In a wide, golden field that stretched out until touching the border of a grim forest, lay a large town, in the midst of which rose triumphantly a castle with four, majestic towers. A cold fog lay on and around the metropolis, enveloping it in a thick cloud which caused even the castle's high turrets to lie hidden from sight.

Note from Edith: Chapter II will be coming soon ... Unless I go blank o_O Hopefully that won't happen.

CHAPTER I
Perhaps War

Alicia Townsend lay in her bed and stared at the rough wooden ceiling above her. Snippets of the night’s conversation floated through her mind. As usual on Friday nights, her dad and his friends had gathered in the main room of their small house to discuss the local politics. Naturally, their conversation had focused primarily on the recent rebellion that had split the country in two.

The room was dark. It hurt her eyes to have it lighted more than dimly. Her head ached regardless. She was queen, and she was dying. Dying. And had no heir.