The Sun Queen's Dance: Chapter 1

                               The Sun Queen's Dance
                                              By: Rebekah Grayson
          Chapter 1: "Princess" Layla: Future Summer Queen

{{indent}You've all read fairy tales. Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, yada yada yada.  There's a reason they are called "Fairy" tales. Fairies are the one's who passed them on.

         Wait! Let me guess. You're thinking, "There's no such thing as fairies."

         Well, I hate to burst your bubble kiddo, but fairies are real. In fact, you've probably met one and didn't even know it. Fairies are everywhere, and every size. You have the little 3 inch fairies and the "normal" human sized fairies. I, myself happen to be a human sized fairy.

         There are four fairy courts. One for every season. Spring is in charge of rain, Summer is in charge of sun, Fall is in charge of the changing colors, and Winter is obviously snow. Each of these courts has a king and queen. The king and queen either have a kid, or pick an heir.

         Well, yours truly was picked to be the Summer heir. King Baladhitya (Baal for short) and Queen Chamania (Cam for short) couldn't have a kid. So they picked me. I'm not even technically a full-fledged fairy. I'm what you would call a changeling. My mom decided to fall in love with King Baal's right hand man, producing me. "Princess" Layla at your service.

         You know my name has nothing to do with anything summery. In fact it's quite the opposite. My name means night. Also, all of the fairies in the Summer court are blonde haired and blue eyed, and I have black hair and green eyes. I stand out like a sore thumb. The only thing I like about being in this court is I get to tan daily, and all the guys are hunks. Plus you get cool powers.                      } (italicized)

         
         "Layla! You're going to be late again!"

         Crap. I've come to realize that when I'm doing something bad, like writing "Fairy Court Secrets" in my book, I get busted. I swear mom has like this sixth sense or something. I mean, come on, she isn't even a fairy.

         "Coming mom!"
         
         "Lily's hear to go with you," mom said as she entered my room. Mom was pretty for a mortal. I look kind of like her. Well, hair and eye color-wise. Also, I'm short like her. We're only a hair over 5 foot.

         "Thanks mom. I'm going now."

         "Hey Layla! Were you writing again? Spilling all of our dark secrets?" Lily said as we were flying to court. Lily was about 6 foot even. She had long blond hair and sapphire blue eyes. She was always getting the attention in court from the guys. I always got ignored. It sucks being different sometimes, "I heard the Spring Court's Prince is coming in today to look for a bride."

         "Yeah. He's supposed to be a real snob though. OOF!" And that's when I met him, brutally but dreamily. He was the most georgeous hunk of fairy I'd ever seen, with dark brown hair and moss green eyes. And I'd just knocked him flat on the ground," Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry. I'm still getting used to this flying thing, and wasn't paying attention. Are you okay?"

         "Yeah. I'm fine. Hi! I'm Styxx. Spring Court. And you are?"

         'Hummina, hummina, hummina.....'

         "This is Layla. Summer court. And I'm Lily."

         "Hi..." oh my gosh, I sounded like a dork. Good save, Lil!

         "Umm. Is she okay?"

         "Oh, she's fine. She's just a little shy." Lily said, "Snap out of it, Layla!"

         "I really am sorry about that. I have to go though. See ya later!"

         "Wait a second! You're the changeling. The heir to the Summer throne."

         'Oh great!' I thought.

         "Yup that's me! I gotta go help with the morning court. I guess I'll see you later?" I said as I flew off dragging a reluctant Lily behind me.

         "Yeah." 'You can count on it.'