Miza watched her den, faction, and her brother from atop the dais in the main dining hall of The Academy.
Miza may be a princess in the imperial family, but this was her home. Mavrick was ever the pacifist and refused his claim to run a faction and have his chevalier. He entered Miza’s faction simply to have the protection a royal needed. She watched as he and Lihte whispered on the lower dais, heads bent together in their own private world. She could feel a faint giddy feeling, a sensation of carefreeness and confusion swirling at her nape. That was a shadow of the emotion from the twin’s connection. She would have to discuss this with them both. It was clear to Miza that their relationship was moving from faction members to more.
Miza’s attention was drawn to Alex’s arrival at the dining hall after xyr errand. Xe took xyr seat, and Justin stood.
“Academy!” he said without shouting, silencing the room. He nodded and retook his seat, and all eyes of the academy focused on their Mistress.
Contrary to her father, Miza followed closely the paths of her ancestors. She was drawn to the elements and land from a young age and their history. She shared a connection to the divine plane that had not been seen for hundreds of years.
Several generations ago, her grandfather had subdued the old religion as it did not coincide with his plans for the future of Lestiania. The Academy, which was housed at the Provincial Palace, had been transformed from a place of integration between the veils and a college to house Lestainia’s finest thinkers who wanted to expand their knowledge to bridge the gap between the two realms, to a house where murderers and thieves often met to discuss their dealings.
No longer was The Academy an exclusive educational institution that sponsored some of the greatest minds in the studies of the natural world and stewardship operating in obscurity. Outside of the people of Lestania, few were aware that this place had ever existed. There were no more whispers of grand salons shrouded in mystery and held a lavish retreat for a king. In the human realm, it was just a lost part of history.
Three hundred years of work towards the integration was ruined by one selfish man and his heirs as the royal family separated itself from The Circle of their Great Mother’s celestial love and the divine destiny set before them. After millennia, they were utterly cut off to the point that high priestesses and priests were elected officials and seen as more of a novelty for homage to the past, like most of the festivals. Miza was determined to retain some of the harmonies of nature that were long lost to her people and even longer lost to humankind. She was the Mistress of this place. She would see that it came to be.
She sat with her back straight and ankles crossed, as her feet didn’t quite reach the floor. Giving the people of the academy a sweeping glance, she raised her hands in line with her shoulders, palm up, and spoke their morning prayer.
“The sky has light. We have last the night. As we break our fast, let us thank The Mother for her labor. Let’s thank those who use her born fruits to revitalize us. Let us give our thanks for this day.”
As she spoke the last few words, she raised her hands to the sky in offering and watched as those around her did the same, murmuring, “We give our thanks.” As the room settled to silence, she lowered her hands, signaling the end of the devotional.
She smiled as laughter and conversation began to ring throughout the hall again. Mavrick settled himself to her left as Valon, to her right, dove into his French toast and stuffed tomatoes.
“Sister, you watch me.” Mavrick inquired.
“Yes, brother. But I can’t help but note your actions.” She teased. “ You’ve learned some defensive arts and have spent many of your free hours in the company of young Lihte. He-” She distractedly responded as she felt Alex’s gentle nudge on her awareness.
“-is older than us… but kind. He says that even if I am your brother, I should at least know some defense. I know he didn’t mean it this way, but I am a burden here. It is no longer just a place for intellectuals, philosophers, and scholars like me. I will distract you as long as I am here, though I want to stay with you, sister. I have not changed who I am; I’m just practicing realism.” The young boy apologized.
She softened her gaze as she grasped his hand and kissed his palm.
“ Ricky, love, you are not a burden to me. I knew who you were and what you could do when you joined this faction. Don’t feel pressured. ” She said, offering reassurance.
“ I do not.” He objected.
“And what do you feel?” She asked with a smirk as she took a bite of a strawberry pudding. “ I’m not blind to my senses, especially our bond.” She winked, continuing their banter.
A blush splashed across Mavrick’s copper-toned checks. He looked at his sister, bright brown pools reflecting each other.
“I know, Miza.” He broke their gaze and picked up a piece of dry toast, starting to shred it. “I know. I knew that once I asked to join your faction and gave up my own chevalier, I would lose the opportunity for anything against the natural order. I know what is expected. I will find a wife when we are older and settled. I know my boundaries. I won't push father.”
“ I believe that love is the natural order, Ricky. I disagree with how our ancestors have polluted Lestania’s true traditions just to blend into this realm. We choose our paths. We are not just for breeding; even in Lestania, many family options exist. You just have to be brave. Have a little rebellion in you to break the norms of the last 450 years. If the desire is mutual, I may be inclined to help you. Just say the word brother.” Miza insisted.
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Mavrick watched his sister as she finished her pudding and moved on to her besan omelet and roasted potatoes. He knew he shouldn’t be shocked, but he was always amazed by her ability to stand against the norms of the royal family.
“Rick, finish eating. We have a big day ahead of us. Lots of fun and prep for father’s visit.” Miza continue grimacing.
He blanched. How could he even consider living the life he wanted when the man he feared was due to arrive soon?
Miza finished her repast and kissed her brother farewell. Akierda was alert to his new Mistress's movements and followed her out of the dining hall.
“Um, Highness?” He ventured shyly.
Miza stopped and turned, smiling brightly at the lost boy.
“Dear, you can call me by my name or Miza as your den does. You are no longer required to use such formalities at all times. Especially per your request to join the den as a consort and guard.” She winked at him, enjoying the blush that spread across his face, and turned to continue down the hall. She heard his footsteps pick up and an additional set join his.
“Ok then. M-Miza, M-My Dear. I’ve been following you for months. Miza- Please. We seriously need to discuss this. I thought this would be different, but- Oh, Goddess. Miza, I am a commoner living between the Academy and the palace. I-I-”
She stopped short, quickly interrupting him.
“Jaime, leave us. I’ll meet you in my offices.” Miza instructed curtly.
“Yes, High Majesty.” She waited until her personal assistant’s footprints faded, and then she pulled Akierda into the small sitting room near the Academy business suites.
“Speak your peace, honestly and completely. You are being confirmed tomorrow. There must be no doubt when you drink, or you may not make it through.” Miza requested firmly.
She sat on the settee and patted the space next to her as if what she said was not terrifying. Akierda sat beside her, rubbing his sweaty palms against his knees, wondering where to start.
“Miza, I am not questioning you. I- When I met you three months ago, and you stopped the guard, I was awed. You saw me for me and not who I was born. You sought to give me an opportunity. I mean, that is what I thought. I now understand that it was your knowing. I just saw a beautiful girl coming to the rescue of a street kid, and then suddenly, my 14-year-old life was completely changed. What would I say even if I wanted to? But the longer I am here, the more I wonder if I will be a detriment to the goals of this Faction, to you, to the kingdom. I’m a commoner. Not even a commoner. I’m not nearly as educated as the rest of the den. What will the Emperor think? What will he do? The old laws haven’t been applied in four generations. We are breaking everything our people currently know.” He sighed. “I’m not strong. I know that. I can’t defend you yet. I’m scared, Miza. I’m scared of what I feel and what is happening.” He looked into her eyes, seeking comfort.
“Akierda, I know who you are, and I’m not promising a romantic fairytale-like in storybooks from this realm. I am the first Goddess incarnate in 400 years. There is a target on my back. We are here to change Lestania for the better. You wouldn't be here if I didn’t believe in you.” She took his hand, placing it on her cheek. “This is your choice. It can only be your choice to give your life completely to another. To undergo the changes to become one’s chevalier is completely life-altering. And it can be your death. Take your time to think about this, Love. You never have to return to Zetice, but you must be sure about this.”
Leaning over to kiss his forehead, she left him to his thoughts. Miza smiled reassuringly at Akierda as she backed out of the room.
~
“Oh, Val. Valon Lavine! You put me down this instant.” Miza giggled and was spun around in his arms.
“Mistress, please, we must review the agenda for tomorrow. The Emperor’s arrival is upon us. Your Rising– Lord Valon, you are not helping.” Jaime muttered with exasperation as she clacked away on her tablet.
It was rare to see these moments, but she was delighted to see that the Lady and Prince Consort were happy. They didn’t often appear like this in front of others. It was a privilege that they trusted her.
“I am sure you are quite as capable as my assistant Jaime. You can handle all of the preparations.” Miza pouted as she sat up straight to focus.
“Miza…” She heard the light scolding in Donte’s voice.
“Hmph, fine. Jaime, what is on my schedule?” The young girl huffed.
“High Majesty, Friday, your tutor will meet you here for Political Philosophy at 9:00 am. Ethics will begin at 11 am in the main library with the other Highnesses’, Lords, and Ladies. You have a planned break for lunch at noon with Akierda, Sir Alex, and Justin. There is a Teleconference at 1:30 pm back in your office with our Faction’s east coast holding. From 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm, you will meet with the party planner, Lord Valon, and Lord Dante. You will then prepare for your father’s arrival, and the formal Ball welcoming your father will begin at 7:00 pm. At 7:30 pm, you will pass the blessing as requested. At 9:00 PM, you will leave with your nest to visit the temple so that Akierda can be confirmed.” Jamie paused to ensure Miza was following along.
Miza groaned, burying her head in her hands. “I cannot with this,” She stopped breathing in harshly as she held her hands up for a moment, before allowing them to continue. “Okay, continue.”
Valon shared a worried look with Donte as he felt Alex push into his awareness again. Jaime moved forward with the schedule.
“As requested for today, your morning has been blocked off, leaving your afternoon and evening completely booked. From 2 PM - 4 PM, you will have a conference with parliament and the Imperial House Council. 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM, you will meet the faction leads in the receiving hall. 5:45 PM - 6:30 You must review and sign the documents on your residence office desk so I can pick them up after dinner. You will have dinner delivered to your suite tonight as the attendants will assist My Lady’s personal attendant in preparing you for Saturday. You will only have time to change quickly before your Rising starts. You will meet with the High Priest and Priestess at the Temple for more training in ceremonial rights after dinner, so it will be a late night. Mistress, I understand that the next few days are full due to work and study, but please maintain. Please take time to enjoy your morning. Have a blessed day, Mother.” She counseled as she finished quoting Miza’s next two days at her.
Jaime bowed and left the room. Miza sprawled on the couch.
“This is not being a normal teenager!” She said irritably as she threw her hands up.