Cahpter I.I {Water and Fire }

I, Maria Lou Navara, stood at the window, my wild ocean-blue hair dancing in the breeze as I watched my parents depart for the capital. My bright green eyes sparkled with excitement, and my slender fingers tapped against the windowsill with restless energy.

As I turned away from the window, I felt a thrill of excitement. With my parents gone, I had the freedom to do as I pleased. I could explore the gardens, read forbidden books, or sneak into the kitchen to steal sweet pastries.

I decided to slip out of the estate and visit the village, without telling anyone. I knew that the servants would try to stop me if they knew, so I snuck out quietly, making sure not to be seen.

I walked through the village, greeting the locals and laughing with the children. As I wandered through the market, I made my way to the village square, where I spent most of my time playing and having fun with the children.

"Maria, sing for us!" one of the children exclaimed, tugging on my skirt.

I laughed and nodded, clearing my throat. "What do you want me to sing?" I asked.

"Sing the song about the dragon and the princess!" another child chimed in.

I grinned and began to sing, my voice ringing out across the square. The children clapped and danced along, their faces shining with joy.

As I finished my song, the children cheered and applauded, begging me to sing another one. I laughed and agreed, feeling carefree and happy.

But as the day wore on, I knew it was time to return home. I said goodbye to the villagers and made my way back to the estate, feeling content and happy.

As I entered the estate, I noticed that the servants were all huddled together, whispering and glancing at me nervously. I felt a pang of confusion - what was going on?

I approached the butler, who was standing stiffly in the hallway. "What's wrong?" I asked him, feeling a sense of unease.

The butler hesitated, then nodded to one of the servants, who stepped forward.

"It's your parents, miss," the servant said, her voice trembling. "They... they were attacked on their way to the capital."

I felt a surge of laughter. "What?" I asked, thinking it was some kind of joke. "That's ridiculous. My parents are fine."

The servant looked at me with tears in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, miss. But it's true. Your parents... they didn't survive."

I felt a wave of confusion wash over me. This couldn't be true. My parents were fine. They had to be.

But before I could process what was happening, I heard the sound of horses' hooves outside. I turned to see my relatives, Lord and Lady Ravenswood, dismounting from their horses.

"Maria," Lord Ravenswood said, his voice somber. "I'm afraid we have some terrible news."

I felt a surge of anger. "You're just saying that," I accused. "My parents are fine."

Lady Ravenswood's expression was sympathetic, but firm. "I'm afraid it's true, Maria. Your parents are gone."

I felt like I had been punched in the gut. This couldn't be happening. My parents were supposed to be safe.

But as I looked at my relatives, I saw the truth in their eyes. They weren't joking. My parents were really gone.

And then, like a knife to the heart, Lord Ravenswood spoke up. "As you're still a minor, Maria, we'll be taking control of the Navara estate."

I felt a surge of outrage. "You can't do that!" I exclaimed.

Lord Ravenswood's expression was unyielding. "I'm afraid it's the law, Maria. As your closest relatives, we have the right to take control of the estate."

I felt like my whole world was crashing down around me. I was losing everything - my parents, my home, my sense of security. What was I supposed to do now?

Lady Ravenswood stepped forward, her expression cold. "We'll take care of you, Maria. You'll live with us, and we'll make sure you're well taken care of."

I felt a surge of resentment. They didn't care about me. They only cared about the fortune that my parents had left behind.

"No," I said, my voice firm. "I won't go with you. This is my home, and I won't leave it."

Lord Ravenswood's expression turned cold. "I'm afraid you don't have a choice, Maria. as you only just turned 16 you're just a child. You need our protection and guidance."

I felt a surge of anger and determination. I would not let them take everything away from me. I would fight for what was rightfully mine.

"I'm not a child," I said, my voice firm

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To be cotenued.........

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