The Mad Queen

Chapter Six

The Gift. A magic that all of Vivelle knows about, yet none understand. Perhaps that was done on purpose. There are thousands of historical and educational texts in the great palace library, yet there are only small references in regards to the gift. Barely even mentions of it. We know how it came to be. It is written clearly in the History of the First War of Vivelle. We know that The Gift can only be wielded by the daughters of the Dulavelle line. Yet what really is it?

Perhaps we aren't allowed to really know. Though it is only a theory, it is one I suspect is true... There must have been writings and studies of it, yet I have searched and searched and can find nothing. I have a culprit in mind. A few actually. The only ones who have enough power to hide such knowledge are the kings themselves. That raises the questions of Why?

I have a few theories. The Gift is something that is feared. It is how the Dulavelle family has ruled for so long. No one wants to fight against those who wield such power. It is what has kept the Land folk and Waterfolk from trying to overthrow the crown. Yet a Dulavelle daughter has not possessed The Gift for many generations. Not that we know of, anyway. Perhaps they have had it without even realising.

Of course, the most famous case of The Gift was with the Mad Queen, Orianna. That brings me on to my next theory. It is said that The Gift brought her madness which is why Dulavelle daughters are forbidden from ruling Vivelle. But what if that wasn't the case? What if all research on The Gift has been hidden because the Kings don't want people to learn the truth about it. That the madness caused in Queen Orianna's case was not even caused by The Gift, but those around her? What if they keep everyone in the dark about it because they don't want this regime to change?  They want us in the dark so we will believe every word they tell us.

That is going to change.

I have worked as the Master Scholar for Fifty years and have lived in this palace for longer still. There are secrets everywhere. I have found a few texts, hidden away where it was though no one would find them. I have been intensely studying anything I could find and now I think it is time for me to write what I believe is the truth.

~The Gift. Chapter One. Written by Master Audwin. The Master Scholar of Vivelle during the reign of  King Orion and The King Chosen Matthias.

"Princess, where are your sisters?" I am asked by one of the councilmen. I put the charming, fake smile on my face.

"They were so overcome with joy with our suitor, they thought it best they left before they made a scene," I tell them. He chuckles.

"That may be for the best. Women can make such fools of themselves when they are around the stronger sex," he smiles.

"Quite correct," I reply, trying to hide my disgust at the statement. He nods his head and leaves me. My father spots me.

"Now it is time for the first dance between the new King Chosen and The favoured daughter," he shouts and the room claps with joy. My stomach does a flip and I feel bile rise in my throat as Lord Kristoff walks toward me. There is a wild hunger in his eyes as he approaches me along with a smug look. Though I know I am the only one who can see it. The rest of the room see his charming persona.

"Princess Illyana," he bows, taking my hand. I find it uneasy how easy I find being able to put a fake smile on my face. Especially when I feel nothing but turmoil and misery inside. Though I have had plenty of practice at making myself look how others want to see me. He presses his lips against the skin of my hand before standing up and I try not to shudder. He grips my hand tightly and gracefully pulls me into him. The room watches as he begins to twirl me around the room.