The Second Dream

I drifted through my dreams, my mind wandering through a realm of fantasy and imagination. In the distance, I saw a familiar figure approaching me. I could see a warm smile spread across it's cheek. It was my mother.

My heart raced with joy as I ran to her and embraced her. She smiled chuckling at me and kissed my forehead. "My dear Theodosia, it's so good to see you," she said.

We sat down at a table and she poured us both cups of tea. As we sipped our tea, we chatted about everything and nothing. I told her about my life at the palace, my studies, and my friends. She listened intently, nodding her head and offering words of encouragement.

This was the type of life I lived. A star pupal, loved by everyone.

Suddenly, another woman joined us at the table. She had crimson hair and piercing green eyes. She wore a long, flowing gown of emerald green silk.

"Queen Amarie," my mother said, addressing the woman with a bow.

I jumped in excitement.

Queen? I had never heard of the Queen of Robaine. Only the king.

Queen Amarie smiled at me warmly. "Theodosia, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," she said. "Your mother has told me so much about you."

I blushed and nodded my head politely.

"So, Theodosia," Queen Amarie said, "are you happy with your engagement to Evanil?"

I hesitated for a moment. "Yes," I said. "But I'm also nervous. I don't know if Evanil is happy."

Queen Amarie laughed. "Evanil is an odd kid," she said. "But he's a good boy. I'm sure he's very happy to be engaged to you."

We continued to chat for a while longer. Queen Amarie told me about her hopes for the future of the kingdom. She said that she wanted to see Robaine become more prosperous and peaceful.

"I think things are finally starting to look up," she said. "With you and Evanil at the helm, I'm confident that Robaine will have a bright future. Hopefully it'll get rid of those naggy old men. If we can get new vassals that are mixed between the houses; imagine how diverse that would be! I heard from some of my friends studying in the west that diversity is the forefront of the future. One family having power in this kingdom is an issue. But having the two top families work together to ensure the kingdom's prosperity is a better choice."

We discussed buying a dress for Evanil's sister's debut as she will be the one announcing the engagement. Her name was Cala. From what they were saying, she was off in a foreign country meeting her soon to be husband.

I have never heard of her before. Why not?

"Cala is a lovely girl," Queen Amarie said. "She's a bit shy, but she's very intelligent and kind."

I smiled. I was excited to meet Evanil's sister.

After a while, it was time for me to wake up. I said goodbye to my mother and Queen Amarie, and then I drifted off to sleep.

I'm starting to notice when I'm about to wake up.

When I woke up, I lay in bed for a while, thinking about my dream. I wondered who Cala was and how she related to the engagement between me and Evanil. I also wondered about the Queen of Robaine. Why had I never heard of her before during my years away?

I got out of bed and went to the window. I looked out at the gardens below. The sun was shining brightly and the birds were singing. It was a beautiful day.

I took a deep breath and sighed. I was calm yet anxious about the future. I knew that my life was going to change when I left Kitelle, but I promised myself to be ready for it. I want to continue deciphering my memories but each memory feels more haunting than the next.

I turned away from the window and walked over to my dressing table. I picked up a brush and began to brush my hair. As I brushed, I thought about my dream again. I wondered if it was a premonition of things to come.

I shook my head. It was just a dream, I told myself. But still, I couldn't shake the feeling that it meant something.

But what?