I awoke with a start, not remembering what I was dreaming of. I was left with a feeling of distress and anger. For what... I could only guess was because of the forcefulness of the royal family. The feeling was so strong... but I don't remember what my dream was about completely. Then a glimmer of something shinny pulled me from the trance. Green and blue light glided across my face like the waters wave. I reached out and grabbed the small ticket in my hands, no doubt mother put it there after I had fallen asleep. A large 'R' was branded on both sides of the ticket, lucky for me, I didn't seem to rip this up along with the letter. 3D fish were swimming along without a care in the world, it was like looking out into the deep blue sea. I couldn't help but feel envious of them. As I grabbed it, the ticket seemed to have a water ripple upon my touch. The ticket itself was so beautiful. If only the royal family didn't waste such trivial things on stuff like this. I sighed and stared at the ticket in my hands, bitterness swept in my eyes and grazed my checks with hot ferry. *KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* It took me by surprise, then I settled down and glanced sadly at my door. Putting the ticket under my blanket I said loud enough for the knocker to hear me, "You may come in." My mother's small, slender frame entered my room. The fresh smell of water lilies followed her and her bright yellow dress swayed gently at her knees. "Good morning Zo" she said bashfully, "do you want me and your father to drop you off?" she was rubbing her hands in a calming way, I couldn't help but feel sad seeing my mother in such distress. I thought it over for a few seconds, "No" I said, "I'll walk there." My mother's face was morphed into a mix of sadness and fear, maybe she thought I'd just skip the meeting and disobey the royal summon. As much as I wanted to do so, I couldn't just leave my family like that. I couldn't be selfish. As much as I hated the royal family, I loved my family too much to do that to them. Forever banished, or worse... murdered. I gave my mother a warm smile to help calm her, "But, I need to get ready now, I'll be downstairs in a few minutes." my mother smiled softly and nodded, "See you when you're done then." She closed my door slowly. And I waited to hear her footsteps retreat downstairs. After it was completely quiet I pulled out the ticket from my blanket to stare at it a little longer. It was so pretty... "I'm really doing this, I'm really going to the palace". I placed the ticket on my nightstand, then with a heavy heart I start to get changed into my school uniform. I check my reflection in the mirror, my body is average but strong. My school uniform is a white button down long sleeve shirt with a light ocean blue vest, a dark blue blazer with white trim and a little above the knee skirt. It was a dark blue color, the same as my blazer. I also wore thick black stockings underneath and a dark blue tie. My hair was messy, so I fixed it to came down the side of my face. My tie was a bit off... so I fix that too before walking downstairs with my shoes in my left hand and my backpack in the other. I hear my parents voices as I approached the kitchen. I walked slowly so they didn't hear my footsteps. "-she doesn't go?" I hear my mother's voice, it was shaky and horse. "It will be fine dear, calm yourself. Zoé knows what she is doing. She is a good girl and she will make her way to the palace by herself. I know she will." My father's reassuring voice hushes my mother's worry about me. I stood there in the silence feeling guilty for ever causing them such distress. I know I was considering this, but to think my mother thought so little of me. It hurt just a bit. I took a few minutes by the door and calmed myself before entering the kitchen. My mother was right to be worried... I shouldn't be so harsh on her. After my mother was humming and my father was whistling along with her I stepped into the kitchen. My father was in his chair at the head of our table reading the newspaper as always. My mother was finishing up cooking eggs and turned to smile at me, a bit forced it seemed. "Good morning dear, breakfast is almost done." I half smiled at her and nodded, "Thank you mom." I sat in my chair, feeling rather awkward. "Good morning dear." Said my father, setting down his newspaper to look at me. "You look as beautiful as ever dear." He gave me a bright smile, my father's handsome face was not forced like my mother's, he was giving me a full teeth grin, he was always genuine with his body language. He was always so good with easing me and mother's silent misalignments. His dark blue hair was messy, but somehow looked amazing. His tan skin looked honey blessed and smooth. He was in his late 40's but he had hardly any wrinkles. Countless girls at my school swooned at the sight of my father, and the same could be said from the boys with my mother. Both of my parents were rather young-looking, and many people find them attractive. Which makes school harder for me. Most people want to be my friend simply to be able to gawk at them if they come over. From a young age, I realized that they were only wanting to spend time with my parents, rather than with me. From that, I became cold and steered clear of most people. I was dead set on my goal to make this Nation of Oceanina a democracy, so it worked in my favor as well. I became the top of every school I attended, from Ocean Elementary, to Anina Middle School, and finally, Oceanina High School. I dominated to be at the top above everyone. And even became council president, showing that I was ready to be their leader and bring in a new age of Oceanina. I was lost in my thoughts when my mother's voice broke through, "Zo, your eggs dear." She placed my food in front of me and turned to get more coffee for my father. "Hurry and eat dear, you can't be late. It will take you longer to get to the Palace then school." My father smiled again at me, and I sighed and grabbed my fork. I ate my scrambled eggs and toast without a word to either of them. My mother hummed, and my father went back to whistling along with her. In a way, it was comforting. I picked my plate up from the table and placed it in the sink to ranse it. "You don't want anymore dear?" My mother asked looking at me concerned, "No thank you, I have to go now. Goodbye." I waved at both of them before putting my shoes on at the door and leaving. My mother's eyes followed me, "Have a great day dear!" My parents shouted behind me, "We will see you when you get back!" My mother shouted. I sighed again and closed the door behind me. Ready to walk to the Palace..