I stormed into the map room, interrupting a meeting called by my little brother. Only 16 and he thinks he’s in charge of the entire royal guard.

“Maliah what’s so urgent you’ve interrupted this meeting?” He scoffed, the entire room had their eyes on me. My hair tied into a tight knot on the back of my head, satchel overflowing with papers, and my dress barely covering my bare feet. I straighten my self up.

“Seeing as how I wasn’t invited I can’t think of another way to so broadly propose a plan.”

“And precisely what would that be?”

“Well if you would be so kind as to get out of my way,” I shove passed him and sweep the other maps of the table, rolling out mine and tacking it down so he won’t return the favor. “Now this is a map of Keterveck. Here’s the kings castle, where Tamira is.”

“Yes, yes, we know these things. Have you come only to share the obvious.” A man in armor huffs. I glare at him.

“Well sir. Here,” A place down three invitations to the King of Keterveck’s annual ball. “Do you know what these are? Because I like to call them Tamira’s ticket home. See all I have to do is show up to the ball, sneak past a few people and find Tamira. And the best part is the ball is a masquerade, the king will never recognize me. I believe I can do it and save Tamira before it’s too late.”

“You’d have to be an absolute fool to believe that!” Arron shouts.

“Well then hand me a hat and call me a jester because I’m going to Keterveck, with or without you. Before our father died he asked me to take care of you and Tamira. You could put me in the stocks before I break a promise to my father.”

“I hope you don’t mind standing because I’d put you in the stocks before I let you do that.”

“Arron, you’re not in charge of me and though it does feel immoral to say this, I am the Queen of Soalek so I’ll be going through with my plan. I came here to tell you what I intended to do so you wouldn’t ruin my plans. And maybe just a little because you’re my brother and I wanted you to come with me. But Tamira is my sister so I’ll be going whether I have your blessing or not ” I sigh. “I’m leaving tonight at sundown. I’ll hope to see you before I’m gone. Maybe even along the journey with me.” I leave one invitation one the table and gather my things. “Goodbye Arron.”