Kiera POV
That day. Ever since that day, she has scared me. I don't dare defy anything she says. Or else if I did, wouldn't the rest of my life be cut short?
She said to pretend as though nothing had happened. If only that was the case. If it was, I would gladly do exactly what she asked of me. But that is impossible. Pretending as though nothing happened is like pretending that my life isn't on the line. It is like wearing a blindfold to all my failures and mistakes.
No, I cannot let that happen.
I think about it at night. I think about all the experiences I've had with the three of them. I think about all the experiences I had with Dahlia specifically. How come I had never noticed the person she was underneath that persona she wore every day? Was I blinded by my hope to trust someone I had met, someone who seemed like a good person? That day was so long ago. That day when I met her in the streets of a Red market. I was pure, too imperceptive of the infinite dangers that came along with trusting someone so easily.
And now I pay the ultimate price.
But the big question that has always stuck in my head was why. Why would Dahlia keep my secret from the rest of the world? Why her, of all people, choose to stay silent?
Why?
Even I don't have an answer to that.
I've thought about it every night. It doesn't make sense at all. Unless . . .
I stare back at my friend beside me. The way she stands, so calmly yet focused. Maybe she has some secrets of her own. Secrets which I must find and pry from her grasp. Then perhaps that can tell me if my judgment that day in the market wasn't incorrect.
I certainly hope it wasn't.
Dahlia POV
Thanks to Lia's permission, I'm able to stay in the library whenever I want to as long as she knows I'm here. I guess it's the privilege of being so far ahead of everyone. While the group is still learning the basics, I just need to polish whatever skill I have.
As such, I come here on a daily basis. And such routine times call for some routine visitors.
"You're here again."
As much as I hate the sudden entrance, the sound gives me a moment to breathe in my moment of concentration. The slight ache from the abrupt interruption acts up, but it quickly passes by allowing me to identify who's at the door.
"Your Majesty is correct," I reply to the voice without turning my head. "Seeing me here often at routine times certainly builds a trend."
"You're right." Turning my face slightly, I can see him approach me with careful steps. "I should have been more observant. A flaw you've indirectly pointed out."
A duller person might have believed his thought process was logical. But I know better. I'm not a little girl anymore. I'm much stronger than that. And I know much better than to just apologize.
"Your Majesty is the King of Norta, the Flame of the North," I say standing up. "A mere soldier would not dare to point out any flaws in their sovereign leader."
Maven purses his lips. "Kings . . . have many faults of their own. Deadly faults which can . . . lead to more deadly consequences."
"Your lament certainly breaks my heart." A lie, but I say it anyway. "Then I must pray for God to save the king and send him to long reign over Norta for there was never a gentler nor merciful prince than our lord."
Maven huffs loudly and looks away. "Thank you for your words."
I give him a small curtsy. "It is my duty as a citizen to wish my king well."
My eyes watch him closely. He never once looks in my direction. He doesn't want to. Perhaps he sees the bite within my words and they have sent him scuttling away.
"May I be so bold as to ask why His Majesty has come to the library," I ask politely.
His eyes snap to mine. "Whitefire belongs to me. Is there a place where I cannot go?"
"If Whitefire belongs to you then so does this library," I reply, ceding to his words. "But there are a few reasons I can see so far as to why you would want to come here. Perhaps you are in search of an enjoyable book, a place of relaxation . . . or word of advice from an old author."
"Right. You're right about the last reason," He coughs and puts one hand to his neck. "Something came up in court today."
I note his words down. The king sees his court every day to talk about pressing matters within Norta. And while I have not been so involved in gathering much information for Maven to come to the library of all places brings up a concern. Whatever is troubling him must be incredibly important and grave.
"Then I will leave this library to you," I say. "Good luck on whatever information you need to find."
I place the ribbon right where my page ends before putting it back on the correct shelf. I was sure not to take a book too far from my reach, it's place close by to the ground floor. It makes for an easy clean-up before I leave, saving my precious time.
"Dahlia," Maven says with a big sigh, almost like he is spelling out the obvious. "I came to the library to see you."
"And what can a mere Red with powers do for you?" I ask disinterestedly turning around. "I am not in a position of great power or great influence. So why me?"
"That is precisely why I ask for you to speak," Maven answers, slowing down at the last bit. "It is because of your position that I ask for your advice."
My advice. Why not Mom's? Or his ministers?
For the former, it is because she absolutely cannot stand Maven. Mom can try her best to tolerate his presence, but never will she ever say anything to help him rule over Norta lest her ideas are used against the Scarlet Guard. As for the latter, Maven probably views them as incompetent. They are not worth much of my thoughts either.
"The matter you speak of is specifically?" I faltered slightly at the end.
"It is a matter relating to something we discussed in court."
I pause. "Opinions of ordinary citizens are not to get involved or taint a king's great mind. Is this something the nobility cannot solve?"
"I'm asking for your help," Maven replies, almost exasperated. "I am letting you get involved because you have a great mind of wit and intelligence."
I finally meet his eye again. The way he acts . . . I can't rely on that. All my skill in reading people goes to waste whenever I'm with him. He could be faking everything and I might not even know. But his insistence can perhaps make him reveal some information to me. And that's all I need.
My mouth opens to say two words. "Ask away."
Maven smiles politely and breathes deeply. "The topic which we discussed . . . it relates to the Scarlet Guard and their violent ways."
I raise an eyebrow. "You've painted the Scarlet Guards as terrorists. Naturally, they would be violent."
The words make me almost want to scold myself for saying that. Violence is necessary for this war. And they were never terrorists. That was a lie Maven created to feed the world through my mom's own mouth. A lie that the citizens of Norta ate up without thinking.
"You are right," Maven replies. "But from what they've done to Corvium is almost unforgivable." He clenches a fist. "I knew that place was a hotbed for trouble but for them to just light the fuse . . . " He shakes his head. "Never mind that. I just want to know about your thoughts on the Scarlet Guard."
I send him a courteous smile, my eyes glinting. "I assume this is because of the colour of my blood?"
"Yes and no," he answers. "But say what you will. You won't be prosecuted for your words here now."
Dangerous territory. I know it and so does he. Yet I still answer.
"The Scarlet Guard is violent in their ways, and that is unacceptable on some levels," I reply, "but this is a matter of human rights. Reds have long suffered much violence under Silver rule that it is only natural for them to want to be heard. It is the fault of Silvers and their refusal to lend an ear that has led them to be violent."
"The fault of Silvers who are so gracious as to continue keeping the ever-growing population of Reds in our territories."
"Population control is one thing, a person's life is another." The image of countless other Reds flash through my mind, each one less privileged than I was. "What would it be like if the tides were reversed and instead Silvers were the ones persecuted just as we are today?"
Maven remains silent. I don't think he has anything else to say against it.
"In fact, it happened once already," I continue. "When Silvers first started appearing, it was you who were persecuted because your blood was different. The ruling Reds at the time refused to listen to you and so cities filled with Silvers rose up. I'm sure the Silvers of the Old Era felt silenced the same way Reds do now. Only in those cities were you finally safe."
"Silvers who finally took their chances to build a better life for themselves," Maven says quietly. "But we can't account for the murder of our own people. And the Scarlet Guard is intent on tearing everything we've built down."
"The rage they feel is similar to how the Silvers felt back then," I reply. "You paint the Scarlet Guard as a ruthless terrorist group but they are all still human. Red and violent as they may be, but human, just as Silvers are."
"Humans with motives, dangerous motives that could take more lives than they would save." The king breathes, letting the silence between us grow. "So what do you suggest I do?"
I turn my head to peer at the books absentmindedly. My fingers run along the spines of some thick volumes, feeling the well-kept covers underneath. "Perhaps if you read, the books would have an answer."
"But I'm asking you."
"I don't have great ideas, Your Majesty," I reply, turning my head to face him again. "But if there is one thing I will tell you, it's that humans have human instincts. Learn to prey on them if you want to see a victory on the horizon."
"You mean-"
"Perhaps lending an ear could lessen the pain of other Reds who have been subject to this type of treatment for ages," I suggest politely. "Ease the severity of some laws. Give them a voice. Though . . . I'm not sure how the Scarlet Guard would feel."
The silence between us grows larger and larger, gaining distance each second each remains quiet. I don't know if that was the answer he was looking for, or if what I could have said was treasonous.
"The Scarlet Guard," he begins, "is an organization that is willing to topple law and order in order to create a Red dawn. They are willing to kill newbloods for that sake." Maven faces me again. "How should these crimes be answered?"
"Your Majesty, when the time comes, your decision will be just and true," I reply evenly. "But this is not the time to worry so much about how you will punish these traitors, but rather how to save these newbloods from their grasp. I feel that is a more important matter to worry about as of now. Yet . . . " I falter, not letting my mouth get the better of me.
"Yet what?"
"Yet . . . perhaps your idea of the Scarlet Guard could be skewered by false information," I say slowly. "I'm sure the testimony of Mare Barrow as well as her interrogation by the whispers of your court could have no fault. But perhaps when the information was relayed to you, there could be a chance of miscommunication."
Again, Maven faces me, but this time with colder eyes. "Are you suggesting someone could have lied to me about Mare's interrogation?"
"I wouldn't dare say that," I answer quickly. "But this palace has made me question reality all the time. Everything seems practiced, perhaps instigated by someone to frame another. Houses are constantly fighting for status, money, and glory. A little bit of lying and scheming is like nothing to them."
"You mean . . . "
"Perhaps you can do a little bit of digging into House Merandus' allegiance," I say. "Though nothing would be out of the ordinary really. It is the other Houses I'd be concerned about though sadly I cannot give specific names."
Other Houses. Maven is already living atop a gunpowder keg with a short fuse slowly burning away. What harm is there in quickening the process by creating distrust between Maven and the nobility?
"Your words will be taken into consideration," Maven replies quickly. "I hope that all the High Houses aren't plotting behind my back."
"I hope for that as well." Another blatant lie. "If that is all you require of me, then I shall take my leave."
Maven doesn't respond, even as I curtsy lowly and walk out the door. Only then do I let myself take a large breath of fresh air. Whatever I could have said in that library could have impacted or even hindered the Scarlet Guard's plans.
But then again Dahlia, you could have also saved some as well, a voice says in my head. If you have influence, use it even if you are trapped in a golden cage.
"Stupid," I mutter to myself. "Don't say anything next time."
My steps back to the dorm room are slow, sluggish even. I use the walls for support, my fingers grasping at the usually flat marble. It doesn't help me at all. When did I start to feel this tired?
Right. It was about a week ago, wasn't it? Even Clara mentioned that I was sleepier than usual.
I never make it back to my dorm room. The last thing I remember is my vision going black and someone dressed in silver running over to catch me.
I don't even know if I fall.
Evgeny POV
What the hell.
You know, I've noticed the universe push Dahlia's path as well as mine towards each other, but I'd never thought it would be this often.
I could have turned a blind eye and let her fall onto the marble floor, but I was kind enough to let her spare the injuries and fall onto a sheet of softer metal. A pretty kind gesture for someone who isn't that kind.
My first instinct is to get her somewhere safe. It wouldn't be good for other Reds to see the condition she's in. My legs move quickly, running through the halls to find an empty room. The guest rooms should be good enough for me to use temporarily.
Thankfully, the first guest room I barge into is empty. I shift Dahlia onto the bed with gentle ease. Mission accomplished.
The next line of duty would be to find a healer. The most convenient would be to get someone else to do the job-
"There you are," my friend Leo flings the door open with grace. He huffs as he walks toward me, obviously displeased about something. "You really had to hide in a guest room from me? I just wanted to get a simple 'hello' from you!"
His eyes fall on the sleeping newblood. "Oh . . . sorry."
"You seem to come at the most convenient time Leo," I say, glancing at him. He shrinks a little, ashamed at his mistake. "Can you do me a favor and get a healer?"
My friend raises an eyebrow. "You got a preference?"
"Just get a doctor Leo," I reply exasperated, putting my hand on my forehead. "Just, just get whichever healer is available."
He shoots me a sly smile before stifling a laugh. "Silver prince rescuing a red girl?"
"Go! Get Wren if you need."
Wren. The lady my father's been having an affair with. Hopefully she's not in bed and free to help out. No matter how much I seem to dislike her, I can't disregard her use in our family. She's the skin healer who's helped me in the worst situations and even I have to acknowledge that."
"Alright I'm leaving," he replies in a sing-song manner before walking out. His quick feet should get us Skonos in no time.
Beside me, Dahlia wakes. She's obviously disoriented just by the way she looks at the room. I don't know if it's because she's gotten less sleep, or because she's overworked herself. Either way, we'll find out soon.
"Where am I?" Dahlia asks quietly. "Where am I?"
"You're safe," I reply curtly. "You're in a guest room."
"In the palace?" The realization pushes enough energy into her enabling her to sit up. "No, I can't be here, we're going to be in big trouble - "
"Says the person who fainted in the hall," she finally looks up to see me. "Yeah, happy to know who saved you from falling?"
"Thank you," she replies flatly. "Now, I have to go."
"You aren't leaving this room until I have Wren see what's wrong with you. From my experience, you aren't this clumsy to fall or irresponsible to lose sleep."
"It's not about losing sleep," she replies, clearly incensed. Dahlia tries to push me off the side, but of course, is unsuccessful. "I definitely got enough yesterday . . . "
"Enough?" I scoff, trying to fend off her weak attacks. "We'll know once Wren comes to check up on you."
She pauses. "Wren?"
"My family's healer," I reply quickly, taking the opportunity to push her back into bed. "Just relax, you have me if anything goes wrong."
She laughs sarcastically. "I can protect myself."
"No you can't, not in this condition," I say. "And besides, I'm a Silver noble. You're . . . you're red."
Dahlia finally concedes, resigning herself to rest. "Right. Status difference."
Wren and Leo finally appear at the front door. Leo, as usual, looks fresh. Wren on the other hand looks so worn out. Thankfully she's not in her pyjamas and in her proper uniform. Just as proper greetings should be.
"Hello Wren," Dahlia says weakly. "I'm sorry that we aren't meeting in the most favorable circumstances."
"And that's all right," she replies shooting a bright smile. The light certainly is glowing on her blue-black skin. "I'm a skin healer. I meet people in this manner a lot of the time."
The newblood smiles back. "If you say so."
Wren finally takes my place at the edge of the bed. "I believe Evgeny has told you a little bit about me if you know my name." She pinches my cheek and I flinch. If she sees this, I don't think she cares. "Such an adorable child."
"I believe he introduced you briefly just before you entered," Dahlia replied. "I just knew your name."
"Hm, good enough," Wren smiles brightly again. "Now, before I check you, can you give me an overview of what happened? Symptoms and all?"
I merely roll my eyes. I'm sure it's because she hasn't been getting enough sleep, nothing more or less.
"Well, I've been feeling much more tired lately even though I've been getting more than the required amount of sleep," my friend replies. Dahlia puts a finger to her mouth, deep in thought. "Oh! It started almost about a week ago or so when I started to feel this way."
"And then she fainted in the hallway today," I scowl, glaring at her. "That's pretty much what happened."
Dahlia stares at me in shock before sending me a glare of her own. "Evgeny Samos, you are a terrible storyteller. And that is not what happened!"
"You know, that's what happened in a nutshell," I begin fiddling with the metal on my uniform, ignoring her completely. "Wren, you think you can tell me what's wrong with her?"
The skin healer puts two fingers on Dahlia's wrist checking for a pulse. Then she puts her entire hand onto her wrist and closes her eyes. Leo and I look at each other perplexed. Then again, we do not know the ways of healers and their secrets. Who are we to judge?
Finally, Wren lets go. "There seems to be little harm done."
"Little harm done?" Dahlia looks horrified at the news. "What do you mean by that?"
Wren merely frowns. "You haven't been taking medicine, have you? You've never had a need for it at all?"
"No!"
The elder simply bites her lip. "When I checked you, I could sense a bunch of herbs in your body. They are medicinal herbs but when you overdose on them, they can cause tiredness, fainting, hallucinations in the later stages, and eventual death."
Eventual death. Those two words finally cut through Dahlia's skull. "So, someone's trying to kill me."
"Perhaps," Wren sighs deeply and hangs her head. "I'm sorry, I don't know who."
"Thanks for the news Wren," I say, a little annoyed. The fictional light around her glows brighter, like an angel's halo. "Can you give Dahlia and me some private space now?"
"Of course little magnetron," the healer replies with a weak smile. I recoil at the name. "Let me know if you need me."
"Right."
Wren finally walks out, shutting the door behind her with a gentle close. Her presence somehow makes the group feel more diminished. Perhaps it was her optimism, the light that surrounded her when she walked. It was probably that which made Ptolemus fall so deeply in love with her in the first place.
"Respect for the person who came up with such an intricate way to try and kill me," Dahlia says, clenching her fist. Her voice is the first to break the silence. "They must have a lot of respect to try and take my life in such a meticulous way."
"You're living in a Silver society where everyone wants to kill each other," Leo replies. "This is nothing to what black-hearted Silvers can do."
She glares venomously at him. "And you aren't like the rest?"
"You don't know both of us well enough to make a solid judgment."
"I can safely assume most Silvers are somewhat evil," Dahlia bites. "Whether you fall into that category is by my judgment."
My friend opens his mouth to defend himself but I cut him off. "This isn't the time or place to fight. Right now, we need to figure out who the one poisoning you is."
"And I need to go back to the dorm room," the newblood replies flatly. "But I have my suspicions."
"Who?" I ask. Dahlia doesn't reply and merely walks towards the door. Her brown hair swishes behind her, worry-free of everything in this palace.
Before she leaves, she shoots me a smirk. "I would laugh at you if you didn't have an idea."
I glare back at her. "Share the info madam, I'm not as quick-witted as you are. Who do you think it is?"
"Think Evgeny," Dahlia says as she leaves. Her voice dims as the door closes. "Who do you know of that can hold grudges for a long time?"
Her words. I understand them.
And I know what to do.
Another random read guys. I should sleep tho, it's like 3 AM here lol.
