Fractured Kingdom

Scene 6

"Who's home?" Anika asked.

Aiden put Cadence down. "There are rooms on the second level. I suggest you each choose a room that suits you. You will be staying here for a while."

Kinsey put her hand on her hips. "Wait just a moment, this is kidnapping."

"I promise you this is no kidnapping. And I promise you I am here to protect you."

"But," Kinsey began but stopped. The man gently held her eye contact. There was no guile in his stare. He was sincere. It dispelled all her instincts and softened her heart to him. What was it about this man that constantly challenged her, changed her? She was consumed with a sense of familiarity towards this man and the house. She felt safe and it was a feeling she seldom experienced. "Alright, Anika, Cadence, let's do as he says."

Kinsey held out her hand to her youngest sister and together with Anika trailing behind they climbed the stairs to the right of the front entrance.

"What was that about?" Anika asked.

Kinsey could sense the slight charm lacing her sister's words. "Don't even try that, Anika."

"Try what?' She batted her eyes playfully.

Kinsey smiled. "Stop being so innocent and you know exactly what I'm talking about. Don't charm me."

Anika laughed. "Oh, that."

"Yeah, that."

"Look, I just want to know what's going on."

"So do I, but I don't know any more than you do."

"But this house. Why'd he bring us here? He said it was home but he doesn't live here. He said he's from the capital of the kingdom. And what's all this about protecting us?"

Kinsey closed her eyes as they came to the top of the stairs and inhaled deeply. "Like I said, I know as much as you do. I am determined to find some answers but for now let's leave it to rest. I'm tired. It's been a really long day and those outbursts of my power have left me feeling drained. After we find a room that suits us, we'll wash up and have a good sleep. Tomorrow is a new day and maybe we can get some answers from our mysterious helper."

Anika paused with Kinsey at the top of the stairs. "Do you think it's safe? Because if you think it's safe, then it'll mean it's safe because you'd never let us be somewhere that's not safe."

Kinsey laughed. "I don't know if it is safe. But something about the man and the house tells me we'll be okay, at least for the night." She opened the first door.

"Would you look at this?" Anika said as they entered the room. "Oh, the carpet is so plush. I feel like my feet are walking on pillows." She did a playful twirl. "Come, Cadence, dance with me." She held out her arms to the youngest sister, but Cadence did little more than take Anika's hand and stand next to her. Anika, however, made up for the both of them and danced around Cadence.

"This is a beautiful room." Kinsey said and ran her hand along the smooth surface of the dresser. It was obvious a room for one person since there was only one bed, but it was a bed that was large enough to fit all three of them. And since their present home could easily fit in this one bedroom and they all presently shared a bed smaller than the gigantic sized bed housed in this room, Kinsey was quite certain this room would easily meet their needs.

She opened another door next to the bed and found a spacious bathroom with running water. This place was luxurious in her standards. Never before had they experienced indoor plumbing. She turned the tap just to watch the water flow and then quickly turned it off not wanting to waste a drop. She was used to carrying buckets from a well and then heating it for washing up. She turned to take in the large bath opposite the sink and a giggle escaped her lips. This was simply too much. The tub was huge and she wondered if she could swim in something so big.