"The enemy will always cheat, Isla, you need to be prepared for anything."
Isla and her siblings have lived in a cave for as long as they can remember with no memory of how they got there or who they were before. They only remembered two things...
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Panoramic in Scotland!
It is morning when we get back. We head back to the Academy and change out of our soaking clothes. In a few hours, the High Queen wants to make a speech about the recent attacks so we all have to wear our Royal stuff. I sigh as I soak in the warm bath water, trying to calm myself down a little. I want to have a quick nap or something, but there is no time. Instead, I have to get changed into a long soft green gown and have my hair twisted and braided.
"Isla," Serenity says as she walks into the room, already made up. I smile at her. As usual, she is stunning. A dress of creams and whites fits perfectly to her figure and her long curly emerald locks have not been touched. They just fall down her back thick and glossy. She looks perfect, but I can see the tiredness in her eyes.
"Serenity," I reply back to her. She takes a seat beside me and leans her head on my shoulder.
"I'm so tired," she sighs. I nod my head.
"Me too," I tell her.
"What do you think the queen will make a speech about?" she asks.
"I honestly have no idea," I say. She stays quiet for a few moments, then lets out a long slow sigh.
"Why?" she asks. "Why do they have to do this to all of us? I just want a peaceful life. With my family. Is that so much to ask? Could you imagine? Living in our palace, flying with other dragons around the mountains and over the lakes. Coming back to our mother and father who wrap us up in warm hugs. Who stand proud when the Choosing comes and you take over as queen at the same time as the other royals and then you and your children and their children carrying it along and together everyone rules in peace." I sigh, wishing that were the case.
"That would be perfect," I tell her. That is what should have been. Tanya comes in, looking as fierce and beautiful as always.
"Come on," she says. "We have to go now." Serenity and I look at each other then stand. I think we can both sense that today's speech is going to be something big.
We are all gathered in the city square. Us Royals stand on a little, risen platform, each family standing together. The High Queen stands in the middle. This speech she is making is going to be projected around all of Shadow. Right now, every shifter in every city will be watching their platforms, waiting for our image to appear. The city silences.
"Thank you, for taking your times to hear what I have to say," High Queen Katrina begins to say.
"Over the past few weeks, the NightShades have tried to enter our lands. Last night, they were almost successful. They continue to grow stronger and stronger and out power begin to lose effect on them. Soon, their attempts will become successful. It is only a matter of time. So I have decided that the date of the Choosing will change. In two days time, I will choose the next High Ruler of Shadow and the next generation or Royals will take over." Everyone gasps, including me. We all turn and stare at her in shock. My heart beats rapidly in my chest. It's too soon! We aren't ready. This isn't how it is meant to be. My mind is a mess. I look at the other royals and there is fear in their eyes. In two days, one of us will be the Hight Rulers of Shadow. Everyone is talking and shouting in shock. The High Queen holds up her hand and we all silence.
"I believe that our next generation is ready. They have grown up in this time of war and understand what it takes to be able to survive. They will bring a new, united power to our lands. They are already stronger than us and together, they will lead us to peace. That is my belief. Our time," she says looking at the older royals. "Is over," she sighs sadly and I can see the acceptance in all their eyes. No. We aren't ready. We are still meant to have another two months to prepare ourselves. It hits all of us. For so long, the Choosing has always been far in the distance. Something we still had time to think about. Now, it is two days away. Serenity takes my hand and I take a long deep breath.
"Thank you all, for listening and understanding," the High Queen says. There is only silence as everyone bows.
"What are you thinking?" Daniel shouts at his mother once we are back at the Academy. "We aren't ready!" She sighs softly.
"Yes, you are. All of you are." There is silence for a few moments. "I'm sorry I had to do this, but it is a better way."
"Why?" I ask, my voice sounding odly calm even though my mind is a whirl.
"There are many reasons as to why I came to this dissision. We need change and we need it now. We need to be completely united."
"But we are back," Tanya says. "All the families are in their correct place," she says. The High Queen sighs sadly.
"Not totally," she says. "The four of you aren't part of my generation. You are part of the future generation. Once you are all crowned and take over ruling, there will be a stronger connection," she explains. We all sigh again.
"I also believe, the traitor was planning something for the day of the choosing. By moving it forward, it means they have less time to continue planning," she tells us. We nod, understanding. It is a good plan. It takes everyone by surprise and will have an impact on our enemies plans.
"We should get some rest," I say. Everyone nods in agreement.
"I'm sorry to do this to you," the High Queen says. I smile at her.
"Don't be sorry, it is the right thing to do." She seems to relax a little after I say that.
"Go on, all of you. Rest. Tomorrow you go back to your palaces and do the tours around your land. The day after..." she stops but we all understand what she was going to say. The day after that, one of us becomes the new High Ruler of Shadow. The day after that, we lead our people through this war.
