Excerpt: One to Twelve

Prologue:

“Why would anyone want to be queen?”

“The paperwork, the peacekeeping…”

“Dealing with the fussy nobles.”

“Who needs it?”

“But it’s our birthright.”

“Our duty.”

“I’d rather act.”

“I’d rather defend with my sword, not my diplomacy.”

“Can we perhaps… share the burden?”

“Co-rule?”

“It would allow for more freedom…”

“Is there a precedent for this?”

“Since when have we ever followed protocol?”

---

“Abandoing your potential…”

“Run for office, lead as your mother did…”

“Speak! Do not hide, for the public adores you so…”

“You’re the media’s darling! We love you so!”

I will follow my own wish. My own desires. It is my life, so I am the one who must ultimately be happy! Allow me some privacy of my own; I did not choose to grow up in the public’s eye. I am a daughter, a sister, a friend, myself first. I will fulfill my simple dream! For it is my own dream, and mine alone.

---

“One of the boys?”

“Just a delicate little girl, we should protect her, guard her.”

“Is it good for her to be watching this?”

“Can she even lift that heavy thing?”

“Should she mess up her dress?”

“You’re the girl!”

“You’re my sister.”

“The eldest girl, the only girl, you have responsibilities…”

I may be a girl, but I am not helpless or weak. Let me be on your level, and fight with you. I bet I’ll win. I can go toe-to-toe with the boys, just you wait and see. I’ve got my own talents. Let me do things for myself, I will prove you all wrong.

---

“Can you write a story?”

“I thought you liked science and math?”

“Aren’t you going to be an astronomer, a scholar?”

“Why don’t you wed and cook? You’re talented in the kitchen.”

“A story writer? Like fairy tales?”

I will not give up! I can be strong, even if it doesn’t mean muscle and weapons. I will be strong with my brain, my speed, my resilience. Don’t count me out just yet. Let me help, don’t leave me in the dark, for I am not one to give up, ever.

---

“Don’t you want to be like your mother?”

“Why that path? The road is lonely.”

“Can’t you stop the foolish humor?”

“The healing magic, you’d make a fine healer.”

I am freest when I am in the air, my weapon at my side. I am my most feminine when I dance, the rhythm at my feet and the music in my ears. I am a warrior, I am a female. Both of these sides are a part of me. Why be so serious? Laugh, for you only live once. The walk of life is not lonely if you are truly happy. Be happy!

---

“She’s so quiet, I worry about her.”

“She always seems to be hiding something.”

“She never talks.”

“She’s always guarded.”

“She doesn’t let us know her.”

“She’s snobby.”

I’m shy. Thoughtful and cautious, perhaps serious to a fault. I do not mean to be closed off from the rest of the world, but the rest of the world often frightens me. I have my friends and family that love me. I have my corner, where I can do what pleases me. I am content. There is nothing wrong with me.

---

“Her eldest sister is such a beauty.”

“Her younger sister is so cheerful.”

“It’s a shame about the middle daughter.”

“She’s so cold.”

My eldest sister can have the stilettos and the smoldering looks and the too-tight dresses. My baby sister can be the little mother, with a smile and a shoulder to cry on for everyone. I am the middle child, but I am not awkward. I am the in-between, the balance. I am fine as I am; content to follow in neither of their footsteps.

---

“Poor thing. Her mother never loved her.”

“She’s such an odd child.”

“Did you hear? She prefers to talk to chocobos instead of people.”

“With a father like hers, it’s no wonder she’s not right.”

So? I hear your rumors and your gossip. I am happy. People love me, family by choice instead of by blood. Why be so sad when there’s a way to be happy? Take control of what makes your life unfulfilling and change it! Normal is overrated; be true to your own self.

---

“She’s so airheaded.”

“Lost in her own fantasy world.”

“So oblivious.”

“Does she even notice anything at all?”

“Ditzy little dreamer.”

I live to draw, to create, to be creative. I have to observe, to see, in order to paint. Painting is my passion. Sometimes, I get caught up in it. I do not mean to ignore, but it happens. Sometimes. I do come up for air eventually, you know. I am responsible, but sometimes… it’s easy to let the inspiration consume you.

---

“She’s so rude.”

“She’s mean, so scary!”

“I bet she’d sell her own mother’s soul for the right price.”

“She’ll chew you up and spit you out.”

“She’s not afraid of hitting back.”

I live for the moment. Call me impulsive, but I don’t tolerate stupidity. I can be kind, but only when people deserve it. You reap what you sow, and if you try to take advantage of me, I will bite you back. Hard. I don’t steal, but I do explore. Taking from ancient burned-out ruins is a different matter from pick-pocketing. I’m trying to help, but the world is cruel and doesn’t play nice.

---

“Who is that girl?”

“She has no sense of humor.”

“Children are afraid of her.”

“She’s so plain, so boring.”

Do not forget me, do not ignore me. I may not be the flashiest person ever to exist, but I am here and I am living. I stand by my code of honor and my need to travel, to see the world. I may not make the strongest impression, but my loved ones will not let me remain in oblivion. This is what ultimately matters most.

---

“Poor little rich girl.”

“She was born wealthy, but would rather live in squalor.”

“She’s too damn impulsive.”

“She’s too flighty. Does she take anything seriously?”

I live for adventure, for exploration and seeing the next big thing. I want to discover something brand-new, but most of all, I want to be recognized on my own merits. Not my parents’ name or wealth. I have talents and skills of my own, and being minor nobility doesn’t change that. I want to actually do something with my life.