Charades

Chapter 28

     The castle was in uproar as everyone prepared for the coronation. Diana and Alexander were contacting troops from Edolas, Flynn was shouting at everyone to get ready while Helena was silent, and Ronan and his family were training. I was with his family, but with a heavy heart as I felt lost on what to do.

     We were all in the grand ballroom where the coronation would be held. There was a giant chandelier beaming down on us and a long white table Helena was setting up empty trays on. Ronan was leaning against the wall watching Indira and Devan duel with swords Flynn gave them and my heart twisted. This wan't what I wanted.

     Taking a deep breath in, I strode towards Ronan, knowing I had to speak up. I couldn't defend my views back in the throne room with all the men talking over me, so sure violence was the way, but now I had to talk to Ronan before it was too late.

     "Ronan," I said, my voice quiet.

    His dark blue eyes slid to mine and he smiled. He was sweating after duelling with Devan and his body rose and fell with every ragged breath he took. He was still hurt from the whipping - so was I, but not as badly. We both had scars on our backs as proof of what happened, but both of us were trying our best to stay useful.

     "Hey," Ronan said. "Indira's pretty good with a dagger, isn't she?"

     "It's horrible to see her fighting."

     Ronan tensed. He pulled himself straight and frowned.

     "Do you really think we should be fighting them?" I asked. "Do you think this will solve everything?"

     "Well, what do you think will solve everything? Clearly from what Flynn said, talking it out doesn't work."

     I tensed. I tried to come up with an answer, but my mind was blank of thoughts.

     "This just doesn't feel right," I whispered.

     "These people have brought me nothing but pain. For years and years, I suffered by their hands and I nearly lost my life to them," Ronan said. "We need them out of our lives and unfortunately permanently. So we can finally see peace, we need to kill them before they kill us. I'm sorry Amara, but this is the only way to go."

     I couldn't say anything to that. Whenever someone explained why we had to to do this it sounded like it made sense, but yet, my heart couldn't handle it.

     "I'll talk to you later," Ronan said, sighing when he realized I wouldn't give in. He shook his head. "I wish you would choose to fight rather than run. Because clearly, running didn't work."

     I winced as Ronan brushed passed me to leave the ballroom. Indira shot me a look as she slammed her dagger against Devan's, sending it flying. Devan scowled and then Indira whispered something to him and he walked off, but through a different door than Ronan's. Ronan was giving him the silent treatment and he knew better than to try anything with Ronan.

     Indira turned to face me and she strode towards me. I tried to smile, but it was hard to when she wore a look of pity.

     "Hey, are you okay?" Indira asked. "You look as if Ronan yanked your heart out."

     "It feels that way."

     Her eyes grew gentle as she sheathed her dagger. Although Indira didn't vote for violence, she seemed in her element as she trained daily for the coronation.

     "You seem off ever since we decided to fight at the coronation," Indira said. "Are you okay?"

     "No, I'm not," I said. "I just don't think it's right. But, everyone else thinks it is."