Her father had died only a month ago and her mother had passed shortly after that. Her father's parting words were constantly ringing over and over again in her mind: be humble for you are made of the earth; be strong for you are made of the fire; be noble for you are made of the sea; be wise for you are made of the stars. She was the only one left of a long line that dated back to The Book of Gold, and she was left to take control of the place she called home. She had help up well in public, but when she was alone, the pain was almost unbearable. She had loved her parents deeply. Her daddy always made her laugh and constantly spoiled her, but he was strict when the need arose. Her mother had taught her about the wonders of the world and that was where her love of the arts had come from. Now, there just seemed to be an empty void, that nobody could fill.
"Oceana?" called a voice quietly into the dark.
"Yes, I'm here, on the balcony." replied the girl.
"Dear, you shouldn't be standing out there in the cold. What would we do if you got sick? The kingdom needs you."
"Oh Lesha, stop worrying. I was out here thinking about what I was going to say at the meeting with father's Council tomorrow. And...what will happen to the kingdom if I don't find a suitable husband soon." Ocean replied to her old nurse. Lesha was well into her fifties and had quite a few stands of white in her hair. She had kind hazel eyes and a wonderfully soothing voice. Her old nurse was more like a grandmother to her.
"Oceana. Look at me. You will find the man that is perfect for you among the hundreds that came at the Head of Council's call."
"But you don't understand Lesha. All of them came for the wealth, fame and fortune for marrying me. Their children will inherit this great kingdom, their name will be honored and people will respect that man. Not one of them has really seen the true me. All they have witnessed is "Queen Oceana" all dressed up in her finery and acting like a beautiful doll. That's it! Not one of them had actually had a meaningful converstion with
me. Not one of them has NOT tried showing off for me. Not one of them has had the decency to let me get over my mourning!" In Ocean's mind flashed the man she had seen in her dream so many times.
"I know it's difficult. Your father had to wait thirty some years before your mother finally came along, god rest their souls. Now, come back inside and try to get some rest while you can. Tomorrow will be a long and tedious day." cajoled Lesha.
"Okay, in a minute. I want a little bit more time to think."
"Alright then. Goodnight, dear."
"Goodnight Lesha, sleep well."
Ocean stood there a while longer, just standing there, looking at the stars and the moon. She took a deep breath and sighed. Slowing turning around she walked back into her room and lay down on her bed to get some sleep. As slumber overtook her, Oceana wondered for the hundredth time, Who are you?