The Whisperer

Chapter 3- Wandering Wolves

The more steps I take, the more my blood boils. Every time my cape sweeps the ground, the deeper my nails dig into my palms. The royal color of Aquila, dark blue, draped all over me. The leather around me was snug, showing every curve I had.

Jax followed silently behind me. He knew better than to talk. I had to send Palira to Lunar Island for the same reason.

The doors were held open by the guards in silver armor. I stepped into the grand entry. Flashes of childhood memories coursed through my mine. It made me angry to be back in this hell hole.

One of the only persons I wanted to see standing in front of me.

"Have you been eating?" She asked. I pulled her into a tight hug before she could tell me to answer the question.

She quietly stroked my hair. The elderly woman knew how hard it was for me to return to my childhood home.

"Rose, I shouldn't be here," I whimpered into her neck.

I was slightly bending over. I was short for my age but Rose's height made me look bigger. Rose was most likely to be five feet and three inches, while I was five-five.

"It will be fine, darling. Breath," She whispered.

I shuttered a few breaths and yet my fear lingered a little. The only time I was ever frightened to the point of shaking was when I was in this place. I will not try to convince you that I have never been scared, I have. Yet my body or mind reaches a point of convolution here.

After catching up with Rose, she had to help set up the dinner for tonight and again Jax said nothing.

"Ah, Princess. So glad you came to join us," A disgusting voice that I knew too well said.

Shot me in the head and call it a day, already.

"It's General, Jarred," I couldn't help but glare at him.

His sunken in cheeks made me cringe. He had balding white hair and bushy eyebrows.

"My apologies, Your Grace," A snicker played on his thin lips as he bowed in fake respect.

"Is there a reason for this unwanted appearance," I almost spilled a laugh but it resided to a smirk as Jax insulted the adviser of the Queen.

"Watch your words, boy," Jarred continued with a glare. "Remember your place." Jarred suddenly raised his hand ready to slap Jax.

Before Jarred's hand could hit Jax, I stepped in front of them. I caught Jarred's moving hand with a steady grip. I through his hand down in a quick motion, telling him to knock off his s**t.

I'm not living for this moment right now.

"I will ensure my lieutenant remembers were he stands," Sarcasm dripped from every word.

I began to wave my hand around the air asking for an invisible maid. "Excuses me, we need some tape. I must mark where he stands."

Jarred seemed to finally understand I was sarcastic. "Do you take me as a fool, you little bit-," He couldn't seem to finish his sentence before a growl erupted from behind me. I was the only one that didn't seem to be startled by it. Judging by the tone and range, I was sure who it was. 

Kyrin stood by my side as my hand rested on his back, which was four feet from the ground. The soft fur felt relaxing under my fingers. Jarred's eyes were wide and scared.

"Kyrin doesn't like that word. Apologies to him," I knew my eyes were flashing an electric blue.

"Uhm, I am sorry Kyrin," He stuttered.

I clicked my tongue in dissatisfaction. "No, No. He is a king after all. You are to call him, The Wolf King."

Jarred look up with pleading eyes. "I don't have all day Adviser Jarred and Kyrin would like to get back to his hunt you so kindly interrupted."

"I-I. My sincere apologies. Wolf King," He said painfully.

Kyrin snapped and growled at him, making Jarred backed away startled.

"General, dinner will be served after the meeting," He said quickly and with that Jarred walked away.

"I hate that sorry excuse for a man," I said through my teeth and Kyrin growled in response.

The boy I had waited so long to see was beside me at last. Kyrin was a six-foot-long, nose to tail, black wolf from the forest of Icen. He had intense green eyes much like mine and a chipped ear from a fight. Kyrin was special in many ways. Black wolves are only born every ten centuries. One-thousand years and lucky me that this boy chose me as a keeper.

He had a regal stance with a wagging tail. Always happy, this one.

Jax slapped my shoulder, "Gods the look on his face. It was priceless." He laughed hysterically.

But Kyrin didn't like that. A quiet growl played from his lips telling Jax to take his hands off me.

Jax didn't want to be the next chew toy for Kyrin.

"All right, all right," Jax started to back away and so very quietly said "You angry mutt."

I don't think Kyrin pays much attention to Jax, only when he touches me.

I leaned down at the waist to be at his eye level. "Okay boy, go on a hunt. Just try not to hunt Jarred, Mom would make you sleep with the Firstlings," I chuckled to myself as he trots away.

Jax sighed with relief "I truly thought I was gonna be doggy kibble."

"Not today," I looked at my life friend and quietly thanked the Gods for having him in my life.

"Why do all your animals have to be so mean," He asked with a pout. His full lips pierced.

"They are not mean," I smile and playfully punch his arms.

His dark blue eyes filled with joy, no trace of annoyance. Not once in my life have I ever seen him angry with me. Of course, I have been mad at him countless times.

"Sea," He whispered.

"Yes, Jax," My eyes focused on him.

"I just... I want you to know that I'm here for you," He was nerves. Jax's eyes suddenly dropped.

"Jax, I love you," I wrapped my arms around his muscular torso. Tears threating to spill from my eyes. I tried so hard not to cry since I received the letter. I made one rule before joining the military, show no emotions. That will get you killed. I'm not saying don't have any, no just don't show them. Emotions can be a weakness. I don't like weakness.

When I was a girl, my sister was treated like a queen. She was allowed to. She is going to be the future Queen. I didn't like maids waiting on me or following me around. Every little speck of dust was wiped off my face. I was made to sit still and have tea parties with the maids. I would look out to see the warriors fighting in the courtyard. Jax was learning from his father how to fight and soon Jax taught me. I was 7 and Jax was 9.

I don't like memories. They are painful.

Jax and I continued down the dark hallways. I finally found the place I've dreaded for the longest time.

Every door in this castle has a story. All driftwood does. The doors are made of wood from sunken ships. By the age of ten or by marriage, you can design your door. Images such as whales, sharks, sea turtle, and dolphins were etched into the piece of wood in front of me.

I slowly and reluctantly reached for the silver handle. Jax put his hand on my shoulder but didn't say anything. Two dark-haired women come into view.

The most elegant woman was sitting behind a dark desk. Her hair flew into tamed curls down to her breasts. She had calming diamond eyes and a sharp face. She looked younger than her actual age. Her blue dress loosely flowed to the ground and one strap leaned against her left shoulder.

The other woman had the same colored hair as the first. You could only see the back of her head. Her dress was short with pink and blue flowers. They were laughing.

The first woman heard the door creak. Her crystal eyes looked up and got watery.

"Oh, my gods. Siren," she got up from her leather chair.

Her arms wrapped around my waist. I was startled and I hesitated to say anything.

"Mom, how are you," I asked her in a calm voice. No emotion flowed.

"I'm good. This war needs to end though and that is why I called you here," Mom pushed away from me and walked to her war plans.

"One question Mother," My eyes traveled to the other woman.

"Yes dear," Her eyes glued to the papers in front of her.

"So why is Denali here," I pointed to my sister in the chair.

"Nice to see you sister," Denali stood up.

"Don't act like you are happy to see me," I look away from her.

She growled, "I'm not."

"Glad we agree on something."

Mom slammed her fist hard into the table. "Girls! Siren, your sister is here because she is the future Queen of Aquila."

The loud noise made my sister jump. "Ok, good for her but this meeting does not concern her," I said between gritted teeth.

"It might not for now but when she is older, it will be her duty," My mother said.

Out of nowhere, Denali starts laughing. "Denali why the hell are you laughing," My mother persisted.

"I'm sorry," she continues "but Siren looks like a slut.

"Wow, so f*****g mature. Our future queen everyone," I murmur. It's not quite enough for my mom to hear me. She shoots daggers at me.

"We should just get on with the meeting," Jax says in announce.

I sit next to my sister. I am mentally gaging right now. My mother is across me and Jax stands next to me. My mom pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs. The door opens and Jarred comes rushing in.

"Nice of you to join us," I say with a smirk slapped across my face. 

His eyes widen as I spoke and I could see he was sweating. 

"Sorry, your majesty," he said to my mom. "but her mutt chased me around the castle."

I saw red. 

"Bullshit!" I yelled. "Don't f*****g lie to my mother! Kyrin is out hunting and miles away from the castle. You are so pathetic. Running around the castle just to look like you are a victim. And just so you know that 'mutt' has protected this family since I was born."

He smiled a nasty smile. "Don't hurt yourself, princess."

"JARRED! That is enough. Do not lie to me about Kyrin. And call Siren by her proper title," My mother said.

"What is her proper title," asked Jarred.

"Siren, princess of Aquila, general of the Aquilan army and navy, and whisper," answers Jax.

"Stop," I hold up my hand to silence them both. "We sound like children."

My mother looks at me and smiles, but I keep it professional and nod. I have always kept it professional with my family. There is no point to do otherwise.

"As I was saying, we must find a way to stop this war," my mom says. 

"Attack them with full force! Show them what we've got," Delani pumps her fist into the air.

"Delani, let the adults talk. We know what we are doing," I say in a bittersweet voice.

Then it hit me. I would be killing two birds with one stone. Wow, I'm so smart. I am going to be dancing tonight if this works.

"Arranged marriage," I tell my mom.

"What?" they all say in unison.

"Have Delani marry the prince or the king, I don't care."

"The prince is hot," Delani rubbed her chin. I rolled my eyes.

"It will end the war without anymore lives lost," Jax agrees.

The war would end and I would get rid of my sister; win, win. 

I have one question, have you ever hated someone so much that you would push them into a pit of lions, literally?

"The annual ball is coming up and we are hosting it," Jarred said.

"I will discuss it with them, then," my mother seemed so distressed. She wanted this meeting to be over as soon as possible. 

THE DINING HALL HADN'T CHANGED. The hall was filled to the brim in silver. Silver swirls in the marble and silver linens topped with navy blue. The plates were navy blue with silver borders. Silver and blue, blue and silver. At this point, I'm drowning in silver and blue.

The fireplace at the end of the dining hall was lit and flames licked the wood. The blaze illuminated the mural on the ceiling. Ocean waves lash around a beautiful woman. Sharks, dolphins, whales, and other sea life crowd around her.

Silk lay across her breast and core. She had a soft look on her face. Oh, how I envy her. The goddess was far away from this place and I wish the same. 

"Siren join us," my mother motioned as she took me out of my daze. Her hair was pinned back into a bun.

My mom sits at the head of the table, Jax and I sit on her left with Delani and Jarred across from us.

I am quiet most of the time and soon our food is brought to us. The waiter places a large plate in front of me. Smells of spice and lemon fill my nose, and for a second, anger coursed through me.

Dragonfish. A stupid name. Dragonfish is a dish with salmon marinated in spices and lemon. 

It was his favorite.

"I thought, since, you haven't been home in a few years. Well, I had the chefs prepare your father's favorite dish," My queen mother looks pleased with her self. Like she had just accomplished something spectacular. Her crystal eyes were soft. A wide smile on her face taunted me.

"Queen Lana," Jax started but I stood up before he could finish.

I wanted to scream, I wanted to curse Jare for what he took. But I calmly said, "I think I will retire for the night."

"But you haven't eaten," The queen looked confused and hurt.

"I'm not big on spicy food," My voice was flat and my eyes cold.

I started to walk away from the table swiftly, telling myself to thank the staff on my way out. Yet something pulled me back. A voice, that annoying high pitched voice.

"What's wrong sis? Brings back bad memories," I could hear the smirk playing on her tone.

My back is still turned. Oh my gods, let me sleep. 

"It's a real shame that he's gone, init'," She said. "You know he could be here right now. If it wasn't for you."

That last sentence struck a nerve, a painful, an angry nerve. 

"Just face it. You know its true," She pushed and twisted the nerve.

"Delani," mother started quietly.

"No, everyone in this castle has been thinking about it since that day he died. That's why she left after he died, she knew she was responsible," her voice rose.

I spun around quickly. "Don't act like you gave one single f**k about dad."

"I left because I couldn't be in this hell hole without him," Tears filled my eyes. "That was the worst day of my life."

"Siren I think you need to hear this," She stands from her chair and straightens her dress. "It should have been you. You should have died and he should have lived."

A pain shot up my body. Tears spilled from my eyes. My head spun until I felt sick. She was right and everyone in the kingdom probably agreed. My father was the most beloved king in Aquilan history. It should have been me.

I sprint as fast as my legs could go. I knew Jax would be following me right now.

I ran pash the entrance to the tallest tower in the castle. I raced up the coiling stairs. To the most secluded room in the castle. 

My room.

The double oak doors swung with ease. I locked them and slid down the doors. Tears ran down my face. 

A pounding on my doors shocked me. "Sea, let me in. Please don't do this. Don't listen to her," Jax said through the door. "I love you, Sea, let me in."

"Jax not right now," I said in between sobs.

He was always good at leaving me be when I needed it but sometimes I wish he put a little more fight into it. Yet right now is not one of those times.

"Jax I will be fine. I'm just going to take a shower," I say through the crack where the doors meet. 

Soon footsteps echo through the hall and become distant.

Shower, my ass!

The best part of my room is that I have a balcony that looks over the ocean. 

The water lashed violently at the shore and the winds picked up. The ocean was mimicking my emotions. The water seemed so luring. I walked back into the room.

I hadn't done this in years.

I was pacing back and forth. But soon I went back to the balcony. The water beckoned me.

And I jumped.