Shauna

Dear Diary,

It's been six months since the Battle, and I've postponed my coronation to ensure this path truly aligns with my desires. The Palace has regained its calm, with security measures restored and daily life resuming its old rhythm. It feels as though we're slowly returning to normalcy, whatever that means for us now.

Kiser and Torell have grown increasingly close, spending much of their time together. It's been a comfort to see him find some happiness after all the chaos. Trevor, on the other hand, is flourishing academically within the Palace. His popularity has soared, and his keen intellect has allowed him to adapt to Palace life more swiftly than any of us anticipated. Siren seems content too, enjoying a newly established section of the Palace that Father designed especially for him, complete with companionship from a few Interloper females.

Hawk and Viper have returned to their duties in the Bellicose Fray, along with their father. Hawk keeps in touch, though his calls are sporadic, often sandwiched between missions. It's clear he's thrown himself back into his work, perhaps as a way to cope with the aftermath of the battle.

Meanwhile, I find myself submerged in the intricacies of Solar politics, with Cell as my unlikely tutor. His approach is starkly different from Torell's, who has taken it upon himself to school me in the finer points of etiquette. The dresses and formalities are suffocating; I wear them daily and loathe each moment.

My public debut remains on hold. I've resisted stepping in front of reporters, preferring to navigate my new role away from prying eyes. However, Father's patience is wearing thin. He's pressing me to step into the limelight, not just in media appearances but also in Council meetings—where I now sit alongside Cell. The pressure of these obligations is immense.

After the battle, stepping into a leadership role seemed a natural progression given what I had accomplished. Yet, I hadn't fully grasped the relentless pressure that comes with such responsibility. Every day brings new challenges, and while I know I possess the strength to lead, finding the will to embrace all aspects of this life is a struggle.

Each entry in this diary helps me sort through these complex feelings. For now, I continue to learn, adapt, and prepare for whatever comes next, holding onto the hope that I can make a meaningful difference.

Cell's unexpected entrance into my room at the crack of dawn was less than welcome. "So, you journal your thoughts? That's good for a future Queen to do," he remarked casually as if his intrusion was a minor detail.

"It's 7 in the morning, Cell. I am not in the mood," I groaned, frustration evident in my voice.

"Good, I wasn't offering any sexual favors this early," he quipped, his laughter filling the room, though it did little to lighten the mood.

"Please, tell me if there's a reason you are in my room, or give me a reason to show you what I can do," I warned, feeling the familiar glow of energy in my eyes as my patience thinned.

"Easy, Princess. I do want to see what you can do, but not in a violent way. I'll stop with the games and get straight to the point. We have a council's meeting, and the press will be waiting today at 10. Your dad has ordered you a stylist, and I have to approve of your look. This is the public's first glance at their future Princess," he explained, suddenly serious.

With a snap of his fingers, four women entered and promptly dragged me out of bed. The morning quickly turned into a blur as I tried on an endless array of dresses, each chosen to portray a particular image to the public. My long curly hair was straightened, and a modest tiara was placed atop my head for that special touch. The transformation felt surreal, like a scene straight out of a movie.

When I finally walked into the Grand Hall, transformed and somewhat out of my element, Cell was waiting by the door. "You are breathtakingly ravishing," he said, his compliment accompanied by a kiss on my hand.

"I would have to agree," a familiar voice added. I turned to see Hawk, his presence a pleasant surprise. I rushed over and hugged him tightly. "What are you doing here?" I asked, my spirits lifting.

"The Council requested my presence," he replied.

"I hate to break up such a wonderful reunion, but it's time to meet the press," Cell interjected, reminding us of the impending public scrutiny.

Just then, my father entered, a broad smile on his face, clearly proud of the transformation. Kiser, Torell, Trevor, and Siren followed closely behind him.

"You look really beautiful, sis," Kiser complimented, wrapping me in a warm hug.

"You too," I responded, taking in her own makeover. It was a moment of mutual appreciation, a brief respite before stepping into the public eye, where every gesture and every outfit would be analyzed. But with my family and friends by my side, I felt ready to face whatever came next.

As I stepped into the foyer, the flash of cameras and the murmur of reporters filled the air, their lenses and microphones all pointed towards me. My father, King Cornel, was already addressing the gathered press, his voice filled with warmth and pride. "Good morning all! Today is a day of celebration and a day to give thanks. I have both my children under one roof, safe and able to lead the Solar at any given moment. My son, Torell, and my daughter, Shauna. I will step out of the way and let you meet her, because let's be honest, she is who you came to see." His laughter was infectious, and even the press joined in.

Encouraged by his introduction, I approached the center of the foyer, taking a moment to survey the room before I began. "Good morning," I started, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my stomach. "My father is a tough act to follow. I am Shauna, and I am here to learn as much as I can about where I come from. I bring with me my brother, Trevor, and my sister, Kiser. Also, someone you will see in the palace is my protector, Siren. There is no mistake he is an Interloper or that I am part Hominin, and I wish to make change in that field, but I am more than a Sentinel or Hominin, I am a being of the Solar and I hope my presence in the Palace promotes that way of thinking."

The press immediately launched into a barrage of questions. One reporter asked, "Are you planning to be in politics after your brother's rise to Kingship? What is your role going to be in the palace?"

"As of now, I am learning about the Solar and politics. I think until I have a better understanding of it all, we keep that question open for debate," I responded thoughtfully.

Another reporter jumped in, "You speak as a leader, when you promote unity amongst the Solar, is that a cause you are leading?"

"I am not yet a leader, but every last one of us plays a role in how we treat our neighbors, friends, and family. No one should have to lead true peace," I replied, my answer drawing nods and more questions from the eager crowd.

Just then, Cell intervened, seeing the need to wrap up the impromptu press conference. "You have to excuse us. Our future Princess is sitting in on our council meeting today. You will be able to ask more questions soon, I promise," he announced, gently ushering me away from the growing intensity of the media scrum.

With a reassuring squeeze on my arm, he led me into the council room, where a new kind of challenge awaited—a test of diplomacy and governance. As the doors closed behind us, shutting out the persistent clamor of the press, I took a deep breath, ready to face whatever discussions and decisions lay ahead.

Sitting in the council room, which bore a striking resemblance to a congressional setting, I felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness as I faced the 15 elder men seated before me. "Good morning, we were just getting started," one elder gestured towards a seat for me. I took my place beside Cell, noticing Hawk positioned across the room. Throughout the session, I engaged with the material, offering insights and learning the intricacies of our legal framework. The elders seemed impressed, affirming my contributions.

However, the atmosphere shifted when Hawk was summoned before the council. "You are soon to be Captain of the Bellicose, and the council thought it best that we arrange a marriage for you," they declared, a statement that jolted me to my feet in protest.

Cell quickly pulled me back down. "Do not intervene with matters like this," he whispered urgently.

"Why not? They can't just arrange marriages," I argued, my voice tinged with disbelief.

"They can if they unanimously decide. This is done or he wouldn't be here," Cell responded, his tone final.

Hawk addressed the council with dignity, despite the obvious discomfort. "With no disrespect to the council, is marriage really what you deem necessary for me?" he inquired, his voice steady.

"Yes. We have big plans for you in your new role and marriage is something that will benefit you in the long run. Kira will ensure you have what you need to lead the Bellicose effectively," an elder explained, nodding towards a young woman who bowed respectfully to Hawk.

Unable to contain my frustration, I stood again. "You can't be serious," I interjected. "We should choose who we wish to marry."

"I am aware you are new to our ways, but this is how we decide rising members in the council," an Elder responded, his tone dismissive.

"I do not agree with this. It should be terminated immediately," I insisted, feeling Cell's hand on my shoulder urging me to sit.

"You are not even Princess yet. Even if you were, the only person with that kind of power is the King. You, my dear, are not that. Sit down," he said sharply, slamming his gavel.

Defeated and frustrated, I reluctantly sat back down, my heart heavy with the injustice of the situation. The council then turned back to Hawk, "Do you accept our offer of marriage?"

"Yes," he replied quietly, his acquiescence sending a wave of fury through me.

As the meeting continued, I wrestled with my emotions. It was clear that despite my newfound status and powers, the path to influencing these age-old traditions would not be straightforward. The realization that real change required more than just power, but also patience and strategic alliances, settled heavily upon me.

In my room, emotions raw and thoughts scattered, I paced back and forth, unable to shake the deep sense of betrayal. Hawk appeared unexpectedly, stepping in from the balcony, his face a mask of conflicted emotions.

"How could you say yes to marrying her?" I demanded, the words sharp and accusing. I needed him to understand the gravity of his decision, not just for himself, but for us.

"The council tells you to marry, and that's what you do. I have never questioned them in my life, and I wasn't about to start," Hawk explained, his voice steady but his eyes revealing a hint of regret.

"What about us?" My voice broke on the question, a mix of hurt and disbelief clouding my judgment.

"Shauna, I will always care for you, and nothing will ever take that from you or me," he said, reaching for my hand in a gesture meant to comfort, to bridge the gap his decision had created.

I pulled my hand away, stepping back as if his touch burned. "Stop this now. What are we doing here? I care for you so much that I am willing to be with you. I give you that, and what's next? I end up pregnant, and you're married, abandoning our child. It sounds familiar to me. This stupid rule that you agreed to broke my father and mother up, and now us," I poured out, the hurt from past and present mingling into a painful torrent.

"What would you have me do?" Hawk asked, his voice low, seeking guidance in a situation where all choices seemed to lead to loss.

"It's too late, but had you asked me before you said yes to another proposal, it would have been to fight. Now leave," I said firmly, the finality in my voice mirroring the finality in my heart.

He moved towards me, perhaps to offer a hug, a small consolation in the sea of misunderstanding that surrounded us. But I couldn't accept it, not with the myriad of emotions overwhelming me. I stepped away, creating a physical distance that mirrored the emotional one.

Hawk paused, a look of deep sorrow crossing his features before he turned and left. The door clicked shut behind him, a soft finality to our conversation.

Alone, the tears that I had been holding back began to flow freely. I cried for what could have been, for the love that might have grown between us, for the future that was now altered by a single decision made without my input. The room felt incredibly large and empty, as if the walls themselves were echoing back my sobs.

In that moment, I realized the painful complexity of power and tradition, and how deeply personal decisions could ripple out, affecting not just one's own life but the lives of those they hold dear.