In a world where magic is ordinary, the most powerful become the ruling class.

The Second Born

"Very good, Tyra!" the king exclaimed as he watched his daughter duel with her trainer. She was only four years old, yet she showed remarkable promise. The young girl put down her sword and gave a short bow, then beamed up at her father, bright blue eyes shining from behind wisps of purple hair. "You have done well today, my girl," he said proudly.

"Thank you father!" she said happily. "You think one day I'll be as good as you?"

"Even better," King Tyr replied, kneeling down to speak to his daughter. "Today we're going to go over military tactics, okay?"

"Fun! Last time we played army I conquered the whole planet, remember? Remember daddy?" Tyra hopped from one foot to the other excitedly, anxious to please her father.

"Yes, I remember, girl," he said fondly. "Now today, you must remember not to show so much mercy. You do not give your enemies any opportunity-"

A servant approached the king briskly. "My lord," he said with a hurried bow to make his presence known.

"Yes, Diego?" the king asked, somewhat irritated at being interrupted.

Diego gave another apologetic bow of his head before shooting the king a meaningful look. "It's time."

King Tyr stood abruptly. "Take me to her."

"My lord," Diego replied, turning on his heel to lead the king through the long halls of the palace. Tyr followed quickly, Tyra racing along behind.

"What's going on, father?" she asked as they neared their destination. "Time for what?"

Diego pulled open a door and stepped in, waiting for the king. "Not now," Tyr replied as he entered the room, shutting the door behind him. Tyra was about to follow when she heard the click of the lock sliding shut. Angry at being left out, she pouted and kicked the door, then ran off to take her aggression out on the servants.

Inside, the king approached his wife, who was lying on a bed in the center of the room, various servants flitting about. He took her shaking hand in his and smoothed a strand of hair out of her pale face. She gave him a weak smile, which quickly faded to a grimace. "It's time," she gasped.

Tyr continued to hold her hand as the queen's servants hovered about her, ready for the moment they had all been dreading.

On the other side of the door, two guards stood watch over the hall, instructed to remove anyone who came near. They heard muffled voices through the door, along with the pained cries of the queen. Presently, the guards heard a noise that made them turn to each other and smile. At least for a short while, the child's birth could be enjoyed. Listening to the newborn's cries, they could momentarily forget the horrible duty ahead of them.

---

Hey everyone! For those of you who have read my other story, I'm sorry this one has been so long in the making. Between school and trying to maintain the semblance of having a life, it's been tough getting even this much out. But here it is, after all the waiting! Yay! ::twirls finger::

For those of you who are first time readers of my work, thanks for giving me a chance! I hope you like what you see and continue reading.

This is only the prelude. I don't know how long it will take me to get the first chapter up, but I promise it will be as soon as possible. Thanks for reading!

Sparkles