Ruby Red

Chapter Twenty-One

Possible TW for some brief violence.

The coach pulled up in front of the Crimson Sailboat and came to an abrupt halt. Karis stood, ducking down so he wouldn't hit his head on the ceiling. He left the coach first, then leaned back in to help Alana hobble out. Soon, his arm was around her waist again and they were walking into the tavern together.

Similar to what they did last time, Fallon and Harsha were on their feet and rushing toward Karis as soon as the door opened. Fallon held her hand out to stop the princess from advancing when she saw Karis's companion. "Alana?"

She gave a slight smile. "Hey, Fallon."

It was like nothing had changed. She ran up to Alana and threw her arms around her. Shocked, Alana hesitated to return the gesture, but she delicately placed her hands on Fallon's back and whispered, "You don't hate me?"

"I can't say I approve of what you did, but I could never hate you. Besides, if Karis was willing to go through all of this trouble to save you and beat Indigo, has anything really changed between us? He hasn't talked about anything but you since you left."

"Fallon." Karis shot her a look and she laughed.

Alana let go of her friend and locked eyes on Harsha. Of everyone there, they were the most skeptical about Alana's redemption. As a token of her unwavering respect for her superior, Alana curtsied as best as she could with her foot. "Princess Harsha."

"General Campbell." She studied her for a second, then uncrossed her arms and smiled. "It's good to see you back on our side again." A ray of light broke through in Alana's clouded mind, giving her some semblance of hope for reconciliation with the royals.

"As much as I love this reunion, we need to find the Scepter," Karis interjected. "Indigo can't be far now. I'm surprised they haven't already been here, but that only means we still have a chance to get to it before they do." He looked over to Alana at his side and tightened his grip around her waist. "Can you lead us to it?"

She nodded. "If you guys haven't found it yet, then that means there's a good chance Indigo wouldn't have either. It's upstairs in our room."

The four of them updated Etta, who was busy running her tavern now, and she let them back into the inn. It was difficult getting Alana up the stairs safely, but soon they were inside Alana and Indigo's room.

Alana led Karis over to the broken headboard where she had stashed the Scepter. She peeled back the broken board and revealed the Scepter, still shining in all of its glory. Scrunching up her face and closing her eyes, she held it out behind her. "Someone else take it, please. I don't want it anymore."

Harsha stepped forward and tentatively took the Scepter from her hands. "Thank you." They stared at it, letting the light reflected off of the rubies scatter onto their face and gripping the handle tightly. It was rare for anyone other than the queen to hold the Scepter, but this year had proven to be an exception in many cases.

Suddenly, something sharp whizzed through the air, grazing by Harsha's face. They all ducked down. Karis tucked Alana into his chest, shielding her from whatever just happened.

"Consider that a warning."

Alana drew in a breath. She recognized that voice. This couldn't be good.

Everyone whirled around toward where the dagger had come from. Indigo leaned in the doorway of the room, blocking the exit. With one arm extended, they balanced a sword on its tip. Where they kept getting all of these weapons was beyond Alana, but she knew they weren't for decoration.

Indigo approached Harsha. Though there was definite fear in her eyes, she didn't waver. She clutched the Scepter tighter. Indigo leaned forward, getting as close to Harsha as they would dare. "Thanks for finding it for me, Princess. I think I'll be taking what's mine now."