And so it begins I will not go Kora folded her arms and looked away from her father It is not a choice Kora The Emperor placed a hand on her shoulder All genies of royal birth must go She shrugged off his hand I know that but why now Amurru stood quietly by Kora’s globe She strode over to him Tell them Amurru she said jabbing a finger in the air towards her parents It is madness to send me away now Amurru’s yellow eyes blinked slowly To learn how to rule you must first learn how to serve She stomped her foot This was ridiculous Her gaze rested briefly on her younger brother Atym They weren’t sending him away Please Mother You know you have to go sometime said her mother 5
It makes sense to go now to keep you safe while we deal with Vennum No it does not make any sense at all We have been at war with Vennum for eight years You well know that the situation has changed said her mother Vennum’s army has grown over the last few months He has become exceedingly powerful That is why I should remain here I am your most powerful genie Her mother’s shoulders stiffened I am the Imperial Empress of Genesia and I have made my decision Kora whirled back to face her father Tell her she demanded Tell her that you need me here to help defeat him It is true that you are the most powerful genie to be born in centuries Her father’s eyes were gentle But that is why you must go Vennum wants you more than any other genie Imagine how it would feel Kora if he was to harness you and force you to destroy Genesia I do not want to be banished It will not be forever Earth duty for you is a requirement under Genesian law The High Council of Genesia demands it Please father I do not want to go now You need me Enough I will argue with you no more The Emperor 6
signalled to Amurru You will leave immediately Kora I command it The air around her began to stir Her father’s command had activated her globe and she was being pulled in against her will She took one last look around at her home and then glared at her parents I hate you she spat I hate you both 7
