Classandra

Waking up from a nightmare to live in a new one is madness, and yet, here I am, doing exactly the same. My life has taken up an unexpected turn and now I don't know where I'm headed through this fog. The queen of Utopia– not a title I wanted. My brother seemed and will always seem like the right fit for the title to me.

My sweet little brother. He had to take up the role of an elder brother just so I could live in peace. He is two years younger than me. I always felt bad when people expected things beyond his age. I didn't speak up because, genuinely, he was enjoying it. He enjoyed the attention, the tasks, the head spinning responsibility and what not. I don't know. I definitely owe him an apology, which I'll keep in mind to deliver the next time I meet him.

My first day as the queen. I can't even bribe myself out of the bed. For hours I've been sitting at its edge, rocking back and forth, but never getting up. It's a good thing that I am an early riser, if not, I would've already been late to court.

Court... the thought of it scares me to the bones. Never once had I imagined that I would speak in front of those who despise me to the core. A girl with no manners, they had called. Not in front of me or my family though, else... I don't know, I've never thought of an "else" before. Maybe, if they had said this in front of Alex, he would've been enraged, only to be stopped by me. If it was my mother, she would've probably come to me with a lesson on behavioral mannerism. Still, I know they know about it too, yet have no proof to act about it.

Now that I think about it, I have not only passed a law that was earth-shattering to most people, but have also gone ahead without the consent of this very council.

Put on a brave act... that is the only thing that will help me pass this test of life. The world stampedes over you the minute you let down your guard. So, today is just another day. Another day to put on my brave face. Another day to do what I feel is right despite my constant internal battles. Another day to let go in vain.

I think I'm ready to face the world, even if it will last only a day or less.

___________________________

The courtroom filled with chatter and murmurs, ministers going about the oncoming downfall of the kingdom. We are doomed, collective voices echoed. Corolia was the closest partner in trade! She ruined our revenue! Others exclaimed.

But the minute the steward announced the arrival of the queen, the courtroom fell in utter silence.

Queen Classandra graced the room with her elegant presence, demanding respect with every step. The ministers stood up at their places, their backs as stiff as iron rods. Alex followed his sister silently as her personal advisor. There was a strange tension between them but was masked perfectly by their professional demeanor.

Taking her rightful seat, Classandra looked at all the ministers, the small town kings and queens, dukes and duchess. Their faces were blank and pale. Were they scared or nervous or was it just the weather? Clare didn't know. Alexander took the seat nearest to his sister, a hint of admiration for her visible in his eyes.

"Sit down," Classandra finally said, and everyone followed suit. "Let the assembly begin," she said half in daze. "What is the first thing on the agenda?"

The Steward walked forward and took a bow. "My queen," he said. "The ministers requested to start of with the consequences of the law passed."

"Consequences?" She mused. "Alright. Please enlighten me with what this consequence is that I have clearly missed."

The ministers hesitated for a minute but soon recovered. The finance minister was the first to talk. "Your majesty, as you very well know, Corolia is our largest trader."

"Was," she corrected.

Ignoring her, the minister continued, "profits have critically gone down due to the sudden statement, your majesty."

Clare thought about it. Sighed out loud. Thought some more. Then stopped when she remembered that Utopia is well known for its spices. It was mostly what Corolia was buying from them. It was usually that the spice demand for Corolia was always too much and hence, the entire produce went to them. Now that the trade was cut, maybe it could be replaced by not one but many.

"I want you to get a list of all those who were previously interested in our spices and the price they negotiated. Lower our current price just a smidge to match the potential buyers' interests. We'll find new partners in trade," Classandra spoke.

Everyone's eyes fell on Alexander as if to ask his opinion. Clare noticed but let it slide since she knew that Alex had painted a vivid image of a king in people's minds. It is going to be hard and is going to take time before the image is erased.

"I'll take the matter in hand and execute your orders. I'll make sure to get a positive response by the next session, if you accept,  your majesty," he said with determination and atmost sincerity. 

"Very well," she breathed. "I appoint prince Alexander in charge. I need the list of potential traders before the next step is taken."

"Of course, your majesty," he replied. The finance minister sat down with a bow.

"The next matter?" Classandra demanded. The ministers and noble men exchanged looks. The queen grew restless, yet remained silent, hoping they would come back to their positions. 

"Your majesty," one of the ministers stood up, "the sentence... it has caused quite a commotion within the citizens. Rumors about a small group of protestors are spreading like wildfire. 

This, Clare expected. Sighing, she reminisced about the good old days where people were just afraid of her but didn't care enough to turn it into an official matter. "Has this rumored protestors caused any harm?" She asked. 

"No, your majesty."

"Then I see no problem. Rumors could be just that– rumors," she spoke, fueling the rage from her own experience. The ministers exchanged looks again. Claes knew exactly what would be running in those people's heads. She wouldn't act until the castle crumbles to dust, they must've thought, but Clare was certain on her decision and didn't feel like backing down. 

"Anything else?" She asked. Though the ministers felt like they wanted to speak more, no one had the guts to stand against the queen of Utopia. 

"That is all for the general meeting, your majesty," the steward took a bow. Classandra expected a longer session but figured, since it was her first day, it was more than enough. As soon as she stood up, Alexander and all those present in the meeting stood up too.

The steward politely led the way out from the sidelines and the queen followed, Alex close behind. The siblings were led into a personal study where stacks and stacks of papers were waiting for her.

"These are all official reports and requests from small town kings and queen's and dukes and duchess, your majesty," the steward said, politely. "And those, your majesty, are the requests from our own ministers regarding the current laws that govern Utopia."

"I'm supposed to go through each and every one of them and expected to give a solution?" She asked, her body already feeling tired by the responsibility. 

"Yes, your majesty," he bowed.

Settling down to work, Clare dismissed the steward, leaving only her and Alex behind. 

"Are you alright?" She finally asked, giving her complete attention to him. Alex looked taken aback since he wasn't expecting any questions from her.

"Yes," he said curtly. "I'm fine."

"First, I'm sorry," Clare spoke. "I know how much you were looking forward to becoming a king."

"Clare—"

She stopped him with her raised palm. "Let me finish."

"Second, I know you are not okay, because you left the dais, leaving me all alone, without a single explanation. You never do that. And, you did not visit me after I issued my first law. That's not like you either," she finished. 

"So you are mad at me because I wasn't there for you?" He asked her, a little bitterly than intended. 

"I'm not mad at you for not being there for me," she spoke calmly. "Nor am I just mad at you. I'm worried about you. You've always been there for me, now let me be there for you."

Alex let out a deep sigh. "Clare, I am fine," he said, massaging his temples with his fingers, seating himself comfortably on the sofa. "No. You are not," she stated again, firmly this time.

"I'm. Fine." He sounded firm himself too.

"Alex, let me be a big sister. Atleast this once," Clare pleaded and his heart gave way to emotion.

"Yes, it is tough," he finally admitted. "But don't get me wrong, I was the most happiest person in the whole world when I saw you ascend the throne." Clare remained silent, letting her brother speak. 

"I still am happy for you," his voice turned low. "I just... I can't help the way I think. Now that I am no longer a king, I don't know who else to be. I've started to question my whole existence now."

"Your title never defined you, Alex. It was your character that made people like you. It was your character that pushed you to help those in need. It was your character that allowed you to always be a supporting arm for his sister. It is your character that allowed you to stay humble despite everything that happened to you. You are amazing, Alex. You are more than just your title."

A smile grew on Alex's face. He no longer felt depressed. He didn't feel worthless anymore. "Thanks," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I needed that."

Clare acknowledged him with a slight nod. "Now," she breathed. "Help me with this ginormous heap of work!"

Chuckling, he got up, mouthing a mock, "yes, your majesty!"

After hours of sorting through, less than half a pile was done when the news arrived. 

"Your majesty!" The chief commander said apprehensively. "Assassins have attacked the starlight village. Soldiers have been sent to tackle the situation just now."

Classandra's mind worked at hyper speed. Assassins after the very day of her coronation didn't seem like a coincidence. 

"Prepare my horse," she said. "I'm going in."

Alex came dashing in front of Classandra to meet her face. "You can't be serious. Your safety is the first priority here!"

"Prince Alexander is right, your majesty. It is advisable for you to stay here," the commander suggested. 

Clare simply shook her head. "I am not staying behind while my citizens are suffering."

"Then I am coming with you!" Alex proclaimed. 

"Sounds good," she said as she dashed out without another word, leaving a confused commander and advisor behind. After a beat, they realized she was serious and ran out to follow her.

Helpers struggled to bring out her wild horse Ashwin, but with just a sound from Clare, the loyal horse stood beside her. Alex mounted his own brown beauty and the commander mounting his own horse. Together, they traveled towards the village of starlight. 

Towards the village where trouble awaited them...