A Fractured Paradise

Chapter Six

A sense of duty and a wave of nausea washed over Caeli. She took a knelt and bowed her head. All of us? But Maximus isn’t supposed to leave. “My king, I am prepared to leave. What tasks do the others have?”

Larissa knelt before the king. “I will honor your word, but I cannot leave my children.”

Darius took a, seemingly, reluctant knee. “My king.” His voice ice.

“Who are you taking?” Prince Maximus refused to kneel. “All of us, father? You forbade me from leaving, yet my friends you send away with impunity.”

“Maximus, listen to your father before taking such a tone.” His mother’s eyes were daggers on him.

“I apologize for his insolence.” Marcellus knelt before the family.

Always taking our mistakes as your own. But is questioning his father truly a mistake? Are they not valid? Will he not be deciding these things when he is king?

“I am sorry.” Prince Maximus knelt.

“Caeli, you are to join General Marcellus and I in battle. We will discuss those details later.” King Vitus smiled. 

“Yes, my king.” Caeli felt relieved.

He isn’t sending them. Just me. Then what are the others doing?

“Larissa, you will be the eyes and ears of Adyta. You will relay any and all suspicious activity to your queen. Can you do that child?” The king held soft eyes toward Larissa.

“Yes, my king.” Larissa’s voice held a hint of sorrow. Is she sad because she’s afraid I won’t come back? Or does she wish to go?

“Sir Darius, we have moved all of our knowledge to the temple. You will guard it.” King Vitus  seemed cold toward him.

“You put my healers in danger?” Darius questioned.

“Do not question your royals.” Marcellus was stern.

“You will be provided guard, but the temple is the most secure.” Queen Cassiana stated. “Or have you faltered in your duties?”

Is she still angry with him over their dispute?

“My love, calm yourself.” King Vitus seemed nervous.

“Father, what is my task?” Prince Maximus asked.

“You are to watch over your sister.” The king was stern. “You will guard her with your life. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.” Prince Maximus lowered his eyes.

He snuck out again. He and Rissa grow closer each passing day. Should I return, I imagine they’ll be courting.

“Caeli, come.” Marcellus ordered. “We must prepare our troops for this evening.

“Wait. you can’t leave tonight.” Larissa grabbed Caeli’s hand. “You just got back.” She turned to the king. “Can’t the soldiers be given more than one day?”

“We cannot hold off an invading army by standing still, little one.” Marcellus’s words were gentle. “We have until the nightfall.”

Caeli attempted to read his thoughts, but was met with a headache. Queen Cassiana, why block me? Why hide his thoughts?

She was met with silence. How bad can things possibly be?

She hugged Larissa, holding her as close as she could. She breathed in the subtle berry of her hair. “It’s okay, Rissa. We can’t let them get too close.”

Prince Maximus wrapped his arms around the girls. This can’t be happening again.

Darius joined the group hug. “We have to meet before you leave. We’ll meet in the garden before dinner, okay?”

“Agreed.” Caeli nodded.

“I should be allowed.” Prince Maximus glanced toward his father.

“I’ll be there.” Larissa whispered.

“Come, Caeli.” Marcellus instructed. “We have much to do.”

*

Larissa’s stomach sank into an abyss as Marcellus’s torchlight the faded down the corridor.

She held the prince and Darius close. We’ve all been given assignments. But Caeli’s been sent away. What am I going to tell Tia? “My queen, who is going to train the cadets?”

“Sir Cyrus will be instructing them.” Queen Cassiana answered. “Now, you and my son are to join me alone. Sir Darius, I’m sure you can make your way home.”

Darius left without another word. Larissa followed quietly beside the prince, his hand brushing hers.

“Maximus, you need to be more responsible. Do you know what went through our minds when we realized you weren’t in your room?” The queen was furious. “You can never do this again. With your father gone, I will need you to watch your sister.”

“I will, mother.” Prince Maximus sighed. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t sleep and I feel like a caged animal here.”

“You are safe here!” The queen spun to face her son, her voice echoed throughout the halls. “You do not understand how dangerous this world can be. I watched my home burn when I was only a child. I lost everything in less than a second, and I never wish that on anyone. Your father and I do everything we can to keep you children safe. To keep everyone safe.”

“I know, mother.” Prince Maximus squeezed Larissa’s hand. “But Caeli is,”

“Caeli does not hold the future of the kingdom with her life.” Queen Cassiana growled. “You are the eldest, Maximus. Adyta is yours upon your father’s death. You must stay safe.”

“I can protect myself.” The prince released Larissa’s hand. I’m not a f*****g child. Why can’t they see that? He stormed toward his room.

Larissa stood still, wishing to follow the prince, but knowing that she had to stay with the queen. She wanted both of us. “My queen, do not blame the prince.” Larissa sighed. “I should have forced him to go home or alerted you.”

“Now, Larissa, do not take responsibility for his own actions.” The queen shook her head. “He knows better. For now, let us discuss your role.”

“Yes, how exactly am I to be your eyes and ears?” Larissa was nervous. I can’t read everyone at once. I can only sense things nearby. I'm barely able to tell the difference half the time. 

“I will teach you.” Queen Cassiana smiled. “Come.”

Larissa followed her into the garden. Sunrise was hours away. Do they have to leave so soon?

“Sit, Larissa.” The queen instructed.

Larissa sat on the cool grass, digging her toes into the dirt.

“There is an energy within Duniwa, Larissa. You can use it to enhance your own abilities. Close your eyes, take slow; calm breaths. Embrace Duniwa. Allow the planets’ energy to join yours. Trust me, Larissa.”

Larissa laid upon the grass. She closed her eyes and relaxed. Blades of grass tickled her body. A warm breeze swept over her.

Act as though you are searching, but don’t focus on anything. The queen’s thought was as gentle as the breeze. Just relax.

Larissa felt a pull within her, almost as though she was drifting to sleep. In her minds’ eye, an array of vibrant colors. She could read them easily, every color representing the energy of another being. As she drifted, she was unable to interpret these energies. Something stronger began to fill her. I can’t contain this. She felt the wind growing stronger. I can’t contain this.

Larissa, you do not need to contain it. Let it flow through you then out. Interpret the information as you receive it. Then allow the energy to return to Duniwa. The queen's thought calmed her. Relax. 

Larissa took a deep breath, while her brain worked furiously to process everything. Slowing her breaths, the wind around her calmed.

Complex emotions, trillions of thoughts passing and leaving. Words she didn’t understand swept across her mind like lightning. Yet, with all these new experiences; Larissa no longer felt overwhelmed. Like electricity in her fingertips and toes, this new energy entered and exited. It felt as though a warmth was swirling through her veins. She found herself content. I’ve never held a range so large for so long.

Now focus on Adyta, our citizens. Let yourself connect to them, not just sense them. Really feel them, Larissa; as though their energies are truly yours. The queen's instructed her.

Larissa found herself sorting through various energies and thoughts, until discovering only Adytans. Concerns of war, some happiness and various other concerns filled her.

Is anyone suspicious? The queen’s thoughts barely emerged above the others.

Larissa sorted through all thoughts and emotions harboring malicious intent, but none were a danger. A small group did concern Larissa, as she was unable to understand what they were feeling or thinking.

No one I can see, but there’s some I can’t read.

“The council.” The queen’s voice echoed. “Larissa, you may rest. You did splendidly. When you wake, we will practice walking and reading. Just rest.”

*

Caeli solemnly handed the soldier his notice. There were no questions; no protests. They accepted their summons.

We all knew this was coming.

She followed Marcellus, gazing at the setting moon.

“Why the secrecy?” Caeli questioned. “Why not make an announcement all at once?”

“We must have the element of surprise.” Marcellus answered. “We do not know how many may have infiltrated Adyta.”

“Oh.” Caeli whispered. Could there really be more? No one has reported any suspicious activity. Is it safe for us to leave? Will everyone be safe? How much will change?

“Are you well, little one?” Marcellus clapped her on the back.

“Does this new battle scare you, Caeli?” King Vitus seemed concerned.

“I never fear the battlefield.” Caeli straightened herself. “I feel sorrow for my comrades. We arrived home only a short time ago.”

“This is the life all soldiers choose, little one.” Marcellus was gentle.

“I am aware and I am proud to protect my home.” Caeli grew quiet. But my friends and I have changed and we’ll change again. “What if too much changes for us? What if we aren't friends when I return? We're all different now.”

“Little one, your friends will never change too much.” Marcellus pulled her into a hug.

“Marcellus and I never lost our friendship and he was pulled away twelve times before I could join.” King Vitus hung his arm over Marcellus’s shoulders. “Saved me my very first battle.”

Your father died in that battle. Everything changed for Adyta after. Caeli admired the two friends. But your friendship only grew stronger.

“One day you will take my place, Caeli.” Marcellus gave her a smile. “And you will fight for your home, at the king’s side. But you will always be Caeli of Adyta; the fiercest warrior I ever had the pleasure of training.”

"I will not take your place for many years." Caeli returned the smile.

“Only a few left.” King Vitus pressed forward. “Then we may rest.”

*

Larissa was exhausted, but she sat with the prince in the royal garden. She rested her head on his shoulder. “Your mother has taught me to expand my readings, but I am so drained.”

She found herself relaxed by the prince. Maybe it'd be okay if I did pursue a relationship...

“I can’t believe we were all given tasks.” The prince shook his head. “I want to go. Caeli shouldn’t have to go alone.”

“She won’t be alone.” Larissa whispered. I should be going too. It is what we wanted; the two of us leading victorious battles. If only mother and father...

“It’s the life she chose.” Darius startled them. “I don’t have long. My hospital’s been turned into a f*****g compound.”

“Sorry.” Larissa stood.

“Not on you.” Darius sighed. “So, where is our brave fighter?”

Caeli appeared beside Darius. “Boo.”

He jumped, taking a defensive stance. “That’s not fair.”

Caeli, Prince Maximus and Larissa laughed.

“So, why did you want to meet?” Caeli asked.

“Because you’re leaving.” Darius answered. “You have all manifested stronger and new abilities, but I will always fear that you won’t return.”

The group fell silent.

This could be the last day we all have together. Tears stung Larissa’s eyes. No, our last day won’t be spent with tears. “Then let’s make this memorable.” Larissa smiled, tapping Darius’s shoulder. “You’re it.”

A shock flowed through her as she visualized standing in a different part of the garden.

“No fair!” Darius shouted as Caeli and Prince Maximus disappeared.

The four chased each other under the warmth of the sun. Through all the laughter, a child-like desire grew. No longer were they sixteen; protecting a kingdom, knowledge or family. They were just children, enjoying a day in the sun.