Dear readers, tonight with us is a young princess, talking about exile, dragons, and lost family members.

Tell us a little about where you grew up. What was it like there?

I grew up in the palace. Father was often too busy being the emperor, and Mother too busy not caring. That left the servants with the job of keeping me respectable. I was easier to discipline before my powers. More polite, dignified. Once I realized nothing could hurt me, I wanted to let loose.

The kiddos weren’t around yet, so I had to make my own fun. Mostly exploring the palace, learning history or sparring with Klaus. 

Did you have any favourite toys as a child? Any cherished memories?

I was more a teenager at the time, but Old Man Python made a mechanical bike. He had me test out the prototype. Since I’m harder to hurt, it was safer to use me than someone else. He let me keep it after the tests.

As for memories, there’s a lot. 

Hate to admit one of them involves my father. He helped me control my powers when they manifested. There’s an aura around my body that doesn’t let anything in. Great for a bar fight, terrible when I’m trying to drink. I couldn’t let anything in the first few days. Then he sat with me, promised me his hand wouldn’t hurt me, and I was able to let him through.

A lot with my sisters.

One of the best days of my life was when Olive joined the family. Rambunctious little scamp but looking after her gave me purpose. Olive needed to wind down, and the little ruby needed to relax. Seeing Olive smile the first time she painted. Kidnapping Makoto to take her running through the flowers.

Hate to play favorites with the kiddos, but nothing beats the first time I held Lucielle. I’d been an older sister a couple times but never from the start. Meant a lot to me.

What do you do now?

Still trying to figure that out to be honest. Best part of being an exiled princess is not having to deal with the pageantry of politics. The worst part is everything else. 

Did a lot of traveling and liked most of what I saw but hard to stick around in places that don’t like my family name.

Heard my family was in danger and made my way back home. So, my duty now is to keep my sisters safe. Mostly, that means being suspicious of every one else and punching when necessary.

What can you tell us about your latest adventure?

I was minding my own business when my uncle found me. He’s one of Mother’s earliest creations. History says he used to be a dragon, but you wouldn’t guess by looking at him now. 

Uncle’s the kind of person who doesn’t take much seriously, but when he speaks you listen. He warned me someone was plotting to assassinate my father at the annual ball.

And if he’s in danger, there’s no telling what might happen to my sisters. So, it’s up to me to warn them of the danger and to stop any plans already in motion. Like I said, being suspicious and punching when necessary.

What did you first think when you saw your family again?

A lot of mixed emotions. Kiddos have grown up a lot. Makoto might be prettier than me now, and Lucielle will get there in a few years.

I’m happy to see them doing so well and proud of their growth. But it hurts knowing I missed so much of it, and that I wasn’t really needed.

Father’s let himself go but is still stronger than iron. As a kid I thought he’d live forever. Now there’s a chance he won’t survive this week.

It was hardest seeing Suilla. Worth everything I’ve been through the past few years to know she’s doing better. But she can barely look at me without screaming. I get why she’s terrified of me, but it’s not easy being the monster. 

As for Mother… I still don’t know how I feel about that.

What was the scariest thing in your adventures?

I like to think I’m the scariest thing out there, except maybe my Auntie Almyra. Suilla seems to agree.

There’s usually not much that scares me since few things can actually hurt me. But the people I care about aren’t as invulnerable. I was terrified I’d lose someone the night of the ball. Especially once I heard the screams…

What is the worst thing about exile?

The easy answer is the lack of amenities. Not every night ends in a bed or with a roof over my head. Depending on the locale showers can be nonexistent. 

The honest answer is missing my family. It’d be a lie to call my travels lonely but without my sisters no place ever felt like home. 

What is the best thing about it?

The easy and honest answers match up here. I loved seeing the world! 

Always wanted to see the ocean, and I got to live in it for a few years. Best drinks I’ve ever had, but they pack a wallop.

Met up with Old Man Python in Nova City, and he took care of me a while. Real salt of the earth kinda guy. The work was hard, but it helped take my mind off things.

Tell us a little about your friends.

I just mentioned Old Man Python. He’s Nova City’s head blacksmith. Gruff, a bit surly, but a bleeding heart through and through. He and my father don’t have good history, but he’s been like a second father to me.  

I can’t talk about friends without bringing up Klaus. He was my retainer growing up. Poor guy did his best to keep me out of trouble, and I made it my mission to give him headaches. Just wanted to see him loosen up and relax. 

I promised I’d be there for him when his dad got sick. He had to be so strong for his brothers, but he didn’t need to act around me. He could rest, cry, and I’d think no less of him. He’s a good man. Much better than I deserved.

Any romantic involvement?

Not currently. Klaus and I were an item a few years before my exile. I had a lot of short affairs before that. A long term relationship with someone I knew was different but nice. He was always loyal to a fault. He’d have followed me to the edge of the world if I let him. Broke my heart to break his, but it was the only way to save him from my fate.

I went back to short affairs during exile until I met Sen. She had me domesticated. It was different too, but I was happy. Alas, dating me damaged her image. I left while she still had a career to save.

As for future prospects, Prince Elias and that Dorothy girl are both easy on the eyes. I wouldn’t mind getting to know either of them a bit better.

Whom (or what) do you really hate?

Easy, anyone who hurts my family. Not a fan of people who kill innocents either. Just don’t like seeing people get hurt for no reason.

What’s your favourite drink, colour, and relaxing pastime?

My favorite drinks are a bit fruity with a good kick.

The only thing better than a good drink is a drink with good company. Though I’m just as likely to enjoy a smoke or sweets. My cousin said adding sugar to tea may as well be drinking candy, but I would if I could!

What does the future hold for you?

I’m headed west to rescue my kidnapped siblings and investigate a few leads. I’m going to find the people responsible for the plot against my family and bust their heads. 

Rumor has it Sen is in the area. Not sure if I’m excited or terrified to see her after the way I ended things.

Can you share a secret with us, which you’ve never told anyone else?

I mentioned earlier that I studied history. Part of that is how much I admire big sis Lucy. Mother had her several hundred years ago, and I think she’s comparing me to her. I’ve always wanted to make Mother proud. Just not sure if I can.

That’s a secret some people know. What no one—not even Klaus knows, is I used to dress up as big sis Lucy and recreate her speeches for empty chairs and the occasional stuffed animal. I had Sen do the same to prepare for the role. Just never told her where I got the idea.


J. J. N. Whitley is a licensed attorney and proud cat-dad. His time in Okinawa sparked a love for anime and JRPGs, and living in Australia did the same for sports.

You can find Athena on the pages of The Orichalcum Crown.

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