Hidey ho, guys! :D

I began writing this prequel to Princess of Fire on 7/7/05. I was inspired by Lightning Princess, who has lots of sequels and things in her Udorian Chronicles. ARD will only have three parts (I’m pretty sure) and will focus on only Kuja. See my profile for a complete summary.

Just so you know, the Queen’s name is a tribute to a girl who was in my graduating high school class. Rest in peace, Cassie.

Enjoy, and I really hope you guys like this!

Love,

Tesh : )

Part 1- The Birth of Kuja

Felinia. A vast continent with thriving countries, all ruled by two Cat-people, King Medwin and Queen Cassandra. These two individuals loved their land dearly, and were looking forward to passing their Royal rule to their offspring.

The Queen was with child for the past nine months. She and the King were very excited. They often spent late nights together coming up with beautiful names for their child. If it was a boy they decided on Ferdinand, and if it was a girl they settled on Cassandra II. They also spent the nights speculating on what their child would look like. Would he or she inherit Cassandra’s golden brown hair and hazel eyes or Medwin’s curly brunet hair? The couple couldn’t wait to find out.

Queen Cassandra’s closest acquaintance was Lady Alexandria, wife of Lord Cain and also of Old Felinia. They lived a few miles away in their family’s smaller castle and manor.

Lady Alexandria and Lord Cain were also expecting a baby, which they found out would be a girl to join their three-year-old daughter Rosalyn. The Queen and her friend spent hours laughing together, talking about how their children would probably be the best of friends. Cain and Alexandria were to name their new daughter Annabel.

“It’s a very ladylike name,” Cassandra said, smiling.

“Thank you. And I am sure that the new Prince or Princess will be noble as well,” said Alexandria.

The King and Queen held a grand baby shower at the Royal Castle. All of the Royal Family’s advisors, friends, and even commoners attended. Cassandra received many wonderful presents, and one of them was a cradle made of pure gold. Medwin and Cassandra thanked everyone for the gifts.

The King put his arm around his wife’s shoulder and announced the possible names for their child. Everyone cheered and applauded. All of Felinia was looking forward to greeting their new Prince or Princess, the next in line to the throne.

The big day came. Cassandra went into labor. The village midwife was quickly called to help.

Medwin paced outside the Master Bedroom, wincing when he heard his wife’s cries of pain.

“Push! Breathe! Push! Breathe!” the midwife, whose name was Tabatha, chanted.

The Queen was in labor for twenty-four hours. Everyone in the Castle waited with bated breath.

Finally, on June 30th, the heiress to the throne was born. As soon as Cassandra laid eyes on her new child, however, her heart sank.

The child was a girl, but she hardly looked like royalty. She had an ivory skin tone like Cassandra, and she had a short mop of fine hair, but it was dark red. Her eyes were a bright silver. Her cat ears were red as well, and she had a red tail with dark red stripes. Strange combination, red hair and silver eyes..., Cassandra thought with a skeptical frown.

Her husband was called in to see the baby Princess. When he saw the child, he frowned as well.

“Well, she certainly doesn’t look like a ‘Cassandra’...”

“You don’t have to tell me that!” the Queen snapped.

“Well, what should we name the babe, then?” Medwin asked.

Tabatha spoke up. “How ‘bout yoo name her Kooja? It’s a fitting name for the little dear, short and sweet.”

The King and Queen gave each other a Look, one that said one thing: This isn’t what we expected, and we aren’t happy.

“Very well, then. Her name is Kuja,” Cassandra said reluctantly.

Tabatha took the baby and hugged her, showing far more affection than her parents. “Welcome to Felinia, little Princess Kooja!”

End Part 1