(Completed) Seraphina [The Lost Queen Series: Book #1]

Chapter 13

"To love, to break"
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"How do you know this is his? Before you get mad I'm only asking because I want to make sure that he did this so I have pure hatred for him." Not that I don't already but you can never hate an enemy enough. This would also prove how much he has become like Quincy and how much of a tyrant he is becoming.

"Well it's not good to hate anyone but this is under special circumstances. We will deal with this tomorrow, you need to rest." Rolling my eyes I shook my head. This man really insists on putting this off.

"I'd rather train then rest right now. Besides that the fire has changed its course so we don't have to worry about it for the time being." As I walked to the tavern I looked at the poster on the wooden post. I couldn't read it because of how the words blended together. "What does this say?" I asked Caspian after he put Shade into a stall.

"Everyone must attend tomorrow's festival or you will be punished, by order of King Quincy..." He smiled coldly before folding his arms. "Erron should be waiting behind the tavern for you. I'll be waiting for you to come in." I'm guessing that this is his way of telling me that I'm allowed to train. Sadly I don't need his permission...

"Ok." I really wanted to speak my mind but I've got a feeling that he wouldn't let me train if I did. This is a moment where holding my tongue is helpful. I quickly ran behind the tavern to see Erron leaning against a tree.

"About time! I've been waiting ages for you to show up! Just for that I'm making you train twice as hard..." Erron drew his sword with a smile. "Go on. I won't move if your unarmed." The moment I drew my sword Erron was swinging at me. His movements seemed impossible for any human as I tried to block.

I gasped when my sword went flying behind me. It was so fast that my mind couldn't comprehend what happened. "Ok so you at least know how to block a little. It would've worked if you used that block with a long sword. Your blade isn't meant for that style of fighting. It's meant for repeated attacks at once. Like a fury of blows with only a few thrusts. Come!" Erron picked up my sword and began to walk over to the tree. "This tree will be your target." After handing me my sword he stretched.

"Ok?" I placed one foot in front of the other and raised the sword hilt slightly. After talking a deep breath and letting it go I quickly thrusted the sword at the tree before drawing back to strike again. I kept at it until my arm screamed in agony.

"Take a short rest so we can see what you've accomplished." I looked over the holes left behind to see them scattered across everywhere. "Ok... You've got the power but no accuracy or stamina. Well the stamina is a huge problem so that's your priority for now. Accuracy will improve with stamina so it won't be unbearable."

"Ok... What do I need to do?" This was the moment that my training really began. I don't know how much time had pasted but I faintly remember Erron finding a lantern so we could see. The more I pushed myself the less pain went through my arm. Erron fell asleep against a tree after I decided to take a break.

"How's trainning going?" I jumped slightly as Caspian appeared behind me. "I brought some food for you both but it seems that Erron has other plans..." I sheathed my sword and stumbled over to him. "Hey are you ok?! Why are you struggling to walk!?"

"I'm ok... My legs are numb from standing in one spot for way to long. What did you bring as food? Is it drugged by chance...?" He chuckled at me as I smiled warmly at the thought. He held out his arm before pulling me to his side.

"I've brought some cheese and fruit to help you recover. Unfortunately I'm not good at making herbal medicine so it's not drugged. Once you finish eating I plan on taking you to bed so don't fight against me. We both need some sleep before dawn..." I know there was more but it was better for him to stay silent. Feelings right now could break me if we grow to close. That's a weakness I'm not willing to take...

We sat down in the grass and listened to the songs of insects I munched on an apple and cheese. It tasted like heaven as I watched Caspian as he gazed into the sky. "What do the stars mean to you?" I thought for a moment before clearing my throat.

"Stars are the souls of people who passed into the realm of heaven. Papa used to tell me that... I don't believe it though. I think that the stars are people who were cast into the sky as a punishment for the wrongs they committed while they lived." I threw the unedible apple core into the woods and sat back on my hands though my left arm still hurt a bit.

"That's grim... I'd rather side with your papa than a grim fate. Now that I think about it you've changed a lot since be passed... It's as if you've grown a shell like a tortoise and use it like armor against anyone who gets to close..." That caught me by surprise. I know that my emotions are unhinged right now but was it really that obvious?

"Is there a reason for you to point it out? If this is your way of telling me something then I suggest you stop now. I've never pointed out how you've changed so don't do that to me." Something deep within me didn't want to know what he's seen in me. Yes it's unsettling but it's more than that... It's as if he knows more than I do about myself. That's scary to think about when I don't really know who he is.

"Seraphina I mean no disrespect to you. I know my wording sounds bad but it's only an observation that I've noticed as of late. It doesn't mean that I've changed my feelings about you either. I just want you to realize how you're changing before you lose yourself in the chaos." Caspian grabbed my hand gently as I gazed into his eyes. "If any I want you to set up morals for yourself. I'm willing to share mine with you."

Morals... I have some in place but will they keep me losing myself? "Regardless of what happens to me I will never harm a child. The only reason I will hurt someone is if they attack me first. Those two are the only exceptions." Caspian sighed as he gives me a bewildered look.

"How do you only have two??? Yes I understand the children and self defense but what about protecting your friends and family? Would you allow them to get hurt?" Scoffing I stared at Caspian coldly. Has he already forgotten about Sicada and how she betrayed me?

"I've no family or friends so there is no need for that moral to exist." I held my hand up as he tried to speak. "Sicada betrayed me and in doing so she has lost me as a family member in my eyes." Caspian had better consider his words before speaking...

"...Is it really that easy to turn away from your own flesh and blood? She's the only family who can help you!" It appears that Caspian has chosen the wrong words. Standing up I grabbed my sword and walked towards the tavern. Curses followed me as anger simmered beneath the surface. Don't do it Caspian... You will be greeted with the ground if you do... "Seraphina please just listen-" As a hand landed on my shoulder I gripped the sword...

Ba-dum...ba-dum...ba-dum... The forest fell silent as I grabbed his hand. I heard bones crunch together followed by a scream. My eyes burned with tears as I let go. This isn't what I wanted but... I have to protect him even if it means hurting him. Earlier when he read the paper I knew he was lying to me.

It was, "Seraphina, a commoner, is wanted for planning a revolt against the king. If you know where she is then turn her in or you will be punished. For each day that passes with her alive a woman will die, by order of King Quincy." It will only be a matter of time before I'm found here... I cannot allow anyone to die for me!

"I know you meant well but you cannot protect me from my fate... No one can.", my voice cracked as I walked away. "Goodbye, Caspian..." Groans followed me with slurs of curses as a single tear fell.

"Don't you dare walk away from me...", chills froze me. A beastly noise rattled my bones as it slowly approached. "Look at me...", his voice held a dark rage. "Don't make me say it again, Seraphina." Glancing over my shoulder I saw Caspian. His dark gaze terrified me but I caused this... I shouldn't be afraid of my actions! "Stop with this cold act before you get punished."

"You have no control over me." I tried to sound calm but my voice felt weak. "Only a weak man punishes someone for disobeying." Caspian flinched but an unsettling look crossed his eyes. Quincy didn't hold a light to this fear...

"We will see about that..."