Candescent (The Opalescent Collection Book 1) (33 page)

I saw the sincerity in my brother’s face and I didn’t doubt him. He always told the truth.

“Thanks for telling me.”

“I thought it would be better if you heard it from me first. And I hate seeing you so miserable. The last thing I’d want is to find out that you’re holding a grudge against Louie.”

“No,” I said quietly, considering everything he just told me.

“Then I hope you will be in better spirits tomorrow.”

“I’ll try. Recouping doesn’t happen overnight.”

“I know that. Just give yourself some time.” And with those final words he hugged me goodnight and went to bed.

I turned off the light, rested my head against my pillow and struggled to sleep.

I
couldn’t sleep at all. The lightning and pouring rain didn’t help either. I stared at my alarm clock by my bedside. It was one thirty-eight in the morning. I wanted to sleep, my muscles were tired, but my mind was wide-awake.

I turned on my lamp beside my clock and sat up in bed. For a minute I listened to the rain hitting my window. I was sure I was the only one up and I remained quiet, not wanting to wake anyone. Slowly, I moved over to the edge of my bed, shifting my weight to the floorboards. I felt like I had to cross a vast sea just to get to my dresser. I calmly opened one of the drawers and eagerly dug in the clothes, searching for my box of treasure. Then I found it. I imagined my old music box was a decrepit old chest and within it was gold. But no, there was no gold in this old chest, there was more. I opened up the music box and there my treasure was untouched, not even tainted by dust. I saved it, imagined that the dragon charm had been punished and locked away, and here I was, holding it in my hands. I redeemed it for myself again. I left the broken chain in the music box and put it away, now destined to find a new one.

I searched through my jewelry box, which was mainly filled with useless costume jewelry, but then I found a silver chain – my only silver chain. I strung it through the charm and held it eye level in my hands to admire it.

When I put it on, I imagined Pete was putting it on for me. I liked the idea that I wore it again. I enjoyed the cold metal against my chest. It felt natural, like it was a part of me. I returned back to bed, content. I started to ponder my dream. I tried my best to play it over, with some pieces harder to remember than others. I thought of the people, the creatures, and their significance all while holding the charm.

I remembered what I could until I dozed off. But before I fell asleep I realized my dream tried to tell me something. I thought about being Queen, my responsibilities of ruling and who I wanted to rule with. I discovered in the end it was all about how I felt and who I loved. Even though I ruled the great planet Catastrophe I was not happy ruling
alone
. I didn’t like to be alone.

I also realized that whatever my fate was, I wouldn’t escape it, be it in a dream, or even now. And I also realized how much was focused on the past and the future. In my dream, I was so unhappy because no matter what happened, I knew I truly couldn’t change it. I didn’t have the power to. And I wasn’t
meant to
. I also realized that like Pete, Fitzray, and Louie in the dream, Pete was dead, Monty was gone, and Louie was just a memory that came back to haunt everyone in the worst way. I started to dream. My memory started to drift off until I was finally asleep.

* * * * *

I couldn’t speak, I could only see and hear. I saw my body and Pete’s body on the bed where we took our final breaths. I didn’t exactly know how I could see and hear everything. I was probably a spirit.

“They were attacked,” Caspian said quietly.

“Will Pete come back?” Raven asked.

“No, probably not. His own heart, a half-mortal’s heart, was slain by the arrow.”

With respect, they left the room and I followed them.

“What will we do with them?”

“We will have a proper Ceremony for them and everyone will say their final goodbyes to the King and Queen of Catastrophe.” Caspian leaned against the handrail and hung his head.

“So that’s it? No more King and Queen of Catastrophe?”

Caspian shrugged. “Chenille left me in charge if anything was to happen to Pete.”

“She didn’t have an heir right?”

“No, she was supposed to have a child. I accessed her myself a while back, but she was injured at the start of Sebastian’s war. She lost the baby.”

“That’s horrible.”

“I know. Pete was really upset.”

“Then if there is no heir, who will rule?”

Caspian shrugged again. “I’m in charge for now so I’ll be the one to tell the creatures of Catastrophe about everything. I’ll tell them tomorrow.” His gaze shifted to the nearby window. “It’s too late now anyway.”

“How do you think they will react?”

“They will probably be upset I think…I
hope.
”

Raven examined the doctor and put a hand to his shoulder. “Do you want something to drink?”

“I don’t drink plumeberry juice.”

“Then I’ll have one for you, come on.”

Together Caspian and Raven made their way to the dining room. I followed them and took a seat across from Raven. Caspian refused to sit at the head of the table, but Raven insisted it was fine. A servant entered, smiled and bowed to Caspian.

“Can I get you gentlemen anything?”

“I’ll have some plumeberry juice. What about you Caspian?” He shrugged. “How about another cup for my friend then?” Raven offered.

“Right away,” the servant replied.

Once she left Raven smiled at the doctor. “Everyone here must already know that you’ve been left in charge.”

“I guess so.” He remarked quietly.

“Caspian don’t beat yourself up. You couldn’t have saved either of them and you know it.”

“If only I wasn’t so foolish. If only I kept my eye on that medical bag, none of this would’ve happened.”

“Yes, it would’ve, if not by those herbs then by some other means.”

“It’s just hard to be a doctor…
a healer
and watch someone die like that. I knew Chenille better than Pete. And Fitzray,” he paused, “he was my best friend. He was like my brother.”

Then the servant walked into the room. She gave them their drinks, asked them if they wanted anything else, and then left.

“Sweet vampress poison,” Raven sighed, lifting his glass to catch a whiff of its stench. “I guess the palace is yours now,” he chimed.

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“It’s very spacious.” Raven added. “It will be lonesome to stay here by yourself.”

“You won’t stay?” Caspian asked, disappointed.              

“I don’t know.” He took a sip of his drink. “Nothing is really keeping me here now. I was going to help Chenille if she needed it…but now,” he stopped himself and shrugged. “Not unless you want me for anything. I’m in no rush to go back to the sea.” He put down his glass and stretched out his arms, tossing his head back. “I mean, look at this place. Who would want to leave this paradise?”

“I suppose it is paradise in comparison to the harsh sea.”

“Harsh and unforgiving,” he pointed out, reaching for his glass again, “but you can’t help but love it.”

“How long have you been a captain?”

“I have been a captain for as long as I can remember.” He said, taking another sip.

“Would you rule if you were asked?”

“No, probably not. There are too many responsibilities, too much pressure. I mean, look at what happened to the King and Queen.”

Caspian looked down, appearing doubtful. “You’re right.”

“But don’t let my opinion intimidate you. I know you will make a good ruler.”

“I’ll have to give up healing, won’t I?”

“No, maybe not. Look at Fitzray. I’m sure he healed Chenille dozens of times, right? I know it’s not the same kind of healing you do in a hospital. I guess it’s more of a…hobby. You don’t have to give it up.”

“Who would I heal?” he pressed.

“Oh…I don’t know. I guess you could heal a friend or two.” He shrugged.

Caspian frowned. “But I like healing. I
like
what I do. I don’t want to be a
king
.”

“You won’t be a king. You’re not royal blood anyway. You need an heir to the throne.”

“And there isn’t an heir. Pete and Chenille were the last to carry on the Silver name. There are no heirs like I told you…no children.”

“Then hypothetically you were appointed as…a duke, which you practically were because Chenille left you in charge. Then you would be next of kin anyway.”

“And since I’m a duke and there isn’t a king or queen that would make me a prince?”

“I don’t know. I guess.” He smiled. “Prince Cas. Doctor Prince Caspian.” He laughed.

Caspian looked away embarrassed. “What would that make you?”

“Nothing. I don’t have a title.”

Caspian looked up, hearing a slam from the great doors leading to the dining room. A guard rushed up to him.

“Sir, Sire,” he paused unsure if he addressed him right.

“What’s wrong?”

“We found someone roaming the palace grounds. Shall we throw them into the dungeon for trespassing?”

“No,” Caspian said. “Bring them to me at once.”

The guard left and Raven and Caspian exchanged glances. Raven was laughing, amused.

“Raven, be quiet.” Caspian hissed angrily. “This could be important.”

“I know, but that poor guard. He didn’t even know how to address you. He was just going down the list of titles.” He laughed again.

The guard returned, holding a figure beside him as he walked. The person wore a dark cherry cape and their head was down. The cape hood covered the figure’s head. Not a trace of skin could be seen, at least not from where I sat. The guard still held the figure before Caspian now. My focus turned to the figure’s arms. Something was hidden in a bundle of sheets the figure carried. Caspian remained seated, curious.

“Let go.” The guard did as he was told. He turned to the figure. “Who are you? Why have you trespassed on the palace grounds? If you seek the King and Queen you will not find them here.” He explained.

“I’m sorry. I’m very sorry,” the figure replied in a small voice – a woman’s voice. “I didn’t mean to. I got lost. Please don’t throw me into the dungeon. I didn’t mean it.”

“I’m not throwing anyone into the dungeon.”

“What’s a pretty lady like yourself doing out in the cold woods at this time of night?” Raven asked curiously. Though he could not see the woman’s face, he attempted to catch a glance from under her hood.

“I got lost,” she repeated quietly, now in a whisper.

“Where were you going?”

“I don’t remember.”

“What do you mean? Did someone hurt you? Were you knocked out?”

“I don’t remember what happened.”

“Are you a vampress?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“Can you tell me your name?”

“I don’t remember.”

Caspian sat at the edge of his chair more curious.

“Was she just recently bit? Is she a new vampress?” Raven asked Caspian.

“I’m not sure.”

“That would explain the memory loss – from the poison.”

“I know.” Caspian’s eyes rolled up to meet Raven. “I’m a doctor,” he said bluntly as if he’d just informed him. He turned back to the woman. “Does your neck hurt?”

“No.”

“Do you recall any pain coming over you? Do you believe you were bit by a vampire?”

“Were you a mortal recently?” Raven asked. Caspian shot him a glance that expressed how stupid he thought that question was.

“No I was not bit recently…at least I don’t think so.”

“When did you forget everything?”

“I don’t know. I just found myself walking until someone yelled at me and grabbed me.” She turned her covered head in the direction of the guard.

“Is there anything you do remember?”

“I remember waking up. My body ached. I was alone. I was in the woods and I didn’t know how I got there. I was so hungry so I started to search for food and then I forgot what I was looking for. I started to wander aimlessly. I didn’t know why. I didn’t know where I was or where I was heading.”

“Are you hungry now?”

“Yes.”

Caspian looked at the guard who left to get food. “Won’t you have a seat?”

The woman walked by Raven and Caspian, ending up two seats away from me. They didn’t question her since she was obviously confused and nervous in their presence. I noticed she manipulated the bundle of old blankets in her lap. Her head remained down to look at what she held.

“You can take off your cape if you want. We don’t judge anyone here.”

“No thank you.” She replied quickly.

They all remained quiet until a servant entered with a plate of food and a flask of water. The servant placed it before her and left.

Cautiously she lifted a piece of meat and ate it. She tentatively sipped from her flask. She remained quiet.

“Is the food all right?”

“Yes, thank you.” She remained quiet, this time refusing to eat anymore.

“Then why won’t you eat?”

“I guess I’m not as hungry as I thought.”

“Quite the little lady. She doesn’t speak unless spoken to.” Raven said quietly, almost to himself.

“You must eat some more. I don’t know how long you’ve been without food.”

“I’m ok.”

“At least have something to drink.”