...

It was quiet. Like it always was. No talking just eating. Suddenly, Richard, my little brother, started coughing.

"What are you guys doing?! Help the prince!" My stepmother was shouting like he was about to die, even though he coughed at every meal. The maids shuffle around frantically, terrified of what she would do if something happened to Richard. A huge fuss over nothing.

"I'm fine, mother," Richard whispered, clearly embarrassed.

"Ahem," my father cleared his throat. "Elora, you turned sixteen yesterday, therefore, you will soon go to the Otherworld to study. Make sure you are ready."

"Yes, father," I replied. At least no assassins could be sent to me there. You have to have the royal seal in order to go through the barrier.

"Of course, your fiancé will be going with you."

Ugh. Alcimede Hazrian. Another person who only cares about power. It makes sense, of course. He and stepmother are from the same clan.

________

"Elora, wait." It was father.

"What is it?"

"I have a present for you."

"This is your mother's necklace." He handed me a beautiful necklace. There was a bluish-white gem in the shape of a pair of wings attached to a silver chain.

"Thank you," I said putting it on.

"You know I love you," my father told me.

"Love." That unfamiliar word. "I know," I replied.