Promises of Gold

14. Trapped

Cordelia awoke on a cold floor. As she opened her eyes she noticed she was on soil. She jumped up and looked around quickly. The last thing she could remember was John bringing out his pipe. She slowly began to panic as she saw no one near her. She seemed to be in one of those wooden cells. Her hands were tied with rope. Cordelia looked to her left to see another wooden cell. However she could only see the side and not it's inhabitants. She decided to take a leap of faith.

"James?..William?" Cordelia called uncertain.

"Cordelia! You're awake. It's us. We saw you get put here but you were entranced." she heard James' voice reply from the cell beside her.

"Oh thank goodness it's you! James how do we escape?" Cordelia cried.

"Can you use your magic?" she heard William ask.

"My hands are tied, it may be very difficult. I can try."

She began to concentrate and attempt to untie her hands, but no magic was conjured. She looked at her hands in frustration and attempted again. The had the same results.

"It won't work. I suggest you save your energy." Cordelia heard, causing her to snap her head up.

It was a girl, around her age. She had long blonde hair, the same shade as Cordelia's and green eyes. She wore a gown the shade of  dark red wine.  She was undeniably pretty. She also seemed very familiar, causing Cordelia to yet again feel tense.

"You don't remember me do you?" the girl asked, walking closer to the cell.

"No. I do not." Cordelia replied, stepping back.

"My name is Maya. You knew me before when you came here."

"Well apparently I knew a lot of people. So pardon me, if I show no interest in small talk with you. Now tell me why my magic is not working. " Cordelia replied coldly.

"You're more bold than you used to be. It's almost amusing.  Your magic isn't working because of the rope around your hands. It restricts any magic as it's around your hands." Maya explained nonchalantly.

"Why am I here? Why do you need me? You seem to be doing just fine without my magic" Cordelia demanded.

"Don't understand what you cannot without memory. We need you because our king wants you." Maya replied.

Cordelia scoffed and decided to ignore Maya for the time being. She was stuck. Maya looked at her with pain in her eyes. It made Cordelia wonder what history they both had with one another. Before she could ask Max walked up to Maya and kissed her on the cheek. Cordelia gagged. Max was the definition of creepy. How could anyone be interested in such a person?

"Hello Cordelia. Nice to see you chose us." Max said as he turned to her with a smirk.

"I didn't have much of a choice. Where are Peter and Thomas?" she asked, suddenly realizing she had not thought of them yet.

"They're conversing with the others. They'll join you soon." Max told her as he put his arm around Maya.

"When will I be let out?"

"In a moment. You'll be treated nicely here Cordelia. I promise." Maya replied, her voice sounding urgent.

Why did Maya seem to care so much? Cordelia looked at her in disbelief. Treated nicely? She was in a cell, with her hands tied. Her magic was restricted and she awoke on the dirty floor. She had trouble believing the people responsible for her capture as well as Thomas and James' would treat anyone well.

"You're crazy if you think I've been treated nicely." Cordelia scoffed.

"Don't speak to her in that way. She's being kind to you. Stop making such a fuss. I'll be letting you out now." Max snapped.

Cordelia watched silently as he unlocked her cell door and pulled her out. She stumbled as she was pushed in front of Maya, who hugged her instantly. Cordelia only stood there and wished she could push her off.

"Come on" Max said, dragging her by the rope around her wrists.

Cordelia had no choice but to follow and stumbled as she walked into the large nearby wooden building. As she entered she instantly felt cold and everything seemed familiar. She felt shivers go down her spine. Cordelia continued to follow as he led her into a large office. The room included a  plain wooden desk with a quill on top. There was a chair by the desk and another behind. The rest was completely empty. Max pushed her into the wooden chair across the desk, as Maya nodded at him and sat behind it.  Max left without another word.

"Cordelia, please give me a moment to explain" Maya said softly.

Cordelia didn't reply and simply looked at the ceiling. She was not going to give any of them a chance. She refused to do such a thing. Maya sighed and shook her head, before beginning to speak.

"Cordelia, I know you're angry and confused. We do not want to harm you. There have been moments where some of us may have seemed creepy but that is only due to the stories you have been fed. We have made some hard and cruel decisions but it was for the best. Give us a chance to show you our true colours. Now I must  get to the important portion, you may be wondering who I am to you. This may be confusing and surprising to hear, but I'm family."

Cordelia's head turned to Maya quickly.  Family? How could they be related. She had never seen this girl before this day in her life.

"Family? How is that possible?" Cordelia asked sceptically.

"I'm your aunt. It's a complicated story that I hope you'll remember when you regain your memory. But it is true. I am your mother's sister."

"I don't believe this. How could my mother have a sister she had not told me about?"

"I disappeared. At 19. They most likely believe I am dead." Maya said quietly. Cordelia noticed the gleam of tears in her eyes. Cordelia could not make herself speak. She was at lost for words.

Max walked in and wrapped his arms around Maya. Cordelia watched in silence. Had he been at the door? She looked down at her boots and shut her eyes for a moment. She needed to regain her thoughts. Everything was too much at once. She felt herself start to get dizzy. She had an aunt. One who seemed to know her and care for her. Cordelia opened her eyes to see them staring at her with pity. An expression she had not been given or she had seen on Max. Max sighed and spoke.

"We should go. It's time for you to meet the king."