Chương 34: Arrival

After last nights awkward encounter, Drake has hardly spoken to me. After Silvus walked in on us and I tried to soothe his temper, we went to sleep. But it was distant and colder than normal. He barely laid a hand on me, kept his back turned through the whole night. This morning he barely left with a silent kiss to the forehead and left me to puzzle and worry over his behavior. He was a man that never spoke freely of his problems, I knew that. But it made me worry more when he shut me out.

Now I wasn't sure if it was something I had said or done, or is there was more meaning behind his abrupt change in additude. I could see him being upset over Silvus's demeaning words and actions, but why must he push me away when I was technically the victim. Nothing she said bothered me anyway. This treatment wasn't any different to me, and I could fight my own battles. I jad been doing it for so long it was knee jerk. Although it did feel nice having someone other then Sebastion have my back.

A soft knock came upon the door amd startled me from my thoughts. Cautiously I rose to my feet, sliding my mask over my face and my hood over my head. It was more than likely a maid, but it was better to be cautious than anything. Danger lurked in every corner, and this knock was not something I recognized. Standing in front of the door, with a hand on my hint, I slowly reached for the door and turned it. Only opening it to a slight crack to peek out.

Just as I though it was a maid. She was really petite, curvy, a small amile plastered to her face. Her hair was such a bright red it looked artificial. It spilled out from underneath her black cap tied around her neck in large ringlets. Her attire was a long black dress that hung loosely around her, I would consider her pretty with her deep brown chocolate eyes.

I eyed her warily, waiting for her to speak. I couldn't trust that she wasn't 100 percent an assassin, so I refused to speak. If she thought I was rude, or a mute didn't bother me in the slightest.

"My Lady, the King and Queen request your presence. Please take this and change appropriately. I'll wait out here to escort you when you are ready." She beamed brightly up at me. Passing through the crack of the door, was a small red and black dress. It had no sleeves and an open triangle on the back to expose my skin. The skirt was long in the back, and angled so it was short in the front. Red swirls worked its way around the dress. The fabric was soft and thin. Casual. She passed a pair of black high healed boots in after them.

I hesitated as I accepted them, giving her an awkward nod before closing the door. I casually walked over to the bed and pursed my lips. What would they want with me? Why all of a sudden? Was it because of the Princess? Where they going to try and punish me because of my relationship with Drake? It was really petty to punish someone because of a choice someone else made, but this was the way of nobles. They woyld do anything to get what they wanted, even if it was other nobles.

With a heavy sigh, I quickly dawned on the dress and boots, not wanting to keep their majesties waiting any longer than they had to. It was awkward wearing such nice things, after all I wore pants and t-shirts most of my life. I was thankful I had enough practice to at least walk without hesitation, but to say I was uncomfortable was an understandment. Every exposed surface was a canvas of scars I had attained over my life span, a constant reminder I was far from my supposed royal heritage.

I may be a Princess by blood, but I would never be a Princess by deffinition. My sins ran too deep and my thirst to kill tripled that. I was a monster regardless of my dragon blood. Was I really even worthy of bring by Drake's side? I couldn't blame his attention for me on my father status of Dragon King becaise he didn't even know who I was until a few days ago. So what was it that he saw in me that I couldn't see for myself?

Maybe this visit would clear things up, or, maybe it would make things worse. The only way to find out would be to walk out that door, and find out. Quickly strapping my blade under my cloak, and my blade around my left thigh, I placed my hand on the door and opened it. The young maid was now joined by Sebastion, who was dressed handsomely. A black button up shirt with nice dress pants. A black cloak qith matching swirling patterns to my dress cascaded down it. His hair was actually brushed neatly back.

I couldn't help the smirk that formed on my lips as I took him in. The small smile upon his face told me he found me equally ridiculous. But we both said nothing as we followed the maid. I nervously played with the mask upon my face and kept adjusting the cloak so my hood covered my face. The cool wind settled upon my exposed legs furthering my discomfort. My feet had barely started to throb, aching with every step.

Even though I kept my self composed and cool, I couldn't help the small bit of anxiety that crawled its was through my chest. Each step it would tighten against my will. I hated beimg kept in the dark. not knowing what was going to become of me. With Sebastion's presence thrown in as well, it made it equally unnerving. This wasn't about the Princess, this was something different. Did they already know who we where? Where they going to give us up in hopes that they could free their daughter?

The maid paused at a wooden door and wrapped quietly against it. She announced her arrival. She left us out of her announcement and waited patiently and the door swung open. The smell of old books wafted into my nose. It was a welcoming smell, as I did love to read books. Sebastion and I passed uneasy glances back and forth as thr maid waved us hurriedly inside. Out of comfort, Sebastion linked an arm around mine and we walked in together.

At first I was shocked. It was a fairly spacious room with floor to ceiling book cases covering the back of the room. Four torches lit the room, casting flickering light across the space. A small glass door led out to a grand balcony. Red curtains tied to the wall on either side. letting in more natural light. Sitting in front of the glass door was a single oak desk with an oil lamp, papers scattered about. A single jar of ink and a quill sat tucked against the lamp.

Sitting at the desk was a familiar man. He had long jet Brown hair and a long beard. Dark brown eyes and a grin that sat upon his face. He wore a long white cape with clothes to match, making his look more holy than majestic. Despite his young appearence, you could see the laugh lines that appeared on his face, the wrinkles creasing his forehead.

A woman stood beside him, smiling gently upon our arrival. With a horrified and silent gasp, I stared. She looked just like our mother. Long thin straight black hair cascaded down,her back, green piercing eyes sat upon our appearence. Her features where soft, yet the way she held herself was demanding. An aura of leadership dripped off her as she stood in her long white silk dress. Every inch of fabric clung to her body like it was mage to fit just her. Snug and showing off every curve.

I could feel the tears prick my eyes as I stared at her. I couldn't shake the ghostly feeling that came over me, like a thick blanket. I couldn't breathe as I felt myself start to tremble. Because truth be told my mother was dead. So who where these mysterious yet somehow familiar people?

"Aria, Sebastion. It's been quite a long time." The woman spoke. Clear, crisp, yet soft. I felt myself drawn to her as she moved gracefully around the table, the fabric she more whispering against the floor with each step. I paled at her as she strode towards us. She knew us? How did she know us? Drake said he didn't announce our arrival to anyone. Of course that was until last night when he lost his temper. Damn it Drake!

My hold tighten on Sebastion as she now stood before us, her hands coming slowly up to my face. I flinched away startled and took a step back. Who did she think she was, this mother impersonator. The woman clucked her tongue, keeping me still as she gently tucked her hands under my hood and pushed it off my head. Sebastion watched, tense and waiting for any moment of danger.

"I know you don't trust me, and I understand. But I am not here to hurt you. None of us are. We are family after all." She cooed as she pulled my mask down gently. Her eyes filled with tears as she stared upon my face, placing a cool hand on my cheek.

For just a moment I felt like a little kid again. Giggling and screaming as Sebastion and I ran through the halls. This woman running after us laughimg as well. Her hair flying behind her as she chased us. The yellow sun dress billowing around her knees with the rush of the breeze she created with her speed.

"I'm gonna catch you two! You just wait!" She called out as we rounded a corner. We continued our laughter, squealing as she reached for us. Every time she missed, we ran faster, stretching our legs to their full extent. It was exhilarating, the thrill of the chase. It wasn't until we barreled through the glass doors to the garden that she caught us. Grabbing our shoulders lightly as she panted heavily behind us.

We burst into fits of giggles as she used her fingers to tickle us. Collapsing to the ground as we fought to breathe. We rolled around in the grass trying to escape her fierce fingers, but to no avail we had to surrender to her assault. Tears pricked my eyes as I stared up at the older woman standig before me. My head throbbed and I felt my knees buckle. Sebastion still had his arm hooked around mine and steadied me. What was this? I knew it was real, but why was I remembering it now?

"Aunt Amina?" I asked wearily rubbing my temple with my free hand. I heard the surprise gasp come from her as she now placed both hands on my face. Sebastion gasped in pain as well. I felt the air rise up as I fell to my knees, Sebastion following in a similar fashion. I heard him groan as he let go of arm to try and soothe his own headache.

"Careful, trauma supressed your memories. It only centered on the negative emotions you felt, and the memories that latched on to them. Don't push it." She whispered as she knelt down before us. I let a sob wreck my body as my palmed the tears from my face. How could I forget sweet Aunt Amina. Her loving smiles, warm hugs, and tender kisses. Aunt Amina was my mother's twin sister. My mother and Sit use to be commoners. The King's army came through one day on a routine patrol. He was younger then.

He spotted her and just knew he had to have her. so he swept her away and married her, making her queen. Aunt Amina was popular amongst the villages for her kind and caring ways, so being a commoner was not a big deal for them. She is still one of the most highly respected nobles in the land. A merciful Queen. I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder as she gave us an awkward three way hug.

"We thought we lost you qhen the village was attacked. We lost hope when your bodies couldn't be recovered. If Silvus hadn't come in last night enraged, we would have nevwr known you where living under our roof. The gods have blessed us." She choked as her own sobs spilled from her. I sniffled and buried my head into her neck as I wrapped my self around her, wanting her sweet warmth that reminded me of sunny filled days.

"Aunt Amina I am so sorry. We where sold off to the assassins guild for drugs. I guess in the chaos we shut down and lost sight of who we where. We were just scared kids...we didn't know-" I choked out, tears falling faster down my face. Aunt Amina hushed me quietly, stroking my hair gently as she tried to soothe me.

"You both are safe now. I will make sure of it. Nothing will happen to you under my care." She whispered as she planted firm kisses atop both of our heads.

"Hey is there room for one more?" King Harold asked. We all gave tear filled chuckles as he made his way to our little group and wrapped us in tight hugs. One big sobbing heap on the floor as we tried to find comfort in each other's embrace. The void that had been growing, was slowly shrinking. A small piece had been filled back in, and I felt just a little better.

One single loud knock sounded on the door. We pulled away from our tight circle and Aunt Amina helped us to our feet. I wiped away stray tears with the back of my hand as Uncle Harold opened the door.

"Your Majesty, are you alright?" It was Drake and he seemed rather alarmed. I peaked around My Uncle's shoulder, to get a glimpse of his face. It was hard and unemotional as he studied my Uncle.

"Yes, more than alright now. Can we address this later? I have some catching up to do?" He spoke urgent and quiet, like he was hiding something. I walked up to my uncle's back and placed a hand on his shoulder. Drake's face lit up in surprise.

"We can come back later Uncle, it's not a big deal. I know you are a very busy man with everything going on." I gave him a small smile but he waved at me.

"Nonsense child. It has been too long since we last saw you. I would like to catch up at least for a few minutes. Besides he is here in regards to you anyway." He gave Drake a pointed look. No response was given as Drake stood tense. I raised an eyebrow in question, but he was to busy staring at the dress I was in, again more stoic than ever. A little piece of me broke at his emotionless state. Why was he being so cold? His eyes lingered on every scare that crossed my skin, making me feel self conscious about my flaws.

"Honey maybe we should address that now. Drake would you come in deary?" She waved at him to enter. Uncle, submissive yet upset, stepped aside and let Drake enter. He only paused for a moment to plant a kiss on my cheek before taking his place in the center of the room. I felt my heart warm once again at his touch, despite how cold he was acting.

With a heavy sigh, Uncle Harold stode across the room and towards his desk. Woth a grunt, he plopped down and folded his hands together, a grim expression on his face. I passed Sebastion a grim look of my own. I didn't want him here to see this. I didn't want to see this. But quietly I took my place next to Sebastion next to the book shelves and watched with discontent.

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