Sunday Afternoon Tearoom

Queen by Cara Ransom

I have always loved the color white.

 Most people do not believe white is a true color, but it is to me. Although it is not a royal color like blue or purple, I love how it looks against my beautiful dark espresso skin.

 My skin. I love my skin. It is rich and dark, and when properly moisturized, it glows under the scorching sun and glistens under the white light of the moon. In anything white, I shine. I sparkle.

 I am Her Royal Highness, Princess Malika. Soon to be Queen of Lyaseria.

My skin color is one of the many things I take after my grandmother, Queen Regina. My coloring comes from her. I am told I resembled her when she was younger. You would think we were mother and daughter if we stood side by side.

 I look nothing like Mother. My mother, Queen Tihana is a regal beauty. Everyone in the country says so. Mother’s skin is tan and fair like nutmeg or buttercream. The darkest thing about her is her two-toned curly hair.

 My father is King Jettson or King Jett. Everything about him is dark. He is known as the Black King. He is loud, brash, and cruel. While he is not admired favorably, he is respected. He rules with a short temper and an even shorter patience.

 I never want to rule like Father. There is only one person who could jeopardize that though.

 Briceson, my younger brother. One word to describe him is self-absorbed. People say princesses are divas. Briceson takes longer to dress than I do. Everything must be exactly right. He only wears the best designer clothes and must match head to toe. He enjoys showboating for the media. The only thing that would make him happier is to rule as king.

 Fortunately, I have the law on my side. The law states that in cases of siblings, rulership must go in order of birthright. The only way to bypass this law is during extreme cases such as serious illness, death, or banishment.

 Banishment is something done back in the early years of this country. Most of the law dates to the mid-century to the first king and queen, King Kaden, and Queen Cecilia. Back when their two kingdoms, Lyasia and Siseria, joined as one. Centuries later war broke out between surrounding countries. Although the country was not overthrown, thousands of refugees came seeking shelter. The country went from predominantly white citizens to much of the population being black. After the plaque of 1850, the last white king who had no heirs, made his slave, and trusted friend king to get revenge on his evil advisors. Since then, the country of Lyaseria has had black kings and queens.

 Great queens like Grandmother. She took the throne after my grandfather died. For 21 years she ruled peacefully until Father took rulership and problems arose with our towns and allies.

 If Briceson were to take the throne, I fear he would lead the country to ruin. Father would put my brother on the throne tomorrow if he had his way. Briceson follows Father’s orders blindly. I ask too many questions, so he sees me as a risk. Briceson and I have different ideas about ruling. We are nothing alike. We do not even resemble each other. 

 Thankfully, I have Grandmother to watch over and support me. Everything I know about being a royal comes from Grandmother. She believes I will be a great queen. 

Now that I am days shy of my coronation, I hope these next few days will go as planned. I must keep watch over Briceson and Father. I do not believe my family would do something drastic to ruin this event but lately, our interactions have become more intense. -