THE CHANGE

THE CHANGE
Chapter 33

ROYANNA

My fingers moved seamlessly against my lute, playing the familiar tones I learned in music class. It was actually my first time using the lute, although the teacher wasn't so nice, she was talented enough to have an impact on me.

The serene sound soothed my soul, my mind drifting to the wonderlands I always created in my head. Hitting the last note, an applause followed, surprising me.

Raising my head, my gaze met Orphelia, she was standing by the door, her hands clasped together, her smile as bright as the sun.“You play so well, sister. I wish I had your talent; that would make me the happiest alive.”

I smiled at her words, putting the lute by the side of the bed. I patted on the space, “Come sit.” I urged her.

She skipped to the bed, plunging beside me, I turned to fully face her, “So why are you here? I know you are running away from something, sister. Has another suitor come for your hand in marriage?”

Orphelia rolled her eyes, but nodded. “Mother wants me to get dressed, she says he comes from the high kingdom seeking a bride. I think he is an Alpha heir.”

A sad smile tugged at my lips, “Sounds beautiful, but you don’t seem very happy? Mother must be very proud that your beauty has attracted a suitor from the high kingdom.”

Orphelia scoffed, “it is not Royanna, I do not want to marry anyone, and become a baby oven. I want to work hard and make a name for myself, like lady Clarice. She is the village’s sensation.” she said, glancing at the ceiling with dreamy eyes, whilst clasping her hands, as though she wanted to pray.

I chuckled and placed my hand on her long curly hair, gently running my fingers through it. “Lady Clarice will be honored to know you have a liking for her. But you know mother and father’s words are final. You have to pick a suitor or they will not let you continue your studies. That would be a step back from being like Lady Clarice.” I said, pulling her head to my chest.

“Give them the validation they want, Orphelia, that way they won’t have to make all your decisions. I want you to be the greatest person, even greater than Lady Clarice. I am sure you can do that.”

She wrapped her hand around me, shaking her head. “There’s a masquerade ball happening tomorrow at the castle. Father received an invitation from the suitor, and they want us there. I am only excited to go because I heard Lady Clarice would be there.” She revealed, peeking at me to see my reaction.

I forced a smile, stirring in my bed, “I cannot go Orphelia, the people will spiral out of control if they ever saw me. The ball would be ruined with my presence.”

She leaned off me, frowning, “But you don’t go anywhere? It’s the high kingdom, no one will know it’s you.”

I shook my head, I don’t belong out there, and you know it.” I deadpanned, my lips trembling. Tears gathered in my eyes, but I couldn’t let them spill. This wasn’t the first exclusion, and I was starting to get used to it.

Orphelia let out a displeased sigh, “But you are amazing Royanna, you are the best sister in the whole world. They deserve to know how great you are, how well you play the lute, how intelligent you are. They need to see you, Royanna. The Royanna I know.”

“I am sorry, sister.”

Orphelia sniffed and hugged me tight. “No. It's not your fault, it’s their fault.”

I smiled through my tears, patting her back, “It’s no one's fault.”



“It’s her fault, She placed Royanna in this state, all for her cruel test.” Clio’s voice resonated in my ears.

“That’s enough, Clio. Remember what Royanna said: We can’t speak ill of the commander.” Jira’s voice followed, “Royanna needs us now, not behind the dungeon for speaking ill of that wench.”

“Jira is right, Clio. Right now, we should be focused on Royanna waking up.” I recognized Benedict's voice.

I slowly opened my eyes to see them gathered by my side, staring at each other, they had not noticed me. The air smelled different, it was filled with sage and lavender.

“Hey,” I said, grasping their attention. They looked down, eyes widening and a relieved smile gracing their faces.

“Royanna!” Clio screamed, hugging me so tight I let out a wince. She leaned off, palming her mouth. “Sorry.”

I smiled and pushed myself up, attempting to stand up, and supported my weight until my back rested against the wall.

I took in my surroundings, and it was completely different from our quarters. It was a larger room, dimly lit with a couple of torches. The beds were fewer and looked more appealing than those in our quarters.

I didn't understand if it was just me seeing this new change or if the rest of them were seeing it too.

“How are you faring, Royanna?” Jira asked, and I let out a small sigh. “I feel better.” I said, glancing at them, “Thank you for being here.”

“You saved our lives Royanna.” Benedict chimed in, “We will never be able to thank you enough.”

“I couldn't let my friends get hurt. I failed once, but never again.” I said in all honesty. “Is it just me, or are we in a different room?” I asked, unsure of what to think about this change.

Clio smiled widely, “Our new room, and it's just the four of us in here, well, Kithara included.” The joy in Clio's voice subsided as she mentioned Kithara, but she quickly switched back to a cheerful mode. “The others have theirs as well. The king gave us an upgrade. Isn't it wonderful?”

“How long was I out?” I asked.

Jira responded. “A whole day. The king had a healer help with your healing process. It's okay Royanna, the king is rewarding us for our resilience.” She explained, and though the thought didn't settle with
me, a part of me was happy that our efforts weren't ignored.