After the disagreement with Aldrin, Sila, and Caitir, I guide them to Keana's chambers to have a collective conversation and explore the possibility of them joining us on our journey to the past.
Caspian and Sin patiently wait by the entrance, as societal norms dictate that men shouldn't interact with women during this period of confinement. Keana's eyes widen as she spots me, struggling to rise from her chair due to her prominent pregnant belly.
"Oh my goodness, Kyla? Is it really you?" she exclaims, embracing me tightly. "Where have you been all this time?"
"In the year 1223," I reply, reciprocating her hug and feeling her unborn child kick within her belly.
"Fuck," she responds. "What has that experience been like?"
"Well, my ancestors manipulated history and deceived us all. They massacred the Astralites and wrongfully claimed the throne, so I fought against them in a war," I explain, taking a seat on the couch alongside Sila and Caitir, while Keana settles back down in her chair.
"Shit, seriously?" Sila asks in astonishment. "You went to war? You actually fought?"
"Yes, indeed. I participated in battles, and I even bear a scar as proof," I disclose, sliding my dress's sleeve down my shoulder to reveal the mark I acquired during the Frostfire conflict.
"Damn, you've certainly undergone a transformation. No more dresses, I see you now wear trousers and carry a sword," Keana remarks. "I heard about the tragedy with your baby and Rowan. I'm deeply sorry. What happened?"
"Kieran discovered that Mavis was Rowan's child and murdered them both right in front of me," I say, shuddering at the memory that will forever haunt me. "That's actually why I returned, I ended up killing him."
"You killed Kieran? When?" she asks, clearly taken aback.
"Just yesterday morning. He deserved it," I assert. "But that's not the reason I'm here. I wanted to offer the three of you the chance to accompany me to the past, if you so desire."
"Wait, you're going back?" Keana questions. "Why?"
"It has become my home," I state simply. Truth be told, I have developed a deep affection for that era and the friendships I have formed there.
"You should have seen the two men she arrived with. I'd want to stay in the past too," Sila giggles, and I playfully tickle her ribs.
"I'm sorry, but I can't..." Keana says, her gaze filled with sadness. "I know being a mistress is looked down upon here at court, and the Queen despises me. But I love your brother, and I won't leave him."
"I cannot leave my husband and children either," Caitir adds. "I have built a good life for myself here at court."
"I completely understand," I assure them both. "I would never expect you to abandon your lives."
"I will go with you," Sila declares, gripping my hand tightly. "My husband passed away before we could have children, and I have nothing left for me here. You would be doing me a favor."
"Sila, I would love that. I've missed all of you so much."
"Will you come back to visit?" Keana asks.
"As often as I can," I promise her. "I still need to figure out how to precisely control my time-traveling abilities."
"You will figure it out," she assures me, a smile gracing her face.
"We should go now. I don't want to further upset Aldrin and risk him harming Caspian or anything," I say, rising from my seat. The three of them stand up as well. Sila and I embrace Caitir and Keana, bidding them farewell, before we exit the room and join Caspian and Sin in the hallway.
"Are you both ready?" I inquire.
"Right now?" Sin asks, surprise evident on his face.
"We don't want to test my brother's patience, believe me," I explain, extending both my hands. Caspian takes one, and Sin takes the other. "Wrap your arms around my waist and hold on tight," I instruct Sila, and she complies.
Closing my eyes, I concentrate on the day following our departure, seeing the swirling colors that surround us. Soon, we are pulled through time and space, propelled three hundred years into the past once again.
As we touch down on the unforgiving earth, I open my eyes to witness my three comrades hunched over, retching into the dirt. Determined to shake off the queasiness creeping over me, I struggle to rise to my feet. I can't help but ponder if this unsettling sensation ever fades with time and experience.
Right outside the imposing South gates of Lakespire Castle, Sin, Caspian, and Sila manage to regain their composure, wiping away the remnants of their unfortunate bodily reactions.
"Well, let's hope our absence hasn't stretched to five years," I jest, hoping to lighten the mood. However, Caspian's horrified expression tells me I've struck a nerve. "Don't worry, I can always give it another shot," I quickly add, attempting to reassure him.
Sila, still clutching her stomach and looking slightly green, inquires, "So, is this what traveling feels like?"
Sin playfully responds, "Definitely not as glamorous as it sounds. But it's pretty amazing to witness different eras firsthand."
"I can't wait to see what awaits us this time. I wouldn't mind donning trousers and wielding a sword myself," Sila chimes in, eliciting a chuckle from me.
"Don't worry, we'll figure it out," I assure her, determined to make her dreams come true as mine did.
As we make our way towards the castle, a small group of guards approaches us. Their initial tension eases upon recognizing Caspian's presence.
"Your Grace," they greet him, bowing respectfully.
Caspian, still plagued by the anxiety caused by my ill-timed joke, asks, "How long have we been away?"
"Only five days," one of the guards replies, prompting a sigh of relief from Caspian.
Suddenly, Celestia and Nova burst out of the castle, with Celestia launching herself into her brother's arms. "Welcome back!"
Nova's gaze fixates on Sin as she quietly greets him, "Hi. Welcome back."
"Thanks," he replies, maintaining his composure.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Celestia turns to me and asks, "So, did you manage to kill your husband?"
"I certainly did," I respond with a sense of satisfaction.
"Does it bring you peace?" she inquires.
"Incredibly so," I answer, my honesty apparent.
Noticing Sila standing nearby, Nova eyes her with apparent disapproval. "And who might this be?" she questions.
"This is Sila Blanchard, my lady-in-waiting and closest friend," I proudly introduce her.
"Sila Dubois now," Sila promptly corrects me.
"Why would a lady-in-waiting be necessary for someone like you?" Nova queries, her tone laced with skepticism.
"Oh, did I forget to mention that I was born and raised as a princess of Lakespire in the 1500s?" I innocently interject, causing Caspian to stifle a laugh. This earns him a hostile glare from Nova, who abruptly turns and walks away without uttering a word. I can't help but wonder what has crawled up her ass and died but someone should probably do something about that.
"It's time for us to find our bearings and settle in. Sila, you can stay with me until your own chambers are prepared," I announce to the group, taking Sila's arm in mine and leading her towards my bed chambers. Exhaustion weighs heavily upon us, and a moment of respite is beckoning.
As we make our way towards the sanctuary of my private quarters, I can't help but feel a sense of relief. Finally, a chance to rest and rejuvenate awaits us within those walls. At least one could only hope.
YOU ARE READING
A Traveler's Curse
FantasiI don't want her blood staining my conscience, Caspian!" I yell at the king, my voice trembling with a mix of fury and sorrow. "It's not on your hands, Kyla! It's on mine! When I discovered she had poisoned you, I could have personally beheaded her...
