The Anomalies

Chapter 16

I wake up again to an empty apartment and no sign of Elijah ever coming home last night. Making my way to the bathroom, I turn on the water to fill the tub. I strip off the brown standard issue Aequalis shorts and t-shirt. It's the only clothing we can get here on the base.

I slip into the warm bath water and my mind drifts off to last night. Specifically, King Mateo.

But I stop myself.

This isn't right, Elijah is my soulmate I shouldn't be thinking about anyone else but him. His recent behavior has left me uneasy and questioning our future. The only connection I seem to have to him is the night our Soulmate necklaces glowed in unison.

Back then he cared about me, about us. Now the only thing on his mind is winning the war. Which perhaps make me selfish that I want his attention in a time like this.

The water is now cold, so I stand and wrap my towel around me. I carefully step out of the tub and make my way to the mirror. My tangled wet hair lay across my shoulders and the bags under my eyes have darkened since yesterday.

I reach for the hairbrush laying on the sink when something catches my eye. I turn my back to the mirror and look over my shoulder. There on my back, down the length of my spine is what appears to be a tattoo.

I drop the towel.

A vine of leaves spans from the base of my neck to my tailbone. I run a hand down the tattoo, feeling for anything but I only feel smooth skin.

How did this get here?

Tattoos were banned in Aequalis, they told us it would be an imperfection on our skin. But in reality, it was just their way of stripping any individuality possible away from us.

I begin to panic, wondering what Elijah will say. Or maybe Elijah will know what is happening and he can tell me how it got there. The more I think about it the less I feel that anyone should know about it. Like the tattoo is private and only for me.

I don't have to do anything right this minute, I'll wait until this war is past. Then I will tell him.

But I can't help but have the feeling that I never will.

___________

Its late in the afternoon and I'm sitting in a chair reading a book I found laying around. Theres a knock at the door, making me jump. Standing up from my reading I make my way to the door, only to find a man in uniform behind it.

"Good Morning Iris, I am under strict orders to escort you to General Dambry this minute."

I give him a puzzled look, "I'm sorry but I don't believe I know you."

The man in front of me straightens slightly, "I'm Lieutenant Astor, at your service Miss."

"Oh well nice to meet you, just lead the way."

We make our way to the command building but this time I'm lead to a different room. This one is larger and has a large table down the middle, with Elijah sitting at the head. Officials are gathered around the table and soldiers stand lined against the walls. Astor ushers me towards the front of the room, to stand next to the General.

I scan the room for anyone I may recognize. My eyes instantly find the arrogant King grinning at me from across the room. I ignore him and turn my attention to the commotion in the room.

Elijah, noting my presence gives me a nod. Grabbing the gavel in front of him, he knocks it on the table a few times and the room falls silent.

"As you all know, we are here because we have some serious matters to discuss. In not wanting to waste any more time, I will just be straight forward. Before we set out for Aequalis, I will be claiming my right to the throne."

The room breaks out in hushed whispers and no one dares to say anything but one person.

"And may I ask, what is the point?" The green eyed King crosses his arms and leans back in his chair.

Elijah clenches his fists on the table, "It will be a show of unity, that we are force to be reckoned with. It is in all our best interests."

"Is it really? Is it really in all our best interests or just yours?" The King counters, while the tension is ever rising.

An older man with greying hair raises his hand.

Elijah nods, "Yes, Henry?"

"If you are soon to be crowned King, will you be taking a Queen?"

Elijah takes hold of my hand, "Yes, that is the plan."

I'm too shocked to say anything, I hardly notice what is going on around me. The cacophony of voices erupts from the men and women sitting at the table.

"Is she fertile, you can't be having a Queen that won't give you heirs."

"Are you sure thats a smart idea? Perhaps you should take a Queen in consideration of political alliance."

"Who even is this girl? Is she even qualified to be Queen."

Elijah sighs and runs a hand through his hair. I stand their uncomfortably listening to everyone try to decide if I'm good enough for Elijah.

Someone slams their fist on the table and the room stills. Mateo stands and places his hands on either side of the table.

"Instead of just sitting here and tearing her apart piece by piece, why don't one of you bring something to the table thats actually worthwhile. "

The man who spoke earlier, Henry, stood, "Have you all forgotten about his betrothed?"

My heart drops, Elijah never told me anything about a betrothed. I turn to him and notice that he looks just as confused as I am.

The green eyed King pinches the bridge of his nose and lets out a sigh, "And who would that be?"

"That would be me." A voice says from somewhere in the room.

The crowd clears and a person appears at the other end of the table.

Zarha.