Val-des-Loups will rise again,
And its people will rejoice and sing.
With the runes at their side,
And the kingdom as their guide,
The true heir will bring forth an age,
Of prosperity, peace, and sage.
So heed the call, oh chosen one,
Your destiny has just begun,
To rule with honor, love, and might,
And guide Val-des-Loups to a future bright.
Her mouth agape, Allegra stared at the words in shock. Her parents had never mentioned a prophecy. She reread the verses, trying to make sense of them.
Allegra reached for the envelope, her heart beating faster when she noticed her brother’s handwriting and her name on the outside. She swallowed and used her thumb to open the flap. She extracted the single page, her eyes misting. He was ten years older than her but had always played with her when she was little. She’d loved him and missed him like crazy.
“Okay, Pierre. Why are you writing secret letters to me?”
She started reading.
Dear Allegra,
I hope this letter finds you well. As you know, I gave you the runes to keep safe and promised to tell you their history when you turn twenty-five. I got the sense you weren’t interested, and that was fine. At sixteen years of age, you shouldn’t need to worry about the affairs of Val-des-Loups. That is our parents’ job and now mine.
Lately, something has been bothering me, and I can’t shake this gut instinct that I must tell you everything now. This goes against the tradition of our line, but it feels like something is about to happen. I want to make sure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
The runes are not just ordinary stones with inscriptions on them. Our ancestor received them when he helped an elderly woman rebuild her home after a storm when no one else would aid her, and she imbued them with an ancient power that goes beyond our understanding, or so the oral story goes.
The prophecy speaks of a remarkable ruler who will bring prosperity to our kingdom. Only someone with royal blood can bond with the runes; that person is you, Allegra. I believe our parents undervalue your abilities. They sent you to boarding school because they were busy and couldn’t handle your high spirits. That was the line they gave me, but if something has happened to me, you are the rightful heir to the throne of Val-des-Loups.
We must use the runes for the good of our people. They can bring about much-needed prosperity when held in the right royal hands. I don’t know what the future holds, but our family and kingdom will face significant challenges. The current council members may not have our best interests at heart, and they may try to undermine our parents’ rule. You must be careful, Allegra. Keep the runes hidden until the time comes when you can claim your rightful place as the ruler of Val-des-Loups.
Remember, Allegra, you are not alone. You have the glyph’s strength and our courageous people. Be a great queen and prioritize citizens. Our family has always served the kingdom honorably and with dignity. Do the same.
Take care, Allegra.
Your loving brother,
Pierre
A thick lump formed in Allegra’s throat as she reread Pierre’s letter twice. It was true her parents had been at a loss with her, and she had acted up, exploring the kingdom, and visiting places she shouldn’t. After consulting with the council, her parents had sent her to boarding school for a year, which ended up extending to three years in Europe.
At first, Allegra had hated every moment of her stay. The teachers had acted mean and stern, and their discipline was diabolically clever and tailored to suit the occasion. She’d jumped into scrapes and mostly avoided punishment. Her life had improved once she’d met Esther. With Esther as her companion, she’d grown confident and learned to embrace her adventurous side.
“Thanks to Esther, I grew into my skin,” Allegra murmured, the mental trip to the past bringing pain and pleasure.
“What are you doing?”
Allegra jolted, her foot knocking the symbols together with a musical clack. She thumped the middle of her chest and willed her heart to jump back into the correct position.
“Allegra?” Dylan stalked into the bedroom, his chest bare and a pair of track pants covering his lower half.
