Where the Land meets the Sky

Chapter 4 Amelia

"King Xerxes, the Righteous has passed away."

I stare at the paige kneeling at my feet. I heard his words clearly, but I can't wrap my mind around them.

The Sky King? Dead?

I saw him just a few days ago. He was still young and so healthy. His eyes were bright and burning with life. Could someone like that really be dead?

My stomach goes sour and my gaze shifts to the table in front of me. My fruit and toast suddenly seems inedible.

Questions swarm through my head. There's so many of them, that I can't find a single word to say. I simply stare down at my table. My blood runs cold.

"The Sky Council will be holding an assembly three days from now to discuss the future of the alliance with the Land Kingdom. All civil servants are welcome to attend including you, Princess Amelia."

My brow furrows. "What's there to discuss?" I ask.

The paige bites his lower lip."There are some who doubt in Queen Kiraleth's ability to keep a favorable relationship with the land draconids, your highness." He speaks slowly and with hesitation. "The wisdom of such an allegiance is in question."

"What is that supposed to mean?" My nostrils flare. I didn't realize Kiraleth's subjects had such little faith in her. I never could have imagined something like this happening so suddenly.

"Forgive me, your highness." The paige lowers his head. "I spoke out of turn. I have no right to discuss politics. I'm simply trying to be of use to you."

I gnaw on the inside of my cheek.

The thought of the alliance falling through swirls in my mind. I picture the mass destruction of my kingdom, the faces of our refugees and the genocide of my subjects.

My heartbeat thunders in my ears. My breath quickens.

"Your highness?"

I shake my head and snap out of it.

"Where's Kiraleth?" I ask.

The paige clenches his jaw. "No one knows the queen's whereabouts, your highness. She's been missing since the incident."

I stand from the table.

"Find her at once. I must speak with her immediately."

"I understand that, your highness however--"

"Do you have any idea where she might be?"

The paige turns his head and thinks for a moment. "Well, I certainly wouldn't know but, there is someone who might."

"Go on. And make it fast."

"Her majesty has a close relationship with Councilman Fluer's apprentice. I suppose he might know where she would run off to."

"Thank you."

I curtsy and walk outside.

A breeze blows over my scales as I close the door behind me. The air up here is so much colder than down on Earth. I feel an icy chill all the way down to my bones. Sadly, there's no time to go back inside and find a coat. I've got to find this apprentice immediately.

I have to clear things up with Kiraleth, before it's too late.

I walk up the road to the palace, keeping a brisk pace. I sense the stares and whispers of the passersby.

I smile and bow my head whenever I happen to meet someone's gaze. I am a princess, after all. I haven't forgotten how to behave like one, despite what happened at birthday celebration.