Fireshrine

Eight: Noella

"What did you say to her?" I demanded.

"Nothing of consequence," Sylver replied cooly.

"Obviously it was! I don't think I've ever seen a woman move quite so fast in heels and a ball gown than the princess after leaving the garden!"

"You knew I was there," he said, turning to face me, fixing his pale blue eyes on me. I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Hmmph," I folded my arms. "Forgive me, brother, I was simply trying to allow you to meet her away from the prying eyes of the court."

"What makes you think I wanted to see her?"

I frowned. "She is to be your wife, Sylver, and the next queen of our kingdom. Do you not wish to know her?" Something in his attitude had shifted since the night before.

"She has a sharp tongue, for someone who cannot even control their element," he said.

"You didn't care about that," I pointed out.

"Perhaps I had a lapse in judgment." He turned back to the stack of papers on his desk. "Regardless, I'm sure she will be much happier not knowing me."

I frowned and sat down in the chair opposite of him. "Why do you say such harsh things about yourself? Are you so ashamed that you will not even think about allowing yourself to be happy?"

He looked up and I saw the melancholy in his eyes. "I have far too much blood on my hands to ever be happy, sister," he said plainly.

"The Crimson's have the blood of our people on their hands too! This is not a one-sided war, Sylver. I understand how you feel, especially about how Father-"

"Enough." His voice boomed. "I have much work to do, Noella."

I stood as anger began to bubble within me. I curtsied deeply. "Forgive me, your highness. I will excuse myself." I straightened myself and left the study, closing the door tightly behind me.

"Hmmph," I huffed out loud. What had happened in the garden that night? If my powers were at their strongest, I would have been able to look back. I frowned in frustration.

"Princess."

I looked up to see Calder walking down the hall.

"I didn't expect to see you this early in the morning," he said, bowing.

I looked to see a stack of papers in his hands. "More work for my brother?" I asked. "He's in quite the sour mood, just to warn you."

"Ah, well as the soon-to-be king, unfortunately this is only the beginning. Of course, he will have some reprieve after the wedding, as there will be other matters to attend to."

I raised an eyebrow. "You mean an heir."

"Forgive me if I am speaking out of turn, but the Prince's position with the court right now is... precarious at best. Unfortunately, most of them would rather us remain at war, and the King Regent has far too many followers."

"Uncle..." my voice trailed off. "Tell me, Calder, what do you think of the Crimson Princess?"

"From what I have seen, she is bright, headstrong, and kind, all the makings of a good queen."

"Hmm yes," I said. "And mother." I paused. "My brother having an heir would undoubtedly strengthen his standings with the court, would it not? Especially the child of two powerful bloodlines."

"That is my belief," Calder said.

"Right," I said, clapping my hands together. "There is much to be done then." I turned on my heel and began to make my way down the hall.