Fly or Fall

Chapter Nine

"Do you have the slightest idea of what you've just done?" Sevan yelled and Anna flinched.

"It was my fault," Kol said stepping forward.

"No, it was my fault," Val stepped next to him.

He shook his head. "I'm the one who came up with the idea to take them out."

She frowned. "But I'm older," she argued. "I should have never left you alone, it was irresponsible."

Anna stepped forward, the guilt weighing on her like a ton of bricks. She couldn't let them take the blame for her mistake. "Please stop," she said. "This isn't either one of your faults. This is my fault. I hurt Nicco."

She still wasn't clear on how she'd done it but she knew she had. She'd wanted to hurt him. He deserved it. That stupid male! Okay, maybe she wasn't feeling as guilty as she should have. But he groped her ass. She'd only meant to push him away but next thing she knew her hand was glowing were the tattoo was imprinted and Nicco was on the ground groaning. He was alive. He wouldn't be if he tried that move again. She thought princes were supposed to be princely, well mannered, respectful and charming! He was a prick.

"I don't care whose fault this is," Sevan said, "You're all in trouble."

Wenlliam appeared beside Sevan. "She's waiting," he said in a deep but monotonous voice. Blue like the deepest part of the ocean, a blue that was almost black trickled with his words. The potion was still in effect but its power was dwindling.

"Is she mad?" Kol asked his older brother as he looked up at him in a pout.

His face remained placid as he patted Kol's shoulder and said, "Good luck." Then he walked away. Leaving them to their fates. Kol grimaced and Val took a deep breath.

"Let's get it over with," the princess said taking the first step forward. Something in her tone gave Anna the impression this wasn't her first time being called forth before the empress. She led the way into the throne room, her hair fixed, hiding the part that was shaved. Anna thought it was impressive how easily she could go from the rebel she'd seen last night to a prim and proper princess all by changing her hair style. The silver leaf tiara and flowing ivory tulle gown helped.

They'd all changed after the Kuth guards had dropped them off at the palace gates and filled Sevan on what had happened at the party. Sevan said it was bad enough they'd snuck out of the palace but going in front of the empress dressed the way they were would simply unacceptable.

The empress was sitting upon her throne when they came in. She was in a crimson red gown with a flower printed black bodice and a glimmering gold crown on top of her head. Her hair was in ringlets that fell over her shoulders and back. Anna still thought she looked like a doll. One of those antique porcelain dolls that you're too afraid to touch because it might break.

"I heard you had quite a night," she said to them, her lips curved into a smile. She wasn't angry? If she was, Anna thought, she was hiding it very well.

"I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused," Anna spoke as she stepped in front of the group, "and about...Nicco. I'm sorry I—"

"Please," the empress put up her hand, cutting Anna off. "You are not the one who needs to apologize here. What my son did was truly appalling and unbefitting of his title. I offer my humblest apologies and promise you that he will be reprimanded for his actions." There was a chilling bite to her words that almost made Anna feel sorry for Nicco. Almost.

"Thank you, your majesty," she bowed.

"As for the other matter," her smile fell. "It is as much for your safety as it is for the safety of the people of Oak Point that you remain within the confines of the palace. Until we have better knowledge of the amulet and its capabilities, that is."