ROYAL FLAMES

medics Flames Chapter 1 (In the outset) Manhattan, New York. Liston Hospital. Tuesday, July 17th, 2020. 8:30 pm. The paramedic rushed a bloody patient on a sled to the ER. Doctor Martha Edmunds rushed towards them in haste. She pulled on her gloves and rushed towards the patient. “What do we have?” She asked the medics. “25-year-old female. She was run over by a car. She's suffering from severe bleeding and concussion.” The paramedic reported. “Alright, I need a hand here” Doctor Edmunds yelled. Two interns rushed towards her. “Ernie, prepare for a CT. Lenny, you with me” Doctor Edmunds ordered. The woman was turned to her flank and held in a cervical collar. She groaned in pain as they transferred her from the sled to the bed. “Be still, ma'am we are here to help. Lenny lets turn her over on three. Ernie, we need a hand here” Doctor Edmunds said. On three counts they slowly turned the patient over. To their surprise, she had a huge grin on her face. Doctor Edmunds stared in astonishment. “Ember?” she muttered. The tawny blonde-haired smiled at the mention of her name. “Cousin!” the woman engulfed her instantly. The two interns stood stunned. “Ma’am you have severe wounds you should lie down,” Ernie said. “Oh, this? It’s nothing, I faked it” she said in her thick British accent. “You faked? But the blood…” “What is wrong with you? What are you doing here?” Doctor Edmunds asked. Ember's forehead creased with a frown. But it was replaced quickly with a smile. “Hello, Ember? How have you been Ember? You look good Ember. I like what you did with your hair Ember? That would be nice, cuz. It’s been ten years, are you not happy to see me?” Ember hugged her again. Doctor Edmunds held her back. “You can go guys. I will handle this” Doctor Edmunds told the interns. The interns threw Ember a puzzled look before leaving. Doctor Edmunds pulled the blue curtains closed as soon as they left “What on earth is wrong with you? This is my workplace you can’t just show up here.” Doctor Edmunds snapped. She pulled off her bloody gloves and threw them into the trash. “Well, I didn’t just show up... I was admitted and…” “That is worse Ember. There were bystanders, who saw get you, get hit by a car. A few minutes ago, you were on the verge of dying now look at you, all good without a scratch. Did you forget that would raise questions? You i***t” Doctor Edmunds said infuriated. “You don’t have to insult me. How was I supposed to get your attention? Besides, if they don’t buy the faking story I can just tell them I’m a vampire and…” “Be quiet Ember! Stop talking” Doctor Edmunds hissed. “Got it. I forgot the part where you are surrounded by humans now…but seriously can I get something to wear?. These bloody clothes have served their purpose” Ember told her. Doctor Edmunds sighed. “Fine. Follow me and don’t talk. Got it?” Doctor Edmunds warned. “Jeez, yes mi lady” Ember saluted jovially. They both stepped out of the ER towards the south section. “Thank goodness, Doctor Edmunds, George wants your signatures on these, for the surgery tomorrow” a woman in white scrubs walked towards them. “Alright, Hagar, here you go” Doctor Edmunds signed the ledge quickly. “Thank you, Doctor, and good luck for tomorrow. Hey, you must be lost…” “No Hagar, she’s with me,” Doctor Edmunds said. “Oh alright, doctor. I guess will see you tomorrow” Hagar cast a curious glance towards Ember before walking away. “Wow… you seem very respected around her. But Edmunds? Blaise, you could have done better” Ember scoffed. Doctor Edmunds suddenly at the front door to her office. “Can’t you just be quiet for a second?” she asked. “I can. Jeez, you are more uptight than before.” Ember said undertone. “Thank you” Doctor Edmunds sighed before entering the office. “Wow, nice office” Ember said looking around. “Change into these” Doctor Edmunds threw a hospital frock to her. “What are you doing here in New York? Why are you at my workplace and why couldn’t you just call?” Doctor Edmunds asked. “Okay, one question at a time, and good Lord, what have you done to your hair? And seriously, Martha Edmunds? Really,Blaise, Martha?” Ember chuckled. “I asked first Ember, and yes, Martha, that’s my name now and yes, I dyed my hair. It’s been this way for 10 years now. Now tell me why you are here. If not, I have a surgery to prep for.” Doctor Edmunds told her before she grabbed her coat. “Princess Blaise Vivian Cyra Edmonton, that’s your name Blaise not Margaret?” Ember said. “Martha...not Margaret, Ember. And don’t you get it. It’s been ten years… ten good years, I am not a princess anymore. I leave a normal life now.” Blaise said. “A boring life, I can tell.” Ember said. “You didn’t come all the way from across the world, to tell me, how boring you think my life is. Did you?” Blaise asked. “No I didn’t. But since you mentioned it, let’s talk about it. Let’s start with your ridiculous name” Ember sat comfortable in chair. “I don’t have time for this” Blaise turned to leave. “ “Hey wait up” Ember followed after her. “Blaise. Blaise you…” “Martha ” a tall black haired met them. “ Well, hello handsome” Ember winked at him. “Hayden, hey” Blaise replied. “You are already leaving?” he asked. “Yes I…” “Ember Edmonton.” Ember interrupted her. She shook Hayden’s hand instantly. “Err… Do I….” “I'm Bla… Martha’s cousin” Ember introduced. Hayden furrowed his brows. “Cousin? Martha…you told me you…” “She's a very distant relative. It’s not important. What did you want to tell me?” Blaise pulled aside. “Martha, this is the first time I’ve met your family member. Don’t want to introduce me?” Hayden asked. Blaise sighed. “Fine, Hayden, meet my cousin, Ember. Ember, meet Doctor Hayden Dawner, my boyfriend” Blaise introduced. “Well I must admit, cuz, you got yourself a keeper . He is gorgeous. Ember Edmonton at your service” Ember did a low bow. Blaise rolled her eyes but Hayden smiled. “Hi, its nice to meet you Ember. It’s too bad Martha never mentioned you.” Hayden shook her hand “Oh I bet she didn’t. I didn’t even know she was called Martha, until now so…” “Wait, you don’t know…” “Ignore her. Now what did you want to tell me?” Blaise interrupted him. “Martha, why are you behaving strangely? What’s wrong?” Hayden asked. “Yes Martha, tell us why you are being so weird” Ember smirked. Blaise glared at her. “Its nothing Hayden. I… I am just tired and I really to rest. Remember I have a big day tomorrow?” Blaise asked. Hayden nodded. “I understand. You get some rest. I will see you first thing tomorrow” Hayden said. “But what did you want to say?” Blaise asked. “Don’t worry, it can wait. Alright” he told her. “Alright, if you say so” Blaise retorted. “I will be here waiting till its over. And, it was a pleasure meeting you Ember. We should all have dinner sometime” Hayden suggested. “A great idea. It was a pleasure meeting you too handsome” Ember replied. “Good night love” Hayden kissed Blaise's lips lightly. “Good night, Hayden. I love you” she told him. “I love you too” he replied with a smile. “I take back my words. Maybe your life isn’t entirely boring…. ” “What was the meaning of that?” Blaise grabbed Ember's arm angrily. “Ouch…hey, what are you talking about?” Ember yanked her arm from Blaise's grip. “You didn’t even know her name was Martha? Ember, I’ve been with Hayden for the past two years and we are engaged to be married. You showing up and saying stupid things, will raise suspicion” Blaise said through gritted teeth. “I didn’t tell you to lie to him. did I?” Ember asked. Blaise massaged her temple. She sighed heavily before speaking. “Whatever it is that you want, I don’t want to know. I have something good going on here and I won’t let you ruin it. So just go back to where you came from” Blaise told her. “Eldovania is on the verge of a collapse” Ember said. Blaise laughed. “It’s not funny Blaise. We are all about to loose our home” Ember said in a serious tone. “Point of correction, your home. Not mine” Blaise headed towards the elevator. Ember followed after her. “I knew you would say that but that’s not why I’m here. I came to give you a head start” Ember said. “Whatever it is I’m not interested” Blaise pressed the elevator button. “The royal coffers have almost gone bankrupt. Rumors have already started circulating about it. But the Lord of Valeria has agreed for a royal alliance between the two kingdoms. He is ready to support Eldovania in any possible.” Ember said. Blaise chuckled. “We both know the Valerians never give anything for free..” she said. “You think I don’t know that. They have been after Eldovania's territory for centuries. Now they have her wrapped around their fingers they and they don’t want anything? Strange right? But, you know, your father, he doesn’t want to owe them anything. So he's agreed to the alliance on the terms of one of his children marrying into the Valerian kingdom.” Ember said. Blaise turned sharply with a frown. The elevator binged open but she stood rooted to the spot. “You are kidding right? My father has just one child. And that can’t be me because he disowned me, remember?” Blaise asked. “I'm serious Blaise. You wed Lord Valerian in ten days. The treaty will be signed after that and Eldovania will be restored to its glory.” Ember said. Blaise ran her hands through her hair confused. The elevator binged to close up. She placed a hand there to stop it. “Blaise, say something” Ember nudged. Blaise suddenly stepped into the elevator without a word. “Hey couz… you can’t just…” “Stay back Ember” Blaise yelled. Ember stepped back stunned. Blaise clicked the elevator button impatiently. “Close up already dammit” she muttered angrily. “Blaise…come on. Talk to me” Ember said. “What do you want me to say Ember?” Blaise furiously stepped out of the elevator again. People passing by stopped to stare. “Couz…couz come down. I know its all too much to…” “You know? What do you know? Tell me Ember, what do you about what I am feeling right now? You weren’t there when my father cast me out. The look on his face when he told me I wasn’t welcome in my own home anymore. My mother did nothing to stop him. Do you have any idea how lost I felt after that? Do you know how hard I suffered to get this far on my own? No you don't? You have how no idea how these ten long years have been for me. None of you were there when I need you the most? Yet, you just wake up, and decide condemn me to a life with a ruthless and cold man, I don’t even know. No way, Ember. No way, so you better listen to me. Go back to your kingdom and tell that egotistic maniac I unfortunately have for father, he can shove that alliance down his old ass” Blaise said in her face. “Blaise I only….” “On another word from you” Blaise said abruptly. She pressed the elevator button again. It opened instantly and she stepped in. “Blaise the fate of Eldovania is in your hands now” Ember told her. Blaise chuckled. “Then you are in the wrong hands cousin. I don’t give a rat’s ass about that kingdom or the people in it” Blaise spat. The elevator doors shut closed. Ember stood in silence for a while. She suddenly remember something more important. “Bloody hell! … I didn’t even tell her the worst part” She yelled. “Excuse me ma'am are you okay?” a nurse asked her. “Me? Yes…yes how can I not be?” She said with sarcasm. She clicked the elevator button. She hoped Blaise was far gone. “Are you sure?” the nurse asked. Ember rolled her eyes. “Uh…You can’t even recognize sarcasm. Just forget. You humans are as dumb as it is” She muttered before stepping into the elevator. Blaise stepped into the corridor of her home. She was soaked wet from the sudden rain. Her day went so well and yet ended so badly. Not even speaking of her car that broke down in the middle of a highway. She pulled off her coat and scrambled through her bag for her keys. She finally found the key and opened the door. She threw her wet coat on the floor and dropped the keys in the bowl. She felt so frustrated and angry. She stepped out her soaked shoes before heading towards the kitchen. “The fate of Eldovania my ass” she scoffed. She was so mad not at Ember. She just delivered the news. Those to blame didn’t even have the guts to tell her to her face. She open the bottle of white wine and poured to the brim of her glass. It was a bad idea getting drink the night before a major surgery. But she was on the verge of losing it, if she didn’t get drank she had no idea what else to do. Blaise gulped down the first glass at a go. She poured herself another glass before heading towards the living room. “f**k it” she headed back to the kitchen counter to grab the whole bottle of wine. “So you are a drunk now” a voice said from behind. Blaise got startled and the wine glass crashed to the floor. She turned around and froze. “Good Lord, Edmund you startled her” a beautiful woman in her early fifties rushed to her side. Blaise stared as she took her hand. There was a strand of grey hair in her neatly tied red bun. Her blue eyes were filled with worry. She hadn’t aged a day. “Vivian, my child, are you okay?” her mother touched her cheek. Blaise looked from her mother to the man at the kitchen entrance. Her father. Lord Edmund Edmonton in his full glory. He hadn’t aged a day either. He wore his normal expressionless look. His emerald eyes were full of disapproval. After ten good years and they suddenly show up. Uninvited. How did they even know where she was? She’d changed her name her passports and everything concerning her old self. Yet they found her. “Vivian child are you…” “What are you too doing here?” Blaise glared at her mother. She pulled away from her mother’s touch. “We are here to see you, honey. Why else will we be here?” her mother replied. Blaise burst into laughter. “Our purpose seem to amuse you?” Lord Edmund asked in his hoarse voice. “Oh pardon me your majesty but yes you amuse me. I’ve been dead to you for ten good years and you suddenly show up, caring about me? It sure as hell is funny to me” Blaise said. “Well, you better start believing it. As much as I hate the idea, we are here anyway, aren’t we?” Lord Edmund said. “I didn’t force you to come. Did I?” Blaise asked. “Mind you tone young lady” Lord Edmund said sternly. Lady Veronica placed a hand on his arm. He sighed. “You may not be leaving under my roof anymore but I am still your father. You will show me the needed respect.” Lord Edmund said. Blaise frowned. “You didn’t come all the way to preach me on my attitude. did you?” Blaise asked. “No I didn’t. I have more important news. It concerns…” “ Yes I know. Eldovania is on the verge of a collapse and you need me, the black sheep to save it. Well, I will tell you the same thing I told Ember, I don’t give a rat's ass about you and Eldovania. You can all go to hell for all I care” She walked past them. Two guards blocked her path instantly. Blaise frowned. “Please get your dogs out of my way” Blaise said over her shoulder. “I am not begging you to come for my sake. Eldovania is your birthright, you should fight for it.” Lord Edmund suddenly said. “Don’t you get it? I don’t care. How many times do I have to tell you? I don’t care what happens to Eldovania. If the Valerians want it, let them have it for all I care. I have a life that needs my attention now” Blaise said. “Don’t be stubborn Vivian.Just come back home to where you belong” Her mother said. “Oh don’t pretend as if you care. You are not even here because you want me back. You are here because of your own greedy intentions. I am not going anywhere. I am staying here, the only place which has been my home for as long as I can remember” She pushed through the two guards and headed for the stairs. “Vivian” her father called her from behind. She halted in her steps instantly. “Don’t let your people suffer because of your spite for me. My sole goal wasn’t to come to remind you of your past. I only wanted to see you my child. I wanted to ask for your….your forgiveness” Lord Edmund stuttered. Blaise raised her eyebrows in surprise. “We leave at 5pm tomorrow for Eldovania. Call me if you change your mind. And good luck on your surgery” he turned away to leave with that. The guards followed him out of the house. Blaise stood rooted to the spot. Still wondering if she was just dreaming. How did he know she... “He’s always been watching you child” a calm voice said from behind. Blaise turned to find her mother still there. Her mother walked up to her on the stairs. She stroked Blaise's cheek with her gloved hand. Blaise noticed the gathered tears in her eyes. “You dyed your hair” her mother chuckled. “You always hated your red hair” Tears fell from her eyes as she spoke. “You know, facing you has been one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do.” Her mother told her. “I didn’t…” “Just listen to me Vivian. Your father doesn’t take pleasure to see your suffer. He was heartbroken when you left. He cried on nights when he thought I was asleep. Yet he pretended nothing was wrong whenever I asked him. But I know him too well. I know him too well to tell you this, he regrets what he’s done. So do I, for not standing by your side, when you needed me the most. The real reason we both want you home, is because he’s dying Vivian.” Lady Veronica gold her. Blaise furrowed her brows. “What do you mean? He’s a vampire he can’t…” “He has the witch scourge” Her mother told her. “What? He was hexed?…by who and…” “You are not the only person your father has wronged over the years Vivian. The Valerians are not helping us just from the goodness of their hearts. They know about your father's ailment. They’ve been after Eldovania for so long. What better moment for them to take it without her King?” She asked. “I beg you my love. Think this through. Not for our sakes but did our people. Please” her mother kissed her fingers lightly. Her mother stepped away from her with a smile. “I was good seeing you again my child.” Lady Veronica turned to leave. Blaise walked after her and shut the door behind her. “I love you Vivian” she heard a faint whispered from behind the door. A tear fell from Blaise's eyes. Her hand was still on the door knob. Everything I her urged her to just open the day and hug her. But her heart wouldn’t let her. The knob suddenly glowed hot red and scorched her. She quickly let go and stared in horror. The door knob had melted away. She looked down in her right palm. The was an image of a creature in her palm. It blazed red like fire. “Bloody hell!” she muttered in shock.