"Ivana, can you please be a lady for once? "
Queen Amara snapped at her daughter who just shamelessly stuffed three slices of cake into her mouth and was dropping berries into her worn leather bag.
"I am a lady! "Ivana muffled through her full mouth, as she dramatically placed her hands on her hips, and Queen Amara sighed in frustration while King Dalen laughed.
"You're going out today as well? "Queen Amara questioned. Looking at the rag-like dress that was once white but is now brownish thanks to Ivana's poor washing, the brown, dirty boots Ivana had on, and the overstuffed brown cross-shoulder bag Ivana was carrying.
"Mm Hmm. "Ivana hummed, already scanning the feast table for what else she could sneak into her bag. If there's one thing Ivana loved more than adventure, it was food.
In fact, her priorities were very simple.
First, her family.
Second, her people.
Third, Adventure.
And Fourth, Food.
But to be fair, sometimes food meant more than the others.
"It's your 18th birthday today! "Queen Amara complained, and Ivana froze. She looked over at her father for help, and King Dalen sighed.
"But, honey, today is also the hatching ceremony. She needs to- "King Dalen began, but Queen Amara cut him off.
"That's the more reason she should stay home today. She can have her hatching ritual done here. At home. Like members of the Royal family normally do. "Queen Amara stated, and Ivana turned back to her father in panic.
"What about her friends? "King Dalen questioned and Queen Amara eyed the duo suspiciously.
"One day of Ivana's absence wouldn't hurt them. "She retorted, and Ivana quickly swallowed.
"Mom, if I miss today, they'd get suspicious. No one misses the hatching ceremony. "Ivana finally intervened, and Queen Amara turned to her.
"Let them suspect. In fact, let them find out that you're the princess. "She snapped, and Ivana and King Dalen froze in shock.
"You've been mingling with commoners for years now, you've almost forgotten how to be a Royal. At first, I allowed you because it seemed you were after a noble course. You said you wanted to mingle with the people so you could understand their problems and how to help them. But now… "Queen Amara continued, once again stating her displeasure for Ivana's adventures and Ivana turned to her partner in crime - her father, for help.
"Dear, she's still after a noble course. We've spoken about this. These escapades make her happy. Don't you want a happy daughter? "King Dalen questioned, and Queen Amara scowled at him.
"I want a daughter who knows how to be a proper lady. If she can do that, then I won't mind her escapades. But if she continues with such… unsightful behaviour, I will put an end to it! "Queen Amara noted before standing up and storming out of the dining hall.
King Dalen stood as well before planting a gentle kiss on Ivana's healthy, black hair.
"I'll talk to her. "He whispered, and Ivana nodded at her dad. His green eyes mirrored hers, and he smiled at his little bundle of joy. His only child and the reason he became a better man.
"I hope you get an amazing beast today! "He said as he gently nudged her arm, and Ivana chuckled.
"I'm so excited! I might get a beast as amazing as yours, or Mom's... or Grandma's! "She squealed, and King Dalen smiled proudly as his Gold-ranked shadow wolf manifested boastfully behind him as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Ivana mimicked his pose, and King Dalen ruffled her hair.
"I have a feeling you'd get something far better than mine and your mother's beasts. Now hurry up and leave before your mom and Grandma tie you down with preparations for your birthday banquet. "He said, and just then…
"Ivy!? "The aged voice of King Dalen's mother called right outside the dining hall.
Ivana looked up at her father with wide eyes, and he immediately urged her to the massive window.
"Go! "He whispered and Ivana rushed to the window giggling.
She had just sat on it when she cast one more look at her father.
"Remember to be back before the banquet starts. "He warned, and she nodded.
"Yes, Dad. Thank you. "With that, she jumped through the window and began her race across the lawn. Leaving her father to face his mother who just like her Queen Amara, wasn't in support of her escapades and wild adventures.
Today was the hatching ceremony. The day every 18-year-old in the kingdom would get chosen by an egg that would fuse with them, and be their life beast till the day they breathed their last. Ivana, just like every other teenager who would turn 18 this year, had been looking forward to this ritual for as long as she could remember.
She couldn't help but wonder what beast she'd get. A powerful shadow wolf like her fathers? A phoenix hybrid like her mother's beast? Or a storm wolf like her grandmother's? The possibilities were endless, and her excitement knew no bounds.
"Princess. "The guards at the gate bowed to Ivana as she approached, and she bowed curtly to them before tossing them an apple each from her bag, and the guards smiled at her. This was custom. She always had something to give each time she left the palace grounds.
"Best of luck! "They called after her as she skipped away from the palace, and she smiled as radiantly as the sun.
"Thank you! "She yelled back as she made her way into the woods. Her friends would be waiting for her at their usual hideout spot: Anika, her best friend and Josh, her boyfriend.
She sunk her teeth into a red apple as she wondered what majestic beast she and her friends would get, and how they'd celebrate after they got their beasts. She would rather celebrate her birthday with her friends than with strangers her parents would invite in the evening.
Strangers who would only come to discuss marriage alliances, politics, business, and other boring things. But she had no choice but to be there. She was a princess after all. Service to people was her duty.
It's what princesses do...
Only that Ivana didn't want to be a princess. She wanted to be an adventurer. One that legends would sing about many years later. After all, there had to be more to being a royal than engaging in boring ass conversations and forced laughter to promote diplomacy.
That's why her life's goal was to get a powerful beast, join the tamer's academy and graduate with grades good enough to get her into the army so she could be sent into the monster's part of the world to fight alongside grate men in their quest to restore the world.