The Anomalies

Chapter 19

The clock chimes 7:00 p.m., I was late for the council meeting. I throw on a jacket and scramble out the door. This is not good.

I sprint out of the barracks and over to the cafeteria. The location being the place where I was first introduced to this place due to it being a public meeting.

I sneak into the back of the room, covered in sweat and my hair a frizzy mess. Scanning the crowd I see Elijah sitting at the front table, Zarha seated at his left. No longer wearing the drab brown clothes but instead an elegant gold dress. Fit for a Queen. Each of the council members are seated on either side of the future King and Queen. All familiar faces from the night before.

I search for the other face that I've come not to know, but recognize. Mateo is leaning against a wall with his arms crossed.Something about that man made me nervous, I didn't trust him one bit. Perhaps because I hardly knew a single thing about him.

The room around me is buzzing, the meeting has yet to start. I keep myself hidden not wanting to draw much attention. But I hear the whispers.

"Isn't that General Dambry's Soulmate? "

"Why isn't she sitting up there with him? "

I do all I can to block it out, but its suffocating. I push my back farther into the wall, wishing I could disappear into it completely. The tapping of the gavel quiets the crowd, everyone's attention turned to to source.

"I called this meeting to order tonight to make a very important announcement. As you all know, I am the last heir of the Americanas and I was appointed as General because of that reason. Tonight I'm here to tell you that I am stepping up to the role of King."

The room erupts, harsh whispers heard all around. Elijah taps the gavel on the table in front of him again.

"Quiet, Quiet. This also means that I will be have a Queen. Everyone, please welcome my betrothed and your soon to be Queen, Princess Zarha of Parechema."

There's a pause before a few people begin to clap. The people are hesitant and I know why, me. They're wondering why someone else is getting the title of Queen instead of his Soulmate. And I'm left wondering the exact same thing.

I'm numb, right down to the core. The words rolling right off my skin, not even making an impact anymore.

"Coronation will take place tomorrow before the we leave for Aequalis."

Chants of Down with Aequalis ricochet off the walls.

"What about your Soulmate?"

"Did she turn down the title?"

"Where is she?"

I press my back tighter to the wall, wanting to be anywhere but here.

"Hey she's over here!"

Someone pushes me forward and I find myself towards the front of the room. Everyone's eyes are on me and all I can do is stand there uncomfortably. Zarha has a look of pity in her eyes, which is the last thing I want right now.

Elijah stands, "We have decided that it is in the best interest of everyone here and the future of the Americanas. The Defiance will march on our enemy tomorrow and when we do, we need the best candidate as Queen."

King Mateo steps forward, "And you failed to inform me of this information? I am providing you with soldiers and you don't include me on your decisions?"

"Your Highness, it was a quick decision and I apologize for not including you. Whats done is done and there is no turning back now." the General counters looking nervous.

The green eyed man laughs, "What's done is not done. I'm pulling my forces out, my soldiers and I will no longer be apart of this."

Mateo has now made his way to the center of the room, all eyes on him. I push my way back in the crowd, trying to escape.

"Mateo, please lets- we can work something out. The Defiance desperately needs your alliance. " Elijah stumbles over his words.

The King grins, "How about a trade, General? I'll give you what you want and you give me what I want."

No one in the room makes a sound. The council members stay still, all with a look of confusion and worry on their faces.

Elijah opens his mouth to say something, but hesitates, "Our resources our low we don't have much, your highness."

He takes another step closer, "Trust me, you have what I want."

The Generals face turns red and his hands clench, "What is it? What do you want?" he spits out.

Mateo turns his attention away from Elijah, scanning the crowd. His eyes stop on me, with another soul piercing stare. With a smirk he looks back at him and nods in my direction,

"I want her."

Everyone gasps and Zarha looks utterly shocked. I can barely process the scene unfolding right in front of my eyes.

Please, Elijah. Say no. Don't make me go with him.

Without hesitation the man with my fate in his hands, snarled, "Fine. Take her."