Chapter 1

Chapter I
The Queen’s Secret

Alexandra quickened her pace. She was infuriated! Her ivory and emerald gown billowed around her as she walked. Khimari told her not to let her emotions control her proceedings; nevertheless, she couldn’t believe what had occurred. Just the thought of it, “Ugh,” she cried aloud, causing birds to fly from their perches in the trees. When she finally reached her destination, she paused. Calm and composed, she thought to herself. She stepped inside and walked down a hallway to a large set of heavy oak doors. She knocked one time, to let her presence known, and entered.
The room was elegantly decorated, with heavy oak bookshelves crammed with books lining the walls. There were sturdy tables stacked with books written in strange languages. Strange bottles and bowls that emitted frothy smoke lined shelves surrounding a large, silver cauldron.
“Roxas,” she called out, letting her anger show in her voice. Roxas timidly came around a bookshelf. It was hard to believe that the palace wizard was only fourteen, even though she was sixteen herself. “I suppose you’ve heard?” she asked, crossing her arms.
Roxas nodded slowly and mumbled something that sounded like ‘I’m sorry’.
“And where is Cordillia?” she asked impatiently.
“She went to Baaj Temple t-two days ago,” he stammered.
“When will she return?” she demanded
Roxas hesitated. “Today,” he finally said. Alexandra turned on her heel and marched from the room. She headed toward Cordillia’s keep. As she passed the courtyard, she saw two figures, dressed in black robes that fell to their feet, talking very angrily and quietly. Alexandra stopped. She could tell that they were having a heated argument, so she stepped closer. She still couldn’t hear what they were saying so she stepped closer still and a pebble skittered across the cobblestone walk in the courtyard. Alexandra ducked behind a stone pillar and pressed her back to it.
“Whose there?” a harsh voice called. She could hear them coming closer and closer to her hiding spot. She closed her eyes bracing herself to run when she heard a shrill voice call out;
“What are you doing?”
Alexandra’s eyes flew open, “Cordillia,” she squeaked. Cordillia’s purple eyes flashed a warning glare to Alexandra.
“When did you get back, Cordillia?” one voice asked with a sneer.
“Well, Kuja, I returned today,” she retorted, “and I suggest that you and your little friend Beatrix return to your duties.”
“Very Well,” Kuja said and walked away.
When they were out of earshot, Alexandra said “Thank you Cordillia.”
“You were very lucky that I was here,” she said “Kuja wishes to catch you alone.” Alexandra shuddered. She knew that Kuja and Beatrix hated her.
“How was Baaj?” she asked, her tone calm.
“Not well,” she replied, her tone grave “King Ixon was in a fret, wondering if the preparations for the gem withdraw would be ready in time.”
Alexandra’s brow furrowed with concern. As princess of Rauros, she was in charge of keeping alliances strong. She was always speaking with kings and princes, tying alliances and keeping peace.
The worst part to having this job is that her mother urged her to marry a prince from one of the neighboring palaces to create an empire. She didn’t love any of the princes though. They were all cocky and arrogant. She only loved one person and their love was forbidden. They could never be together. He was a peasant, a worker. The first time she laid eyes on him, he was working on a wall for her courtyard

She was out in her gazebo gazing at the clouds, deep in thought. She looked down at the wall because the sun was glaring off of one of the tools and she saw him. The sun shone off of his light brown hair, making it look golden. His emerald green eyes sparkled as if he knew a secret no one else knew. His bare chest was tanned and his muscles were toned.
As she gawked, he glanced up at her and caught her staring. She looked away, embarrassed, but he came over to her, grinning from ear to ear.
“Hey,” he said
Alexandra looked up politely and said “Good Morning,”
“Sora!” came a gruff voice “get back to work.” He looked at Alexandra, his green eyes saying ‘later then’
Later that night Alexandra was sitting on her balcony thinking of her new found love. She remembered his smile, his beautiful hair, and his enticing green eyes. As she sat and thought about their wedding day a small pebble landed in her lap.
She picked up the pebble and examined it. It was from the courtyard. She got up and looked over the edge and another pebble hit her in the face. Startled, she fell over the railing of the balcony. As she fell she could only think, “I’m dead” She braced herself for impact but it never came, instead warm, strong hands caught her.
It was Sora. Her pain forgotten Alexandra look into Sora’s eyes, her eyes staring into them deeply. He stared back and said “Close your eyes, I want to show you something.” He carried her for what seemed like ages and kept saying things like “Don’t peek” and “Almost there”.
Finally he set her down and said “Open your eyes.” When she did, she let out a small gasp. He had taken her to the beach. The night sky was clear, so all of the stars shone bright as did the moon. The water reflected the sky, so it looked as though the empty space glittered.
“Beautiful,” she said, sighing.
“Yes,” Sora said, “you are.” She looked over at him and saw he was staring at her. She shivered.
“Your cold?”
“I’m fine,” she said, but he had already taken off his jacket and put it around her shoulders. She leaned toward him, resting her head on his chest. He put his arms around her and whispered into her ear “I love you.” Shock spread through her body. She looked up at him and saw in his eyes that he really meant it
“I love you,” she said back. He leaned towards her, looking into her eyes and kissed her. She closed her eyes, and kissed him back. She felt the fireworks going off inside of her. Her foot lifted slowly into the air. After what seemed like forever, they pulled apart and sat down on the sand. She leaned into his chest, snuggling closer than ever to him.


Cordillia opened the door to her keep, her sweeping stride leading Alexandra towards the center of the room. Here stood a table covered in many strange objects. Colorful orbs, chicken bones with strange writing on them, jars of powder that sparkled and others that were dull.
Cordillia clapped once and the lights dimmed and the orbs began to glow. They rose in the air and began to spin. Alexandra gasped. In the center of the spinning orbs, a picture had appeared. It was a picture of Sora, tied and gagged held in what appeared to be a dungeon.
Alexandra felt tears falling from her eyes. She blinked them away feeling sorrow and fury well up inside of her. Her sorrow slowly grew to rage. Soon she was boiling.
“Who?” she asked, her fury shown in her voice. Cordillia stared blankly toward Alexandra.
“Who!?” she yelled, hysterical. Cordillia just stared as Alexandra fell to her knees, her fury paralyzing her.
“Your mother,” Cordillia answered, her eyes filled with sorrow.