CACKLE- Book 1

Chapter Twenty Three

When Remi woke the next day, her head was immediately painful, the tightness in her skull was agonizing. Her eyes felt like they were bulging and her breath smelled sour. She rolled onto her back and groaned at the canopy above her bed as the world spun unsteadily. From the corner of her eye, she could see Anna sitting on the long golden couch, sipping tea and snacking on some biscuits.

"Good Afternoon." Anna said, smiling warmly.

"Uuuuugh." Remi moaned by way of response. "I'm sick. Something is wrong, Anna." She croaked. Her voice sounded unfamiliar.

"Does your head hurt?" Anna asked softly.

Remi made a noise of agreement.

"Tummy too?" She asked, a smile dancing on her lips.

Remi tried to nod but the motion made her head spin even more.

"Your first hangover. I'm so proud to be here for this moment!" Anna squealed, laughing and rising from the couch. "It would be cruel to make you suffer all day, or for what's left of it at least. Here, drink this." Anna handed Remi a small vial of yellow liquid.

Remi didn't know what it was but she took it without question. Uncorking the bottle she drank it's entire contents. Immediately her eyesight began to improve, she hadn't realized how blurry her vision was, how much the light was torturing her eyes. The pressure in her skull lifted and her stomach slowly settled. After a moment Remi burst from her bed and ran to the bathing chamber.

"Oh yes, I almost forgot. Your bladder will need to evacuate almost immediately upon ingesting that tincture. The only side effect I haven't been able to tweak out." Anna said. She began stuffing the pockets of her skirts with biscuits that had been laid out with a breakfast spread in the seating area.

"I need to do some research into the symptoms Theo has been experiencing. It's as though she develops new ones every other week. I was hoping to have you accompany me this morning, but that didn't quite work out." She said. "I don't know where you wondered off too last night, but I never was able to track Indra down. She all but vanished after dessert." Anna continued.

Remi washed her hands and checked her face in the mirror. The dark circles beneath her eyes were fading as she watched them. She cleaned herself up and braided her hair back out of her face.

"Throw this on." Anna said, tossing a plain green dress with long sleeves to Remi. "You'll be meeting Theo today."

Remi stuffed some breakfast in her mouth and pocketed a few biscuit's for later. When she was dressed and presentable, the two headed down the hall to the room Avani had pointed out as belonging to Theo.

Anna opened the door just a crack and peeked inside. Remi tried to look over her head. Which, with Anna's short frame was not very difficult. She could see Theo sleeping, the outline of her frame was so still in her bed. If it wasn't for the slight rise and fall of her chest Remi would think the girl might be dead. She was so small, her pale skin had an almost green glow in the dim light. Her hair which was the same color as her mothers was slick with sweat and stuck to her forehead. She looked so fragile. Remi felt a pang of guilt in her stomach at the thought of using this girl to get close to her family.

"She's resting. I took care of her this morning, perhaps the tonic is finally doing it's job." Anna whispered and closed the door. "We can come back later." She said leading Remi away, down the hall and through the corridors.

"I don't remember too much after I tried that drink Mr. Bradwijn had brought. I do remember that it tasted horrible at first but it made me feel warm." Remi said, her memories slowly trickling back. She could recall laughing, dancing with groups of people. The feeling of her bare feet as she twirled in the grassy clearing. Everyone had looked happy.