Chronicles of AureliaPrologue: And it begins

Written by; FantasyroseAN: I just re-edited it: 4/20; 7:21PM

The thick smoke burns my eyes as I run down the corridor. The alarm was sounded only minutes before the fire began wrecking havoc on the castle. My heart pounds, and my breathing is fast as I continue to run. Servants and friends run by me, looking for the exit.

"Where is she?" I ask, my brows furrowing as I stop a passing guard who was leading a group outside the castle doors. The look exchanged between us, was one that made my entire body tremble with worry.

Screams fill the air, as the ground beneath my feet shakes. The castle is under attack, by who or what, I'm not sure. Another of the servants run by, my heart skipping beats as I watch everything in slow motion. Was it over? Had everyone gotten out alive? My heart sinks to my stomach, the image of my mother flashing before me. My eyes widen as I let go of the guards arm. "Go." I yell, pointing at the exit.

"What of you, princess?" He frantically replies. The sound of cannons being fired from some distance away, hit my ears with much vigor. My eyes frantically look around at the faces of all the servants. They are not just servants, they are friends, they are family…

"Go." I manage to whisper out.

I'm not sure if he hears me over the screams, so I try once more. "GO!"

An arrow shoots out from an unknown area, piercing one my servants in the chest. My eyes widen in fear as she falls to the ground, dead. The castle's walls shake with the force of a cannon reaching and hitting the outer wall, causing a dust cloud pillowing through the area in which I stand.

I look at him, before my eyes flick to the hall leading to the throne room. I have to get to her… I push him, urging him to leave--to get everyone out safely. I feel him reaching for me, and I quickly manage to get away. Running down the hall, I find myself constantly tripping over the debris of fallen brick and wood. Don't stop… keep… running.

I finally make my way into the throne room. I see her sitting there, but it seems as if my feet are glued to the ground. "No.." I whisper, already feeling my throat burn. Her body is slumped to one side, her hand reaching out to me. "MAMA!" I scream, finally tearing myself out of my trance. I quickly make my way to her side, but as I get closer, I realize that familiar smell; blood. I skid to a stop, kneeling at her feet as I grab a hold of her.

My mother; the queen.

She gurgles out a noise, her eyes drifting to the knife that is now residing in her abdomen. My mouth hangs open, my hands reaching out to her. Everything inside of me says to pull it out, yet I can't… Her breathing is erratic as she grasps onto me. Her blue orbs starring into mine. Tears burn in my eyes as I shake my head. No words were needed.

I knew, she knew…

"My journey.. has come to.. an end.." She pauses, her hands slowly moving to cup my face. Hands that rocked me when I was just a baby. Hands that fed me when I was sick. But now, they're just hands that hold her blood, which now adorns my face.

"My dearest daughter.." Tears spill down my cheek, as our foreheads gently touch. "Do not be afraid.." My vision is blurred by tears as I look deep into her eyes.

"Mama." I shake my head. "No…" My eyes close, I wish for this never to have happened. I open my eyes slowly, tears spilling from my lashes as I do so. "Don't leave me.." I croak out, holding onto her tightly. "I need you.."

"Aurelia.." I can feel her slipping away, and it makes my stomach quiver, my heart... I can't take anymore. "No.. fear." She whispers. Slowly, she reaches out, placing her palm on my chest. "I.. give.. y-you…my.. all." My eyes close as her essence passes into myself, I can feel her--surging through me. But as it closes, I feel her drift farther away.

My eyes snap open as hers close gently.

"MAMA!" I cry out, my head instantly falling to her lap. A lap in which I would lay my head in, seeking comfort, much like how I am now. Tears stream down my face as I close my eyes tightly. "Noo.." I whimper, taking in her scent--knowing I will never smell it again. I can hear footsteps coming closer to me.. But I can't tear myself away.

"Princess!" My lips tremble as I shake my head, clinging to her. I am not ready--it is not her time... Not now…

The guard approaches me from behind, his face white as he realizes his queen is gone. A soft hand rests upon my shoulder from the right, as my head turns, I see my closest servant; Nymira "She is in a better place.." She pauses, smiling softly. Her eyes slowly fade to my mother, a tear trickling down her cheek. "You must leave.." She whispers, looking back to me. She gives me a slight nod, as if to reassure that everything will be alright.

But I know.. It never would be.. how could it? She was gone..

"My Queen." Nymira whispers.

It then dawns on me…

I am now Queen.

The kingdom... The land of Mindirra. It is mine. My eyes look around at the castle. Things have calmed somewhat, more guards have arrived and I can see most of them trying their best to put out the flames. This.. This was a set up! I pry myself from her side, my eyes jotting around. I can still hear the screams of my people... More needed to be escorted out, I know--yet I know I have to worry of my own safety now being queen.

"Aldren." I turn to the most trusted of guards. "Take Ciroc and clear out the castle. I will leave now with my maid. Get the fire under control--and make sure my mothers' remains are not soiled." I turn back, looking at her lifeless body. Emotions hanging heavy on my shoulders, yet I have to push on.

"She deserves more than this." I whisper. My head whirls back around. "Search the grounds, find who did this."

They both nod, bowing softly. "Yes, Queen Aurelia."