A Universe of Equity: The Story of Princess Leo

Queen Isabella’s birthday was tomorrow and I wasn’t looking forward to it. She was the one who had given me a crossbow for my last birthday, but this year she was probably going to give me something worse.

I didn’t want any presents from her, and I sure as hell didn’t want her to sing that awful song she always sang when she got drunk. But most of all, I wanted to get out of there, away from the court and the stupid costume they made me wear, but first I needed to speak with my father.

He was standing in the middle of the courtyard talking to some guards when I approached him.

“Father, can we talk?”

“Of course, my son. Let’s sit down.” We both sat on the steps of the palace and he looked at me seriously. “Is everything alright? You look worried.”

I took a deep breath before speaking again, “Yes father, everything is alright, but there is something that bothers me. I know Isabella will be king soon and all that, but why do I have to dress up like a girl? It is humiliating! Why can’t I dress like a boy? Please father!” My voice went higher than usual and people started looking at us.

My father sighed deeply and looked around us before lowering his voice, “You know why you have to dress like that because we are in a kingdom where people believe women should not be allowed to rule or even fight in battles. It is better if you are dressed as a girl then you will not be ridiculed by the people or executed by your sister! Do you understand what I am saying?” He whispered fiercely at me while grabbing my shoulders hard enough for me to wince.

I nodded reluctantly. “But then why does she have to wear boy clothes? She hates it! She wants dresses like mine! Isn't it unfair if we are forced into things against our will?” My voice went soft as I remembered how upset Isabella was with her clothes earlier that day.

My father sighed again and rubbed his forehead with his hand before looking at me again, “Son, please remember that your sister is four years older than you and she will be king soon which means she already knows what needs to be done for our kingdom and its citizens. You have been living in this place your whole life but you don't understand yet how different our kingdom is compared to others! The only thing you need to do now is learn a few skills so that you may help your sister when she becomes king! Now go back into your room and try not to leave it until tomorrow morning. Your sister is planning something special for your birthday and tonight she needs time alone in her room so just stay out of trouble until tomorrow morning alright? And do not tell anyone about what we talked about today!" He said sternly while watching me carefully as if trying to make sure that I would obey him.

I nodded again sadly before leaving him alone on the steps only feeling more frustrated then before since he had given me no real answers about anything . When I arrived back at my room, Isabella was waiting for me there with a smug look on her face as if she enjoyed scaring me even though it was her own fault!