The Anomalies

Chapter 17

I stumble back, feeling utterly betrayed by the one friend I thought I had.  Zarha doesn't even look at me as she makes her way to the front. Everyone's gaze follows her and she soaks it in. She walks with grace and her head held like she is used to the spotlight. 

She comes to a stop on the opposite side of Elijah, "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Princess Zarha of Parechema, Elijah's betrothed."

A few nod their heads, others just stare at her in confusion.

Elijah stands, "Everyone, this meeting is adjourned. I need a feel words with the Princess."

I head straight for the door, ignoring Elijahs call after me. Tears begin to well in my eyes, I slip into the closest room that I can find.

Shutting the door behind me, I realize it's the room from the night before. I find myself making my way to the small couch in the corner. 

Thats when the tears begin to fall.

The pent up feelings from the past few days and the events of last night finally being let out. My Soulmate is always closed off and unfriendly, I hardly see him anymore. Are we really even soulmates? My only friend turning out to not be who I thought she was. To top it all off I had a strange tattoo on my back that I was afraid to show anyone.

A few minutes pass, when the door squeaks open and a stream of light comes in.

"You know, if you wanted to get me alone you could have just asked."

The unexpected presence of the King of Cordova sends me flying from the couch.

"Apologies, Iris, I didn't mean to startle you." He chuckles while giving me a devilish smile.

The man stalks towards me, the dim lighting casting a shadow over his face. Not allowing me to read his face and understand his intentions. His all black suit is nothing like I've ever seen before. Green vines, that shimmer in the small amount of light it catches. Covering the entire suit jacket.

I wipe the tears from my eyes, "I'm sorry, I was just leaving."

"No need Blue eyes, I need some company anyway."

He takes a seat next to me. I move to the other end of the couch, putting us much distance between the two of us as possible. Several minutes pass before either of us say a word.

Mateo clears his throat, "How are you holding up?"

"I've been better," I sniff, the dried tears are still streaked down my cheek.

Here I am sitting next to a King and I probably look like a complete mess.

"You don't need put up with him, you know that right?" His green eyes meet mine and I quickly look away.

"He's my Soulmate," I whisper.

He laughs and runs a hand through his hair, "You don't actually believe that do you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing, " he stands and walks over to the desk, "You know I came here to assist with Elijah's efforts because I believed he was doing good?"

"And now?" I question.

"I'm not so sure, power seems to be more important to him now."

I didn't want to agree with him but the same thing had occurred to me. Only I'd been trying to push the thought away because I wan't to believe my Soulmate was good. I was even beginning to doubt if he would even pick me over Zarha.

I cross my arms in front of my chest nervously, "Do you think he will pick Zarha over me?"

He looks uncomfortable, "Do you want my honest opinion?"

I nod, after tonights event I don't think I could be hurt anymore than I am now.

"Yes."

A tear slips down my cheek, "I figured as much."

I couldn't take this anymore, I needed to get out of here. Away from this many I didn't trust, away from Elijah and Zarha, away from Aequalis. The only problem was that I had no where to go.

"I'm sorry I need to go."

I slip out the door without even a goodbye. Not knowing where to go, I just keep running. Out of the Command Building, past the Hangars, past the Cafeteria, and into the trees. I continue to run only stopping when I reach a clearing full of pink delicate flowers.

Instead of crying this time, I let out a a frustrated scream. Not caring if anyone hears or if anyone sees. I throw myself down on a nearby boulder protruding out of the ground. I scream again, this  time slamming my fists down onto the rock underneath me.

A loud crack echos through the air. I look down and see two large cracks where my fists connected with the rock.  Holding my hands out in front of me, I inspect for any cuts or broken bones or blood. Nothing, not even a scratch.

How is this possible? I shouldn't have been able crack a boulder, I don't have that kind of strength. 

With shaking hands, I stand up and look around. The once beautiful flowers around me are now wilting and dying.

Did I do this?