From The Ashes

Part 11

After that we spent a few minutes congratulating Eian and listening to Jacquelyn's many apologies. We of course forgave her, it wasn't her fault no one like Eian existed before.
  She escorted us to the throne room where we awaited the king and after about ten minutes we heard the side door open. King Giaus entered and took a seat on his throne. We all knelt in his presence, waiting to be addressed.
   "Hello. It's wonderful to meet you all." He said, as we stood. "Well, I know Eian there but I'd like to know the rest of your names." I was the first to step forward.
   "Your majesty, my name is Reika Maddock. I take care of Eian. Thank you for welcoming us to your palace." I said with a bow. It still felt weird talking so formally.
  "You are most welcome." He replied. Mira stepped forward and pulled Gwen along with her.
  "Hi your majesty! I'm Mira and this is my girlfriend Gwen. She isn't very talkative but she makes up for it with personality!" Mira said curtseying. Gwen bowed politely.
  "Hello girls. That is a lovely dress Mira." Said the king with a smile. Her face lit up.
  "Thank you! I got it in Fallkirk!" She said brightly.
  "It suits you." He replied. Cass stepped forward, gracefully.
  "Hello your majesty. My name is Cassius Reeves." He said, bowing.
  "Wonderful to meet you Cassius." He said kindly. Finally Oliver stepped forward and knelt before the king again.
  "Your majesty. I am Sir Oliver Dean of Aster. It's so wonderful to be in your company again. You knighted me two years ago but I doubt you remember. But, that's okay! Uh, I just mean you're very busy and um..thank you for letting us stay here." He said, standing awkwardly.
  "Oh yes! I do remember you. Your hair was shorter back then. You practically sprinted up when they announced your name." Oliver looked a little self conscious. "It was lovely to see such dedication." He added, with the same warm smile as before. Oliver beamed.
  "Thank you, your highness." He said, taking one final bow.
  "Now that we've all been acquainted there's much we need to discuss." He said, clasping his hands together. "Could I get some chairs for my new friends?" Immediately six chairs were brought in by various servants and we were seated. "Firstly, I want to thank you all for making the journey here. It must have been treacherous." He said.
  "Yeah! We almost got killed by a bunch of assassins Valda sent!" Eian said. The king's eyes widened slightly.
  "I'm very sorry to hear that. I can assure you that you're safe here." He replied. "Eian, you are very talented. You may already know this but every mage has a specialty. Most can do small parts of different types of magic but every mage has their talent. Some can have two talents but that's rare. So, that brings us to you Eian." He paused, looking at Eian. "You're very special."
  "What do you mean by special?" Eian asked.
  "You are what's called a high sorcerer. There have only been a few in our history. One being Inya, the first mage. Another being myself and then of course..Valda. As far as I know this is the most that have ever lived at one time. High sorcerers possess the ability to perform all, or almost all, types of magic. Eian, I  want you to train with me. I have a feeling you have the potential to be even more powerful than myself. I want you to learn all I know because I feel you might be able to stop Valda." King Giaus said. His warm smile had been traded for a very serious expression. I was in complete shock. This was worse than him just being trained like a normal mage child. This was worse than him being put into the army. The king wanted him to face the most ruthless killer in the land. I snapped, fearing losing the one person I hold most dear.
  "I'm sorry, your majesty, with all due respect how the hell do you think an eight-year-old child can defeat a mass murder?! You yourself couldn't stop her!" I said. I almost regretted mouthing off to the king but this was about Eian. "He may have talent but you think you can just throw him into a battle to the death?! I mean-" Eian stood up.
  "Reika!" He snapped. "You can't protect me forever! If the king wants to train me, let him train me! It's not like he's forcing me into battle. I can't believe you'd disrespect him like you just did! He sees potential in me. Why can't you?" His words felt like daggers. I wanted to cry but I choked back the tears. Eian turned to King Giaus. "I'm sorry your majesty. I'd be honored to train with you."
  "It's alright. I understand it's a lot to process. I actually have another engagement so we can reconvene tomorrow after breakfast. Thank you for your time. Sleep well." He said simply. He stood and was escorted out of the room.
  "Eian I'm sorry..I know I'm protective of you. I just want you safe.." I said. I reached for his hand but he swatted it away.
  "Reika, you're not my mom so stop acting like it." He said coldly. He stormed off and I felt my heart shatter. My little boy had just told me the one thing I never wanted to hear. That I wasn't his mother and he wasn't really mine.
  "Eian! Hey!" Oliver said, running after him.
  "Um..Rei I'm so sorry." Mira said softly. I couldn't say anything. I just nodded, staring at the floor. "We're gonna go check on dinner.." She said as she and Gwen left the throne room, leaving just Cass and I. Honestly I wished I was alone so I could have my break down in peace.
   "Rei..he was just frustrated he didn't mean it." Cass said, rubbing my back.
    "No. He's right. I'm not his mom. What right do I have to tell him what to do?" I said flatly. "I'm gonna go to my room and skip dinner. Don't check on me. I want to be alone."
  "Are you sure? I can-" Cass started to say but I stopped him
  "I said I want to be alone." I insisted.
  I left the throne room before Cass could stop me and bolted up the stairs. My body felt heavy. I opened the door to my room and slammed it behind me. Collapsing on the floor I felt everything and nothing at the same time. First I was numb, in denial about what I'd just heard. But the numbness quickly turned to sorrow and suddenly I was overtaken by violent sobs. I could barely catch my breath. The tears stung my eyes and my throat felt raw. The words kept playing over and over in my head. You're not my mom. The worst part about all of it was that it was true.