Hi everyone! I just wanted to apologize in advance for the extreme shortness of this chapter- there wasn't all that much to say. But I think that what I do say is quality enough to be an excuse for the quantity. So thanks, and please review!

Broken Dreams: Chapter Seven

Silent Tears

That night, Zi Alda was silent. A dark shroud of quiet covered the country. Even the crickets lay still. Deep in the castle, nothing disturbed the inhabitant's sleep. Everyone lay nestled in the throws of dreamtime, abstract thoughts wondering through their heads. Snuggled deep beneath the blankets, Ishtar listened to the silence. The events from the last few days ran through her mind, and she couldn't help but wonder if she had made the right decisions.

It's all happening so fast, she thought to herself. If three days ago someone told me I would be engaged to Yuujel, the prince of Zi Alda, I would have told the person to have a few air holes drilled into their skulls. But here I am, and now I have to live with my choices.

Ishtar felt her emotions tumbling around inside of her, like pieces of trash blown about in a hurricane. The problem is, I'm not sure if my choices are the correct ones or not. I don't know anymore. I don't know what I want.

She shifted, and Duzie stirred slightly. She looked fondly over at him. Lately I've been so cruel to the ones I care about. I really feel sorry for everyone who looks after me. Me, the spoiled bratty princess Ishtar who gives her caretakers cardiac arrests once a week.

Is it worth it? Is my own amusement worth everyone being hurt?

She turned her current dilemma over in her mind. Darres hates me. Duzie is mad at me. Jill and Krai think I'm insane. I'm stuck marrying someone I don't love. Right now, even I hate myself. At least Keld should be happy...

She watched her kyawl snore peacefully, a look of contentment displayed across his kitten features. The princess hesitated, and then gently stroked him. He purred softly. She felt a tear flow down her cheeks and drop onto his fur. I'm so sorry, Duzell!

Finally, she knew what she had to do. Carefully, so as not to wake the slumbering cat, she slid her feet to the floor and stood up. I need to go away, she thought. I need to disappear. She smiled at Duzell before making her way over to the door. I'm sorry, Duzell. I'm leaving now. And I won't be returning. Then, with one fluid movement, she opened the door, slipped out, and quietly shut it behind her with a slight snick.

(note: Yes, I think a door goes snick when it is shut.)