Princess Selene's Arc

Chapter 1 of 3

Princess Selene wanted to see the world outside these crystal walls. Instead she stood in her mother's throne hall, summoned to hear who she would marry. Green light slid down the sharp spires of the keep and pooled on the floor. Her mount waited in the stables, saddled. She had already planned her escape east. First she needed one thing from her mother. Queen Nebulon did not look up from the marriage contract in her hands. She smoothed the paper flat against her knee, slow and certain, the way she smoothed every problem into obedience. "The ceremony is in three days," she said. "I have never wanted a husband," Selene said. "You know this." "Wanting has nothing to do with duty." The Queen finally raised her violet eyes. "You are my only child. The line continues through you." Selene stepped closer. Her marks glowed faint gold along her cheeks. "Then marry again yourself. You are still Queen. Have more children. Let them carry your line." She kept her voice level. "We do not want the same things, Mother. We never have." The Queen set the contract down. For a moment she said nothing, and the hall felt colder. "You think I sealed the eastern gate to trap you," the Queen said. "I sealed it because a light fell from the sky. Whatever crashed may be dangerous. I will not lose you to it." Selene heard the fear under the command. It surprised her. But it did not change her plan. "Then bargain with me," Selene said. "Cancel the marriage. Let me go east and see what fell. If I find nothing, I come home and marry whoever you choose." The Queen folded her hands on her lap. "It is the only offer I have." Selene knelt, which she never did. "Choose. A daughter married and gone from you inside. Or a daughter who trusts you enough to return." The Queen studied her for a long moment. Then she picked up the contract and tore it once, cleanly, down the middle. "The marriage is finished," the Queen said. "Go east, you have until the four moons turn full, that is a month.” Selene stood, cold spreading through her chest. She had won the argument. Selene quickly went to the kitchen and began packing food and water.