LADY JEMIMA

As I gazed out my window, the breathtaking vista of Golden Kingdom unfolded before me, its beauty a testament to my father's wise reign. King Alex XI, the most successful monarch in our history, had built upon the foundations laid by his predecessors. In my humble opinion, they had paved the way for his triumph.

I am Princess Jemima, the youngest child and only daughter of King Alex and Queen Matilda. My three elder brothers, Samuel, Simeon, and Sharon, hold a special place in their hearts for me, though they'd never openly admit it. As the finest knights of the realm, they defend our borders with valor and honor. Samuel, the heir apparent, leads by example, shouldering the weight of future kingship with dignity.

My father's guidance has prepared Samuel for the throne, nurturing his leadership skills and grooming him for the role.

Minutes ticked by, and my handmaid still hadn't returned with my food. This was the eighth time she'd kept me waiting recently, and my suspicions were piqued. Today, I decided, would be the day I uncovered the truth.

Without hesitation, I stepped out of my room, already dressed in the elaborate attire expected of a princess. My long hair was styled with delicate butterflies and ribbons, and my makeup was flawless. But, I felt suffocated by the frilly dress and the artificial smile plastered on my face. I wasn't bred for this life.

Growing up amidst three brothers - Samuel, Simeon, and Sharon, all skilled knights - had instilled in me a different set of values. I yearned for adventure, for the rush of battle, and the camaraderie of the knights' brotherhood. I was a skilled knight myself, ranked among the top twenty in the kingdom.

I straightened my shoulders, my eyes scanning the corridors for any sign of my errant handmaid. It was time to shed the facade of the helpless princess and uncover the truth.

I began my knightly training at eight years old, relatively late compared to my brothers. But my father's reluctance dissipated when he learned my best friend, Ruth, was also training. Her story was one of tragedy and resilience. She had lost her father, the kingdom's finest goldsmith, who had crafted the most exquisite swords. He was not only her family but also her mentor and trainer.

Ruth's mother had passed away at birth, leaving her father as her sole guardian. His untimely death had left her alone, but my family's kindness had changed her fate. My father, grateful for Ruth's father's contributions to our kingdom, had taken her under our wing.

That day was etched in my memory as one of pure joy, for I gained a sister in Ruth. We spent countless hours studying and training together, our bond forged in sweat and steel.

Now, as I peeked into the kitchen, my search for Elena yielded nothing.

'Miss Katherine,' I called out to the Kitchen head maid.

'My lady,' she curtsied, echoed by the other maids.

'Have you seen Elena?' I asked.

'No, my lady. She hasn't been here today,' Katherine replied, her expression unreadable.

A smile crept onto my lips.

As the maids returned to their duties, I continued my search for Elena. If my instincts were correct, I knew exactly where to find her.

The castle's corridors bustled with activity, the air thick with anticipation. Today was a momentous day - the Union of the Five Kingdoms.

For decades, our realms had been divided, separated by seas of vibrant hues that never converged. The mysteries surrounding these waters had spawned countless tales, each more fanciful than the last. As children, we'd listened with wide eyes to stories of the treacherous waters, where anyone who dared to cross would meet a watery grave.

But I'd always sensed there was more to the story. The colors of the seas - crimson, emerald, sapphire, amber, and amethyst - seemed almost... deliberate.

The union was a significant event, one that promised to bring peace and prosperity to our long-divided lands.

King Jace of Bronze Kingdom's near-fatal encounter in the woods had sparked the union. A ferocious beast had slain his guards, but my brother Samuel's timely intervention had saved the king's life.

Grateful, King Jace had reached out to the other kingdoms, proposing an alliance. His reasoning was sound: united, we could support one another.

Yet, I harbored reservations. The kingdoms' centuries-old animosity remained shrouded in mystery. No one knew why we'd become sworn enemies. My brothers dismissed my concerns, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

My search for Elena had led me to my brothers' chambers. I tiptoed down the hallway, approaching Sharon's door with caution. A peek inside revealed a shocking sight.

My eyes widened.

My suspicions were true.

He had just pulled down his shorts and guided her mouth onto him while she knelt before him, sucking gently as he let out soft moans. I squinted my eyes, trying to see more while swallowing hard, doing my best not to make a sound.

Sharon then pulled her away and pushed her onto his bed, spreading her legs wide open as he trailed his tongue along her thigh, eliciting moans of ecstasy from her.

My head throbbed.

Elena was supposed to be with me right now; she had gone to get my food, but there she was, lost in pleasure with my brother.

I shook my head.

Does Sharon really love Elena, or is he just playing her?" That thought suddenly crossed my mind, but my brothers aren't the kind to stray.

Oh! Men can't be trusted.

I peeked back in, and this time, he had slipped inside her, and I could see her enjoying every moment.

"I shouldn't be here," I reminded myself.

I turned to meet the eyes of my oldest brother, Prince Samuel.

Fear gripped me.