How We Fall [DRAFT]

CHAPTER 2

"Nothing to worry about, it will only leave a scar."

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On the way back home, Asalia rested her posture for what was the first time in three weeks; she had not been able to rest since Ferne was missing, and now that she knew she had some surety that she was in the safety of her home, she could finally focus her mind. She, of course, did not take the prince’s word- Asalia would knock on Ferne’s door herself, and be certain she answered, as tired and weary as she may be. If Carlos had lied to her, then she would be certain the prince die by her blade.

knock

No answer.

knock knock

A couple footsteps, a deep sigh. A chair falling, a grunt. 

“Hello, your Majesty.”
Ferne fake-bowed and did not hesitate to make her annoyance visible apon her face.

“I do tell you to not call me that.” She said, making her way to Ferne’s sofa. After motioning toward the seat next to her for Ferne to sit down, she scanned her body thoroughly, ensuring there were no injuries. 

"Are you well, Ferne?" concern laced her brows as she spoke, her need for the correct answer visible in her eyes.

"If you wish to know, I am tired."

"Ferne."

She raised an eyebrow.
"You wish to know what happened?"
Asalia nodded, perhaps more eagerly than she had wished to.

FERNE 

Ferne took a deep breath, and tried to recollect her memories, they had been so jumbled up and they begged to put in some sort of order. She began with what she thought was most important.
"The prince -Carlos- he freed me, aided me in my escape, he said-"
Pausing, she tried to remember his exact words; what she knew Asalia wanted. She was like that- always precise, never wishing to miss a single detail.
However, she was far more than surprised when Asalia muttered Carlos' words- not exact, but close- too close to be a guess.

"How do you know?"

"I… when I went to Martyr Peter's he was there, at the gates."

He was there at the gates.
He had travelled from the Dark Palace, and ended all the way over here, in Dynjeir. He had followed her.
The thought disgusted her, that a man, one of the most powerful in Xaria, had followed her, and she had not even noticed. She had been followed and had no idea. How long had she been traveling? 1 week and a half. What had she done to be as invisible as possible? everything in her power. And yet despite all, this had happened.

"He followed me here, Asalia. He knows where I live, where you live. The others- oh Martyr, the others- what will become of Clarrissa?" 
She was distressed now, she had caused the Prince of Xaria to see their town- their town where they kept all their resources; their town where the 5 Forbid were. She knew the Prince had meant to be among them, now- on their side. But what if this was all a trick- yet another the cheat was famous for. Though Ferne knew that, if he was, Asalia would make it that the man would never see his old age.

"Ferne."
Ferne saw Asalia, brow furrowed, the lines of her eyes crinkled. Asalia brought her hand to Ferne's chin, something that the girl knew brought her comfort- direct contact. 

"Do not worry: The Prince was genuine."

"How are you so confident in the Heir himself- the brother of the very man you wish to kill?"

"His brother," she began, tapping her fingers on her thigh as she thought, "I believe that he is much like my parents. And besides-" she dropped her fingers from her chin and stroked the edge of her blade, which was set leaning next to the sofa, Ferne noticed the drops of blood lining the metal- "I do think that I made quite the impression."
Ferne's fear must have been visible in the lines of her face, as Asalia almost immediately waved her hand dismissively and spoke.
"Nothing too serious, nothing worthy to worry of. It will only leave  a scar.”