Folke || Folkelore

♥︎ 9 ♥︎

With every shaky breath, my knees bump against my chin. I take quick deep breaths; in, in, out. In, in, out.

The door opens, and Apollo peeks his head in.

"Calla? Is everything ok?"

"I'm fine," I snap, rolling onto my side.

"You don't sound fine." He steps inside, his eyes widening as he takes in the mess. I wanted to wear a specific dress today, but it was at the very bottom of my trunk, and I didn't feel like cleaning up.

"Just go away." I shove my face into my pillow, blinking back tears. Gosh, why am I crying?

"Hey, what's wrong? It wasn't something I said was it?" I feel his hand on my back, and the tears press even harder. Sniffling, I shake my head. Apollo gently presses on my shoulder to roll me over, but I push against him. "Calla, darling, look at me. Show me those beautiful green eyes."

I sob harder, and he pulls me against his chest. Relenting, I lean into his chest but keep my arms around myself. "Why did you leave?" I whisper.

"What?"

"I want to know why. If you liked me so much as a child, why did you stop coming around?"

"It wasn't my choice, darling."

I scoff and say, "There's always a choice! You're pathetic for leaving me to-" and I pause, reeling in my emotions and continue, "to face my demons alone."

"What demons, Calla?  What happened?" he whispers.

"It's all your fault," I hiss, and he pulls back slightly to look at my face, but I shake my head. "How could you?"

"How could I what, Calla?! How could I not do my duty as a prince?! It's my responsibility, Calla! You should know that better than anyone else."

I shake my head again, and mumble, "Aren't I also your responsibility? One you failed."

"Seven years ago Aelin was born. " He mutters almost silently, his arms tightening around my waist. "She and my mother almost died during the birth. Aelin was so tiny, she almost fit in the palm of my hand. That whole year was filled with worry and fear that she wouldn't make it. That we'd lose her. There was no room in any of our minds for anything other than her." Apollo lifts my chin, gently tipping it upward to meet my eyes. I blink back tears, biting my lip. "That's why I wasn't there for you seven years ago."

Darkness fills the edges of my eyes, and I squeeze them shut. "No, no. No." I have to drag in each breath, and I feel the pressure building in my head.

"I think you're going to faint."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Princesses don't faint," I breathe and meet the darkness halfway.

"That's it, stop fighting. Just give in." 

My eyes open and I'm once again in that blank white room. The only difference is the dark haired man crouched in front of me. His fingers lightly brush my cheek. I jerk away. 

"Don't- don't touch me," I hiss, and my throat burns from all my tears.

"Let's get one thing straight, shall we?" He asks, standing and pacing away.

I scowl, shoving to my feet as well. "And what is that?"

"I'm in charge." He grins over his shoulder at me. "Now, creature—"

"I am not a creature," I spit. "I am Princess Calla heir to the Loamian throne."

He waves that away. "That's irrelevant when you're talking to a Shaman. Now, if you're done interrupting me, I have a warning for you from the Gods. Are you ready to listen?"