by J. G. Maltos
I covered my face and tried to erase the image of what had just occurred. My head rested against my palms and I bit my fist to muffle my weeping. The puddle of tears that had accumulated under me had turned a crimson red. Slowly, I followed the red trail that led to my mother.
The rugged boots turned and left the room, slamming the door behind them. My trembling arms felt weak as they pulled from underneath me, toward where my mother laid.
I took her still arm and I kissed it. I kissed her cheeks, her forehead, and I gripped her head between my shaking hands. "Please, wake up, mom," I begged between sobs. "Open your eyes for me, please. Don't leave me." My voice cracked as I leaned and rested my head against hers. My tears softly landed on my mother's still face as if to wash away the horror of the night.
After what seemed like hours, another bomb went off, sending dust falling from within the walls. Yells and cries seep through my bedroom walls. Crushing my wish that this was nothing but a horrid dream.
My knees trembled beneath me. Why didn’t you fight?
I could not give her a proper burial to rest her body, but I could at least sing her our resting song. I bit my trembling lip as I started to sing. “As you sleep, dream of me. I’ll keep our memories alive as you sleep. Dream of me…” I lift a trembling hand and stifle a cry wanting to escape, “—in paradise where I know you’ll be waiting. I’ll keep our memories alive until we are together again,” I whispered as I caressed her peaceful face one last time.
I noticed her necklace that laid beneath her red-stained nightgown. A perfect white flower encased in a terrarium hung from the golden chain. She had said my father gave it to her on their first wedding anniversary. I had seen that necklace around my grandmother's neck and on the portrait of her mother hanging on the castle walls. It had been in the family for years. I had hoped to inherit it one day, but not like this.
"So long as this flower stands," he told her, "So will my love." The crystal was stained with blood, but it remained intact. I unclasped it from her neck and cleaned it. Mother insisted on never having it dirty, I could only assume that meant anything including blood. I caught a slight redness on the side of her neck. I tilted her head backward lightly and looked closer. A puncture wound marked the side of the neck. I brush the wound lightly with my trembling thumb. I made a silent promise to find out what happened.
I turned away from my mother's body and pressed my ear against the cold door. My breath slowed and hit against the wooden door, waiting until I was sure there was no one on the other side. An eerie feeling crept up my neck as if again I was not alone. I pulled my sword from behind me and faced the room, but I was left swinging at empty air.
I have to get out of here. Now.
Once everything was clear, I took a big breath and sprinted barefoot down the hall. Before I could reach the end of the corridor, a pair of shoes I know too well peek through from my mother's bedroom.
Like a final blow, I realized it was Koura’s mother that laid lifeless by the door, my training boots next to her. Fresh tears escape my eyes, mixing with my sweat.
“Lady Pamela--” I blew a small prayer to her body for peace, but I couldn't wait much longer. I had to keep running.
I needed to get to the underground chamber. There was a ship with a working crew for emergencies like these meant only for my parents and myself.
I reached the door toward the chamber. I was so close. My body was sore and sweaty from the run. My lungs burned and my feet stung from the cuts I got from stepping on broken glass.
I heard footsteps behind me. I moved my hand to lay on the head of my sword, ready to swing at any moment.
"Boo."
I swung my sword but the action was done in vain. A closed fist connected with the side of my head, knocking me unconscious. When I finally woke, I was strapped to a chair.
The sounds of a chair scraping the marble floor brings me back to the table in front of me. Elite Florence stands, her demeanor of welcoming has turned to one of question and doubt. "My apologies for the interruption, but you felt a presence with you in your room the day the Earth Kingdom fell?"
I'm thrown off by her question, and quite frankly, a little irritated at the fact that such a minute detail overshadowed the death of my mother. "It was a difficult situation," I explain dismissively, “—and I was tense. There was no one there with me. I don't see the importance—“ I trail off.
Elite Florence paces, deep in thought. “Puncture wounds and shadows?”
I nod my head. They had injected my mother with the same serum to dormant her abilities like they have been doing to me for six years. I keep that part of the information to myself. Who knows what they would do if they find out there is a serum created to suppress abilities. One Elite was able to bring down kingdoms with that serum.
I glance at Koura through the side of my eyes. I told him everything that took place in the cells. The serum, the lack of food, the fighting cage, the lives I took. He catches my gaze and raises his head in indifference. He will not reveal what I have told him. I trust him.
Elite Florence clears her throat, "There have been stories way before you were even born." Her gaze moves from me toward the table. "About the shadows, specifically about the Shadow Kingdom." Her voice trails off. I sit down on the table and listen closely, relieved she pushes the injection to the side.
"The Shadow Kingdom used to rule our realm before the Earth Kingdom," she says as she walks slowly. "It is believed they abused their powers." My eyes follow her around the table, and she stops next to me. “Neither the subjects nor the Elites were pleased and the Shadow crystal was destroyed. No one knows what became of them. It is said that they are dead. Without their crystal, they could not survive and all died one by one. "
Goosebumps cover my arms as I listen. My nerves have gotten the best of me. I begin picking at my lips, waiting for Elite Florence to finish.
"It is also said that they live with us. Some people have said they have seen the shadows wandering around the kingdoms." She is talking to me, but I make no indication to acknowledge the fear I felt.
I remember speaking with someone in the cells a few nights. The guards would laugh and tell me there was no one else with me. I would yell at them for making me feel crazy. The golden eyes flash past my memories.
Elite Theon's attention shifts from Florence to me and he notices my discomfort. "The stories are just that, Florence." His eyes skim the members around him. "Stories." His strong voice leaves no room for doubt.
"You know more than anyone that those stories have an origin." She rolls her blue eyes while tapping her nails at the table.
"What happened in the cells while you were there?" Elite Theon addresses me.
Elite Florence begrudgingly retakes her seat for me to speak.
"I never physically saw anyone of importance. I only ever interacted with the guards.” I look around the table. “But the guards had abilities, lightning, fire, and one of frost,” I name off. My revelation sends the room off in a commotion
“You cannot possibly be insinuating we had anything to do with your capture?” Elite Stephen speaks out.
I raise my chin. “I insinuate nothing. I am stating who and what I saw while in captivity.” Then I raise my voice. “But if you had already suspected some of your people to be conspiring against you and the throne, I can understand why this would be troublesome news. ”
Helena remained unfazed by the information. “How did this happen?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. I don’t know who or why these people wanted me and killed my parents. But I will, and rest assured I will make anyone who had any part to suffer the consequences regardless of Kingdom or status.” I cannot fathom where that sudden wave of confidence came from.
“What else did you experience, Princess?” Eline Theon asks.
“I did try to escape my first night there. That alone landed me to swim for my life." My hands instinctively reach up to my throat at the painful memory, the poundin
g of hands to my chest meant to bring me back, and the golden eyes that hover over me before disappearing. "I then tried sending out a note, but that landed me in the cage. They would ask me questions about the kingdom and when I couldn't answer they would make up anything to torture me." I try to swallow the knot on my throat. The memory of One Ear in the interrogation room runs through my mind. I hold my tongue on that information. "I would be electricuted, starved, or—" I refuse to continue and instead take my seat. There's no need to tell them everything.
Koura must have sensed something was wrong. He reaches for me but stops midway.
Elite Theon's voice echoes within the walls. "This should be enough in regards to Princess Althea."
"Did you see anyone familiar?" Elite Rose pushes, ignoring Elite Theon's request.
"She just said she did not see her captor, just the guards. None which she knew," Elite Stephen replies from behind Elite Florence. "By God, do you not see how this is affecting the child? Any normal human being would have declined to attend this meeting. But she is here letting you know—and excruciating detail might I add—the most horrific day of her entire existence. And you are here asking for more? Have you no sympathy?" Elite Stephen rages. His composed features are now one full of annoyance and sadness.
"I just don't think his absence is a coincidence." She scoffs, implying what I have been thinking. I am surprised she voiced it so easily. I wish I had her courage to speak so freely and confidently.
"As I said before the meeting started, his wife, Elite Zara, needed to be taken care of. The death of their daughter has taken a toll on them both. His absence is excused," Elite Theon explains.
I stare at my hands, picking at the side of my nails. The pain of pulling my skin brings me back to what is happening in front of me.
"That is enough. Let's carry on to other matters," Elite Theon presses on.
I nod as I feel Koura placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.
Chapter 5
Hardly anyone survived the night of the attack, or so I was told. After my presumed death, those who invaded my kingdom initiated a wide massacre of my people. In one night, our numbers were less than a quarter of what it was. Elite Theon had sent troops for trade and managed to capture a few of the invaders who, to my dismay, were executed after refusing to reveal any information.
The Lightning Kingdom came to help what was left of my people, an idea that would have warmed my heart had it not been for how the survivors are being treated. Elite Theon informed me of the conditions my people were under. They are put to work from dusk to dawn for food. In the end, they are given only small rations of bread and water. Children no longer attended schooling and instead are being forced to work in the mines alongside their parents.
My blood boils with every new detail given. “How could you have let this happen?” I roar, forgetting all sense of formality.
Elite Helena is the first to respond, her head held high. “After the attack, it sent everything into chaos. Our people were afraid. We had to ensure their security first.” She lowers her head ever so slightly. “We had no idea how powerful the Lightning Kingdom would become, especially with such little resources.”
I slam my hand against the table, ignoring how tense the room became. “Resources? Those are my people! And they are withering away. They aren’t just some pawn to be left forgotten!”
“Princess Althea.” It is Elite Florence who speaks to me then, rising from her seat and giving a short bow. “With all due respect, you were not present to see the chaos that resulted in these attacks. Were the roles reversed, I’m sure you would have done the same for your people.” She ends with a stern look, challenging me to say otherwise.
Beneath her gaze, I want nothing more than to shrivel back and hide beneath the covers from earlier this morning. I try to match her stare, just like in the cage fights. You never want to show your weak spot, and you never want to drop your gaze. We may not be in a physical match, but we are fighting for power.
“You are sure?” I scoff back. “If I remember correctly, it had always been the late King and Queen that had provided aid when your kingdoms were most in need. It was my kingdom that aided you with troops during the civil uprising led by your cousin.” I turn to Elite Rose. “And it was my kingdom that sent you our extra rations when your people were starving from a winter’s famine.” My hands ball into a fist. “I, at least, could have hoped that my family’s generosity could have planted some sympathy for those needing your help.”
Elite Helena rises from her seat, eyes stone cold. “How dare you accuse us of such indifference!”
“How dare all of you—” My anger gets the better of me and I become acutely aware of Koura inching closer to me. “You let my kingdom wither into nothing!”
I grind my teeth, holding back the anger that soars through my veins. A knock on the door pulls everyone’s attention away from my anger. I use that moment of distraction to compose myself. Koura tries to place a comforting hand on my shoulder but I turn away. He drops his hand and steps back. I am enraged by their indifference and I am not seeking comfort.
Elite Theon waives a hand over to a guard that stands by the door. The guard nods and opens the door. A young boy with dark hair and freckles walks into the massive room. He hesitates at the sight of the Elites but quickly recovers and lifts his head. He scurries over to Elite Theon, handing him what seems to be a white envelope, and then leaves the room.
Elite Theon unfolds the envelope and immediately his face turns into one of worry. Elite Florence and Elite Helena learn forward, waiting to hear what the contents of the letter are.
“News of Princess Althea’s rescue has made its way to the Earth Kingdom.” The room becomes tenser than it had been seconds before. Elite Theon locks eyes with me. “There has been civil unrest in the name of the Princess.”
My heart grows heavy with anxiety. Without knowing, I take a step toward Koura, who had returned to my side. If people already know of my rescue, then they must know where I am now. Everyone must know. They could know. Memories of the cage fight flash across my eyes, of the men laying lifeless next to me, of the electricity coursing through my body. The pain. The excruciating pain. “I think we should continue this meeting at a later date,” I force out.
As if reading my thoughts, Koura extends his arm out to me and guides me out of the room. As soon as we are out of earshot, Koura gives my hand a gentle squeeze.“What is it that troubles you, Princess?”
I stare at the marble floor at my feet, embarrassed to meet his questioning gaze. “Everything.” My voice is hoarse with suppressed emotion. “My people. The riots. I’ve been gone for six years and suddenly I’m expected to take control as if I hadn’t had everything taken from me.” Tears brim the outer of my eyes. “But in my head, I’m still back in the cells, Koura. I’m still bleeding. I’m still fighting to survive—”
Koura pulls me into a tight embrace, muffling the cry that escapes. The tears fall heavily onto his shoulders, but I hold back from making any sound. I suppose that’s one good thing I mastered while being in the cell; the silent weeping.
“You are safest here, Princess. You don’t have to fight alone.” His voice thunders through his chest with determination. “I’ve fought too hard to let anything happen to you now.”
But I say nothing. I just let him try and soothe the pain away and for a moment, I forced myself to believe him. Only for a moment.
“Erm,—sir.” A deep voice clears their throat. My heart races and my face reddens. I am weeping in the arms of a man. I try to lift my head but Koura's arms tighten around me, holding me in place.
“ Nathaniel,” he greets, “Bash.”
“My apologies, Princess, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” One of the guards says, but by the sound of his voice, I would guess it to be Nathaniel.
Koura takes a large breath in. “Don’t worry. What brings you?’
I hear shoes shift behind me. “You’re needed in the Training Wing, Sir.�
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I am finally released and take a small step back. “Oh, it slipped my mind…” Koura rubs the back of his neck, giving me a concerned look. “We’ve brought in some of the trainees for extended training since we would need the extra security.”
“Then please, go.” I give his shoulder a light push, forcing a smile on my face. He has already done so much for me in such a short period of time, I don’t want to be even more of a hindrance than I already am. “Wouldn’t want to keep them waiting.”
“Will you be okay?” he asks, with no trace of humor in his voice. “Being on your own for now?”
“Alone in a shiny castle?” I smirk. “I’m a princess, remember? Made for this.”
“Not alone. Nathaniel and Bash will be with you.” He takes a hesitant step away, waiting for my reaction.
“C’mon, I don’t need to be babysat.” I groan and point an accusing finger at Nathaniel. “ I saved his butt back on the ship, remember?”
He barks out a laugh. “Helped. You helped my butt back on the ship.”
Koura tries to hold in a smirk but he fails. “How about they follow you at a distance? You won’t even notice them.”
I look at Nathaniel and Bash who remains silent throughout the conversation. Nathaniel's scar wrinkles with excitement, unlike Bash's indifferent gaze.
“Fine.” I bite out. Nathaniel’s lips break out into a whole smile. “But I’m not saving his butt this time.”
Koura rolls his eyes at my child-like behavior. “If you need anything—absolutely anything—come get me.”
I nod in response, still upset about being babysat. Koura turns to Nathaniel and Bash, raising his chin.
“I want her returned to me just as I left her. Or both of you will be answering me.” They both nod before bowing their heads. Koura pats them on the shoulder and heads down the hall.
Once Koura disappears from view, I take a hard step towards Nathaniel and Bash who take a step back, surprised. “How about you let me walk where I want and you both can have a break.”