Day before Jesika’s coronation

Jesika gracefully mounted her horse, Storm, and took off riding away from her castle, through the labyrinth, and over the moat. When she reached the gate to the castle, the guards patrolling it immediately recognized her, quickly bringing the gate up.

She left her home behind, heading to the east just a little bit where her Uncle Audric lived. That is, the family friend she called her uncle.

Audric was a dear friend of her parents’ and had always been as close as an uncle to Jesika. Often when she needed a shoulder to cry on or someone to go to for advice, she would seek him out. After the tragedy several years ago that killed her parents, Audric stepped up as king until Jesika herself would be of age.

Now that there was less than 24 hours left before her coronation, she needed his ear to listen more than ever.

Which is why she now came to a stop in front of his large manor. She dismounted her horse, and the guards at the door saw her and smiled.

“Hello Princess Jesika. We will take your horse to the stables for you to pick up once you are ready to leave. Sir Audric is in the back, walking through his vineyard.”

Jesika nodded as she led the horse over to one of the guards. “Thank you,” she said, handing him Storm’s lead. The guard started off to the stables and the other guard opened the door for her. She walked inside and was quickly noticed by one of many of Audric’s servants.

“Oh, Princess Jesika! I will go tell Audric you’re here! He’ll be delighted you stopped by to visit.”

Jesika smiled. “Thank you.” The servant girl ran out the back doors to go towards the vineyards.

Jesika sighed and went into his huge living room, taking a seat on his ridiculously large couch. Audric was a man of luxury. He liked to have nice things. And while Jesika could hardly judge him for that, he had worked for it and deserved it after all, she still found it hard to understand why someone would need some of the ridiculously large, expensive things he owned.

After a few minutes had passed, Audric came in through the living room door. He grinned when he saw her, opening up his arms. Jesika grinned just as wide, running to hug him. She held him tightly, breathing in his familiar smell. Being with him... Well, it almost felt like her parents had never died.

“Jessy, honey, what’s wrong?” Audric asked gently, as he slowly pulled away.

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Jesika frowned in confusion at what he meant. “What do you mean, Uncle Audric?”

He shook his head, a sad expression on his face. “You’re crying,” he said, softly wiping some of her tears away.

Jesika blinked in surprise, wiping more of her tears away. Jesika looked up at him and his caring expression almost brought her to tears again. She swallowed it back though, squaring her shoulders. “Just a little nervous for tomorrow, I assure you.”

Audric rolled his eyes at her stiff, serious tone. “Cut the load of beast crap, Jes. Come on. We’re going out to the vineyard to talk. And you’re going to tell me what’s wrong.”

Jesika’s stoicism dropped and she gave him a small, sheepish smile. “I would... Really appreciate that,” she admitted quietly.

Audric smiled, taking her hand. He led her outside to his vineyard, and they walked through the many aisles as they talked.

“So, tell me what’s going on? Why’d you really come to see me?”

Jesika sighed, scratching her head. “Part of me really is just nervous for tomorrow. What if I don’t have it in me to rule over a kingdom?”

Audric glanced at her, smiling. “But you do. I know you do. And it’s not like you’ll be doing it on your own. I’ll still be available to show you the ropes and you have plenty of people you trust to help you with decision making, including me of course.”

Jesika felt the ache in her stomach ease up just the slightest at his words. “You’re right... But I also am concerned that I haven’t gotten my beast yet! A queen without a beast?!”

Audric chuckled. “You’re only eighteen, Jes. Many people don’t get their beast until they’re well into 19 years of age. I wouldn’t worry too much.”

Jesika groaned. “But both of my friends have one! Darryn has a GIANT WOLF and Aquila’s never cold because SHE HAS A FLIPPING PHOENIX!! WHERE’S MINE?!”

Audric stopped, laughing hard enough that he was doubled over. Once he finally got ahold of himself, he stood upright, looking at her. “Try not to be jealous, Jes. You know royals always get superior beasts.”

More of the uneasiness was lifted. Yet... There was still a pit in her stomach she couldn’t get rid of. “Thanks, Uncle Audric... I guess, when it comes down to it... I just really don’t want to have my coronation without my parents watching...”

Audric stopped, turning to her, his expression saddening. “And there it is. The REAL reason behind your anxiety and your tears.”

Jesika smiled sadly. “I just always had these dreams of what it would be like when I had my coronation. And in those dreams, my parents were always a big part... And now they’re...” Jesika cleared her throat, keeping the tears back. She hated crying. It was a sign of weakness to her. “One of the things that bother me most, is not knowing how it happened. I have very few memories of that night, so much is just blurry images I see in nightmares. And when I bring it up with people, they always get really quiet and uncomfortable, like it’s a subject they want to avoid.”

Audric sighed, averting his gaze, looking off through his vineyard. He swallowed before speaking: “They’re afraid, Jesika.”

Jesika frowned, turning to him. “Afraid? Of what caused the fire? What do they know?” He was silent in response. Jesika’s frown deepened and she stepped closer, starting to tremble. “Audric... What do you know?”

He groaned, shaking his head, his gaze lowering to the ground. “I know too much, Jesika. That’s what I know.”

“Will you tell me?!”

“No.”

“...Will you ever tell me?”

“...Yes...”