Chromatically Cursed

CHAPTER 9

Song: I Can't Go On Without You by KALEO

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Killian

When I saw Emberly in the crowd around the dead man, I almost lost my mind. I didn't want her to see it. I didn't want her to think I condoned it. I felt ill.

Immediately I put Jack and Theros into action. I needed to get Emberly out of there. Theros started clearing the crowd and Jack went off for assistance. Thankfully, Emberly moved quickly and left the scene. Once the body was cleared and my condolences were given to the wife, I took off. I needed some time alone.

The ringing of the saddle buckles echoed in my head as I slowly rode through the city streets. Memories of her floated through my mind. Her lightning white hair, her open words, clearing me of the guilt I possessed, the growl her voice held when she realized I was toying with her, all of them swirled around inside me. When she finally gave up her name, casually, tossed over her shoulder, I reveled in it. Emberly. Like that of a fire, embers, hot and blistering. The thought of her boiled inside me, drawing me to her. It was like she had become a bottle of rum and I was an alcoholic, needing her cure. As much as I wanted her, craved her, I knew I couldn't have her. There was the issue of Hinge, her father. I'd bet my life that he wants her to stay far, far away from anything royal. When my father banished him from office, there was bitter blood between him and all of the Caelesti and Altum strats. He made it clear we would never see him again.

Until Emberly. I felt his hatred radiating off of him when he came to her aid. It deepened my guilt. All I've ever wanted is to patch the wounds between him and I. He was like an uncle to me before his removal. It hurt to see him go. I was told it was because he had done something wrong; but when I saw him later on, just briefly, I knew it was the other way around. I should have known it was something my father did. He left bruises wherever he went, figuratively and literally. I'd seen it happen my whole life.

My horse walked aimlessly through alleys. He knew his way just as well as I did. We didn't have a destination, but restless energy pulsed through us. I didn't want to go near the castle, I was too angry at my men to go to the station, and I felt that something was unresolved.

I ran my hands over my face, pulling on my cheeks, roughing up my hair. Men and women bustled around me. I envied them. They had a purpose. They knew where they were going. I was lost. A little boy riding around to delay the inevitable.

I grabbed the reins again and spurred my horse ahead.

A few years back, I had heard Hinge was doing well for himself in the markets. I had someone watch him for a while. He had made an honest business and many sought after his wares. A couple times I even sent Roux to purchase something from him. She did more than that, and had followed him home. I was surprised, to say the least. She knew I needed to fix what happened, make amends for the family. She gave me his address and some advice, "Don't let this wound leave a scar."

My horse canters through the alleys, snorting. I'm tempted to push him into a gallop, but there's too many people around. Unfortunately for me, I'm a good distance away from his address. With it being so packed this time of day, it'll take me longer to ride through. I watch the sun fall lower in the sky as I go along. Finally, I see the neighborhood come into view, the sun now halfway down to the horizon. I turn down his street, and find his place shortly after. The rapping of my hand against the door sends a wave of insecurity through me. Am I really doing the right thing? Should I be here?

Anxiously, I wait for someone to come to the door. The whole time I start to doubt myself. Jack was right, as usual. I really had become lost in myself.