The Strange Adventure of Maria Mercado by Jenell Diegor Page B

quarters.
                  Before the Great War, the Royals all enjoyed their privacy like everyone else. They had visitors from the kingdom and even allowed them access in their own quarters. They didn’t use their telepathic senses as much as they do now, because they never felt the need to distrust each other. After all, they were all born from the same father, all created by the great King Astanfe.
                  However, because of the rebellion led by Prince Amir and the other four Royals who consorted with him, they were now forced to blend their minds in order to keep out treachery and keep the kingdom intact. It is true that when the five traitors were cast out they lost their abilities and thus the remaining five have no contact with them nor do they know their thoughts and would-be actions.
                  Princess Dhalis was the first of the girls, and the third-born altogether. Although they are all equals, they were each given a task or an area of the kingdom to protect and look after. She was blessed with the powers to control the weather and to create a balance between the hot and cold days. As a protection, King Astanfe didn’t give her the ability to twist the weather to be used for violence or war; and the same applies to the other Royals with their own gifts. They can only be used towards the good of the kingdom.
                  Each Royal’s private quarters are much like any ordinary person’s. They keep it personalized with their own little trinkets and things, and although the beds are no longer used for sleeping, they are still there available for relaxation.  Princess Dhalis sat down on her bed and looked around. Her mind was filled with curiosity about the human girl; if she was indeed the one talked about in the prophecy then they would need to treat her very well and show her the true ways of the kingdom. The girl could do much good if she chooses the Royals’ side; however if she chooses the Unknowns side then Princess Dhalis was sure that her fate would be sealed. Her, along with the remaining Royals, would be destroyed. 
                  She recalled the Great War well. The mistake that Prince Amir made with using the Diamond of Astanfe was that he tried to use it on himself. He learned though that such action was impossible and the result was that his and the other traitors powers and abilities were taken away. Princess Dhalis knew that Amir would by now have realized that in order to kill the other Royals, it must be through the hand of someone who is not like them. She was sure that if they gotten a hold of Maria that they would no hesitate to brainwash the girl into using the diamond to kill the rest them.
                  Presently, her door scanner’s light turned on and Prince Gustav walked in.
                  “Sister,” he said.
                  “Brother,” she replied.
                  “You have a lot on your mind today.”
                  “Yes. I cannot help but think of the girl.”
                  “Then Gadik has not returned?”
                  “No.”
                  “We can assume that the girl is not with him yet.”
                  “Which could mean that they are in possession of her.”
                  “Yes, that is a strong possibility. She could be being held by one of their consorts also.
                  “The Southerners?”
                  “The Southerners.”
                  “Perhaps it is time to send word to the North.”
                  “Yes. And perhaps we must also awaken the sleeping giants.”
                  “We agreed that we would when we needed to.”
                  “The Omtars are no doubt getting ready. The girl was taken from their possession.”