Shadow of a Doubt

Dear Diary,

'I can't remember the last time I wrote, it's feels like it's been dacades!! Most likely because I've lost track of time recently, I'm just so busy. After the recent attacks from Him... Well, let's say that life has just been a little more hectic than normal. Mother told me to start teaching Olivia some spells, but I think that I should hold back. I was twice Olivia's age when I was taught by Mother herself. It's all because of that Black Heart, I'm postively sure of it!!'

'There's only so much I can refuse before Mother finds out that I'm not giving her the so-called 'attention' that she says Olivia needs. I've decided to keep Olivia away from such things for now, she's still innocent and young. She's adorable for a five year old. I've rambled on for long enough. I hope to write very soon, until then...'

~Lily

Prologue
Green hair, a black dress, a decorative green hat with countless stars riddled upon it made Lily's form in front of anyone a spectacle.

Sitting before her golden-rimmed mirror on the dresser, she combed her hair with a diamond-studded brush. As a Princess, it was her duty to be up early, as well. Getting dressed was simple; the servants always had several dresses ready for her. Although, when it came to wearing jewelry, she found herself less than ecstatic. She had a countless array of rare trinkets overflowing from her jewelry box, but the mirror's reflection showed no happiness.

Grudgingly slipping on an opal bracelet, she turned to fetch her tiara from the satin sheets of her bed. They were emerald, of course, her favorite color shining. Bundles of flowers and vines decorated the poles of her canopy. It was possible she had nearly every flower ever known somewhere in her room. Once finished, she faded into the shadows, only to reappear in another room similar to hers.

Despite it being just as furnished, the room seemed tailored to a toddler. Stuffed toys littered the floor, while smiling stars had been painted on the walls. The inhabitant had a canopy just like Lily's, aside from being pink and full of dolls. Although there wasn't a soul in sight, giggling could be heard from the empty bed.

Smiling knowingly, Lily approached and ripped off the sheets. "Gotcha!"

"Oh no! You found me!" squealed Olivia. "Good morning!"

She was already dressed, as it was the servants' duty to do so. Her dress was poofy and lacy, decorated in pink ribbons and rubies. It wasn't much compared to Lily's, but she was still a baby, after all.

"Good morning. And how are you?"

"Hungwy!"

"No, no," She laughed. "You're supposed to say, 'I'm fine, and you?'"

"But I am hungwy."

Lily picked her up. "Then... How about some eggs and toast?"

"Ceweal."

"You sure of that?" Lily questioned.

"Yeah."

It had been a short while, but after breakfast, Lily had decided to take Olivia out to play, and of course, the little five year old was ecstatic about the whole ordeal. Going outside was always an adventure for her, Lily on the otherhand saw it as a way for Olivia to hold off against making her learn her powers.

Lily smiled as Olivia ran off the minute she put the little one's feet upon the ground. Olivia was ready to play Hide-and-Seek, as prepared as always, was she. For now, she would allow Olivia to play, she needed childhood before she began her rough life, especially with Mother breathing down everyone's neck.

Lily smiled, she would not let Mother get in the way of Olivia's childhood, she would allow Olivia to be a child for as long as she could...

Deep in the dark, cold corridor of the throne room, the Queen sat musing. Her large black dress cascaded down her body like a river, her purple hair looking menacing and poisonous on her grimy, rusted crown. Black jewels embedded in the old gold.

Something wasn't right. Lately, she'd been seeing less and less of her youngest daughters. There was no telling where they were at this time of the night. Lily avoided her like the plague, and Olivia still wasn't showing any promise. At this rate, the Black Heart would be too weak to use once she became queen. Something had to be done...

"Your Highness," said a servant.

"...What is it this time?"

"Uh..." The servant trembled at her irate tone. "P-princess Matilda is here to see you..."

"Hmm. A surprising visit, indeed. Let her in."

The servant signaled to the two standing on each side of the entrance. The two slowly pulled opened the huge doors, allowing their visitor to enter.

The servant bowed. "Princess Matilda, it's an honor to have you drop by again."

Matilda acknowledged her with a slight nod and kept walking. She wore a black dress with a large amber brooch on her chest. A long belt of gold wrapped around her waist, ending in a bow with ribbons on her back. Her white hair was done in a long, braided ponytail that nearly reached the floor, adding to her golden attire. Despite her simple-mindedness, she was the flashiest of the Princesses.

"So, you've finally returned from Roekenn," said the Queen, who wasn't too thrilled in seeing her. "Have you accomplished anything of importance lately?"

"...The creatures. I've been running into them a lot lately..." She said, hesitantly. "They're getting stronger, much stronger..."

"Stronger?" She rubbed her chin. "That's not good. They've been a thorn in our side for far too long, and I'm getting very tired of their interference."

"...They've been coming to closer to the castle a lot more often, too."

"I see. I fear Zied plans on doing something drastic soon."

"...I'll rally the servants and tell them to expect the worst. That's all we can do now."

The Queen nodded. "Yes, very good. But before you go... Have you seen Gwendolyn anywhere? I was hoping she'd at least prove as cannon fodder when the time comes..." She spoke carelessly, almost laughing at thought.

Matilda knew who she was talking about. Despite their bitter relationship, she was the only one to ever call her by her real name.

"Scyllia lives in that big mountain place now... Has a lot of snow and stuff..."

"So, she's still alive, I see?" Her face darkened. "How unfortunate... But I digress. I want you to do a job for me."

She bowed. "...Yes, Mother."

Olivia giggled to herself as she had hidden in quite a hard spot to find her. Lily was having trouble finding her younger sister, who had hidden herself in some of the brush that lined itself about the forst in the mst orderly of manners.