They usher me around as if I do not have a mind of my own. Every day words are thrown at me, “Sit here” “Stand there” “You’re prettier when you smile”, as if I’m some glamorous object they can pick up and flash around in front of our kingdom. I’m sure they don’t do this with my brother, Keenan. Father has had him attending all of the war room gatherings in the Inner Circle for the last eight years, since he was fourteen. He is only two years older than me, but I would bet this golden tiara on my head that I had more brain cells the day I was born than he does in this current moment. What father doesn’t know is that I found a small hideaway attached to the war room that I can wiggle into and listen to all their planning.

The Inner Circle meeting is drawing to an end after discussing concerns along the northern border with the nearest kingdom, Athelgard. There has been uprisings against the crown and the Inner Circle is worried it will start to spill into our terrority. Their strategy is setting our border up for failure but that’s a conversation they won’t want to have. I slowly creep out of the hideaway, making sure no one can see me, and run on soft feet down to the galley to meet Ian. Ian is a stable boy who has worked in the castle since he was little after being found wandering the streets and snatching coin from guards pockets. He is the only friend I have in this stone prison and has graciously been teaching me sparring techniques since he trains every morning with the guards. One day, I will prove to them that I can be the leader of this kingdoms army and fight just as well, if not better, than the men sitting in that room. I will prove to my father that I am capable of being a commander and leader if he would shift his focus from is precious son, who doesn’t know which end is the pointy one on his sword.