The Name You Gave Me

Chapter 11 - I Am Wrath

"I cannot believe you!"

"Asena, listen to me! I didn't tell her anything!" I exclaim as I watch Asena pace angrily in front of me.

"No, but you almost did, didn't you?! Rohanna, I told you those things about the Fate Defiance because Kace trusts you. I didn't tell you all of that just for you to run around and tell anyone who bats their eyelashes at you," she snaps as she comes to a stop and glares at me, "Do you realize what you could have just done? Simone could be a spy! Or maybe she is simply confused! But regardless, your recklessness is going to be the end of this whole operation, the end of all of us!"

I narrow my eyes as I stare back at Asena. When I had first met her, I had been afraid. But now that I only have one goal in mind, it is hard to be afraid of anything.  All I feel is the thirst for revenge and I plan on quenching that thirst.

"I am not your perfect soldier," I force out between clenched teeth, "I am not the royals' princess and I am not your soldier. I am wrath and I am on a mission. I don't rise from the ashes, I make them. You should have thought about that before you let me in on your little secret."

"Listen to yourself, Rohanna," Asena says as she shakes her head, "You are letting your anger control you. I feel your pain. I have suffered what you are suffering. You don't have to stop living to survive, but you have to at least think things through."

Our eyes never waver from the others as I step towards her, the heat from the sun causing a light sweat to break out on my forehead...or perhaps that is the anger.

"I can choose how I live my life. I won't expose your secret, but I also won't sit back and watch more people struggle with their demons that the royals have planted in them," I nearly growl, my voice so steely and cold that even I almost don't recognize it.

"Just be careful about who you take in and who you choose to push away. Kace cares about you, he has proven that to me. And he trusts you. But if you threaten my own mission, I won't hesitate to do what is needed to eliminate said threat," Asena nearly whispers back in a harsh tone before she turns and disappears into the woods that grace the outskirts of the gardens.

I let out a long breath as I run my hands through my hair. Of course, Asena would freak out and of course Kace would go run and tell her his doubts about me. Asena had said that he trusted me, but obviously he didn't. I shake my head as I turn on my heel and walk back to where Simone is waiting on me. As I round the corner, I find Simone already coming my way and I stop in my tracks.

"Simone?"

"Oh, Rohanna. I was just coming to make sure that Asena and you were okay. You guys were gone for a bit," Simone quickly says, but by the way that her lips press tightly against each other into a smile makes me hesitate, "But I am guessing that everything is okay, so my apologies."

"It's okay. Thank you for checking," I push away any doubt that Asena might have planted into my mind.

We both walk back to the little picnic set up and take a seat, but honestly my appetite has vanished. As I pick at my food, Simone chatters on about something horrid that Lilura has done yet again.

"You aren't really here are you?" Simone's voice suddenly breaks into my thoughts.

"What?" I ask her.

"I'm just saying, it is obvious that your mind is elsewhere. Maybe we should reschedule the picnic? Maybe we should just get together another time?" she suggests before she continues, "Because I completely understand if you have some personal matters to attend to."

For a split moment it seems like Simone is trying to get rid of me, but then I realize that she is just being observant and trying to help me. She seems to be helpful like that.

"Yeah, honestly that would probably be best. I'm sorry to cut it short though. It really has been nice," I say as I begin to help her pack the food and plates back into the basket.

"It is no big deal. I completely understand," Simone shrugs it off, "Things come up. It happens."

We stand up together as she folds the blanket, tucks it under her arm, and then picks up the basket.

"I will see you later then, Rohanna," Simone says before she walks back into the palace.

I stay in the garden for a little bit longer. Out here it is quiet, a peace that I can rarely find when I am inside the palace. Out here I can think freely without being judged. Out here I don't have to worry about running into any of the royals.

The sickly-sweet smell of flowers still carry my senses back home as I close my eyes and attempt to disappear in that moment. A part of me wishes that I had never been chosen to be a princess, at least that way I would be at home with my family. The other part of me is just glad that I finally was able to find myself and to be able to uncover the truth about the Six Kingdoms.

I finally walk back inside, hoping that I don't run into anybody. I make it all the ways up the stairs and round the corner to go to my room. That is when my eyes land on Kace. I instantly shake my head and let out a scornful, quiet laugh as I walk to my door without even speaking.

"Rohanna, come on. At least hear me out-"

"No! Kace, I asked you to trust me and what did you do instead? You went and tattled on me to Asena like a child. I did not decide to leave the control of one leader just to be put in submission by another one," I say as I reach for my door handle, but Kace stops me.

"Come one, you know that Asena isn't like King Ryan," he quickly defends her, "She wants the same thing that you want."

"She may not be, but what about who she works for? What about the leaders of the Fate Defiance?" I retort as I move pass him and open my door, "Her being mad at me is on you."

I slam the door behind me as I walk in just to find Ambree sitting at my desk holding a new dress up for me. Her eyes are wide with shock as she probably just overheard my conversation with Kace. For a split second I worry that she is going to ask questions, but then her usual smile appears on her lips.

"I made you a new dress," she says, excitement evident in her voice and in her facial features.

I try to forget about Aaron, Kace, and Asena as I walk over and run my hand over the soft material. It is gorgeous and unlike my ballgown, it is light and made with bright colors. I love it but am left confused.

"It is honestly so beautiful," I tell Ambree honestly as I remove my hand from the fabric, "But why did you make me a new one? I don't recall having any big events coming up."

At my words, a giggle sounds from my maid. Her hand quickly shoots up to try and stifle the light and uplifting sound, but it doesn't do much good. I arch an eyebrow at her as I fight my own smile.

"You are way too happy...What are you hiding from me?" I ask with a gentle chuckle.

Ambree's eyes glimmer with excitement as she looks at me. It is so obvious that she is trying to contain herself, to not reveal whatever it is that is on her mind. Finally, she gasps and dramatically clasps a hand to her chest.

"Okay, okay. Fine! So, us maids and servants aren't actually supposed to tell any of you this, but I knew the moment that they told us that I wouldn't be able to keep it from you," she says as she stands up and gently lays my dress out on my bed, "I just knew how much it would mean to you."

"Well, it won't mean too much to me if you never get to telling me," I tease her with a gentle laugh.

Her cheeks grow flustered ever so slightly at my words, but I can tell that I haven't offended her or anything by the way that a smile still adorns her lips.

"Yes, right. Well as I said before, we aren't really supposed to tell anyone, so you must keep it a secret. But King Ryan and Queen Sarai have decided to allow this year's princesses' and princes' families to visit them at the palace for one day this week!" Ambree claps her hands together as she makes the announcement before she continues. "I just knew how much this would mean to you with everything going on and such, so I thought that I would make you a special dress for a very special occasion."

At first, I don't fully process what she says, but when it hits me, it hits me like a tidal wave. A small gasp flies pass my lips as I look at her.

"Please tell me that this isn't some sick joke. Are you being serious?!" I ask in disbelief.

"Deadly serious," Ambree responds simply with a cheeky grin on her lips.

I can't stop myself from moving forward and wrapping my arms around the petite girl. Soon I feel her arms circle around me as well in a gentle manner.

"I just knew that you had been having a rough day. I thought that this might lift your spirits some," she says to me softly as she gently pats my back in almost a motherly manner, despite our ages not being far apart.

"Thank you. Thank you so much, Ambree," I whisper, my arms tightening around her slightly.

My mind is racing much too fast from the exciting news to even wonder how it is that Ambree knew about my bad day. It isn't as if I talk to her about the problems that I face, because I don't. The only reason I don't, though, is because I literally can't. If I could, Ambree would, perhaps, be the first person I would go to.

As I finally pull away from the hug, I let out a content breath. All of my worries from earlier that day vanishes as I now think about being able to see Portia and my Aunt Penelope. That is when an idea sparks in my mind.

"What exactly do they have planned for us when our families come up?" I ask curiously as I sit down, trying to prevent myself from pacing around my room out of excitement.

"Well, I don't entirely know. But I do know that there will be a lot of outside activities in the gardens. Is there a reason that you are asking?" Ambree sits down on the edge of my bed, using her hands to smooth out the dress that lays on the blankets next to her.

"I was just thinking about how much Portia would absolutely love to meet you. And... well if it isn't too much of a hassle, do you think that you could find a dress for her? You don't have to make a new one or anything like that. She's just always dreamt of being a princess," I suggest and Ambree's face instantly lights up again.

"That is a brilliant idea! I can't believe that I didn't think of it before," she says as she jumps off the bed, "I will make sure that she feels like a princess. Don't you worry!"

Ambree's excitement causes my own to grow, but it is short-lived because suddenly there is a knock on the door. I can hear Ambree still giggling behind me out of sheer glee as I open the door. The moment the person behind it becomes visible, Ambree's giggles vanish. King Ryan...

Behind the king, Kace is standing, his eyes focused on me from over the king's shoulder. Despite his stern face, his eyes are filled with worry.

"King Ryan...What a surprise. I wasn't expecting a visit from you, especially not this early in the day," I comment quizzically as I eye him.

"Hm, well Rohanna, it is my palace after all. I would like to think that I can visit whomever I please, whenever I please," King Ryan says before he raises an eyebrow at me, "Aren't you forgetting an important part of how to address a royal?"

I stare at him in confusion, but that is when I hear Ambree's nearly silent whisper from behind me.

"You forgot to curtsy..."

Right, I remember the talks that I had gotten from Kace and Ambree when I first arrived at the palace. One of the main lessons was that I was always to curtsy to the king and queen when greeting myself. At the time, that had seemed like a rather reasonable rule. But now? I would rather take on Lilura than bow myself before a false and cowardly king.

At the king's expectance gaze and Kace's more urgent one from behind him, I finally grit my teeth and dip down into a curtsy. I don't bow my head to him though. Instead, I look him directly in the eyes as I come back up as if I am a serpent preparing to strike.

"Better...Now, will everyone please clear the room? I would like to have a word with our dear Rohanna in private," the king says as he glances at Ambree and then at Kace.

Ambree instantly nods and silently leaves the room, but Kace hesitates.

"Is there a problem, boy? I asked you to leave. Now do as you are told before I report you to your superior. Got it?"

"Yes sir. Loud and Clear," Kace replies to him, but his eyes are focused on me still.

With the king's back now facing me, I quickly motion for Kace to leave. The last thing that any of us need is for Kace to be firde. Our entire plan's foundation is being able to use his title as a soldier. Kace gives me a small, nearly unnoticeable nod that the king doesn't catch before he turns around and steps out of the room, shutting the door behind him. Once the door clicks shut, King Ryan turns back to face me.

"It seems that you have a tight bond with your personal guard and maid, hm? Most princesses and princes don't get close with those working for them. It's not really smiled upon," the king says, causing me to scowl.

"I don't really see the problem in showing a little kindness to people who work so hard every day," I state back, trying to keep my response simple and not emotional.

The king seems to think over what I said before he nods.

"I suppose I can see why you would think that. I mean, you and your family are just commoners. Lower people always seem to want more praise than they deserve," he muses, but before I have a chance to respond, he continues, "But, alas, that is not why I decided to pay you a visit this morning. I came here to talk to you about your family."

"My family?" I feel all of the anger about his commoners comment fade away as fear settles into the core of my stomach, a feeling that is nearly foreign to me.

"Yes, but you don't need to worry. They are okay and they should remain okay as long as you stay in line," he quickly answers me as he motions for me to have a seat in my chair, "Please, have a seat while we talk."

I hesitate as I eye him, trying to figure out where exactly he is going with this. A part of me isn't sure if I want to hear what he says next, but the other part of me is desperately hanging onto everything that leaves his lips in mere hope that he will slip up and say something of value to my goal. I slowly walk over to my chair and sit down, crossing one leg over the other as my eyes train up at him. I hate being lower than him because I can tell by the smirk that is on his lips that it makes him feel superior.

"You see, for one who mentions how kindness isn't a problem, you seem to be quite prone to violence. Last I recall you have already had to be escorted out of the Welcoming Ball and breakfast one morning because you grew to be a bit aggressive towards one of the other princesses. What is her name again? Right. Lilura Ethelfled. She is quite a lovely girl, in my own personal opinion. I-"

"Lilura is a vile girl who thinks of herself to be higher than people who have the exact same title as her," I interrupt the king as anger fills my voice. Who is he to judge me on snapping a couple of times when he is the one who ordered for my best friend to be killed?

"Do not interrupt me, child!" King Ryan suddenly yells, causing me to subconsciously flinch. I wasn't scared, I just hadn't been expecting it. Perhaps I should have been scared, but it wasn't like he would actually hurt me, right? "You forget your place. I am the king of Cliden. You are a mere princess and not even one by blood. You were chosen by chance. So here is how this conversation is going to go. You are going to listen to me and you are only going to speak to me when I ask you a question. Got it?"

I try to fight the scowl that is trying to form my lips as I nod my head curtly at him. Suddenly his hand reaches out and grips my chin rather hard, his fingers pressing into the sides of my cheeks. Okay, now I am scared.

"I said you will speak when I ask you a question. Are you really so dim-witted that you can't even listen?" He asks as he releases me, but I feel that that is more of a statement than an actual question, "Perhaps the Counsel made an error with you. You are no princess. But since you are already here, we have more pressing matters to discuss. Like why were you asking all those questions when you, along with your fellow princesses and princes, received your VitaBands?"

"I was simply curious. As you said before, I am just a mere Commoner. I'm not used to all of this technology," I lie smoothly and nearly mockingly as I play dumb.

"You really think that I believe that?" King Ryan asks as anger flashes in his eyes, "I am not stupid, Rohanna, and I refuse to be treated as such. But I sadly cannot force you to tell me what exactly it is that you are up to."

The king slowly bends down to where he is eye level with me, causing me to press my back into the chair, as his cold eyes that I once found charming stare into mine.

"But you hear me now...I will not be played for a fool. If you embarrass me in any way or try to undermine me, your precious sister and aunt will end up just like your mother and best friend," he hisses, straight venom dripping off of his words, "You didn't really think that family day was a gift, did you? Everyone else seems too, even my wife. But I like to think of it as a reminder to you that I control everything here...including you."

With that being said, he stands up and uses his hands to smooth out his white button up.

"Is that all?" I ask, my voice coming out smaller than I like.

Instantly he glares at me. Right, I am not supposed to speak unless he asks me a question. How could I have forgotten?

"For now, it is. But you will do good to mind yourself, Rohanna. I am not petty like Lilura. I will do whatever it takes to defend my crown," he warns as he turns and walks out of my room.

But little does the king know...I will do anything to burn his crown.