Ihrena's Prophecy

“Something’s wrong.” Soleil said aloud. Wringing her hands while walking through the castle halls, the sounds of her heels clicking on the cream-colored marble floors did not ease her racing thoughts. The pictures that lined the walls, showing past monarchs, did not hold her captivated. The smell of roasting meat and baking bread, which would normally cause her stomach to grumble, was silent. Paranoia quickened her steps, her head swerved to and fro, looking for any sign of Izar or Atlas. A shaky laugh was released from tightly pursed lips, “I’m being ridiculous.” Soleil said to herself, harshly rubbing her arms to place some warmth back into them. As she continued forward she wished she had brought her wrap with her. Shaking her head, she brought herself back to the present moment. She knew she was not being ridiculous. Her gut was screaming that something was amiss. “Atlas would surely joke that I’m always thinking the worse.” And it was true, Atlas’ hazel eyes would sparkle as he laughed when Soleil would begin pacing. “My love," He would say, his voice instantly soothing her, "you have got to calm down.” He would then take her smaller hands into his or perhaps offer a massage to ease her tense shoulders, and each time it would work. Her racing heart would slow with just a simple touch. After all the years they had been together, it was still surprising how he could calm her. She was searching for that comfort now as she continued forward, peeking into rooms, alcoves, any place where a person could hide. Laeves Keep was large, there were many places one could go if they wanted to remain hidden. This wasn’t something Izar or Atlas would do. Besides, Izar was able to feel her emotions no matter their distance. He wouldn’t be so cruel as to leave her in such a state. Soleil’s head twisted and turned as she looked for assistance. She let out a deep breath as her eyes connected with a familiar maid’s. “Oh Ciradyl, thank gods,” Soleil said, lifting her skirts as she made her way towards the young woman. “Ciradyl, where is everyone? Why is the castle empty?” “Do I know you, ma’am?” She asked, her blonde brows scrunched on her unlined face. Soleil’s eyes narrowed and a frown formed on her lips, “Of course you know me.” Soleil could tell from Ciradyl’s hesitant nod that she didn’t believe her. A flush came over Soleil’s face as she looked down. Something was wrong but she didn’t know what it was. Clearing her throat, she moved past the obvious awkwardness. “Have you seen Izar or Atlas?” Soleil asked, shuffling from one foot to the other. “No, I have not seen His Highness.” Soleil’s head jerked at the emphasis that was placed on Izar’s title. “And I don’t know who this Atlas is either.” “What are you talking about, Ciradyl?" She said, head turning to the side, "of course you know me and Atlas.” Soleil insisted, forcing out a laugh and a smile, hoping either would jog Ciradyl's memory. “No ma’am, I do not. I apologize, but I must get back to my chores.” With a stiff nod, the young woman walked away without a backwards glance. Soleil did her best to shake off the weirdness of that encounter. She continued onward looking for anyone who would offer an explanation of what was going on. Soleil heaved a deep breath as she made her way to the wooden doors that would lead to the village square. Nodding to the guards in their Liaperiros livery, she waited as they opened the door. Soleil felt a sense of calmness when the breeze grazed her umber cheeks, blowing her ebony kinky hair from around slightly moist cheeks. She chuckled, she didn’t realize her endeavor inside the castle took so much out of her, but the speed of her breathing told her it was in fact quite an ordeal. Walking along the bridge that connected Laeves Keep to the village, Soleil did her best not to look down. It didn’t matter that she had been living in Struso for many years, the sight of the Myrin River many feet below the suspended bridge caused her great distress. The elven village of Iya Caelora was a beautiful sight to be sure, but entrusting the large trees that held the city suspended in the air was not something one easily got used to. “Ma’am, we need you to remove yourself from the bridge. We are in the process of carrying some large cargo.” An unfamiliar man in livery advised. Soleil’s head turned at the sound of his voice, “Oh of course, I apologize.” She said, continuing forward to reach the village that lied ahead. A smile came over Soleil’s face as she viewed the charming thatched-roofed cottages that made up Iya Caelora. Soleil almost got trapped by memories of the past but she knew she had to continue on her search for Izar and Atlas. She just needed confirmation that everything was alright. After what felt like an eternity, a familiar head of shoulder-length blonde hair was seen. Soleil would know that hair anywhere, after many occasions of running her hands through it. Clearing her throat and her mind, she quickly closed the distance between herself and Izar, clutching onto his shoulder. “Izzy.” She said. Soleil was hesitant as she felt his shoulder tense. Stepping back she looked up in confusion when he brushed her off. Looking into his topaz eyes, she could tell he didn’t recognize her. “Who are you to touch me?” He said, jerking backwards. Soleil stepped back as she witnessed flaring nostrils and eyes that had turned cold and hard. “Izzy, what are you talking about?” Soleil asked, her stomach dropping at his tone. “Izzy? You think yourself so familiar calling me that? It’s Your Highness to you, who are you anyway?” He asked. Soleil knew to tread lightly as she witnessed the vein that pulsed in his neck. She had never witnessed such an expression as his face held at that moment. Soleil never heard such a tone in his voice either, he was kind to everyone. He never raised his voice and he never spoke to her with anything aside from gentleness and love. “Izzy, it’s me. It’s Soleil.” She said, eyebrows raised in hopes that he would say this was all a joke. “I don’t know a Soleil.” He said, tapping his foot and crossing his arms across his broad leather-covered chest. A strange sensation filled her stomach, “What?” She whispered, leaning closer, “I’m your betrothed." She said, placing a hand on her chest. "We are to marry in the spring.” Her stomach dropped as his expression did not change, if anything it was as if a shadow crossed his handsome face. “This isn’t funny, Izzy.” Soleil said, close to tears. “You are not my betrothed,” he said, a look of pity coming across his face. Soleil flushed. She could tell from his expression that he thought her mad. She wanted to stomp her feet and yell, but she knew it would not help her at that moment. It would only give him more reason to think her mad. “I am.” A feminine voice spoke behind her, slowly turning Soleil’s once brown skin turned ashen at the woman before her. “You…”