The maid continued, “Your Highness, it is now 9:15 AM, her Majesty requests your presence.”

Beautia groggily responded, “Yes, yes, send in my servants to dress such a lady as myself. Go on now.”

The maid bowed, “As you wish your highness. May Sunar prosper in your hands.” She then proceeded to walk out.

Beautia sighed as she looked at the ceiling. The events that occurred the previous night seemed to have tired her out. She brushed her hand through her soft, silky, cornflower shaded hair.

She slowly sat up and looked at her surroundings. The blanket fell off to reveal she did indeed have sleepwear on, something uncommon for Her Highness.

As she took her first step, a sharp pain emitted from her lower regions. Beautia stumbled back into her bed, the pain continuing. What was this? This definitely wasn’t normal for a Sunarian.

The sheets surrounded the Princess, those soft sheets. They almost knocked her out, but another wave of sharp pains washed over her. Beautia groaned as she gripped her stomach, rolling over.

The maids soon arrived, causing Beautia to force herself to act as if everything was alright.

Perhaps this was from last night. Lord Tino was a bit rougher than most of the men. Yes, that is it. Nothing I myself haven’t endured.

She decided that is what it would be and continued on with her day, wearing her usual scandalous attire. She proceeded to walk to her office, the office in which she stared at a portrait of Sunria.

Violaina did all of her work, only because she didn’t want to upset her daughter and cause her to hate her. So there she was, the future Queen just starring at the same Portrait.

Knock

Knock

Knock

Beautia’s attention was soon directed towards the door. She instructed, “You may enter.”

The door opened and Pretia walked in. She was wearing a simple outfit, very simple. The base color was light blue, with white as a side color. The dress was a long-sleeved turtle neck, white ruffles at the neck, sleeves, and bottom. Her brown hair was tied up into braids, and her eyes shone, as usual.

Beautia sharply asked, “May I help you?”

Pretia rolled her eyes as she bowed. “Greetings dearest sister of mine. I have brought you papers for the New Years’ Ball.”

Beautia looked at her little sister, confused. “The New Years’ Ball,” she questioned. The Princess nodded her head in affirmation. Beautia stood up and continued, “Why are these papers here?”

“Her Majesty, Queen Violaina Diamond, our mother, has asked that you organize the festival. The people don’t trust you enough to govern this country,” the girl responded.

Beautia groaned as she sat back down in her chair. And here she thought that this would be a dress choosing. She wanted to help her sister who seemed to lack a sense of style.

She didn’t want to do this, she wanted to meet new boys from other countries, taste their fruits. But no, she is stuck in royal business.  Why her of all the poor women?

Beautia was about to march on down to meet her mother, but she looked to her sister. She was 15 now and was more than capable of planning parties. Beautia smirked.

“Sister,” she started. Pretia’s eyes widened a bit. Beautia had rarely ever addressed her as “sister,” so this was a first.

She stammered, “Y-Yes Beautia?”

Beautia pleaded, “Oh Pretia, my dearest sister! I am too busy doing work and am ever so tired! Can you please plan the party for me?”

Pretia was caught off guard by her sister. Her voice was sweet as honey and could convince anyone. Figures as to why she gets so many men, but that makes it difficult to find herself a man that hasn’t indulged in pleasures with her elder sister.

Pretia grumbled, “You want me to plan it in your name?” Beautia nodded. The brunette shook her head, “No, not this time Beautia. You always have manipulated me into doing your dirty work. I have had about enough!”

Beautia’s smile turned into a frown. She rubbed her head which seemed to be aching. “You may not have any beauty, but you seem to have brains,” she griped.

Pretia snapped, “Why are you so cruel Beautia? Just because I don’t look like you? I am well aware of the fact, it haunts me every night! And you have the audacity to sit here and call me ugly?”

“What? I only speak the truth,” Beautia said in a monotone voice.

Just as Pretia was about to go off on her sister, Beautia felt the sharp pains again. This one was worse. Beautia flinched, noticeably. It caught Pretia’s attention, which directed towards the girl.

The green orbs stared at her elder sister, cautious to see what was going on. Beautia tried to brush it off, but another pain arrived and the girl stumbled onto the hard, cold, stone floor.

“Sister,” Pretia fretted. She tossed the papers aside as rushed to meet her sister’s gaze. She asked, “Sister! What is wrong?”

Beautia blinked for a few seconds before turning to her younger sister. She had never seen Pretia worry so much for her. She never had any reason, Beautia had always been so cruel.

Just as Beautia could feel her heart warm, her head began to ache and the resentment came back. The heiress glared at her younger sister and slapped her hand away.

She spat, “It’s nothing, I’m fine. See to it that the party is organized.”

Pretia felt her heart ache as she bowed and left. Her sister had no need to be cold, but she always was. Why did she even try to help the hopeless case? But as the Princess roamed the halls of her home, she felt a slight discomfort in her chest.

It felt refreshing, but at the same time painful. This feeling felt so familiar but exotic at the same time. Like it had abandoned her long ago, but just now was returning.

As she entered her office, she couldn’t help but smile. What was this feeling? Why isn’t she mad at Beautia? Nonetheless, all the girl thought was forgiveness.

I shall forgive you Beautia.

Month 1:

Turqui 24th, 251

(November 23rd, 731 CE)

It was a very busy day for the royal family, only a little more than a month until the new year. Everyone was bustling. All except for Beautia. The child sat in her chambers, feeling very ill. Maybe it was a simple cold?

Beautia looked out the window and down at her village. The snow lighting everything up, the sun shining the fields brightly, and little dots scurrying around. So pitiful.

The world could end right here and now, and they’re all happy? All happy. Happy families, happy sisters, happy brothers, and happy parents. Beautia envied them all. For they had something even a girl who seemed to have it all lacked, the feeling of love.

Beautia couldn’t decipher when she stopped feeling joy and love. Maybe around the time her Aunt was beheaded. So long ago. It was so long ago. She was 13 at the time. She remembered their faces of pain and fear. But she felt nothing.

She felt like something was forcing her to make the love submit to her. Something like magic. Nonetheless, she continued to feel like nothing. The only time she felt an ounce of love or joy was in the bedroom, with the men.

But even then it felt so fake. They only were after her body, not for who she was. But who was she? She was rude and narcissistic, but she felt like she was kind inside.

Beautia chuckled. How silly. She was the most beautiful girl in all of the land, and deserved all. How hard was that? Nothing worth questioning.

Soon a maid arrived. “Princess, her majesty has asked for your audience,” she announced. The child grumbled as she stood up. The pains continued, but she could bear them now.

The girl followed the servant to the office in which the Queen stood. Violaina Diamond was a curious case. She is known for beheading her siblings but is a well-loved Queen. Much like her mother. She is recognized for her fire-red hair and sky blue eyes.

There beside her stood the nobles, those rats as Beautia referred to them. She huffed as she took her seat next to her mother. She blankly stared as they discussed plans for 252.

Fatigue began to sweep over the Princess’s eyelids. Why was she so tired all of the sudden? She tried to not think of that and focus on the old voices that echoed throughout the room.

“Beautia?”

The blue-haired girl was snapped out of her daze and looked at her mother. Her eyes were filled with concern, as was her voice. The nobles looked at the two royals in confusion.

Beautia and Violaina looked nothing alike. The only thing they shared was their skin tone and the color of their eyes. But their attitude was similar. They both looked like they were planning something. But one can always question, “What is it exactly that they are planning?”

“What,” the girl asked, looking at them all. She just wanted to plop down in her warm bed.

“Are you alright,” the Queen asked.

Thinking for only a moment, Beautia slowly nodded. Her head began to ache immensely with each shake of her head. She almost passed out. But she did blackout for a good second.

The colors appeared before the imperial Princess. She spotted many in front of her, asking if she was alright. Looking around, she realized she wasn’t in her chair, but on the floor.

Violaina pushed through and brought herself on her daughter’s level. Her mouth was moving, but Beautia heard nothing. Nothing was coming out. Only ringing, sweet ringing.

The air was cold. Was she dead? Did the fates finally show the girl mercy and end her suffering? Was this it? It was very much painless. So painless. Why didn’t she try dying sooner? It would’ve been a weight lifted off her shoulders.

Violaina screamed, or it seemed like it. Soon enough, Beautia’s eyes shut.

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“~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~”

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“~~~~~~~~~~~~”

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“H~~~~~”

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“~~~~~~n”

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“Your Highness!”

Beautia’s eyes shot open. Her head felt like someone whacked her with a book full of a thousand words. Her lower regions ached even more. And she had about a dozen people around her bed.

Groggily, she asked, “Wh-what has happened?”

The maids cried out in joy as they paraded around the girl. Why were they so happy? Did they not hate the Princess with a passion? The doors burst open, and there stood a tear-filled eye Violaina.

“Beautia my dear,” she cried. Beautia froze as she felt her mother’s arms wrap around her. It felt comforting and soothing. She hadn’t felt this warmth since her father was banished.

But that feeling, the feeling of putting up a front formed. Beautia scoffed, “Let me go your Majesty.” Violaina’s eyes widened as she looked at her daughter. Why was she so cold?

Beautia looked around the chambers she had grown so familiar with. The gray stone walls, each delicately placed. The shadows painting them in such a perfect tone. So beautiful.

Still looking around, she asked, “What happened?”

Violaina sighed seeing her daughter show no interest. “You passes out in the meeting room dear. You were too tired. You’ve been out for an hour now,” explained the Queen.

Beautia looked at all the maids, she then smirked, “Ah! Of course. The most beautiful woman would only earn such great treatment from those who are below her.”

The maids were hurt. Many sighed and left in defeat. Violaina glared at her daughter but said nothing. No words came out of her mouth. She didn’t want a strained relationship that she and Salvia had.

Beautia sighed and looked out the window again. It was difficult to see from her position, but it seemed to have snowed once again. Made sense. The New Year shall soon come to an end.

Month 3:

Modia 12th, 251

(December 31st, 731 CE)

The castle was bustling with the arrival of nobles from Sunar and other nations. Many royals would also be arriving. Beautia happily skipped through the hallways of the castle.

She had been going through quite a couple of mood swings. And it irritated her younger sister, the Princess Pretia Diamond. Lalaola thought of it as funny.

The maids were trying to hunt her down, she needed to get dressed. Tomorrow was the mark of a New Year! The maids finally caught their bubbly Princess.

But something strange was definitely going on with the girl. She had been vomiting all morning, and feeling madly ill. But she still wanted to run around like a child. Many of the maids already figured out what was the cause of this strange behavior.

Violaina had heard of this behavior and wanted to see if it was true. Maybe her daughter was just deathly ill? But that in itself was worse. The physician soon arrived.

Beautia wore a dark green sleeveless dress. It was skin-tight, and the skirt was poofy. Her hair was curled and her face painted with lipstick and blush. She flat out looked like a prostitute.

Beautia looked at the old man, she scoffed at his disgusting appearance. He bowed, “Your Highness, I am here to examine you.”

“What for,” Beautia asked in a concerned tone. She thought she was just fine. She had to be. Pretia’s head popped out of the corner, she wanted to see what was wrong with her sister.

She was a bit shocked to see Beautia in such a good mood. She was so agitated yesterday. Pretia looked behind her to see her mother. Violaina had a suspicion but decided to have the old man confirm it.

Pretia felt worried. She didn’t know why, but something had changed within her heart. Like a horrible spell had been broken after years of its horror.

After a good thirty minutes, the old man approached the Queen and her second daughter. He bowed down to the two. Pretia knew the worse had to have happened, for his face was that of a stone.

He began, “Y-your Majesty, it seems that Her Highness is with child.” He proceeded to look down. Pretia’s eyes widened. She was going to be an aunt! But so soon?

When a smiling Pretia looked to her mother, the smile shrieked away. Her mother was angry. Her teeth were gritted and her eye glowed with that alarming glow. She barged into the room, Pretia close behind.

She only found a Beautia relaxing on the bed, smiling. Did she not care that she was with child? Beautia spotted her mother and sister and sighed, “Oh Mother! Did you hear the news? I don’t have to work for the next few months!”

The Queen almost gagged with her daughter’s sudden attitude. She questioned, “Beautia, who is the father?”

Beautia shrugged, “Beats me, it’s been what? Four months? So many men Mother, so many. We shall see shall we not?” Violaina’s rage only grew as her daughter stated, “No matter, more sleep for me!”

Violaina screamed as she threw a chair at the wall, everyone in the room fell silent. Beautia went wide-eyed as her mother stormed over to her. The Crown Princess hid under her covers as a last-minute escape only to have them ripped away from her. The girl shrieked as she was grabbed by the hair to face the Queen.

“I should’ve known this would happen! How did I raise such a wench,” she sneered. She slapped Beautia, leaving a small mark. Beautia met her mother’s eyes, and they were not filled with kindness.

The red-head looked to her servants and announced, “I now abdicate my crown to my eldest daughter, Her Highness the Crown Princess Beautia Diamond, heiress to the throne of the kingdom Sunar!”

Pretia and everyone else gasped. Beautia’s face went pale as she looked around. She tried to think. She smirked as a thought arose, “Ha! Good luck with that! Coronations take weeks of planning. I shall not be Queen until I have a crown set on my head!”

Violaina glared at the woman who she called daughter. “I figured a wench such as yourself would say something so dull. Which is why you are being coronated tonight.”

Beautia stayed silent in her shock. Being coronated, tonight? Something like this has never been heard in the kingdom!

The Queen continued, “I figured you were pregnant, so I planned a coronation ceremony for this ball! It only takes a few days when you are attentive to such matters.”

Beautia felt her whole world being torn apart bit by bit. She wasn’t ready! She was only but a child! How could she be a Queen?

As Violaina approached the door, she faced her daughter for a final time. “Consider this a final punishment. You are bearing the weight of the crown. I shall never accept your child as my own flesh and blood, for they are a bastard. I shall leave to Flutia’s mansion after tonight.”

The door shut, leaving the air cold. The servants all looked at each other, confusion in their whispers. Beautia felt her face heat up, eyes sting, and stomach ache. She screamed as she tore her bedroom apart.

Pretia began to shake a bit. Beautia, a queen? Was this the downfall for Sunar? And what of the child? If it is a boy, then the line of succession will pass to her. But if it is a girl, her name would be shamed and she would be called a bastard throughout the kingdom.

Pretia’s eyes widened as she saw her sister’s eyes glow. The glow in the family only happens when one has strong magical energy and strong emotion, but it only occurs to the true Queen and heiress. So this was the first time Pretia had witnessed the glow.

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The crowd fell silent as the trumpets played. The ball had been splendid, and all were annoying themselves. The night shone brightly. The stars glowed as the snow fell. What a great way to welcome 252! Or so it seemed.

The Lords and Ladies gasped to find their Queen, or Queen  Mother, walk down and place her crown on the throne. They were even more surprised to find Beauia walking down in an extravagant gown.

She looked angry, very angry. The MHC stood there, not knowing what to say. They thought this was truly the end of their kingdom. Pretia and Hando watched from afar, judging their mother and her harsh actions.

As Violaina spoke, Hando chided, “How could she give the crown to her? She is an inept snake who shall be the end of us all.” Pretia eyed her brother, telling him to hush. But he didn’t hush, he only continued, “And that child. If it is a girl, she shall be the next Queen! The first bastard on the throne. Our names and generation shall be shamed.”

“No matter, she is now our Queen. And if the child is our next Queen, I shall bow down, as should you,” muttered the brunette maiden.

Hando scowled, “Do you not understand? We will be shamed for being the siblings of the wench!”

Pretia snapped her head to her brother. “Hando! Watch your tongue! You are only a boy, and you should not shame the crown!” Hando glared at his elder sister.

He was only 12 but was very smart. Much like the second Princess. He hesitated, “Mother is leaving to Aunt Flutia’s residence for a while. She ordered for our belongings to be sent to the palace in the countryside. I assume we shall be living there from now on.”

Pretia stared at the two royals, stone-faced. “I heard that you rejected mother’s offer and told her that you are staying here,” he cautioned. Pretia looked at her brother.  He was her height, and he was still growing. “You know what Mother can do when she is rejected,” he warned.

“She cannot harm me if Beautia requests me to stay,” the girl bluntly stated.

Hando chuckled, “You are foolish. You think now Beautia will be kind?”

“She is a naïve girl, only goes after what will make her happy. She will gladly accept me when I accept her child as my flesh and blood,” she explained.

The redhead’s eyes went wide as he whispered, “You what?”

She looked at him. “You heard me, I am accepting the child as my flesh and blood.”

“Why? It is a bastard! I don’t want to be related to that. It is a shame upon me and my future children,” he scowled.

“You may be laughing at me now, but that child is a girl. I can tell. We’ll see who has the last laugh when I am in the future Queen’s favor.”

“Tch, you are crazy.”

“I present Queen Beautia Diamond,” announced Violaina. All clapped and bowed to the new Queen. The clock struck midnight. Beautia was crowned in the last minute of 251.

All the girl could hear was ringing and whispering. The people would never accept her as Queen. Her and her bastard child.

Month 5:

Nathiov 12th, 252

(January 12th, 732 CE)

The castle was silent, as usual. Maids began to whisper about the arrival of the new baby. The new Queen was still pregnant with her child, and the nursery was being prepared for it.

Beautia looked pregnant now. Her belly stuck out like a sore thumb. Many were excited that there would be another young one. Ever since the other royals’ departure, the castle has been so silent.

Pretia offered to stay behind and Beautia allowed it. Violaina could not object since the Queen had approved of it. Pretia had been in charge of a lot of things. So much now that she worked for a Queen.

Doing things for the Crown Princess wasn’t too difficult. It wasn’t this much work. But now it felt as if she was a Queen. She looked at the crumpled papers that the nobles gave her.

A tax needed to be implemented because there weren’t as many guards as Sunar once had. So the Kingdom needed more. And that required money, which required a tax to be placed.

Looking at the door, the Princess nervously knocked. She waited for Beautia’s response. A few moments later, a soft reply, “Enter.”

Pretia opened the door to see a very dark room. Only one candle sat on the wooden desk. And it was very cold as well. Beautia stared at the floor. She was still in her sleepwear, with only a small light green jacket to warm herself. Her baby bump showed through the dress.

Her face emotionless, just blank. Her eyes shone strangely, and the black bags were very evident. She hadn’t been getting the proper amount of rest needed.

Pretia sighed as she as in the chair across from her sister. She began, “Your Majesty, I-”

“Beautia,” the Queen cut her off.

“Pardon?”

“You shall address me as Beautia. We are sisters are we not?”

Pretia nodded, “Yes, Your Majesty-er Beautia. We are. I just never expected you to ask me to address you in such a kind manner.”

The Queen stayed silent as the young maiden pulled out sheets of paper. Pretia began to read them off and explain the situation. Beautia looked at the green eyes and then at what they were reading. The blue-haired woman chuckled.

Pretia looked up to see her sister staring at the side. “Is there something wrong,” asked the girl.

Beautia’s eyes soon met her sisters. “The nobles just want money,” she bluntly stated.

Pretia’s eyes widened a bit.

The Queen continued, “They are using you as a method to get me to sign things off. They believe that I am unable to rule.” Her voice was so empty. It was filled with grief and anger all at once.

“We will not implement taxes. I’ve seen the way they treat young squires. Improve the conditions of the guardsmen. Use some of our money, 15,000 should be good. We will ensure the safety of those boys and girls. Taxes would only cause a riot.”

Pretia was in shock. For someone who acts so crudely, she sure was smart. Pretia bowed, “Yes Beautia, I will see that it is done.”

Just as the brunette placed her hand on the metal handle, Beautia spoke up, “Should I just die?”

Pretia looked back to see her sister glaring at her. “Wh-what?”

“Don’t what me,” spat the woman. “Everyone wants me gone already. Do you think I don’t hear the whispers? My child is already called a bastard and they have done nothing wrong!” Her voice was getting angrier and angrier by the second.

“B-Beautia, they are just rumors,” shivered the girl.

SLAM

“Rumors!? Rumors haunt and damage,” Beautia shouted. The desk slam had scared Pretia into dropping the papers. She stood there, paralyzed. She looked like Violaina when Harpaina was still alive.

Beautia’s eyes widened a bit as she slumped back down into her chair. “They are planning on killing me you know,” she whispered.

“W-What,” asked Pretia.

“The nobles. Once my baby is born, they will kill me. If the child is a boy, then he will be slain too. Boys aren’t preferred on the throne. If she is a girl, they will most likely raise her to hate me. Lie about me.”

Pretia felt rage build up inside her chest. Kill the Queen? Even thinking about that was treason! Why does she not care that she is going to die!?

Beautia began to laugh, “Ha! I should just die now so that Sunar doesn’t have to deal with me! And the child won’t grow in despair!”

Beautia heard a shift in the room and she was soon lifted up from her chair. Pretia had brought her to stand up, her hands tightly gripping her shoulders.

Just as Beautia’s mouth opened, Pretia cried, “Don’t you ever speak like that again!” Beautia’s eyes widened a bit to see her sister so upset. She didn’t even insult her, so why was she crying?

“You mustn’t let the nobles get to you! Please,” her voice began to slightly break. Beautia was soon pulled into a tight hug. It hurt a bit with the baby bump.

Pretia began to shake as warm tears fell from her eyes. Some of it landed on the jacked the Queen wore. Beautia hesitated before lightly placing her left hand on Pretia’s head.

The Queen sighed as Pretia pulled away. “I’m s-s-sorry,” stammered the royal. Pretia smiled. It had been a while since her sister had apologized.

Pretia whipped her tears away as she beamed, “I will inform the guards about your decision! And I shall hire some to keep an eye on the nobles and you!”

The door shut leaving Beautia alone with her thought once again. She smiled as anger built up in her mind again. This anger felt so much like magic like it was forcing her to be angry.

For someone so ugly, she sure does have a beautiful smile.

Month 7:

Agioni 5th, 252

(April 19th, 732 CE)

The party boomed with people as many chattered away. This was a last-minute party since the baby would be due in about two months. The due date being Kioligo 20th.

Beautia stared at all the nobles who were most likely making fun of the baby. She sat on her throne, not bothering to enter the party. She did try to have fun and flirt with a man.

“Sorry my Queen, you are a bit too big,” he stated.

Beautia wanted to hate the baby, she wanted to hate it so much. It took everything from her. Her family, freedom, and happiness. But she couldn’t bring herself to hate it, only resent it.

This child would come into the world not knowing all of the pains, free from the evils. Beautia wished she could be an infant again, start over. Maybe she would be able to mend the relationship between her mother and aunt.

It seems like that’s when everything went downhill. Harpaiana’s death caused the downfall of Beautia. The singing, conversing, and music soon got all too loud for Her Majesty to handle.

She looked around and decided to take her leave. Many bowed and mocked her as she walked by. Beautia scoffed as she walked the empty halls. The physician two days ago predicted the baby was a girl. Beautia was just showing all of the signs such as glowing cheekmarks.

Servants passed and bowed her. Oddly enough, the plebs and commoners seemed to have respect for Beautia. She figured it was due to the fact she didn’t place a tax on them. The number of new squires has doubled since that day.

The castle echoed with the footsteps of servants. Beautia felt her anger build up again. She wanted to cry, but a Queen cannot cry. The crown weighs, and this was her punishment.

Beautia entered the nursery in which her baby would lay. It was a nice spot. It had a beautiful view of a river and village. The child would be able to see their people from there.

The cradle was made of some sort of blackwood. She had read that in another dimension it is known as “African Blackwood.” It had diamonds encrusted in it to represent the child’s position. The cushion was magenta with a nice, silk, pink blanket. The blanket had golden designs.

Next to the cradle was a toy castle. And inside lay Beautia as a doll. The Queen picked it up to feel it’s material. The doll was smiling. It made the child seem even more pitiful than it already was.

Beautia looked out the window and down at her people. She felt her stomach ache a bit as the baby began to kick. The blue-eyed woman smiled as the baby continued to kick.

Perhaps this won’t be so bad.

Month 9:

Kioligo 18th, 252

(May 27th, 732 CE)

“Gahh,” cried the Queen as she gripped the bedsheets. Maids scurried around the castle and room, hurrying for the baby was coming!

About a day before Beautia’s water broke and she began to get contractions. The maids had informed her that the baby would most likely not arrive for another day, so she should just relax.

Beautia continued to scream out in agony throughout the day. She couldn’t relax and got only three hours of rest. This morning her contractions began to get less spread out. And the physician was called in.

The news spread throughout the castle, their Queen’s baby would arrive within the next hour! Pretia rushed to be by her sister’s side as soon as she heard the news.

The nobles began to prepare orders for their gifts to the new addition to the royal family. And the people planned festivals for every neighborhood.

The doors burst open and Pretia entered the room. She flinched as Beautia began to scream even louder. Pretia looked at her sister and was a bit upset.

Beautia’s hair had been tied up in a bun to prevent it from getting in her hair. Her face was very sweaty and her eyes were full of tears. She looked very tired and like she wanted to give up.

Pretia walked to her side, avoiding maids who held water and towels. Beautia’s screams soon morphed into choked out sobs as she continued to push.

Pretia gripped her sister’s hand. Beautia slowly more and more got tired, she looked as if she was going to faint. Her face went pale as her sobs began to quiet down.

Pretia soon began to feel herself cry. Nothing else mattered at that moment. If Beautia fainted she had a chance to die, and so did the baby! Pretia begged, “Beautia! Please stay awake! Please! If not for yourself, for your child that is still in your womb! Please!”

Beautia’s eye slowly opened again as she began to scream again. She was overworking herself too much. Pretia began to pray and sob. Was this the end for her sister?

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“Ehhwahhh!”

Pretia’s eyes shot open with the cry of an infant. She looked up to see the maids cry with joy. She barely saw a little head, but the cries of the child showed it’s health.

Beautia gasped as she set her head down. Her body exhausted from two days in labor. Pretia began to nervously laugh as she looked at her sister. Beautia’s eyes closed as she smiled in relief. It was over. That was a nightmare.

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Pretia stood outside the door speaking to Duchess Quofer. She was one of the few that had supported Beautia and her bastard. Beautia sat on her bed in the stone room.

She heard her child make little noises. Many awaited the gender reveal. Finally, a maid walked over with the little child in her arms. She handed the Queen the baby as she softly whispered, “The baby is a girl Your Majesty. You have given birth to a healthy baby girl.”

Beautia felt very nervous as she slowly looked down. The first thing that caught her eye was the girl’s cheekmarks. They were clocks with wings at the sides.

The woman looked at the girl and saw big blue orbs starring at her. The girl looked at peace. Her hair was cotton-candy pink, and Beautia recognized who her father was. A man named Coòo. He was the short one from that night all those months ago.

The baby girl blinked a couple of times before smiling. Beautia’s eyes widened as tears fell down from her cheeks. The girl’s eyes fluttered closed as she began to sleep.

She is so beautiful, even more than me.

Beautia’s head experienced a shock as all the memories came back to her. All this time, she was under her mother’s spell. The spell that excused the execution of Harpaina.

Had she been under it all these years? If so, was the pregnancy taking her out of it? Is that why she despised the thought of being with men and was so agitated all of the time? All these thoughts raced through the Queen’s mind.

Pretia soon entered and walked over to meet the new baby. “So,” she began, “What gender is it?”

Beautia mumbled, “It is a girl.”

Pretia chirped, “That is wonderful! Sunar’s future right here in this room!”

Beautia bit her lip as more tears began to fall down her cheeks. Pretia noticed and her expression went soft.

“What is it? Are you not happy,” she asked.

Beautia shook her head, “No, that’s not it. I am filled with joy. But, Pretia. Look at her.” Pretia observed the baby a bit more. “She’s the most beautiful girl I have ever seen in my entire life,” Beautia stated.

Pretia’s eyes widened. Her head too began to ache as more memories flooded in.

Beautia sniffed, “You remember, don’t you? Mother’s spell?”

Pretia looked at her sister and slowly nodded. How could she forget? It’s been so long. Perhaps that was the reason why.

“But this child, she has taken us out of that spell. She saved us,” Beautia explained.

“What are you going to do,” asked the maiden.

Beautia thought for a moment. She let the noise of maids laughing, birds chirping, and leaves blowing take up her mind.

“She can’t be like me,” she fretted. Pretia tilted her head seeing her sister’s eyes begin to widen even more.

“Pretia, I mustn’t let her be like me. A disgrace! She shall be the best Queen to come by Sunar! She has to be,” wept Beautia.

The woman looked at the clocks that decorated her daughter’s face, her soft hair that could make anyone smile.

“I shall name her Pala Diamond,” Beautia said determinedly.

“Pala!? That’s an awful name for one so beautiful,” Pretia objected.

Beautia nodded her head, “Yes I know, it pains me to do this. But she needs to hate me. She needs to. She needs to grow up to not want to be me.” Pulling her daughter closer, the Queen planted a dozen kisses on the Princess’s face.

“This is the only time I will be able to hold her like this and lover her so,” quivered the Queen. Pretia felt tears fall down her cheeks. “I shall watch her from afar, and ensure she gets the best education. All of those who will not accept her as their blood will regret it the day she is crowned Queen.”

Pretia admired Pala’s features as Beautia spoke. The Queen looked to her sister.

“I cannot atone for the sins that I have committed, and I know you may never forgive me Pretia. But can I ask you to protect my daughter and your niece? I cannot hush the rumors that shall arise, but you can!”

Pretia looked at the two relatives sitting before her. A Queen and a future Queen. She nodded, “Yes, I will watch over and protect the Princess. I will remain in the castle, but on the far side. I will ensure that all rumors will be hushed while she is under the impression that I hate her.”

Beautia cried, “Thank you.” The three hugged one another that night. All taking in this last moment of affection that would be shared between them.

Beautia asked for a maid to take Pala to her chambers. The Queen watched as her daughter was taken away from her. She wished things could be different. But this was for the best.

Queen Beautia gave birth to her heiress on Kioligo 18th at 8:43 AM. The baby girl was healthy and strong. Many gave gifts as congratulations to Her Highness and Majesty.