Isle of the Damned

An attitude

"I can't believe it. We could never have guessed how evil she actually is," Ava said sadly. James put his arm around her. 

"It could be worse. I suppose her sadism is what could be what saves us. At least we now have time to run," James said looking down with concern at Ava. 

"Unfortunately, we'll move up on King Seth's priority scale now that he will know we have his son with us," Myla said giving him a once over.

"That's unavoidable. Prince Tyson is now with us and he'll be treated like one of us. I won't accept conflict," I firmly said to Myla with a warning look before Tyson even had a chance to retort. 

"I won't go against your wishes Queen Arabella but don't expect me to like it," she fired back with an unfriendly look. 

"How are we going to travel? Evander is still injured. He's meant to be on bed rest," Alvaro asked with deep concern; thankfully changing the topic. 

"I'm afraid we might have to send him back. He is weak and won't be able to fight, should we be attacked," I replied with a heavy sigh. 

"You can't send him back! We don't have enough warriors," Myla argued. 

"There's nothing I can do about it. If I thought it was best to keep him with us I would."

"She's right. He needs to go home. As much as I'd love my brother to stay, he can't," Alvaro interjected, causing a huff from Myla. I have no idea what's gotten into her. 

"Where are we heading?" Tyson asked with curiosity. 

"I'm thinking Elthoris. I believe King Alaric is next on the list of people Queen Helena told us to visit."

"That'd be a good place to go. I have heard good things about him," James agreed. 

"So we leave in the morning?" Ava asked to which I nodded my head in response. 

"We need to get ready and sleep. I'll see you all in the morning," I said with a smile. 

"Goodnight," James said.

"See you tomorrow," Alvaro added. 

"Sleep well," Ava said with a smile. 

I headed off. I never thought this trip would get so complicated. I'd gathered everyone to discuss what I'd found out and obviously, Myla still wasn't on board and we were going to have to leave Evander behind. To make matters worse we were going to be travelling with the son of my enemy. This would undoubtedly mean we would be under even more pressure to carry out our mission as soon as possible before King Seth decides to make a truly horrendous decision and throw a war in our direction. 

Thankfully I reached my room quickly and so I was able to wash, pack and get ready to sleep. I just wanted the day to be over with. Things were highly stressful and I just wanted to curl up somewhere and not move. However, as I queen, I couldn't. My duty is to protect my Kamaria and I will do my best to for as long as I live. For my people and for my parents. 

I slept like a log and I wanted to continue but I knew that wasn't possible. I managed to get up at dawn to drag my still tired self out of the door with my stuff. We couldn't afford to wait any longer. He'd know our exact location soon if they hadn't already gotten that information from Helana, although I was certain she'd protect us for as long as possible. 

I got downstairs to see Myla already waiting at the door, her gaze fixed on a painting. I suppose now would be as good a time as any to confront her on the way she's been acting. 

"Good morning Myla."

"Morning," she lazily replied as she continued to hold her gaze elsewhere.

"Since you are here I was wondering if we could talk? I've noticed something been upsetting you lately."

"Not going to send me away this time?" she asked with fake surprise. She finally dragged her eyes towards me with a raised eyebrow. 

"I'm not going to apologise for that Myla. You were highly disrespectful."

"Ever thought about just talking to me, instead of humiliating me the way you did in front of the others?"

"You were doing the same to me Myla. You knew my decision and undermined it in front of everyone," I argued.

"Because your decision is the most important one?" she asked with a sneer.

"What is this really about?" I asked, swallowing my own personal feelings. Despite the way she was acting I thought of her as a good friend.

"I miss home. I don't agree with your decisions. I'm stressed about Evander. I haven't had enough sleep. Instead of coming to me, as a concerned friend should've, you were more concerned with maintaining the power as queen and so sent me away. I wasn't able to argue because you are the queen after all," she ranted heavily. 

"Is that all?" I asked quietly. I realised she was right. I could've been more sympathetic and could have at least checked up with her at some point earlier in the trip. 

"No, it's not but I don't feel like going into it."

"I'm sorry. I could've been less of a queen and more of a friend. I've been so wrapped up in my own head I haven't thought about how my friends are doing."

"I want to take Evander home. I don't want to travel with Prince Tyson because I believe that due to my hatred of him I'll put our whole purpose in danger. I don't think I'm a good fit for the group right now"

I couldn't believe she was doing this. I really needed warriors to stave off attackers and now we were about to lose two of them. I wasn't in the position to argue though. Having her with us whilst she's like this could really affect the whole journey. I genuinely think she needs to distress, whatever else has happened to her has put her in a bad place. 

"If that's what you want. I would prefer you to stay with us but if that's what you decide I won't stop you. I'm sorry."

"I don't accept your apology. I'm going to find Evander now, I'll see you when you return," she snapped as she turned to stalk off. 

I had no idea she was this angry. I think all her anger has been directed at me. I should've been a better friend but her anger is extremely inequivalent. I hope she makes it back to isle okay. 

I waited twenty minutes for the rest of the group to gather. I explained what happened and although most were sad, especially Alvaro, they seemed to have a united front that it was not entirely my fault. They said that although I may have been a little harsh, they understood why and that they thought the reaction was a little extreme. We all regretted ignoring her outbursts and not checking up on her properly. Hopefully, some time away will do her good. At least, we have Tyson to fill in as a fighter for now. 

"It's time to go," I said as I stepped out of the door into the brisk cold air. Who knows what else could go wrong?