Queen Charolette

The choice

“What do you mean Jo?”

Reid put his hand on her shoulder attempting to calm her down. She breathed in deeply. Charolette knew that this wasn’t Jo’s fault. This meant that she was beating herself up about it. Char decided to tread carefully.

“Well, she said that I called her last night. I had said something about everyone leaving me. She said that they decided to wait until I found my beloved.”

Char took a deep breath, “that is ridiculous. Also, I never saw you on your phone.”

Reid was chuckling into her hair. “I agree ridiculous.”

“I may have called, when I went to the restroom. I didn’t mean it. I’m sorry.”

Char put her forehead to Reid’s, “it’s okay, I’ll try to talk to her before I leave.”

Reid groaned. “We need to go back.”

“Did I just hear a man?” She gushed, “are you with a man?”

Charolette attempt to ignore the tone of her cousin, “it’s the elder calling me back. Listen Jo, I’ll be back soon, but I will also be leaving for awhile. I’ll need you to take charge.”

She laughed too loud, “maybe that’s more of a task for Miles.”

She hung up and stared up at Reid. “Ready to head back love.”

“I’d follow you anywhere.”

He chuckled, “mhmm.”

Lord Uriel explained that his informant said it would be a two day trip and that three days from now the war would need resolved. They would travel together and stay at a hotel the first night of travel. She had requested a shower before heading back to Joan. Reid attempted to join her, but she made it clear his smell couldn’t touch her. She knew her marking him would make him cling to her. She was regretting that already.

“I’ll be back in four hours. I will see you then my love. I’ll call as I head this way.”

She raced back the way she came. Joan greeted her at the door of the dorm. She sniffed the air and gave a squinted look. Char took a deep breath and prepared herself.

“Definitely thought I’d smell something on you. Can’t believe you didn’t hook up with that hot voice I heard over the phone.”

She gritted her teeth. “He’s mated.”

Joan rushed and put an arm around her neck, “well that sounds disappointing. You have to spend like a week with a mated male. Maybe the kisses you go to will have some fine ass there.”

Char nodded, “maybe. Where is Edith?”

“In the room, waiting for you to yell at her.”

She took the stairs two at a time and walked into the room. Edith was on her bed with her head held up high. She looked so sure Char would understand her side. Granted, Charolette was doing the same thing in private.

“I already know what you are going to say and hear me out.”

Char leaned against the wall. “Okay, but while you do you don’t mind if I grab a drink do you? I’m parched been running for hours.”

“Sure, I guess.” She stopped breathing. “I know you think I’m being reckless or just staying in my…um….motherly role, but Owen agreed. It isn’t fair…that…I found him, because Miles sniffed him out.”

She was staring at Charolette who was exaggerating how great the blood tasted. Char was feeling the effects slightly of the bond not being completed, but she had the advantage of marking her beloved. Edith would be unhinged soon and could kill Owen.

“Did you tell him about the blood thirst?”

Edith paused. “I mentioned it.”

Char stood from her leaning, “did you tell him you could kill him.”

Both Joan and Edith gasped, “Char, this is Edith.”

“Yeah and this is the beloved curse. You know the longer you wait the more likely you are to drain him. When his blood is all you crave. He isn’t a supernatural creature. He is a fragile human. That doesn’t make Joan feel better…it makes her guilty. You know she wants you to be happy. We have all waited forever and I told you all this is the year. I can feel it in my soul. Don’t do anything that could make you lose him. Second chance beloved’s aren’t common and having to wait for a possible reincarnation, not even Lord Harding has had that.”

Joan was sitting with a now crying Edith. Char knew she went too far, but it was better to be honest before it could happen. Edith looked up with a nod.

“I’ll tell Owen the decision. You know you didn’t have to use the Master tone.”

Char gave a quizzical look. “I didn’t think I did.”

Joan scoffed, “you have been using it the whole time.”

She sighed. Last time she showed dominance to a family member was Lawrence and he had left right after that. Granted that one had some blame placed on Joan as well, but still. Char didn’t like using her dominance on family.

“I’m sorry Edith. I really didn’t mean to, but I don’t take back the words I’ve said.” She knelt down in front of her. “Just be happy for us, okay? Don’t think for a second that you holding yourself back is what anyone wants. Joan will help with Owen’s transition while I’m gone. I imagine so will Miles. Do you need me to call in one of the traveling Kiss members?”

Edith shook her head, “no we got it.”

“There is Elder Reid’s kiss off campus. I’ll send you the location. I guarantee they will help in anyway if you need it. I will have my phone if you need me.”

Joan rolls her eyes, “we’ve got it. Hey maybe you will find your beloved or mine…”

Char chuckled guiltily, “yeah maybe. I will see you both in a week.”