The Emerald Queen

GOODBYE TO YESTERDAY

"Nora is it? I'm Patrick Wolffe. Go and get your things, you're coming with me".

"Sorry Sir, but this is where I live and I don't have any things, anyway." I whisper.

"You don't live here any longer, Nora. You are mine and you are coming with me. Now let's go." Demanded Patrick.

"Excuse me, Mr Wolffe, but Nora here has been with us since she was an infant. This is where she belongs." Announced Dorothy.

Patrick growled. I swear it was a growl. His eyes darkened when he looked at Dorothy. As much as I was drawn to him, I still felt afraid and uncertain. Sure, I didn't want to stay here, but am I really going to walk out of here with a stranger? Could anywhere be worse than here? Probably not. My thoughts are interrupted by Patrick. 

"With all due respect Dorothy, Nora here is my Mate. She will be coming with me and I would think very carefully before arguing with me on this. This school is standing because of my family and I will have no hesitations in cutting you off if you dare go against me".

Wait? His family owns the school? I've heard of the Wolffe family. They are said to be the most powerful family around. Both feared and respected. But why did he want me? And what the hell is a Mate?

"Nora, let's go. You will be safe with me, I promise." whispered Patrick. 

He took my hand in his and those same sparks I felt earlier shot through me again. It felt like my skin was on fire. As if I had no choice, he led me out of the school and into his horse drawn carriage. I had never seen something so magnificent. Two horses stood in front of the carriage. They were both the darkest black I had ever seen. The carriage itself was coated in gold designs and the seats were covered in velvet. As we began to move away from the only place I had ever known, I felt free, scared but free. Where I was going, I don't know, but I was finally out of that horrid nightmare. I never wanted to see that place again.

"Are you ok, my Queen? You look scared, but please don't be. I would never hurt you. You are my mate."

"Um, I'm ok, thank you. But honestly, I have no idea what's going on. Why did you call me your Queen? And what is a Mate?' I asked.

"Nora, how long have you been a maid in that school?'

Its no surprise that Patrick can guess my status. My clothes are ragged and dirty, I'm underweight and I can't remember the last time my body felt the kiss of hot water on its skin.

"I've never lived anywhere else, Sir. As Dorothy said, I have been there since I was an infant. My parents died when I was a baby and the school took me in. I don't really know anything about my parents. Dorothy always said it wasn't worth talking about." Suddenly I felt overwhelmingly sad. I really don't know anything about myself. Where I came from. If I had any family out there. I've always been made to feel so worthless. 

"Moon Goddess. Don't worry, my Queen. After we get you home you can have a long, hot bath, a decent meal and then we will have a good long talk, ok?"

"A bath would be amazing. Thank you Sir."

"Please, call me Patrick."

Call me crazy, but I trusted this handsome stranger I was sitting beside. I felt safe with him. Relief flooded over me as I realised I didn't have to live through the daily torture of Dorothy ever again. No more whippings. No more abuse. I sink back in the chair, close my eyes and let myself fall into dreamland.

I was woken to Patrick rubbing my cheeks. 

"Nora, wake up. We're here. Welcome home, my Queen."

Looking around, I saw quaint cottages, rolling hills, wild flowers and a lush forest. Sparkling in the sun, a stream of water cut the town in half and made it glow. I could never have dreamed of a place more beautiful than this. And now this heaven was my home. I feel like I am dreaming.