Nora stared at the tree. It was a beech tree. Perhaps that shouldn’t have sounded remarkable, but Nora knew better. She remembered the fires. All that destruction sponsored by the state when she was a kid.
Maybe a vendetta against a species of tree was a waste of time, but nobody bothered to mention that to the king. How had this one survived? It wasn’t near any other beech trees. Well, obviously.
And what was that in the bark, above eye level? “Do Not Destroy – Nora.”
Nora had changed her name so long ago, it was a faint memory. She was called Rose now. Who had she been? Why would her name cause anyone to disobey the king’s decree?
Nora marched back into the village, sure to avoid the king’s guards. It was just wise to do. They didn’t respect the people of this planet. And they were all big. No one knew if that was genetic or if they ate something special.
Her mother stood over the stove in their home. Stirring something. Nora didn’t respond to her mother’s greeting.
“I know I’m adopted. But who am I?”
“Hush!” Nora’s mother said. “Rose, you know you’re not supposed to ask that!”
“I just found my old name on a beech tree in the middle of the woods. Why?”
“You found the beech tree?” Her mother sighed. “Of course you did.”
Her mother sat down with her at the kitchen table. She kept her voice low, as if trying to make sure no guard could hear them. But they had stopped watching this house decades ago.
“I suppose it’s about time you knew.” She patted Nora’s hand. “You’re the rightful heir to the throne.”
“Of the kingdom?” Nora swallowed. Her mother shook her head.
“Of the planet.”