The End
I looked different. My clothes were soaked with blood, and scars marred my skin. The older ones were stark whites and dirty browns, where the newer ones were an angry red.
“Adelyn,” I heard Laurier call out.
I must’ve been more distracted than I’d thought, not having heard her approaching footsteps.
“Can I sit here?” she asked.
I shrugged. She must’ve taken that as a yes, because I heard the telltale rustle of—
When did she change into a dress?
I was still wearing my armor.
“Everyone’s wondering where you are,” she said. “Alexis said you’d want to be alone, but—”
“And he’s right,” I snapped, cutting her off.
“He really knows you best, doesn’t he?” She chuckled, shaking her head.
“He is my twin.”
She hummed in acknowledgement, before asking, “How are you feeling?”
I snorted. As if she didn’t know.
“I suppose that was a silly question, technically. But talking about your feelings will make you feel better,” she said, answering my unasked question.
“I feel tired. And heavy,” I admitted, humoring her.
“Grieving what we’ve lost?” she added.
“Yes, I think so.”
“Nervous about becoming queen? Scared about our future?” she continued.
I scoffed. “I was born to be queen, Laurier. And I don’t get nervous. Or scared.”
She didn’t reply, but her knowing smile was worse than words. Goodness! Who gave her Empathy as a domain? She was insufferable.
Her silence didn’t last long though,
“It’s okay to be scared. We’re all scared, and you—”
“Scared of what? Not being admired enough?” I cut in.
“Of course not. Everyone adores me. I’m amazing.”
“And I am someone who needs some space to deal with this. Not a shrink of a sister,” I said.
“If you say so. Just so you know, there’s going to be a celebration tomorrow. People expect you to attend, but if you don’t want to, you can tell me. I’ll come up with an excuse.”
With that, she got up and left.
As if I could shirk this. I’d be High Queen in five days.
I sighed. My eyes stung, but I dug my nails into my palms and bit my tongue, forcing the tears down.
Funny how it all began with a dream.
