THE LOST KINGDOM

chapter 1

ANASTASIA'S POV:

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping,  heart pounding with excitement as this was the day the guests would gather to witness me as the next queen. i couldn't believe it. Eliza, my maid, more like a best friend, knocked on the door.
" come in'' i said
" hey princess, excited for today?'' said Eliza winking
" I'm THRILLED Eliza, can u believe it? I'll be made the freaking queen''
" look, I know you're excited, but you've got to understand that this is a huge responsibility' said Eliza with a sigh
" why do you make everything so boring Eliza, I know this is a huge responsibility but this is going to be so fun "i said air quoting the word huge.
"Yea ok whatever, anyways there's only 3 hours to go. You better start getting ready"
"what ?! only 3 hours, go, I need to change.''
Eliza left the room. i got up. Went to the bathroom and started getting ready. i changed into my favorite gown, it was simply majestic, it was flowy, mauve in color, with white pearls scattered all along the dress. The sleeves puffy at the top and tight at the wrists. The dress was made of exquisite net fabric while under the fabric it was opaque from the chest area to the feet, its body was tight while the rest of it was flowy. my blonde, silky hair open.i applied gloss on my soft pink lips and a little bit of blush on  fair cheeks.i looked at herself in the mirror, my big blue eyes staring back at me. Then i wore a tiara which had delicate purple stones in it. This completed the look.
I look good
i went downstairs to the great hall; last-minute arrangements were being made. Maids and servants running here and there. Some carrying plates, others doing the décor. The queen, my mum instructing everyone.
"Morning, mum"
Queen Arabella turned to see me
"Oh sweetie, you look gorgeous" she said with a voice filled with love "thanks mum" i said smiling. "You look good too"

mum wore a stunning royal blue gown with intricate embroidery and jewels. She wore the crown which represented her as the queen. Small delicate diamonds circled the crown while in the middle there was a huge elegant "drop" shaped blue diamond

"where's dad?"
"he'll be here in a minute''
after a while the coronation started,i greeted the guests and then went with my friends from other royal kingdoms. After lots of chatting and having food, my dad, (who wore a magnificent robe made of rich velvet, gold in color and had elaborate embroidery and embellishments. He also wore a crown. It was a traditional one, gold in color, adorned with precious gemstones and complex designs, his attire screamed power and majesty) asked for everyone's attention as he spoke into the mic.
"As you know, I invited all of you for a very special announcement, my daughter, princess Anastasia, two years later will be made the next queen of The Kingdom Of Eldoria''

wait. what ? . I-  no what is happening right now

i looked at mum, she clapped along with all the other people.
Dad told me earlier that i'll be announced as queen right then and there not frickin TWO YEARS later
have I done something wrong ?
What possibly could I have done . i couldn't argue or say anything in front of all the guests so i just went along with everything plastering a fake smile on my face. 

Then it was time for the royal ball . i danced with the person i've had a crush on for the longest time . oh he is just dreamy with dark black shiny hair , the kind that makes you wanna run your fingers through them , his light green eyes are to die for, like a calming forest and those cheek bones with a sharp jawline , gosh that person is majestic.wonder how it feels being god's favourite.  he's got a muscular figure and looks perfect. his name is prince Aaron and i am head over heels in love with him. He's a year older than me. He grabs me by the waist and twirls me . the butterflies in my stomach just keep on multiplying. we dance as the wonderful night comes to an end. 

it is when i lay in my bed unable to sleep when i remember the announcement and the thought just keeps bugging me as t why did dad do that . i push the thought away with a sigh thinking i'll just ask him in the morning as i drift of to an uncomfortable sleep

---

The next day i get up and as i  enter, the scent of freshly baked pastries waftes through the dining hall. The table is filled with elegant dishes such as croissants and Danish pastries, served with a side of exotic fruits and berries. The breakfast also includes smoked salmon and poached eggs on a bed of spinach, accompanied by a jug of freshly squeezed orange juice for me and two cups of aromatic tea for the king and queen. The table also has a variety of fine cheeses and artisan breads.
mum smiles warmly at me, but there was something in her eyes that made me wonder if there was more to her than met the eye.
As i sip my juice , i couldn't help but notice the tension between her parents. Their polite conversation masked an underlying strain
After a while i ask my father about yesterday's announcement

"oh about that. I'm sorry honey I didn't get the chance to tell you. So your mother and I decided the night before that you're too young to be made queen and that 20 would be the perfect age"
"but I'm fine dad. I am ready to take all the responsibilities"
"no you are not Anastasia" said mum with a hint of annoyance in her voice. "Besides I don't want to see our little girl grow up so quickly"

"But-

"No buts Anastasia, we have decided what's best for you"

"What do you mean mom, you guys just take a huge decision all of a sudden and what, I'm supposed to go with the flow?" i say, trying to keep my irritation hidden

"it's not about going with the flow Anastasia, it's about respecting the decision we made for you"

"But I'm not a kid anymore mom"

"Anastasia stop it, we said what we said and stop being so dramatic, we haven't taken the throne  away from you or something, you've got to have patience. Aric and I have decided that 20 is the perfect age and your tantrums won't change our minds. You must accept the decision"

"I'm not being dramatic mom, why would-

"Anastasia! That's enough, this conversation is over, and I don't want to hear anything else"

 "fine" i say through gritted teeth and mum shoots me a stern look but i guess i don't have any other choice