~Chapter 1: The Beginning~

My name is Aries, I am 19 years old. I was once one of those rebellious palace brats, I had it all…a family, a home, friends, people who loved me. All of which got taken away from me. Now all I have is my 7 year old sister, Aimee. The only thing I worry about now is keeping Aimee and myself alive for one more day in hopes that they will find us. But, I’m getting ahead of myself…let’s go back to the very beginning.

Flashback: A child, age 3, sits on the floor playing with a teddy bear.

STOP STOP STOP! NOT THAT FAR BACK! Skip ahead a few years!

Flashback (again!): A young girl, age 8, sits in her room playing chess with her father, the King. “Better watch out Aries, I’m about to steal your Queen! Check!” He says as he smiles triumphantly. “Not if I can help it! CHECKMATE!” She yells back at him in a gloating tone. He sits amazed that his own daughter beat him at his own game. “Well done Aries.” He says and laughs heartily.

End Flashback.

Aries and her father sit once more playing chess in her room. A page boy steps into the room, “Your Majesty?” he says with a bow. “Yes, what is it?” The King says with a furrowed brow. “A thousand pardons Sire, but your horses await you.” “Oh, yes. Thank you.” The King says as the page boy leaves the room. The King then gets up and walks over to the window. “Must you really leave father?” Aries asks as she gets up and stands beside him. “I’m afraid so poppet. There’s a war at the southern border and I must put an end to it.” He replied with a sigh. “How long shall you be gone this time?” She asked indicating that he had been gone for a long while before. “As long as it takes to stop this tomfoolery.” He said with a distant look. “Father, please don’t go. I worry about you!” She pleaded as she grabbed his hand. He placed a firm hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be back, unharmed, when I can.”

The page boy entered the room again, “Sire, your horses.” The King looked up, “Hmm? Oh, yes. I’m coming. You be good okay?” “Yes, father.” Aries replied as she watched him walk out the door. As was customary, when he father left she looked out her window and waved as her father rode off into the distance.

A little boy, age 8, and a little girl, age 4, walk into the room. “Aries?” the boy asks. “Hmm?” she answers back. “Father’s gone off again hasn’t he?” the boy asked as he and the girl walked towards her. “Papa gone?” the little asked, tears welling in her big eyes. “It’s alright Kat. Father will be back soon.” Aries said as she picked-up Kat and cradled her. “How long will he be gone this time?” Kohaku asked. “I don’t know… All he said was, ‘I’ll be back, unharmed, when I can.’ Then he left.” She replied. “WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!! PAPA GONE!” Kat screamed as she began to cry. Aries tickled her while Kohaku made funny faces, Kat was one to throw tantrums often and they knew how to stop them. After they got a successful giggle out of her, Aries said, ”Don’t worry, you big sister and big brother will take care of you okay?” Kat nodded her head as their mother walked in. “I’ve been looking all over for you three.” She said placeing her hands on her hips. She was plump, she had blue eyes that lit up like starlight, and hair as golden as the sun. Her skin was fair, and she was rather short compared to their father.

“Why’s that mother? Did we do something wrong?” Aries asked questioningly. Their mother smiled, “Because my dear children, I’m taking you down to the stream to play.” “Really mother?” Kohaku asked with a twinkle in his eyes. She laughed, “Yes you silly goose. Now go change into your bathing suit.” “Oh, boy! THE STREAM! YIPPIE!” He shouted as he ran out of the room to go change. Aries and their mother both laughed. “Now then, shall we get you changed Kat?” She asked as she went to pick-up Kat. “I can change her mother.” Aries replied. “Besides, she’s got my shirt.” Their mother laughed, “Alright, be in the main hall in five minutes.” She said as she walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.

Aries closed the window, and picked-up Kat. “Let’s change shall we?” She asked Kat as she pulled on her own bathing suit and helped Kat with hers. Kat grabbed her hand and they walked out into the hallway. Kohaku stepped out of his room and into the hallway. “Ready?” He asked. “Yup. Let’s go.” Aries replied as Kohaku grabbed Kat’s other hand. The three of them walked down hall and appeared at the top of the grand staircase. A few maids and butlers ‘awed’ at the three as they walked gracefully, hand-in-hand, down the grand staircase. Their mother waited at the front door. “Well, don’t you three look lovely?” She asked as the door was opened and they began to walk outside. As they were walking a page boy began calling after them, “Wait! Princess Aries! PLEASE! STOP!” He called running to catch them. Aries stopped mid-step and turned around, placeing her hands on her hips as she waited. “Urgent news!” He clamored as Aries snatched the note out of his hand and read it on the spot.

My dearest Aries,

You are coming of age to be married. You do not know me, but we have been betrothed since birth. My name is Prince Phillipé, I am 12 years past. I am the youngest of seven children. Our parents have arranged for us to meet this summer on the shores of Lorien. I have heard so many wonderful things about you from your father! I cannot wait to see how beautiful you are in person! Till this summer my love, fare thee well.

Sincerely, Yours Truly,

Prince Phillipé

Aries finished the letter with a look of utter disgust and anger upon her face. She crumpled the letter and thrust it back into the page boy’s out stretched hand. ”Take that to my room.” She ordered, and then walked to rejoin the others.

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These are all my own characters, this is my first attempt at a story. Please read and review! thanx! ~Callico Kat~