Jinxed

Who are you

Ariel

I was playing chess with Azriel when I felt it, a strong pull in my chest. I gasped and grabbed my chest and Azriel asked quickly, "Ariel! What's wrong?" he stands and comes to my side, "What is it?"
"I don't know." i said catching my breath, "It felt like something pulled at my chest." Azriel looked at me worried.
"I'm fine." I assured him.

~~

The next morning, Azriel and I headed down for breakfast. Father was there before us as usual and we both went to greet him with a kiss on the cheek.
"How was your evening?" father asked.
I looked over at Azriel and hoped he wouldn't say anything about what happened last night like I asked him to.
"It went well," Azriel replied, "I beat Ariel in chess again." Father smiled and looked over at me,
"If the future king cannot win in chess, how can he hope to keep the kingdom safe?"
"I let him win." I say making my father laugh.
"Always the one willing to take defeat," Father chuckled, "I am impressed Azriel, this is the fourth time I've heard about you beating your brother, you shall become an important advisor when your brother is king."
"Thank you father, I will do my best." Azriel replied. Father smiled at his words and continued eating his berries.

"Is there any news from the mage." Azriel asked. Taking a bite of his bread.
"No word yet, but I doubt that even if the mage got the message that he would come."

"Yes, I wonder why." I reply without thinking. I suddenly wished i hadn't said anything when father looked over at me in surprise, even Azriel's mouth hung open a bit. It was not like me to challenge my father, but I had to voice my thoughts.

"Is there something you wish to say, Ariel?" father asked placing his hands on the table. I look over at Azriel who looked at me warningly. I sigh before I answer,

"Father, when Azriel and I were younger, mother told us about the mages. That they were peaceful people who minded their own business."

"Yes and those peaceful people attacked us." father said beginning to raise his voice.

"I know that father, but, I can't help but wonder, why have we continued this conflict when we could rather resolve it. Innocent people are dying because of our pride. It must end." I say earning a worried looked from Azriel from me to our father.

"One day, you will understand."

"No father, I do not understand!" I say raising my voice, "You cannot judge an entire race because of a bad fude from the past."

"A fude that cost me your mother's life!" father yelled.

"And what would mother think if she knew what you were doing?" I yelled back.

"Out." father said as calmly as he could as his face turned a shade of red. I looked down at my plate.

"I apologize." I say and stand to leave.

Once I am in the corridor, Azriel joins me.
"Ariel what was that? You and father have never fought before."

I looked as Azriel before looking down at my feet, "I don't know." I walk away to clear my head.

"Father is having a meeting with the lords tonight," Azriel called, "He says you must be there, and on your best behaviour too."
I turned and looked at Azriel. Instead of saying anything I nod my head and carry on on my way.

Jinx

After a few hours ride and three sugar breads, I finally arrived at the kingdom in the mountains.
"Is it safe to be here?" Yashi asks. I stare up at the gate that leads into the kingdom. Two statues of Knights stand on either side of the large gate with their hands on their swords.
"You worry to much, Yashi. We'll be fine."