Heritage

by Rebecca Walton

  Standing motionless I couldn’t take in what he was saying. Why was he being so harsh. It wasn’t like I kissed Logan, he kissed me and even, so it wasn’t like it was hurting anyone.

  “I’m not a child dad, and you can’t talk to me like that. I didn’t do anything wrong. Why is it that when I want your attention you don’t seem to want to give it to me. Now I want my freedom, you won’t leave me alone?” I yelled. The sky lit up with the flash of lightning, as I couldn’t control the anger that was burning up inside of me.

  “You will do what I tell you to do, while you are under my roof.”

  Why is it that parents throw that in your face in every argument, if they don’t want you to do something. Is there a parent’s guide book to arguing with your child. What to say when you have run out of pathetic ways to control what they are doing.

  “Fine!” I yelled.

  “Thank you. I will speak to you in the morning,” He sighed rubbing his temples.

  “No, you won’t. You are driving me up the wall. Why don’t you trust me. I can handle myself, I always could. Have you ever thought for just one moment. That this constant need to control me, could one day push me away? I’m through with this need you have to tell me what I can and can’t do!” I yelled. Walking away from the anger in my father’s face, I wandered into the open field that surrounded the castle.

  “Don’t you dare walk away!” He yelled after me.

  “Watch me!” I shouted back.

  Marching off as far away from my father as I could get on foot, I turned back towards the castle to see my father had disappeared. How is it possible that my life is completely controlled by men. I know that most women think that, but mine actually is. I’m sure that there are three men to every woman that I know. How is that even possible. I really need to start finding more women to hang around with in the magical world. Before I actually drown in testosterone.

  “Well that was exciting if anything else.” Logan stood smug in front of me, as I continued to walk away from the place that was holding me in.

  “I hate men!” I yelled letting my body fall to the ground.

  “Here we go!” He laughed, lying down next to me. If my father thinks I shouldn’t be hanging around with Logan, hanging around with Logan was exactly what I was going to do. Lifting half my body from the ground, I turned to look at the drop dead gorgeous guy that was lying down next to me. Why had I been so determined to stay away from him. When all I wanted to do was jump his bones.

  “What?” He asked. Biting my lip I sat up and moved to lean over him as he lay on the ground. With a knee on the ground either side of his legs, I leaned over his body.

  “Well well Adabelle Gabriel,” He smirked sitting up chuckling.

  “Knew it wouldn’t be long.”

  “Shut up and kiss me,” I smiled.

  Pinning me onto the ground he smirked and kissed me firmly before pulling away.

  “You sure about this Elle?” He asked kissing my jaw line, sending the butterflies in my stomach crazy.

  “Not really... But that’s not going to stop me.”

  Staring into my eyes, he frowned and rolled off me onto the ground.

  “Well that’s dented my self esteem,” I sighed, sitting up and tidying up my hair. I’m so confused. Ten minutes ago he said he wanted me, and now he was turning me away.

  “You are too confusing!” He groaned.

  “Err what part of that did you not understand? I could draw a diagram for you if you want?” I mocked. Rolling his eyes he stood up and took my hand for me to follow him.

  “You want to get away from here right?” He asked.

  “Yeah...”

  “Well come to mine then,” he smiled, twinning his fingers in mine and stroking his thumb along the palm of my hand.

  “To Malum?” He wanted me to go to the centre of all evil. In the time where my head was on the chopping block. Is he mad, am I mad for even considering going. Why shouldn’t I go. If my father heard about this he would defiantly be infuriated.

  “Yes, I promise it will only be in my quarters. Like your father, mine wouldn’t like this either.”

  Pulling me into his chest and kissing my forehead he gave me a strong hug.

  “Fine,” I sighed. I felt safe with him and being in his embrace, I didn’t want to be anywhere else. Shimmering out of the field, the shock of shimmering made my legs buckle. Logan held me up as we appeared in a light grey room.

  Looking around, the walls were covered with dark black paintings. They were all peculiar, yet beautiful as they hung loosely off the walls. A small picture that hung on the far side of the huge room caught my eye. Trees towered over a lone child as she cowered on the ground in a ball. She glowered dimly in a ball of yellow light, as she sat scared and alone within the dark creepy forest.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” Logan spoke from behind me.

  “Really?” I asked, turning to see him sitting on the edge of a dark wooden king size bed.

  “You're thinking she’s a scared girl lost in a forest, but that’s not what it’s a picture of,” He spoke in a matter of fact way, as I crossed the room to sit next to him.

  “What is it a picture of then?” I asked.

  “It symbolises the good girl being trapped inside her dark soul,” He smiled, as if the painting didn’t bother him. For some reason, it bothered me, and I couldn’t dare to look at the little girl any longer.

  “You room is so dark.”

  “I know, I like it that way,” He spoke as he stoked the side of my face with his fingers.

  “I thought you didn’t want me.” I teased, kissing him as he began to kiss me.

  “Don’t think, it ruins the moment,” He mocked.

  “Oi,” I laughed as he pinned me to the bed. Sighing he put his hand on my cheek. He stopped staring at me for a couple of seconds, before he smiled with one corner of his mouth.

  “If Josh could see me now.”

  “Shut up,” I laughed as he began to kiss me again with more passion and haste than before. My head was screaming for me to stop, but my heart was pounding so loudly in my chest, that my head wasn’t being heard. You are going to regret this later. I thought to myself, but it didn’t matter I was living in the now.

  ***

  “If you sigh one more time, I think I may have to hit you over the head with this dish!” Alex exclaimed, as I covered my bowed head with my arms. Waking up in the room of a demon that I wasn’t even allowed to see, never mind doing that with was drowning me in guilt. It was lucky that I left before he woke up. As I don’t think I could have explained why I was so distressed to his face.

  “You are so bloody dramatic Elle. It’s not like you had only just met!” She moaned, placing the plates that we had used for our breakfast into the over flowing sink. My father wasn’t aware I was back in the castle, and I wasn’t going to go apologies to him for running off. So the sanctuary of Emeralds kitchen was going to have to do for now.

  “I am not being dramatic! I’m just contemplating if death by drowning, would be easier to master than death by a lightning bolt,” I sighed, feeling slightly sorry for myself for getting myself into this mess.

  “Oh please, anyone would die to be in your shoes, including me!”

  “Great, swap places, and you can deal with my father for me and Logan. When he finally wakes to see I’ve done a running act,” I sighed. Rolling her eyes, she slammed the cutlery onto the wooden sides. In an attempt to get me out of my subdued wallowing. Raising my head off the smooth table, I glared at her. She was right though, as much as I wanted her to be wrong,she wasn’t.

  “I don’t know what I’m doing anymore Alex. My head is all over the place. How could I be so stupid! I’m a rebel without a cause at the moment. Why can I not see the seriousness of what is going on? It’s like I’m living in a dream world, oblivious to the reality that is going on before my very eyes. I’m such a selfish disgraceful fool!” I exclaimed.

  “Disgraceful fool?
” Alex mocked sitting down next to me.

  “I can’t even insult myself anymore!” I sighed, banging head against the table. I didn’t mean to hit it as hard I did, so the slight pain darkened my mood even more.

  “You’re so funny,” She chuckled, pulling my head gently off the table.

  “I’m here to entertain,” I muttered.

  “Look at me,” She urged, turning my head so that I would look at her. She smiled sympathetically, which made me feel guiltier.

  “You are the most unselfish person I know. Every day you think of everyone else before yourself. You protect the world for heaven’s sake without a thought for yourself. It’s about time you did something for yourself for a change. Even if, that something does break a hell of a lot of rules, but I personally think, he may be worth it,” She smiled a crooked smile before chuckling to herself.

  Her words made me feel better. Inside my thoughts became less cloudy, and I could see a light at the end of this dreary mood I was in. Even so, I still feel completely deflated on the upcoming argument with my father. That was inevitably going to happen. Yawning I stood away from the stool I was sitting on and headed towards the kitchen door.

  “I guess I have to face the repercussion of my actions,” I sighed.

  “I’ll be here waiting for you,” She smiled, as I made my way out of the door and along the corridor. Walking the short walk from the kitchen to my father’s office I dawdled, walking in and out of the archways that centred the large central hallway. Crystals painted a rainbow of lights on the copper coloured walls, as the light shone through the crystal chandelier. The extravagant golden rug spread out through the deserted hall. Tracing the golden swirls crafted into the fabric, I jumped from one swirl to another. A hundred painted portraits watched me as I began to jump around like a college child.

  “I wonder how you would feel knowing a half breed was going to be running this place someday. Running the world,” I asked, the main portrait that hung on the wall. Being much larger than the others, the strong broad faced man stared intently at me from inside his golden frame.

  “Judging right?” I asked, stepping closer to his analysing eyes that seeped through to my soul.

  “I don’t blame you,” I sighed. Stroking the painted rugged chin, I chuckled silently to myself. It echoed through the large hallway, causing a hoard of muffled laughter. King Edward Gabriel, read the gold plated inscription screwed into the wall under the frame.

  “Did you ever have this problem?” I asked a smaller portrait. The pale faced women looked vacantly through me, as I stroked her rosy cheek.

  “I suppose not. Times have changed I suppose. What about you big fella? Any rule breaking on your half?” I asked, looking above Edward at Prince Ferdan. A large fellow with a long thick ginger beard. He didn’t look the type to differ from the rule book. How could I be the only one that had broken the vital rule in being a royal angel. It states clearly in black and white, no communication with the demonic world unless necessary. I can safely say there was not a lot of communication going on with Logan last night.

  Shaking my head, I pushed the thoughts of last night to the back of my head. Along with the feeling of guilt.

  “Key to happiness my child, is to not be afraid to do things your heart believes is the right thing to do. Even if, that breaks the rules,” A voice chocked from behind me. Turning hastily, my heart leapt from its cavity as I saw no one was standing behind me. The only invisible person I knew of was Leo and that old croaky voice wasn’t his.

  “Over here young one,” He croaked again.

  “Who are you?” I asked harshly, searching the empty hallway for any sign of movement. A sculptured head sat on a podium began to blink and smile in my direction.

  “Err... Hello,” I greeted, slowly stepping towards the talking head. Have I finally lost it and starting to see things that weren’t really there. His face looked slightly familiar, but I can’t place where I had seen it before. I had walked these corridors all my life, maybe I had made a mental note of the face without realising. His caring eyes drew me closer towards him. He doesn’t seem dangerous but then again, he is just a talking head.

  “Hello Adabelle,” He spoke again with the same familiar voice that I’m sure I’ve heard somewhere before.

  “Do I know you?” I asked.

  “You should do, I’m your grandfather after all.”

  Raising my eyebrow at him, I searched the room for anyone hiding. Ready to jump out at me with a remote control for this mechanism. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see anyone, my sanity is severely lacking.

  “Ok I’ll bite, you are my grandfather. A floating head,” I agreed shaking my head. I was seriously losing it.

  “Yes as hard as that is to actually believe. My spirit is inside of this sculpture.”

  Of course, it is. The marble carved mouth moved with ease, as it would on a normal face. Freaking out a little, I stood back analysing every move the head made, from the crease of his forehead to the flutter of his eyelids.

  “No... No, I’ve lost my mind. I’ve heard of spirits in paintings and mirrors but a sculpture nah! I’m not buying it. At least with paintings their head is attached to something.”

  “Mine is attached to something...”

  “A podium? Hardly the same thing.”

  “Well I think it is,” He mumbled.

  Well this is awkward and insane, but at least it was bidding my time before I had to be taken down a peg or two, by my doting father. Oh, please, I would walk through a hurricane if it would prolong not seeing my father.

  “Ok, so say you are real and my grandfather. I suppose you heard what I was saying before?” I asked, feeling slightly embarrassed.

  “I did, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You were venting your anger, by shouting at pictures. Which by the way don’t contain spirits, just in case you were wondering?”

  “Thanks,” I smiled. I hadn’t even thought about that fact. What if the portraits began to shout back at me, answering the questions I was firing at them. Now that would have been uncomfortable. I really should start thinking about my actions.

  “He is a hypocrite you know.”

  “Who?” I asked.

  “That father of yours. He was a right sod when he was your age,” He chuckled.

  “Is that so, I’m intrigued.”

  “Take a seat and I’ll give you an example.”

  Sitting down on the lush carpet in front of my apparently grandfathers head, I felt like a college child listening to her teacher. If only I could go back to that time, when everything was simpler and less dramatic, it was a better time.

  “Speak away random talking head.”

  Giving me a disapproving glance, he cleared his throat.

  “When he was your age, he decided that he didn’t want to be a Prince anymore. So he ran away...”

  “What? Why? Where did he go?” I asked.

  “Well the words he said to me were. I’m tired of you controlling me. As for where he went I don’t know, me and your grandma assumed he went to your mothers but we never found that out.” He sighed.

  “Huh... Well. He is a hypocrite, he is always trying to control me and make me feel trapped. No wonder I’m trying to rebel so much,” I mumbled.

  “I know you feel trapped Adabelle. I have seen you walk these halls for the past eighteen years with your father and sometimes alone. I hear you mutter and exclaim to yourself as you pass me...”

  “Why have you never spoken to me before?” I asked. I’ve walked through this hallway over a million times and not once had I heard even a whisper from him. That was a little odd.

  “Your father didn’t want me to. I travel through these statues through the castle...”

  “Wait what?”

  “I can transfer my spirit to other heads they are all the same of course. I don’t want to transform into a woman that would be a tad inappropriate, especially as the best part of a woman isn’t there,” He winked.

 
“Grandfather!” I exclaimed, laughing at his rudeness. Come to think about it, there were a couple of these heads placed in and around the castle. I don’t know why I hadn’t noticed it before.

  “Can I ask you something? And promise me you will tell me the truth,” I asked.

  “I can try,” He replied with a kind smile.

  “Do you think I will be ok?...”

  “Adabelle my beautiful granddaughter. Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.”

  “Ambrose Redmoon said that,” I replied.

  “You are a smart girl and very powerful, and I have complete faith in you. As does your father.”

  Funny it didn’t seem that way with all the protection my father wanted me to have. If he had faith in me, he wouldn’t feel the need to keep me under lock and key.

  “Thanks... Grandfather. Does this mean I will be seeing more of you?” I asked. The only memory I have of my grandfather when he was alive and not a statue head, was when I was four. He took me on my first horse ride. I held onto him so tightly out of fear I was going to fall off. When we stopped he told me I was a brave girl and that he was proud of me for facing my fears. I suppose he was the first person to guide me into facing my fears and not running away and hiding.

  “Perhaps if you don’t tell your father,” He winked.

  “I promise I won’t.” I didn’t mind keeping a secret from my father. If it meant that I could get some straight answers from someone wise for a change.

  “Elle? Is that you?” Josh called from half way down the corridor.

  “That’s my cue to leave.”

  Kissing him on his marble forehead I thanked him again, as the statue turned back to non moving marble. His spirit escaped through the mouth, and it flew by me in a glittering mist.

  “Hey Elle,” Josh greeted as he ran up to me.

  “I’m not talking to you,” I muttered, walking away from him and down the narrower corridor that led to a set of stairs.