TrueBloods

Chapter 4: The Library

I hadn't lied to her. I was fully prepared to start a war. She was my destiny and I was not about to let anyone tell me otherwise. Mother thinks that by being prepared for war is me choosing my mate over my people. I could see why she thought that, but I also knew she was wrong. Choosing my mate was choosing my people. She has had access to the library all her life. Chances are, she's been in there plenty of times. Even if I can't get any of the library out of Aginiel, at least I can get her out. It's not safe for here.

I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Lilah was soothing my worries through our bond. At least, she was trying to. I gently shut my mind off to her. She didn't need to hear this meeting. It was going to get ugly. I sensed that everyone was in there. I shuddered. Everyone? This must be serious.

I took a deep breath and approached the door. The footman announced me and the Queen's voice echoed out, "Enter."

I entered and bowed. "Your Majesty, Queen Briza."

She flicked her finger and said in a cold, calm, demanding voice, "Rise." I did as I was told and awaited further instructions. "Some grievous charges have been filed against you, Prince Jackson. Were you aware of this?"

I placed my hand across my chest, as was customary in my kingdom. "Your Majesty, I am unaware of what these charges may be. However, I have come to realize that there are many things that are customary in my country that are very much so frowned upon here."

She arched one sculpted eyebrow to perfection and in a very disbelieving voice she stated, "My eldest has brought it to my attention that you and my youngest have been meeting in secret. That you have broken one of my firmest laws. You have been accused of inappropriate behaviors that are only acceptable behind closed doors after marriage. You have been accused of kissing the second Princess, the kissing of which is strictly illegal."

I bowed apologetically. "Your Majesty, I believe your daughter was mistaken as I tried to explain to her when she said something to me earlier. In our kingdom, it is very customary for a man and woman to meet alone prior to marriage. I had not realized that that was not the case here. As for kissing the princess? if you would be so kind as to explain to me why it is illegal, I would really appreciate it."

"She is abnormal. She herself is against the law. Anyone found consorting with her romantically is therefore breaking the law. "

I nodded. "Yes, but why? Why is she breaking the law just by existing?"

She rolled her eyes and picked her nails clean as she said mockingly, "She's one of those filthy beasts. The TrueBloods."

Mother stepped forward and placed a hand on my shoulder, out subtle cue that I needed to calm down and think things through. I placed my hand on top of hers as her gentle, tired voice rang out, "Briza, my son was unaware he was breaking any laws."

She flicked her fingers. "Sororia. Watch your tone with me. I will have you all arrested."

I bristled. "your Majesty, we have been polite. I profusely apologize for breaking any laws. And we will pay your fine for it, but I have a request." She arched her eyebrow again. "Lilah. I want her to go back to the Elfin Kingdom and become it's queen."

I glanced at Robin who subtly shook his head. Lillyana was furious. I could feel her anger radiating out in waves. Queen Briza hissed, "Did you not hear me?"

I interjected politely, "Your Majesty, I heard you clearly. I'm just wondering if you understand your position."

She growled, "If you're going to marry one if my daughters, it will be Lillyana."

I shook my head. "It'll be Lilah or no one."

From the side of the room, Lillyana shrieked, "Why? what's wrong with me? Why does everyone always want her?"

Robin stepped forward and interjected, "Lady Lilah is the embodiment of all things bright."

she continued to shriek, "We are the exact same!"

I shook my head. "The way you are acting right now proves you are not. Lilah will be the best queen for the Elfin Kingdom. If you want one of us to marry you, it won't be me. I would never make you the Elfin Queen."

Queen Briza finally spoke up. "If you want her, take her and go." She flicked her fingers one more time. "We will throw a ball tomorrow. You have until the end of the week and then I don't want to see you again. You're dismissed."

We bowed and excused ourselves. Robin smacked me and said, "What we're you thinking? How could you be so stupid! I told you that it was illegal!"

I hissed, "I have to go, Robin. This is it. We're finally going to get some answers."

He grabbed my arm. "Jackson, you need to tell me what's going on."

I sighed and led him a bit further away. "She's not safe here, Robin, and I'm prepared to go to war in order to bring her home."

He gave me a confused look. "But she's been like you her whole life. why would she only just now be in danger?"

I hesitated. "I think we started the process for completing the bond. I feel it much stronger now. We were completely open to each other, although I don't think she realized it. I've seen all of the abuse she's gone through. If she were to stay here, they would kill her for real."

"That's not much different than what we already knew, Jackson. That doesn't warrant a war, Jackson."

I looked at him with what I'm sure was a dangerous glint in my eye. "Robin, once you feel this way about someone, you'll understand that going to war for the safety of your loved ones is the best reason to go to war." I glanced around. "I have to go meet Lilah. She's taking me to the library."

He rolled his eyes. "Just be very careful."

I nodded and headed for the west wing. It was used a lot less than the main part of the building, which makes sense as this part of the building was very taboo. Cobwebs, dirt, dust, and grime was everywhere. Lilah's dress had to be filthy by now. I felt bad for making her wait, but my fears were washed away the second she came into my line of sight. I rushed over to her and hugged her tight. She shrieked in surprise and gently patted my hand.

I nudged her mentally. "Starlight, we don't have a lot of time anymore."

She looked back at me and said, "Why not? There aren't any guards here and Mother never checks for the key."

"I'm sorry, Starlight. We're leaving at the end of the week. You're supposed to come with us."

She pulled away from me. "Why? What did you do?"

"Your sister went to the Queen. The meeting didn't go as planned. However, your queen agreed to let you go. Princess, we have to gather as much information before we leave as we can."

She appeared conflicted. I pressed my forehead against hers and gently kissed her. She whispered through the link, Jackson, I've never had any training to become queen. I don't know what I'm doing.

I smiled. "That's the best part, starlight. You don't have to know what you're doing, because I'll be there to help you learn."

She nodded. Let's get into the library. Then we can talk more freely.

I motioned for her to guide the way. As I followed her just a little way down the hall, I felt the turmoil spreading through her. This was the only home she knew after all. What if she left and things got worse? What if she went with me and I discovered just how useless she was? All manner of thoughts like that ran through her head until I couldn't stand it anymore. I pushed one simple image through to her: a vision I had when I was much younger of me and her happily married, in a time of peace, with many young children running around.

She stopped in front of a bare piece of wall and slipped the key- which looked surprisingly brand new- into a barely perceptible crack in the wall and turned it with a soft click. The door slid open without the slightest creak, revealing a warm golden glow, inch by inch.