“Your Majesty,” Alexander and Exavier helped Briar to her feet before bowing.
“Up. no need to bow.” Briar said with a small scowl.
“Alright.” Both boys straightened, and Alexander asked “If you don't mind me asking, why did Gora say you loved her once?”
“Well…” Briar hesitated, “It's kind of a long story.”
“We have time before we have to head back to Exotia.”
“If you're sure.” Briar sighed. “When I was little, my real parents abandoned me. Why, I don't know. Gora found me, and for some reason, felt sorry for me. She took me to her cave, and took care of me best she could. I loved her for her care. But one day I was wandering the woods, I was only 3. I happened to come across Gora, and she- she had killed a whole family of people. I-i screamed my eyes burning with disgust and hatred as she ate the whole family. She looked back, and- and… lunged for me. But Cloud and Tinley happened to be there that day. They had used magic of course, to teleport to where the scream had come from. They quickly knocked me out of the way and teleported me back to the castle. And ever since, I've been Princess Briar.”
“Oh god…Briar…” Exavier trailed off.
“It's fine. It's the past now. I must be strong…for Candia.” Briar smiled weakly even though tears ran down her face still.
“People of Candia” Briar said loudly, Alexander and Exavier behind her. “I have gathered you here, because I witnessed a tragedy. Their majesties Cloud and Tinley were swallowed whole by Gora who had somehow snuck into our garden.”
There were many gasps of outrage at this news. There were also several people, men, women, and children, who broke into tears. Cloud and Tinley had been the first rulers of Candia. They were there from the beginning. It was hard to imagine them gone now.
“I address you now as Queen Briar. I hope I can make Candia strong as long as I rule. I promise I will do my best to preserve us, even if it costs me my life.” she nodded to Alexander and Exavier who stepped up together.
“We, the princes of Exotia, promise to always be at peace with Candia. We promise to help you as best we can, no matter the situation.” Alexander and Exavier said in unison.
The sound of the cheers from the crowd was deafening. Briar, Alexander, and Exavier smiled, before Briar dismissed the crowd, letting it disperse.
“Why promise to help Candia and be our ally when neither of you are yet king?” Briar asked when they had entered the castle grounds.
“Well.” Exavier hesitated, glancing at Alexander who nodded, “That's not exactly true.”
“Oh?” Briar questioned, raising her eyebrow.
“Our mother and father have stepped down from the throne. And we have decided to rule together.” Alexander stepped up, “You're actually addressing the kings of Exotia. We just thought we’d keep it quiet. And we were really just here to get to know you and get away from Exotia for a bit.”
“Oh!” Briar began to curtsy to them before Exavier stopped her.
“No need to do that, Briar. We’re friends after all.” Exavier said cheerfully.
“Well. You should probably get back to Exotia. And I need to take care of stuff here.” Briar said after straightening up.
“Yeah, you're right. Goodbye!” Alexander and Exavier waved as they left the castle.