Chapter Text
The weight of the pack tugs on my shoulders, sore from grabbing trees and rocks for the last several hours during my climb. The dense forests of Vansilos are overcrowded with new saplings this year, bunches of moss and mushrooms crowding the cool, humid floor of the forest. My boots crunch through decaying leaves and the thick vines that wind themselves over and under tree trunks. Sweat dampens the newly shorn hair at the base of my neck, the perspiration cool and uncomfortable in the heat as I stagger.
I’m panting by the time I reach the ridgeline, cursing my luck for having to hike uphill most of the way. When the trees begin thinning out and the air turns thicker with humid heat, I slow my trek. Up ahead, maybe 200 feet through the trees, is a field of sunflowers, their large faces pointed toward the blaring sun, yellow petals glistening.
A half-delirious smile cracks across my face as I stumble the rest of the way through the trees, using low-hanging limbs to hoist myself further up the mountain. The wrap around my breasts and ribcage chafes my damp skin. The canvas of the shirt I stole from my brother’s wardrobe disallows any of the breeze to cool my skin underneath.
Sunflowers are a sacred flower in Vansilos, reserved only for the royal family. No commoners are allowed to grow, pick, or display sunflowers, except for on permitted days such as royal funerals and weddings.
Being on flat ground again after hours and hours, days even, of climbing through the forest sets my shins on fire. The agony in my thighs and knees lights up as my muscles are no longer forced to strain so hard.
Releasing a sign and turning my face toward the sun in mockery of the flowers, I lower myself to the ground next to the field of flowers.
Sunflowers are used in this kingdom to signify great sadness or great happiness, all surrounding the royal family and their achievements and aggrievements.
Closing my eyes as I catch my breath, the pack falling from my shoulders for a much needed break, I let the sun warm my sweat-slickened skin.
Sunflowers are also used to signify other affairs, other than weddings and funerals and the like.
I remember that the prince’s coming of age ceremony was in preparation several months ago. It must already be that time, I think.
Across the sea of sunflowers, drums begin echoing from a circular encampment. The chanting of men resounds across the field, making me open my eyes and start to stand. I made it. I’m ready to train.