Xeol
Like the coming of a Giant, the clouds rumbled and rained, each drop falling like pearls. While the strong wind carried the voice of the thunder, the lighting flashing across the sky like a splash of colorful paint on the sketch board.
There was lesser crowd than any other day owing to the weather. My feet took me to a nearby shop. I sat down and picked up the menu.
"Is there something I can help you with?"
A waiter came up to me but I paid him no mind. My eyes strayed towards Alti who was dressed to conceal her identity, near the flower shop, diagonal to where I sat. We had been on it since last week, after receiving the letter. It had become my schedule now, to slither inside the kingdom of Velare and be at the illegal market by night.
Alti was worried sick for my sake but I was determined.
Today though, she decided to be the one to sneak on Lady Enin. Their security had recently been unguarded by much. Doubt is, she already knows we were following her. I didn't take her to be a dumb queen.
The question still remained though, why?
I watched as Lady Enin followed by guards, walked out of the flower shop with a bouquet of lilac. Alti followed close behind as she entered the coffee shop and walked right up to me. Alti was still on the heels.
She bowed, lifting her skirt, she smiled at me and gave me the flowers.
"Your Highness"
The guards unsheathed their swords after they saw the half golden mask I always wore. The half I tried to burn it to purity by acid. I shook myself out of my thoughts as she ordered the guards to put the swords back down.
I smiled and got up, kissing the back of her hand.
"Lady Enin"
"I never expected our tea party would be like this. But when haven't you always blown our minds?"
I scoffed. She was a beauty, with amber eyes and button nose. Her lips resembled a heart and her curly long blond hair was silken like golden strands of yarn.
I had worn a broach which resembled to my royalty on this day which was scheduled for the meeting. She was good at picking out details.
"Let me give you a better welcome, your highness"
I nodded my head and we sat inside the car, Alti still among the shadows. She could be invisible when she wanted to.
The palace doors opened and two guards greeted us. A big drop of emerald sat on top of the castle, hanging on air. It symbolised their promise to nature.
"The weather seems adamant on not letting us have a conversation out in the courtyard. Forgive me, we must have the tea inside"
It felt like the leaves and the branches moved of their own accord and not by the direction of the wind. I looked at the promise of love engraved on a stone and a memory flashed before my eyes. It wasn't the first time I was here. I had been when my mom- when she was alive.
I took a deep breath and coiled back inside like I always did. I looked up and found Alti on the rooftop, looking down at us like an eagle.
Nothing changed much. The servants helped me with my coat and hat.
"You are aware that your actions would've been catastrophic, right?"
I huffed, sitting down on the chair after her. I nodded my head.
"But what's fun playing by the books. Death knocks on everybody's door"
She laughed, pouring us both a drink. It was peachy.
"You do not care for a war with us?"
I kept my hand on my chest, bowing a little towards her.
"Don't be mistaken, my lady. I wouldn't want your wrath on my part. But it is quite suspicious that you would invite me only after the announcing of the challenge and seeming as my relationship with all of you"
She looked like she had bitten into a lemon at my words. I smiled and sat back.
"Understandable. That's why I approached you"
Her features turned sharp, looking at me determined. I straightened my spine at the change in the atmosphere. She gestured towards her right-hand man, Elias and he brought forth a plate covered with green cloth. She pulled the cover and a wooden box appeared. She kept it between us on the table.
"Take an oath not to speak about it in the light"
I took the oath. She engulfed a breath of air and opened it. My jaw nearly dropped to the floor. It was a dragon egg. The massive egg, as hard as a metal sat on the cushion, with engravings of ancient word on it.
"How is this possible"
She shook her head.
"We do not know. I found it in the forest inside a cave. Would you like to visit? Terrible things have happened since the day the egg landed on our laps. What is going on?"
I understood her predicament very well. My mind went back to the eyes. So, my hunch wasn't wrong. I looked at the large grandfather's clock behind her and saw that my time was limited.
"How did you find the cave in the first place?"
She looked distraught as she looked at me.
"The nature cried of pain. It has been for the past couple of months. I want you to keep it. Don't take this as giving a curse away, I sincerely hope that the egg would be in safer hands with you. And your wisdom would guide you to come with a solution. I can't bear the cries of my beloved"
Safer. The words stuck to my heart even if I didn't want to. I remembered her being twelve years old and me being twenty when I took her to the magical land, which comprised of fireflies and rhododendrons in the night light only to get chastised by her parents for being with me.
I exhaled and nodded my head. A laugh leaving my throat.
"Fine. But you will owe me, Lady Enin"
She sat straighter.
"I'm not frightened"