The Ruler's Rift

Never Prepared

At last, Friday had arrived. Memories of her nightmare harassed Celeste; they distracted her during work and sleep, but she endeavored to ignore them as she clashed blades with Amber.

Metal on metal showered sparks into the cobblestone. Aunt and niece sparred in the courtyard, with the former on the offensive. Celeste leapt back and ducked in a feverish attempt to avoid the bite of Amber's sword. She swung her halberd, aiming for the assassin's legs, but her target turned against her. Amber bounced off the axe. The force pushed the demon down. She nearly dropped her weapon.

With a whip of wind, Amber hurled herself back down. The queen spun; she brought the blackish, purplish blade of her halberd up to the plummeting opponent. Weapons clashed, Celeste's defense nearly shattering under the weight of Amber's onslaught. Finally, the assassin pushed off and landed on her feet.

Both panting, Celeste took deeper breaths.

Amber wiped her brow and sheathed her sword. "Are you okay? You weren't this clumsy the last few days," She said.

"Yes," Celeste lied. "I'm fine, just..."

"Something on your mind? I can tell, you know."

"Ugh," Celeste growled. She dropped the act. "I know you can."

Amber laughed, a chime which eased the demon. "Now you have to tell me. If it's weighing on you tomorrow, our match at the battles will be a bit of a dud."

Celeste smiled. She straightened and caught her breath. "You're right."

Some guests wandered the courtyard. Amber watched them with chocolate eyes before suggesting, "we can talk later in your room if you want?"

"Perfect," Celeste sighed. "I'll see you in two hours?"

"Deal."

After practice, the two went separate ways. Celeste returned to her quarters as the sun set. She ripped the scrolls from the left drawer of her vanity and looked them over. She had to hurry. Exchanging her transfiguration magic for one form was a heavy cost, but she intended to pay it if it meant keeping Violet dead.

Steadying her breathing, Celeste organized her candles accordingly. She gathered up the supplies. Upon her vanity, within the circled candles, she placed the covered jar holding her mother's eyes, several koi scales, some of her own blood, and finally a bottle of stardust. She'd paid a pretty penny to get her hands on it, something she hoped Nova wouldn't notice. It wasn't too big a dent in the royal funds, the queen prayed.

She hesitated. Trembling, the sorceress looked at the covered jar. Her mother's eyes weren't necessary, but their incredible magic channels would bolster the results. Although Celeste couldn't bear to look at them, she took pleasure knowing Violet's own eyeballs would play a part in keeping her at bay. What wonderful irony.

As Celeste prepared to spark the ritual with her magic, she paused. Amber would arrive shortly, and she ought to get the assassin's wisdom before acting. She was her advisor for a reason.

It would wait, then. Celeste left everything on the vanity. She intended for Amber to see it. She meditated upon the bed while awaiting her aunt's arrival.

When the knock came at the door, Celeste stood and opened it. She welcomed Amber inside and prepared for the reaction. It didn't disappoint - Amber slammed the door shut as she gasped at the materials which adorned the desk. "Celeste," the assassin pleaded, "don't."

"I'm sorry," Celeste returned.

"Is this what you wanted to talk about!?"

The demon took a deep breath. Her shoulders raised with it; her whole frame trembled. "No," she answered in the oppressive atmosphere. Although the icy orbs were covered, she knew they stared in her direction. "Well, maybe. My mother is dead, isn't she?" Finally, Celeste locked eyes with Amber.