"Come here." said Galbatorix quietly. Murtagh was standing in the middle of the throne room and looking at the blue light coming from something hidden in the box.
"Come!" said Galbatorix and picked up the crystal ball. The blue light was now all over the room. Murtagh got closer to Galbatorix who smiled and gave him the crystal ball. When Murtagh touched the ball, it stopped glowing. He looked surprised at the ball and kept touching it gently. Suddenly he felt pain in his head. It felt like thousands of bees are flying inside of his mind. But he didn't drop the ball, just closed his eyes. After some moments the pain was gone, and he looked again at the crystal ball. It was glowing again, but there were pictures in it. At first Murtagh didn't know what are they showing, but then he realized it was a village in fire. People were screaming and running around in front of soldiers who were killing everyone in front of them. Then the picture changed and now he could see two dragons on the sky. It was too dark to see their colors, but they were fighting and moving around really fast. The picture changed again and now Murtagh could see Kyra. She was just smiling, but then another picture of her appeared and on it she seemed to be very sad. Tears were going down her face as she sat there in the dark. Pictures started to mix and they were going faster. Murtagh wasn't sure anymore what is going on. But there were seven pictures he could recognize: red sword, Eragon's face, fire, sky, red dress, someone in the dark and blood. The crystal ball in his hand felt like fire and he dropped it on the floor. It broke into millions of little pieces. Murtagh looked surprised at Galbatorix who started to laugh like crazy.
"What was that?" asked Murtagh.
"The future." smiled Galbatorix "Tell me what you saw."
"Your fall." said Murtagh and a smile appeared on his face.
"You're lying!" said Galbatorix, looking shocked.
"Maybe." said Murtagh, realizing that Galbatorix couldn't see what he saw.
"It's better you tell me now!" said Galbatorix, getting angry.
"Thorn, I need your help!" Murtagh called his dragon.
"Yes?" Thorn voice sounded weak.
"Thorn, are you ok? I don't have much time. Can you help me keep some of my memories away from Galbatorix?" said Murtagh nervously.
"I'm still waiting!" said Galbatorix annoyed.
"Yes, I can." said Thorn "Show me what you want me to protect. But if Galbatorix gets an idea that we did this, he will find out everything."
"We can try." said Murtagh.
"I see you don't want to say." said Galbatorix "Well, this is your last chance to tell me."
"I already told you." smiled Murtagh "I saw the future. You die."
Galbatorix's eyes widened with anger and he yelled something in ancient language, sending dark magic across the room. Murtagh just closed his eyes and let the pain go through his head. When the pain was gone, Murtagh opened his eyes and gave a daring look to Galbatorix. The king was totally angry now.
"Go now!" yelled Galbatorix and Murtagh was out in a second. When he closed the door, he could hear breaking sounds coming from the throne room.
"What did you do this time?" said someone behind Murtagh's back. He turned around surprised and saw Angelina. She was just smiling at him.
"When you are here, I would like to ask you something." said Angelina, not letting Murtagh to say anything.
"What?" asked Murtagh surprised.
"Have you ever been in love with someone?" asked Angelina.
"Why?" Murtagh looked at her like she is crazy.
"Because I'm sure many girls like you. But did you give your heart to someone?" said Angelina with a strange shine in her eyes.
"That's none of your business!" said Murtagh nervously and went fast down the hall, not wanting to be close to that crazy woman.
"If you're not in love with her, it's just perfect." thought Angelina and smiled.
The next day Kyra woke up and realized that she's late. She hurried and went out to see her father and Murtagh.
"Hello, honey." smiled Todd.
"I'm sorry, dad. Why didn't you wake me up?" said Kyra nervously.
"Don't worry. I didn't need you here." said Todd.
"Oh, ok." said Kyra.
"I almost forgot. Miss Angelina wants you to come with her to the town today. I let you go." said Todd.
"Great!" said Kyra happily.
"Just don't spend too much money." laughed Todd.
"But dad, I need a new dress!" said Kyra.
"Honey, don't you have enough clothes already?" asked Todd, realizing that Kyra is acting just like her mother.
"No, I don't! But that's your fault because you didn't let me learn how to make a dress with magic." said Kyra.
"Fine, fine. But just one dress…not whole shop!" said Todd "And why do you suddenly want new clothes so much? Is it for Adrian?"
"Umm, yeah." said Kyra quietly and looked at Murtagh for a moment.
"Where is Adrian by the way?" suddenly asked Todd.
"Here somewhere." said Kyra surprised.
"Oh, you don't know? Well, it's not important." said Todd "Can you go now to my room and bring me one book?"
"Sure." said Kyra "Which one?"
"The blue one about magic." said Todd.
"Ok!" said Kyra and hurried to the tower. Murtagh was looking after her and Todd realized that.
"Don't!" said Todd. Murtagh looked at him surprised.
"Don't even try to get in my daughter's mind. Use your powers on others but my daughter don't touch!" said Todd with a serious look on his face. Murtagh just kept looking at him surprised, not sure how Todd knew what was on his mind.
Kyra was back in some minutes, carrying a big book with her.
"Is it this one?" asked Kyra, showing the book to Todd.
"Yes, it the right one. Give it to Murtagh." said Todd. Kyra gave the book to Murtagh, while looking deep into his eyes. He almost dropped the book and she bit her lip, trying not to smile.
"Kyra, you should go now. Miss Angelina is waiting for you." said Todd, just hoping Kyra will get away from Murtagh.
"Ok, see you later." said Kyra and smiled. When Kyra was gone, Todd felt relieved.
"What with this book?" suddenly asked Murtagh.
"Oh, yes, the book." said Todd, coming back from his thoughts "It's a book about magic. But more like a book about secret magic. Read it, learn the words and tomorrow you'll try to use it."
"Just that?" asked Murtagh, looking at the book.
"Just? It's not easy at all and soon you'll see that." said Todd little bit angry, thinking how it will be hard for him not to think about Murtagh like Morzan's son.
Kyra and Angelina were walking through the town, looking for good shops. Angelina led Kyra to one really big and expensive shop, probably the best in whole town. Kyra looked around surprised. There were so many dresses she wanted to have. Angelina realized that Kyra is looking all the time at one dress that was different from others.
"Do you want this one?" asked Angelina and pointed at the dress.
"Umm…" said Kyra, unsure.
"Why don't you try it?" smiled Angelina.
"I…well, ok." finally said Kyra and smiled. When she got in the changing room, she took a deep breath and looked at herself in the mirror. She slowly put the dress in front of her and looked at the mirror. The color of the dress seemed so familiar; it was little bit unusual and probably made with magic. After some moments she finally put it on. Taking another deep breath, she turned back to the mirror. The dress looked great and she went out to show it to Angelina.
"Wow, it looks really amazing!" smiled Angelina "I'm getting you that one for sure!"
"Um, thanks, but you don't have to. I will buy it myself." said Kyra, knowing that Todd will be really angry if she gets this expensive dress.
"Oh no, my dear! I want to give something special to my son's future wife!" smiled Angelina.
"Thanks." smiled Kyra and went back to changing room.
"Adrian will love it!" said Angelina behind her. Kyra smiled and closed the door, looking again at the mirror. It was sure that Adrian would like it, but suddenly Kyra remembered why the color looked so familiar. It was really similar to the color of Thorn's skin. That thought made her shiver for a moment. The smile disappeared from her face and one tear escaped her eyes. She realized that she's more and more away from Adrian and that she wants this dress to look pretty for someone else.
"Are you done? We have some more things to do!" called Angelina from outside and made Kyra jump. She hurried and in few minutes, they were finally out of the shop with Kyra's new dress.
"Where are we going now?" asked Kyra, realizing that she hasn't seen before this part of the town. People stared at them and Kyra was afraid they will attack her or do something to her.
"To a friend of mine. I want to show you something." said Angelina, acting like nothing strange is going on. Kyra looked behind her back few times and was shocked with the fact that one man is following them. Or at least she was thinking that. She wasn't actually sure. Angelina suddenly pulled her into one small house and closed the door behind her. It was very dark in the room and there was one blond girl, dressed in some weird clothes, sitting on the floor.
"Hey, Isabella!" smiled Angelina and pointed at Kyra "That's her."
"Oh, Angie! That was really fast! You just impressed me!" laughed Isabella. Kyra felt really uncomfortable with not knowing who this woman is and all this seemed so scary and strange.
"Kyra! Nice to meet you!" said Isabella "Come! Follow me!"
"Um, nice to meet you too." said Kyra quietly, not really believing that what she just said was true.
"Put your hand on this. I'm going to tell you something about you and future maybe." smiled Isabella. Kyra turned around and gave a questioning look to Angelina.
"It's ok, honey! It can be fun!" smiled Angelina "I'll be outside!"
Kyra immediately looked back at Isabella and the crystal ball in front of her.
"You know, I don't really like these things so if we can just…" wanted to say Kyra and get out of this. She wasn't ready risking that Angelina knows too private things about her.
"Don't be silly, girl! You'll decide later do you like it or not!" laughed Isabella. Kyra finally placed her hand on the crystal ball.
"Ok, you can move your hand now." smiled Isabella after some moments and looked curiously at the ball.
"Interesting." smiled Isabella concentrating on the crystal ball which was now in her hands "You love him, he loves you. What a nice love story. But wait, it won't be easy. You want a really powerful and special man. Oh, girl, you don't know how simple and complicated in same time this is. It all depends on what will you do next. But not just you, it's about his decisions too. Or maybe not even his…There is more…Dark shadow in your lives. Oh, you'll make a mistake, Kyra."
"What mistake?" asked Kyra surprised when Isabella put away the crystal ball and looked at her.
"Big mistake, big mistake!" smiled Isabella like it was all a joke.
"Tell me what it is!" said Kyra nervously.
"I can't…because if I tell you…you'll make it right. And if I do that, nothing from your future." said Isabella "Now go, Angelina is waiting for you."
"But…!" Kyra was almost angry "Fine! I don't have to listen to your stupid words!"
"Be careful with what you say." smiled Isabella and Kyra almost ran out of the room.
"So, how was it?" asked Angelina.
"I guess as always." answered Kyra, trying to look calm and happy like nothing happened.
"You don't believe her?" laughed Angelina.
"Then I guess my life is boring, like a typical love story." said Kyra.
"Well if all is alright, then you'll be really happy!" said Angelina "Isabella is good at this."
"Can we go now? I feel tired." lied Kyra.
"Sure, you can go if you want. I would like to stay and visit some friends." said Angelina "I'll send some guards with you."
"No! I can go alone." said Kyra.
"Are you sure?" asked Angelina surprised.
"Yes, king's guards are everywhere so I don't think something can happen to me." said Kyra and smiled.
"Oh, ok. Then just stay on the road!" said Angelina "See you later!"
Kyra went fast through the streets, trying to clear her thoughts. But before she could do that, she was in front of Galbatorix's towers. She looked around, but there was no one except guards who didn't even pay attention to her. Finally she decided to go to her room. While walking through the hall, she heard the noise coming from the one of the rooms. Slowly, she got closer to the door and opened it a little bit. She panicked, knowing that this wasn't the best thing to do because the noise stopped. The door opened and someone pulled her inside roughly. Kyra wanted to scream but someone put the hand on her mouth.
"Don't yell. You don't want Galbatorix here, do you?" whispered Murtagh into her ear and let go of her.
"Fine!" said Kyra with angry look on her face, fixing her clothes.
"What are you doing here?" asked Murtagh.
"Well…I heard some noise. It's not really important. What were you doing before I came in?" said Kyra and looked at him.
"That's none of your business." said Murtagh and picked up something from the floor "Is this yours?"
"Yes!" said Kyra and took her bag with dress from his hand.
"You were shopping again?" he rolled his eyes.
"What?" she asked annoyed.
"Nothing. But don't you have enough clothes?" smiled Murtagh.
"It was a gift from Miss Angelina, but that's none of your business!" said Kyra and suddenly smiled "Actually you know what? I think you would like this one."
"Huh, really?" he said like he didn't care at all.
"Yes! I can prove it!" said Kyra self-confidently.
"Oh, this gets better and better." said Murtagh "Do you really think a stupid dress can impress me?"
"You'll see." she said "I'll be right back."
Kyra ran to her room, not sure why it was so important to her what Murtagh thinks about the dress. But maybe that was the only thing she wanted. She hurried to change and fix her hair to look as good as she can. Finally she was done and hurried back down the hall, trying to avoid everyone on her way. It wasn't a nice moment for someone to see her like this. After taking a deep breath, she entered the room. Suddenly Murtagh turned around and looked at her surprised.
"Will you just stare at me or you'll say something?" asked Kyra, laughing nervously.
"Well, it is a nice dress." said Murtagh quietly "Where did you get it?"
"In some shop in the town." said Kyra and Murtagh got closer to her. Kyra felt how her face slowly went red.
"This must be made of something special." said Murtagh, looking better at the material.
"Probably magic." said Kyra.
"Yes." said Murtagh "Interesting."
"So you like it!" smiled Kyra.
"Actually it's not important what I think. Ask your boyfriend." laughed Murtagh.
"Hey, you're not going to tell me what to do! I'm a future…" Kyra stopped in half of the sentence, unsure about her future. Once she really thought she will be Adrian's wife and queen someday, but now it all seemed just like a dream that will never come true.
"What? You're going to tell to Galbatorix that I don't like your dress?" Murtagh was still smiling.
"Uh." said Kyra annoyed and looked at him "Maybe I'll just tell him you're a liar."
"Say what you want." said Murtagh seriously and looked around, trying to find something.
"You like my dress. You said before it is nice." smiled Kyra.
"And what do you want know? That I say it's amazing or what?" asked Murtagh annoyed.
"You don't have to get angry!" said Kyra.
"You know what? You're just like all those stupid royal girls! And you're not even prince's wife yet." said Murtagh.
"How dare you?" said Kyra angrily.
"What? To say the truth? You were the one calling me a liar and now you're again not happy." smiled Murtagh.
"You think I'm stupid? Why?" Kyra looked at him.
"Yes! Because you think everyone has to like you!" said Murtagh.
"No, I don't!" said Kyra "Why would I want everyone to like me? When all I want is…"
"What?" asked Murtagh when Kyra suddenly stopped talking and looked down at the floor. Kyra looked at him, turned around and ran out of the room.
"Kyra! Wait!" Murtagh yelled after her, surprised. She ran down the hall and got into her room, leaving the door half open. Murtagh was following her. She just stood in front of the mirror and kept looking at herself.
"Why is this happening to me? Why?" said Kyra quietly and tears started to fall down her cheeks. She didn't even notice when Murtagh came behind her back.
"I'm sorry." he whispered. Kyra gasped surprised and turned around shocked.
"What are you doing here?" she asked confused.
"You left the door open…are you ok?" asked Murtagh when he saw the tears in her eyes.
"I'm fine." she said and turned around fast to remove the tears from her eyes.
"You're not. You're crying." he said.
"What? Are you going to get into my mind or you already did it?" she said and closed her eyes. This was one of these moments when she really wanted to know how to defend her mind from those who can use magic.
"No, I won't do it." he said "But would you mind telling me what's wrong?"
"Nothing. Everything is fine!" said Kyra annoyed "Oh, I don't know what I'm saying anymore. I can't do this. I can't. I just can't!"
"What?" Murtagh looked at her surprised "Now I really don't understand what you are trying to say. Maybe you're not stupid, you're crazy!"
"Oh, shut up!" said Kyra, little bit annoyed but then started to laugh "You're probably right. I am crazy."
"Hm, it seems you are different from those girls. They would be screaming at me now." he smiled.
"Maybe girls scream at you because you're annoying." smiled Kyra.
"Maybe." said Murtagh.
Adrian was looking for Kyra. He got close to her room and heard someone laughing. Quietly he got closer to the door and saw Kyra and Murtagh. Kyra was smiling a lot and Adrian realized he didn't see her happy like that for months. He wanted to ask her what is she doing but this wasn't the right time to make a scene, especially if there isn't a reason to be jealous. But every time Kyra got close to another guy, he was jealous. Especially if he thought that this guy is better than him. He ran down the hall and got to his father's throne room.
"What do you want?" asked Galbatorix and gave him a questioning look.
"I want to know something." said Adrian and Galbatorix just stared at him without saying a word "It's about Kyra."
"What about Kyra?" Galbatorix now seemed more interested in what his son was talking.
"How can I know does she still love me?" asked Adrian.
"And you don't know?" laughed Galbatorix.
"It's not like that. I just want to be sure…" said Adrian.
"Sure about what? That she won't run away with first guy she sees?" Galbatorix was laughing again.
"No! I wanted to ask her to marry me this month and I don't know is it too soon for that. I don't want to ruin our relationship." said Adrian quietly.
"Hm, why so early?" the king was now serious.
"Because I want…I want her to go with me everywhere and…maybe she would help me to become a Dragon Rider." said Adrian and looked at his father.
"You think she could help…hm, interesting." said Galbatorix.
"But if she says no, I don't know what will happen." said Adrian.
"Don't worry, she won't." said Galbatorix totally sure about it.
"No! I won't let you to force her! I don't want that." said Adrian, knowing exactly what his father meant with that.
"Then talk to her now." said Galbatorix.
"I'm not sure…maybe some magic would help me to find the right words." said Adrian.
"Well, if you were a dragon rider, you would know everything. But since you're not…you'll have to do it without help." smiled Galbatorix.
"Fine!" said Adrian and got out from the throne room.
