Alliah's Fight For Her Heart, and Her Kingdom

              “Alliah stop being so slow!” A boy yelled out. Jet black hair fell on to the back of his shoulders as he ran. It bounced and flailed around with every step he took. His golden eyes were filled with mischief and joy as he took off down a hallway of my Palace. They would glance back every now and then to make sure I was not falling behind. His round face was round and smooth, even despite the big grin he had. He was my best friend from another Palace, and he was here to train to be a proper Knight, just like myself. I huffed after him, my legs swinging wider so that I could match my pace to his.               “This isn’t fair Nicklos! You have longer legged than I do!” I shouted from behind him. I heard him laugh but made no point to slow down. His black cape flowed behind him despite his speed. I tried catching it in my h

             The carriage bounced and jostled down the dirt road towards us. It was a slick black carriage led by a team of Clydesdale horses. They where elegant creatures with long legs, thick glossy bodies, and well maintained and groom manes. There ears flicked and tails swished about as they pulled the carriage behind them. They where so beautiful that I could not pull my eyes away from them. It was such a shame that they belonged to the Phoenix family. I begrudgingly pulled my horse towards the carriage and held up my hand for the man driver to stop. At first, he was hesitant, but seeing the other guards around me, he slowed his pace and stopped beside me.               “What can I do for you ma’am?” He asked warily as he eyed our men. I put on my best fake smile I could muster. I felt a little insulted because I knew this driver well. Wilfr

After spending some time getting chewed out by the infirmary nurse, I finally found myself back in my room. The sun was well beyond set behind the distant mountains now, signaling the day was finally over. Fatigue had washed over me, but I wasn’t quite ready for bed yet. I found myself settling into the bath that I requested be set up. Steam rose slowly and sluggishly from the clean and crisp water. Lavender scented candles had been lit around the rim of the bathtub, giving off a calming aroma. I sighed with relief as the warm water lapped at my aching body. The heat working at the hard tense muscles that formed over the course of the day.               What would my life be like without my bathtub? I would truly be lost. The only issue I had with my bath, was that it gave me time to reflect. Now I had to face my reality with Nicklos. It was true that seeing him today made me realize how much

               Before he confessed his feelings for me, watching the sun rise was something we did together. A secret that only we shared. It was the greatest feeling to be there in that moment with him because I knew that he would have my back. I didn’t ever have to worry about other Knights in those moments we shared. Any time I felt terrible about myself he was always there to pick me back up, dust me off, and put me on my feet. I am where I am today because he was there to help me. My one and only male supporter other than my father.               I stared at the mountain, silently waiting for the sun to rise and bring my hope with it. Hope that this battle between us and the bandits would cease. Hope that I could get over my anger for Nicklos and pray that things would patch up between us. I was angry, that muc

              I felt my back collide with a solid wall, pushing all the air out from my lungs. I gritted my teeth as a hand came across my face, a sickening smack sounding off it. Pain burst across my face from the force of the slap I received. Tears welled up in my eyes as I tried to push the pain from my head. Do not show weakness, do not show them you fear them. Stay strong Alliah, you can do this. A wicked laugh came from the Knight in training that had smacked me. It was almost maniacal as it resounded off the walls and falling back to my ears. In this moment I felt truly terrified because I was outnumbered and out muscled.               “So, this is the Great Crowned Princess Alliah. Look at the way you cower. I can’t believe they let someone like you train to be a Knight. You are so weak it’s pathetic. Your father must be so disappointed t