(The following piece is unfinished and is unlikely to be finished in this format)

Chapter 2: The Spark

Present . . .

It is a bright, sunny day. The air seemed clear and calm. A young woman named Jocelyn, who is now twenty, stands on a balcony of the estate. She gazes out at the sight of the shoreline that connects the land to the vast, blue sea. She had been on that balcony for quite some time now. All of a sudden, a young maid walks into her room and calls out for her.

Rosemary: Miss Jocelyn, it is time for your departure. Your father is waiting for you, and so is your mother.

Jocelyn: Thank you, Rosemary. I’ll be down in a minute.

The maid smiles and nods politely. She then walks out of the room and heads downstairs. Jocelyn goes back to look out toward the shoreline. She begins to ponder about the life she had led up to this moment.

Jocelyn(thoughts): I never get tired of this view. Makes me think of my childhood . . . And my early teen years. Those were the good old days. I used to run out there, feeling the grass under my feet, climbing up that big tree, and occasionally visit the shoreline. Mom didn’t like it when I was on my own, so she had Rosemary accompany me most of the time. Rosey usually allowed me to go to the shore, kept an eye out for me when I swam, and occasionally helped me build a sand castle. It wasn’t until I turned thirteen that those moments started to fade away. I spent more time indoors. Mom started to teach me some new habits, manners, and other social behaviors. Trying to turn me into a “proper lady”. But I still had some freedom. I couldn’t go exploring as much, but I still could roam around the estate when I had the time. When I turn eighteen . . . that was when those days officially ended. All I do now is go to meetings where Dad gives speeches and lectures, be present for meetings where Mom talks with other women about society, and attend these parties that I didn’t even want to go to. It is so unfair! How can anyone else live like this?! . . . . . . Maybe today might be different. Mom said this meeting is a special one. One that I actually must attend. Maybe . . . just maybe . . .

Noblewoman: Jocelyn!

Jocelyn: Coming!

Later . . . Carieal City Hall

Jocelyn: Mother, can I . . . may I ask you a question?

Beatrice(Noblewoman): Yes, of course darling.

Jocelyn: You said this was a special meeting. Just what is it about exactly?

Beatrice: Well, your father and I have arranged this meeting with the king of Vizoga and his son.

Jocelyn: His son? You mean Jared?

Isabelle: Prince Jared!? He is here!?

Beatrice: Yes, Isabelle. He is . . .

Isabelle: Oh my Goddess! This is splendid! It feels like it has been an eternity since we last saw him! That lovely face! That charming voice!

Jocelyn: Easy there, sis. There is no need to get worked up over him.

Isabelle: I know. But he is such a gentleman! I bet you cannot wait to see him either!

Jocelyn: Well . . . maybe. I mean he is a nice guy and all, but . . .

Beatrice: Shhh! Both of you! Your father and Nigel are here. The meeting is about to start.

Nigel(King of Vizoga): Edward, we like to thank you again for inviting us to Carieal for this special occasion.

Edward: It is always a pleasure, my friend. I am glad we are able to keep the alliance between our two nations together!

Nigel: Yes, true to that. Things are looking up for both Nicoland and Vizoga.

Jared: It is a shame mother had to stay to look after the kingdom while we are gone. She would have loved to talk with Lady Beatrice.

Kevin: Well, you can never be too careful, Sir Jared. The alliance between us might have lasted for 25 years so far, but you can never know what kind of treachery people might be planning to . . .

Edward: Kevin! Not another word, especially in front of our guests!

Kevin: My apologies, Lord Edward. I did not mean to offend anybody.

Edward: Apology accepted. Just do not speak like that again!

Kevin: Yes, of course, my lord.

(End of draft)