Eclipse

Prologue

They say you forget traumatic experiences, but that appears to be a lie. 

I was 13 when I decided that the system of our kingdom, Karyon, didn't sit right with me. That was something, my people didn't seem to agree with, though. Or maybe they really were just minions following my parents' lead without thinking about it. So I decided that I would rewrite the poem I should read there.
My hands were sweating when I rehearsed my new poem for the ball.

"For three years, we now stand alone. Independent. New. Away from those who wanted only our downfall. Let us celebrate that", Mother told our guests. 

"My daughter, Aurelia, princess of Karyon, will now read a poem she wrote herself, to support and celebrate our choices." I took a step to the middle of the room. Then another. And another. There was no going back now. I took a deep breath and began to read my poem.

"We've become strong in the past thousand years. We rose high. Yet wisdom teaches that strength kept only for oneself withers like an untended vine. Let the realms share their gifts, that prosperity may flow as the rivers do—freely, and for all. We shall help those in need. For no realm and kingdom rises alone, and none endure in solitude." 

I looked up, but all I saw were blank expressions. 

Slap."What were you thinking, Aurelia?" Mother hissed. "That was the most embarrassing moment of my life." 

She was talking like this for the past 30 minutes."An independence ball," she said sharply. "Do you even understand what that represents? Independence from other realms. The choice to stand alone, away from Noctrya—unlike before."

I scoffed at that, but she kept going. "Helping those in need? Really?" Mother laughed bitterly. "We help those with status. The rest are responsible for themselves." 

I stared at her in disbelief. "Are you... serious right now?" I whispered slowly. For a moment, I could've sworn I saw fire in her eyes. "How dare you speak back to me?" Her hand met my cheek again. 

My head snapped to the side, and I felt my eyes water. "Karyon is the best realm of all. You are so lucky to live here. To have this position here. Still, you act like you're our own enemy. Know your place."