Breanne was stunned. She did not know what to think or believe. Even if Alarica was lying about all of that, she did prove she could be trusted. Are you really a king? Uh oh, I forgot to say sire. Maybe I should just leave and not be here.
Alarica was relieved and replied with a slight laughter in her voice, "The term is sovereign and it is either my sovereign or your eminence." Things turned serious, however, when she asked, "Why would you say you should leave?"
"Now why would you think that child? If you had been invited by my daughter it means that she trusts you," Leonessa said, standing in the doorway after finishing with the girls.
Breanne panicked, hand went up to her mouth, she backed up, she backed up and out of the way for a clear path to run somewhere, anywhere that would be safe. Alarica ran after Breanne though it did not take long. Leonessa was standing in the doorway and that was the only way out. Breanne found a screen and thought that if she crouched low enough, she would not be seen. Alarica found her there and kneeled down beside Breanne, rubbing her back.
Breanne was frightened that the beating she was waiting for would finally come to life. Instead, Alarica started singing. Alarica turned around to see her mother crouching down beside her with a confused look on her face. The singing was working. Breanne started to straighten up to see that it was Alarica. Breanne clutched onto Alarica and started crying, letting out all of that pain that had nowhere else to go and, after a few soothing words, Breanne started to calm down.
"Alarica, what had happened? Was it something I said? I do not understand." Leonessa finished before Melisent and Emily ran into the bathing room.
"Don't hurt her! Don't hurt her! You're a doctor. Doctors don't hurt people. Let her go!" Melisent was screaming from the doorway at Alarica when she heard her mother screaming. She ran to her mother and launched herself to tackle Alarica only to be caught by Leonessa. Melisent screaming, crying, and kicking was a handful all on her own. Emily was crying as well watching everything going on. The commotion brought Claryvorra's attention to the bathing chambers. There was mother with Breanne, grandmother with Melisent, so that left Claryvorra with the baby. Claryvorra walked into the bathing chamber and took a hold of Emily, doing what everybody else was doing: giving a little bit of love.
"Daughter, I think an explanation is in order. First the mother, then Melisent, and Emily cries as she is watching her family fall apart," Leonessa told Alarica as she rocked Melisent back and forth to comfort her.
"Mother, I wish I had an explanation. I do not know enough to be able to give the answer that you require." Alarica says softly after noticing that Breanne had fallen asleep in her arms.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause such a ruckus," Melisent started pushing herself away from Leonessa. "I'm sorry I yelled. I heard mama screaming like she always did. She always screams when grandmother talks to her. She never leaves any visible bruises. You only see them if you know where to look. Mama's not supposed to talk because she sounds like a little baby. It's not mama's fault she can't. Mama tries really hard but she just can't. She probably thought you had the paddle to hit her with because she tells me to talk to you and she draws you pictures. She thought that you were going to hurt her. My mama is always crying," Melisent finished, rocking herself back and forth. Leonessa reached out her hand, waiting for Melisent to take it. When nothing happened, Leonessa sat in front of Melisent and pulled Melisent close to her and they rocked together.
Alarica felt two things at that moment: Deep pain because of the beating her friend received for doing something Breanne could not control. Also, anger that took hold of a protective streak she reserved for only two people: her mother and her daughter. Now it was five, as Breanne, Melisent, and Emily was added to that list. Alarica picked up Breanne and placed her on her own sleeping cushions. Leonessa now had a sleeping child in her arms. Placing Melisent next to her mother, she left the sleeping chambers after closing the draperies.
Alarica stayed behind to think, I know why Breanne does not see herself as the beautiful woman I know she is. How could anyone hurt my little one? Her mind is confused, her heart broken, and her soul shattered because someone has taught her to believe she is not worthy of kindness, love, and respect.
Alarica went back to the bathing chamber seeing that Emily was all right playing with Claryvorra. She searched for her mother only to find her sitting by the sleeping cushions that Breanne and Melisent were now resting on. Alarica sat in front of her mother to tell her what had been happening so far. They both sat there watching the girls resting, believing that this was the only time Breanne could truly be free.
Breanne started to wake up, momentarily confused. Suddenly remembering where she was and what had happened she turned around to see that they were there. Leonessa looked at Breanne with a smile, "Hello child. I am mother. Did you rest well?" Leonessa raised her hand in an attempt to brush back the hair but Breanne misunderstood.
She covered herself with her arms and she heard that voice. "Breanne, it is all right. Mother will not hurt you. She left to find a washcloth to clean your face. Lower your arms, Breanne, there is nothing to fear." There, that voice always said it would be all right. Lowering her arms slowly into her lap, she realized that there was something she had to do. Looking around trying to find it,where was it, it had to be somewhere. Breanne started wiggling on the sleeping cushions to buy her some time. Alarica noticed the motions and hurriedly showed her where to go. Finally, feeling better and proud she made it before there was another accident she went to the sink to wash her hands.
"There you are. Here is a cloth for you to clean your face." Leonessa held out the cloth for Breanne to take. Breanne stood there looking at the cloth, wondering what the true purpose for the cloth was. Looking at Alarica and Leonessa realizing that they had similar eyes, trusting eyes, Breanne took the cloth and wiped her face, feeling how it good it felt. Breanne rinsed the cloth in the sink, rung the excess water, and laid it in the sink to dry.
Slowly, Breanne raised her hand toward Alarica to feel, to see her face. Alarica smiled with pride watching Breanne raise her hand. Alarica met her half way and grasped the hand gently to place it on her face. For the first time since they met, Alarica saw a smile, a genuine smile. Holding Breanne's hand to her face she said softly, "You see, everything is fine."
Turning slightly toward Leonessa she wanted to but . . . Alarica did give her slight nod to say it would be okay, she raised her hand. Leonessa grasped her hand gently and held it "Breanne, how would you like to stay and visit with an old lady for a little while?" Leonessa said softly.
"Do not believe her. She says she is old because she wears the colors. However, she still has the skills of a fine warrior." Alarica stated with laughter.
"I say what is the truth." Leonessa replied, looking at Alarica.
Suddenly remembering what Alarica told her before everything happened, Breanne collapsed on the floor in an attempt to bow. Alarica bent down to comfort Breanne. "Breanne, I appreciate your attempt to bow before us, but that is only required in the public arena. I will let you know before what is expected."
Breanne raised her head to see Alarica sitting there smiling at her. Feeling embarrassed, Breanne's face was turning red. Red faced and embarrassed she lowered her head in an attempt to hide. Alarica approached Breanne and embraced her, rubbing her back.
Breanne looked at Alarica and smiled, thinking, I better wake Melisent. Tomorrow school day, I'm sorry. She waited nervously for something to happen. As a nervous gesture, the offending hand went up again.
Alarica looked at Breanne with an expectant look and Breanne looked back at her. Remembering, Breanne lowered her hand to clasp its partner in front of her, earning a smile from Alarica. "Now, we could wake up Melisent and have an early meal before seeing you home. I think it would please mother if she could get to know you a little better."
But tomorrow school, we have to leave now, it be dark soon. Breanne replied with her head halfway between up and down. She still was not completely sure what would happen. She watched Alarica and Leonessa looking at each other as if reading each other's minds.
"Breanne will not speak to me we communicate by me voicing my thoughts and me reading hers," Alarica told her mother, answering the quizzical look on her face.
"Breanne, stay here and have a meal with us. My daughter will provide transportation to see you safely home." Leonessa said to Breanne hoping to straighten Breanne's stance. Breanne remained hunched over with her head halfway down.
"Breanne, always stand tall and strong," Alarica said, attempting to straighten Breanne's stance. Breanne turned to Alarica with a questioning look. "Breanne, always keep in mind it is not your height but conviction in yourself that you are proving." Breanne understanding what Alarica was telling her-- she straightened herself out of the hunched-over position she was in earlier. Head and back straight with hands clasped in front of her, Breanne was now the perfect picture of poise.
"Very good, Breanne," Alarica said, noticing that with every praise Breanne grew more sure of herself. That meant Breanne would have confidence to talk to her and be less fearful here in this house, the house of Avalon.
"Melisent is waking up. I hope she had a restful sleep. I will go see to her. Please pardon me." Leonessa said as she was watching Melisent getting up from the cushions. Leonessa sat beside Melisent quietly talking to her. Melisent was visibly relaxed and a little embarrassed, as evidenced by the red face.
Alarica, my sovereign, could you please show me where my clothes are now so we could go home? Breanne asked Alarica still poised still scared. She wanted Breanne to be comfortable if only with her here in the manor. If comfort for Breanne meant only relaying her concerns and feeling with thought, then Alarica was happy.
"Breanne, I would like you to stay for a meal. I will be sure that your clothes will be done tomorrow morning. I. . ." Alarica started saying before Ernestine appeared at the door, not following social etiquette by abiding by the closed draperies.
Ernestine watched an immediate transformation that she did not understand. "Meus imperium, you must review these papers before tomorrow. It will be too late to review after the last meal and must be done now. I will show these vagrants out and see to it that they will never be able to enter again."
"Ernestine, you will do no such thing and I will review the papers. Leave the papers in my study. Before that, bow and apologize." Alarica stated in the tone that Ernestine had come to realize meant business.
Ernestine, however, always felt it was her duty to think for the sovereign. "Vestra magnificentia, meus darling imperium, what would you be doing with these vagrants? Let me take care of them for you dear meus darling imperium." Ernestine finished hoping that with a little sugar mixed in, it would allow her to be seen as the councilor as she had always been known.
Alarica was furious by this time. Ernestine was questioning her judgment among other members of her family. She will pay for this. " By the order of the throne, you are to bow in humiliation." Alarica felt something on her lower back. Looking beside her, she realized that Breanne had moved beside her and started rubbing her back with a little smile on her face.
"But vestra magnificentia . . ." Ernestine started, watching the sovereign move towards her. Alarica grabbed the papers away from Ernestine and watched Ernestine expectantly.
"Now!" was the last thing the sovereign said before Ernestine fell on the floor with her body out stretched and on her stomach. "You will stay there until further orders. This would also be an appropriate time to remember your English lessons." Alarica stepped outside the room, stretched out her hand with a smile growing on her face as Breanne approached.
Leonessa smiled with pride for her daughter. Holding Melisent's hand, both walked out of the room following Alarica and Breanne. They walked to the dining area, a bright room with large floor to ceiling windows, sitting cushions around a low table, live plants and flowers around the room, and long draperies to close the entry way. Alarica spoke to a servant to be sure her request was followed. Claryvorra entered the room with Emily. Emily was smiling and laughing, something that she only did when she was truly happy. Could it be that Breanne found a home? That she had found someone that could love her.
Breanne had been studying the flowers, looking at the shape of the petals and smelling their fragrance. Alarica had come beside Breanne, enjoying watching Breanne appreciate the flowers. Breanne noticed Alarica and smiled a true smile to Alarica. Alarica began telling Breanne about the flowers, their origin, their use, everything she knew and Breanne absorbed everything that Alarica told her. Leonessa, like any mother, took this opportunity to tell a story or two about her daughter. Alarica wished for that hole to appear now below everyone to make everyone disappear. Breanne quietly stood beside her and rubbed Alarica's back. At least someone loves me. Elmira walked into the room finding everyone smiling and laughing, especially Alarica since an opportunity had presented itself just in time. This time, it was Elmira's turn to be embarrassed. The food came and everyone enjoyed themselves as the laughter and good cheer continued.
Breanne whispered to Alarica to find somewhere to talk. Both entered the study and Alarica closed the draperies. Alarica, thank you for the food. Could I have my clothes now please? Breanne thought with just a little more courage this time. Alarica was noticing the change and smiled, knowing that maybe with a little more time she could erase all the bad memories.
"Breanne, the clothes that you had been wearing are now being laundered. Come back tomorrow and I will give them to you. If I am not here, Elmira will be here to assist you with anything that you need. Melisandra is studying the Scrolls of Protocol. The Scrolls of Protocol were written as a guide to help train and provide knowledge for those of the aristocracy. Melisandra had grown complacent in her duties as Her Majesty of the Throne of Sovereign Cyan Alarica. That is why she was not present at the table. Everyone is to be present at mealtime. There are no excuses unless I state otherwise. Those situations do not come up very often. I will see to it that you have transportation home." Alarica told Breanne while caressing her face. Breanne was absorbing the words and the touch. Breanne felt good for the first time since she could remember. She would be purring if she could.
Placing her hand on top of Alarica's hand, Breanne thought, Alarica, how long will Ernestine have to be like that?
Alarica bowed her head, knowing Breanne had a point. After a while, the purpose is lost and it is not as effective as it should be. Looking up at Breanne, she replied, "I will release Ernestine later, but not without consequence. She did something wrong and she must pay the consequences of such an action. I will go into detail later. I must now go to see to it you have a safe journey home." Breanne released Alarica's hand, the hand that she had been holding. In its place, she held out her arms in a gesture that anyone would understand. Alarica nodded slightly and enveloped Breanne to give Breanne the love that she sorely needed. Releasing each other, Alarica left to find transportation and Breanne left to find her girls.
With cloak in arms and keys in her hand, Alarica gathered Breanne and her girls to leave for home. If a sovereign wanted something done properly, she did it herself. That is why Alarica drove. On the way, Alarica explained that she might not be home. Breanne and the girls were always welcome and could come by at any time.
Alarica did not appreciate the American Government because she had to deal with the imbeciles who called themselves leaders. It was not the debating; it was the so-called typical male behavior that was the problem along with their feeble minds. She could not carry any weapons on her person, not that she needed any, all she needed was a well-placed pinch here and there . . . and oops, I'm sorry, but he's dead. We were only talking and he just died. Maybe he had a bad heart. The sad thing about that is everyone would believe it, idiots.
The next day, Breanne returned to the manor for her clothes. Alarica was not there however, so she left to return home. Melisent came home feeling miserable because her teacher said that she made everything up. She tried to explain to the teacher that all that he had to do was call the number on the card that she provided. The teacher refused, stating if he doesn't know about it, it doesn'texist. Melisent called the number that Claryvorra gave to her, forgetting to pick up another business card.
"Hello," Claryvorra answered.
"Hello, who is this?" Melisent asked, not knowing who it was. The voice did not sound immediately familiar.
"This is Claryvorra, Melisent. How are you?" Claryvorra answered, trying to reassure Melisent.
"Claryvorra? Hi, I'm sorry but I forgot to pick up another card before I left the other day. If you give me the number to talk to Miss Elmira, I can call her instead," Melisent responded.
"Melisent, the number I gave is my cell phone. I would be happy to provide you the number to speak with Elmira. However, if there is any way I may help you I would be happy to." Melisent realized then that they had something in common. Both liked to talk and that they did. They talked until it was time for supper. Melisent felt better when she was finished, feeling that it was not just her mother that found a friend.
The following day was another day with nothing of interest to do or speak of until her mother showed up. Breanne's mother wanted to talk to her about her excursions. Her mother had heard about them. Breanne did the best she could. She remembered how she was treated and how she felt when she was with Alarica. She now knew that she did not have to suffer, but suffer she did. Melisent left her room when her grandmother left to see to her mother. It did not look good. Melisent could not wake up her mother and blood was coming from the mouth, nose, her ears: there was blood everywhere. Her grandmother did not scream, it was that voice that meant she was beyond angry, angry with what, though, Melisent did not know. All she did know was that she had to remain calm to help her mother. Think of a solution. She picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number.
"Claryvorra, I don't know what else to do. My grandmother came over tonight to talk to mama. When she left, I went to put Emily back to sleep and then I came to check on mama and there's blood everywhere and she's not waking up," Melisent said with urgency in her voice.
Melisent did not realize that during the conversation she was put on speakerphone so Leonessa could hear what was going on. Her grandmother urged her to find out where they lived and that something will be done. Claryvorra did as she was told and gave the information to her grandmother. Not long after hanging up, Melisent heard a knock on the door. Safely answering the door, she was happy it was Leonessa. Three other women for security followed Leonessa. Melisent left to pack a few things for herself, Emily, and her mother. Breanne was carried to the car by a guard while Leonessa saw to it that the children were taken care of.
Alarica had a lunch meeting with a state senator, Senator Rio Trafford Chamberlaine. The lunch meeting was to discuss the possibility and plans of gaining popularity within the senate, working her way up to the top. That was the plan. However, just as any other plans, that too fell through. Alarica was not aware of the senator's preferences or the true meaning of the meeting. In between debates of philosophy and integrity, Alarica was finding herself thinking of the multiple uses for the silverware on the table. "Senator Chamberlaine, I am here to discuss with you the possibility of being seen by the President of the United States, to discuss the plans on how to proceed to do so. I have been meeting with the members of the government ever since my arrival and I was relieved to have someone finally listen to me. As desperate as I am for someone to recognize me, I am not that desperate and I would very much appreciate it if you kept your hands off my private person. Please enjoy your day."
Alarica arrived home frustrated over the events imbeciles, every one of them. She thought that maybe it was not a good idea to seek an alliance with America. Yet, she could not give up. She must succeed where her grandmother failed. Visions of relaxation and realizing what she needed were a bath and a goblet of Vinum. Thinking those thoughts and following through with them, however, was something entirely different. Suddenly the doors burst open with Breanne and the children. Leonessa explained what had happened. Alarica took Breanne away from the guard, carrying Breanne to her laboratory to see to her injuries while Leonessa took the children to the sleeping chamber. Claryvorra arranged the sleeping cushions so the three of them would sleep together. Claryvorra assisted her grandmother by being sure everything was all right and everyone was comfortable.
Leonessa and Alarica worked side by side to assess and treat Breanne's injuries. Leonessa left the laboratory to sleep, leaving Alarica there to care for Breanne. Alarica did not leave Breanne alone for very long. Breanne slept for three days before waking up confused and in pain. Everything hurt, she was not sure if there was a place that did not have any pain. What brought solace to this misery was that voice, that voice of comfort that she had come to love. Attempting to open her eyes to see that face she realized she could not. Reaching up to her eyes, she felt a bandage wrapped around them, only to be held in place by another hand.
"Breanne, you will be all right. You were brought here three days ago after being beaten by your mother. She had caused much damage to your body. The bandage around your eyes is to protect them from further injury. You are not well enough to eat solid food so instead it will be soft food. The children are well and have not been injured, though they are worried about you. Mother has been spending time with Emily. Do not worry, you and the children will be taken care of, I assure you," Alarica said while rubbing Breanne's hand in comfort.
Will I see again? Breanne was able to ask before the headache returned.
"Yes, Breanne, you will be able to see again. The bandages need to stay for two more days before I remove them," Alarica answered, her voice straining in an attempt to keep calm.
Breanne nodded her head before falling back asleep. Breanne woke up the next day slowly remembering, remembering the words, the hitting, and the confusion. She did not know what she did wrong. Alarica cared for Breanne during her recovery and was able to see into Breanne's memories. Breanne's defenses were weak and in an effort to assist Breanne with her recovery, Alarica had to know what had happened. She knew she had to admit to Breanne what she was doing. Alarica had a responsibility to care for her family and that family included Breanne and the girls as well. She could not do that without knowing everything. Now that she did, she understood less than she did before. Knowing and understanding were two different concepts. That was a lesson that was hard to learn.
The bandages were removed and she was getting stronger. Alarica's knowledge of healing was rewarded as she continued to see Breanne heal. That was the easy part. The hard part was admitting what she had been doing without Breanne's knowledge and approval. It was a betrayal of trust. Good intentions or not it was still a betrayal. Her training with the Sages came back full force every night she attempted sleep. Sleep would not come until she admitted the truth.
Alarica came into her laboratory with an attempt at a smile on her face. Breanne saw this and wondered what was wrong. Alarica said everything was fine. What was wrong? Hesitating at the cabinet that held the herbals, thinking how the subject should be approached, she stood there. She told Leonessa what had happened and, though disappointed, Leonessa understood and said to tell the truth.
Alarica, what's wrong? Your shoulders slumping. Breanne said in an attempt to get Alarica's attention.
"Breanne, I . . . I have something I need to tell you." Alarica said, still standing at the cabinet, looking to the doors for answers. She shook her head and slowly turned around to face Breanne. "Breanne, as you know, as sovereign there are certain things that I am capable of doing. To shorten the story, it was decided that it was a necessity to better serve her people to protect them from harm, as the enemy was not always forthcoming with the necessary answers. One of those things is being able to see into someone's memories. Reading thoughts and seeing into someone's memories are different things as one is immediate and the other requires more probing." Alarica stopped to rub her hands on her dress and realized it was useless. The armlets that adorned her arms had leather palms. "Breanne . . . I . . . I had looked into your memories to see for myself what had happened. So many questions needed to be answered. It is my responsibility to care for my family. You and the girls are a part of my family, not by blood but by heart. I cannot explain it any more than that. I find myself confused over what I had seen. There are still many questions. This does not happen on Avalon. If a mother is seen as an unfit mother, the child is immediately adopted into another family of the same village without question. They need only provide the necessary documents to support this decision. Please understand Breanne, please . . . I beg you to understand." Alarica finished lowering herself to the floor bowing in humiliation, waiting for Breanne to answer.
Breanne did not know what to think. She only knew what to say, Alarica, what did you see? Alarica, you can get up now. I member you had Ernestine do that. I don't think this is the same thing. Alarica? My sovereign? Breanne said before attempting to sit upright because of Alarica's unresponsiveness. Successful in her attempt to sit upright, now she had to attempt to walk over. Feeling proud of her accomplishment, she sat down in front of Alarica and tapped her head gently. Alarica slowly raised her head not sure what to expect. Alarica was a strong and confident woman and sovereign. Except when something bothered Breanne and she was the cause.
Tears lingering in her eyes, she said, "Yes, Breanne?"
Why don't you sit up? That way we can talk without you hurting your neck, Breanne responded, hoping to lighten the mood just a little.
Alarica nodded and sat in front of Breanne. "Am I forgiven? Etiquette dictates that I need your permission first. I did not ask for permission. I did not think it was necessary as I was only looking to find out what happened. The more I saw, though, the more curious I became." She finished, looking at the floor.
It's okay. I don't think you would hurt me. I just want to know what you saw. Breanne started to rub Alarica's hands, hoping to sooth the worry that had enveloped the woman that had become her friend.
Looking into Breanne's eyes "What I saw was very confusing. There were . . . I am not sure how to explain this . . . there were attempts to help you with your speech but I am not sure they were attempts made with love. The hitting, the words, everything, was just puzzling. I do not believe they saw the frightened child they had created. Your mother blaming you for your father's death stating that he died because of you. Nothing made sense." Alarica finished angrily as she was mentally sorting through the images that she had seen.
Breanne sat there thinking how to explain what had happened. She knew that Alarica would understand her but she needed to be sure that Alarica and Leonessa both understand who she is. That meant asking Melisent to speak for her. Melisent knew everything. Where is Melisent?
"She is outside with mother. Mother has been spending time with the children teaching them how to defend themselves. Why do you ask?" Now Alarica was confused, did she go too far? Now that Breanne was well, she wanted to leave and never return again.
They too young though. Breanne was suddenly concerned that her girls would be hurt needlessly.
"Do not worry, they are well. Mother is a good teacher. If you ask her what she has been teaching them, she will tell you." Alarica was desperate now trying to find something to keep Breanne with her.
I have to find Melisent so she can speak for me. I don't speak good so she can speak for me. She can explain to you what happened. She knows things. Please let Melisent speak for me my sovereign. Breanne was attempting to bow as a pleading gesture.
Alarica still did not understand but did as Breanne requested. She led Breanne to a sleeping cushion to rest while she sent for Melisent. Melisent came into the laboratory with a big smile on her face, excited about what had happened as evidenced by the manner in which an update was delivered. Alarica started laughing and Breanne was covering her mouth in an attempt to hold the laughter in. Leonessa joined them in the laboratory. Breanne called Melisent to her and quietly asked Melisent to tell everyone everything from the beginning. Melisent nodded her head and sat in the middle of the floor.
"Mother asked me to tell you the events that have been happening so far. Mama is an orphan. She doesn't know who her real parents are. The woman that we are supposed to call mother or grandmother adopted mama because she thought it would be fashionable to adopt. I say she's crazy. I watched Mommy Dearest once and they looked alike. Grandmother couldn't and still can't accept that mama is handicapped. She thinks that mama isn't trying hard enough and is only doing it to bother her. It's not her fault she has trouble reading, it's not her fault she doesn't always understand, and it's not her fault that she is the way she is. We only know that she's our mama. I don't know who our father is and I don't care. I've never met him or seen him and he never bothered to come find us so as far as I'm concerned it's only us girls which is fine by me because I only need my mama and my sister. Mama told me once that grandmother paired the two together. He drugged her one night and mama woke up the next day not knowing what happened or where she was. She found out later she was pregnant. She never saw him after that. The other day grandmother got angry because mama left the house without telling or asking for permission first which doesn't make sense because we don't live together. Grandmother said that mama was conspiring with known terrorists and will one day ruin the United States of America because they will be spreading their impure thoughts, beliefs, and customs to everyone. She forced mama to tell her who they were but she didn't. Grandmother only left because she was going to be late for the ladies get-together." Melisent finished, still sitting there, watching puddles form on the floor from the tears that shed as she told everyone her story. She needed to finish though. Taking a deep breath, she said, "I know everything because I'm always looking to see what's going on and making sure that mama's okay." Melisent turned around and lept into her mother's lap to cry on her shoulder.
Breanne rocked Melisent back and forth, thanking her for a job well done. Leonessa got up after everything was said to make tea for Breanne. Alarica left to tell Elmira that she was not to be disturbed. Breanne misunderstood however, and thought everyone left because they were disgusted to be in her company. She stood up, gathered her girls, and went in search of her belongings. Leonessa had returned with tea looking for Breanne not realizing she and the girls were in the wardrobe gathering their belongings to go home.
"Breanne, I have tea here for you. My daughter said that you like this tea." Leonessa placed the tea on a table in the sleeping chamber. Hearing noises coming from the wardrobe she realized where everyone had disappeared. "Breanne, it is too early for you leave. You had started recovering from your injuries only two days ago. When you have fully recovered we will discuss things further." Leonessa peaked her head outside of the wardrobe and called for her daughter when she heard Alarica call for everyone.
"There you are. Let us take a bath. It will help you to feel better." Alarica said urging Breanne to follow her. Breanne hesitated, confused. Did they still want to be with me? They weren't disgusted with my presence? She looked between Alarica and Leonessa. Those eyes again those same trusting eyes. Alarica assured Breanne that she enjoyed Breanne's company. Breanne nodded her head. Remembering the way to bathing chambers, she walked ahead of everyone. She stopped at the bench and realized that she was being followed. Alarica, Leonessa, and Melisent were taking off their clothes to go into the bath.
Breanne stayed in the corner of the pool by herself. Playing with the water and washing herself clean, Breanne escaped into her imagination. It was her own world, a world that she created. It was the only place that she felt comfortable. She saw pictures being created in her head, the colors, shapes, lines, everything. All she needed was her pad and her paints. Her hands knew what to do. They always did. There was something else, something wanted to come in. She was startled when she felt a hand placed her shoulder. Looking up she saw that it was Leonessa. Breanne smiled and Leonessa smiled back, satisfied that everything was all right.
Leonessa joined Alarica "Alarica, what is she doing? She seems lost. Are her thoughts still open to you? I asked not only for curiosity but because I am concerned. She has carried a heavy burden."
"She is fine mother. I think she will answer you if you ask her." Alarica replied smiling at her mother.
Leonessa joined Breanne "Breanne, what are you doing? Are you all right child?" No response from Breanne, Leonessa scooped a handful of water and poured it on Breanne's shoulder startling Breanne. "There you are. What are you doing? Are you all right?" Leonessa asked Breanne, smiling and waiting for an answer.
The water is pretty. See, it makes waves. Breanne was demonstrating to Leonessa knowing that she would not understand. No one did. They all thought she was just crazy.
Leonessa turned around to look at her daughter wondering what she was thinking. Alarica replied, "She said the water is pretty because it makes waves."
Leonessa's comments surprised her, though, "You see the lines that the water makes, wondering where they will end. A philosophical discussion, I think. Come and join us on the other side. You can scrub my back. Or would you rather stay here and play with the water?" Leonessa asked Breanne slightly tilting her head wondering how Breanne would answer her question.
Breanne lowered her head and continued to play with the water. It is not that she was ignoring Leonessa; it was that Breanne was confused. Leonessa sensed this, walked to the other side of the pool, gathered the necessary supplies and came back to be with Breanne. Leonessa reassured Alarica that everything was fine. Breanne was simply doing what she could to help herself understand these new events.
After getting Breanne's attention, Leonessa held up the necessary supplies in front of Breanne, asking the silent question. Breanne hesitated, looking at Leonessa. Suddenly a picture came to life. A picture that only she would see for now, but with time Alarica too would see the picture. Smiling, she took the supplies from Leonessa, who in turn smiled, and turned around showing Breanne her back. Breanne finished, Leonessa made the familiar gesture to turn around. Breanne showed her back so Leonessa could scrub her back. That was when Leonessa saw the scars. The scars that Melisent said no one knew were there unless you knew where to look, because the scars were on Breanne's buttocks. Now, Leonessa was furious and made a decision to adopt Breanne. It was not unusual on Avalon to adopt someone, of any age, without a home or family to call their own. She will discuss this with her daughter later, now she had a child to take care of.
After bathing was completed and everyone dressed, Alarica brought Breanne into her study to speak with her about an issue that came clearer to her now that she knew the facts about Breanne's life. "Breanne, I need to speak to you about something I have been thinking about since I first met you. I am in need of a consors, a companion. I have had visions of what the consors looks like and at one time, I thought I had found her. I was wrong. She betrayed me. It was because of that betrayal that I promised myself no one would be permitted to be my consors, until I met you. You are the one to be my consors. To explain the position you would need to understand that a sovereign marries because it is what is done. A match is made between two people that the mothers feel would be a good fit. Sometimes the matches work and sometimes they do not. That is where the consors comes in. The consors holds the sovereign's heart and soul. It is often the consors that the sovereign relies upon to reveal things only the consors would understand. They hold a trusted position in the aristocracy. It is the sovereign's duty to train the consors, as they would be relied upon to perform certain functions. I will train you and the Scrolls of Protocol will tell you what you need to know. If you do not understand something, you need only ask and I will explain to you what you need to know. There is information that needs to be provided, though I know most, I do not know all, so you will assist me in providing the information. Protocol states that I will need your mother's permission for you to take the position of consors. It needs to be your natural born mother. You do not have one. The proper substitute would be either a close companion that you trust implicitly or your natural born family, which in your case are both Melisent and Emily. I will explain everything to Melisent and ask for agreement. Emily is very young, much too young to understand," Alarica explained while holding Breanne's hand. They sat on cushions as Breanne was still recovering from her injuries.
Breanne was stunned. She felt like Cinderella or that she was in a deep sleep dreaming of everything that had been happening. Breanne did not know what to say. The only thing that came to mind was to be sure she understood that Alarica wanted her. Breanne pointed to herself asking silently if Alarica was sure. Alarica nodded her head in answer. Alarica took Breanne to the sleeping chamber to rest.
Upon returning to her study, she found Leonessa waiting for her. "Alarica, I need your permission to adopt Breanne into our fold. She has been beaten both physically and emotionally. She needs a family's reassurance, a love that only a family can provide. Will you grant me permission to adopt Breanne?" Leonessa was desperate and wanted Alarica to understand that Breanne needed a family as much as Leonessa needed a family. Breanne would have that. Alarica listened to her mother's desperate words. She told her mother of her intentions of granting Breanne the office of consors. The scrolls would take too long to pass through the council if both a request of adoption and a request for office of consors were submitted. The time would be less if only a request for office of consors were submitted to the council. Breanne would be granted immediate citizenship when Sovereign Cyan Alarica and her Royal Majesty Melisandra with Lady Leonessa as a witness finalize the scrolls.
Leonessa was happy at the turn of events. She was not granted permission but when the scrolls are finalized and Breanne becomes a citizen she knew that Breanne would have the peace and the love she needed. Leonessa would also have her wish because as consors, Breanne would have residence within the palace and that meant Leonessa would be able to visit often.
