Ruby and the Blue Flames

Chapter 8: Broken Ties

As the man turned towards us, my heart dropped at the sight of a beat up Ser Finn. Ashkira's brows furrowed, as she clutched the bars of the cell. "Your explanation better satisfy my demands, ser, lest I make a meal out of you for Asaeris."

I never imagined Ashkira the type of person to make such threats. However, other than that, my thoughts were slowly jumbling together in confusion, relief or even sadness. "I... don't understand." I said, beneath my breath.

My mind was in inner turmoil as I slowly backed away from the cell. Momentarily, Lady Aleina took me in her arms, I felt weak all over. I could sense within me a burning sensation. A disgusting twirl in my stomach I failed to understand. "What exactly was happening here? Where exactly was Callon?" I asked.

"That is a question we all want answered, my dear," King Richard suddenly appeared, accompanied by my father who walked not far behind him. "However, it seems as though the precious captain of the Mikhaulian knights refuse to give us an answer."

The king glanced in the inside of the cell, where Finn vaguely cowered in. The fear that was evident in his eyes captured my attention. It was an expression I was familiar with-something I've seen multiple times as a child. An expression I remember plastered in many people's faces when they see me. It was a fear that contaminated others. Even me.

This fear did not solely exist within the faces around, but for once, I saw it on me. When I looked at my reflection, I saw the face everyone had on when they saw me. I realized that, yes, the fear was contagious, because even I began fearing...myself. I've long been fearing what my powers would do. Fearing the capabilities of my own abilities and the harm that it could inflict unto others. I never, then, released my full potential. And, it was because when the pain began to crawl up my arms, slowly surrounding my wrist. A pain I thought was an escape, turned out to only be the source for more problems. I could never stop the fear that lingered on them. I could never stop the fear that lingered within me. It was only upon my meeting with Ashkira that I felt, for once in my life, not afraid. For once in my life I felt...free and independent. When I received that rose from Ashkira, for once I wasn't afraid to accept such unwavering support from someone else.

Now, seeing ser Finn's face in front of me, mirroring the same fear I had back then...it all came rushing back. The burdens I caused for my family. The disappointment my people carried because of me. I felt...hopeless as I clenched my fists in a fit of rage. I thought I was free of this feeling. Why was it coming back again? I thought I had progressed better? But, why does it feel like I've fallen deeper and deeper into the inner turmoil that I have deeply resented for so long?

I felt my whole body tremble. I failed to determine whether it was fear or anger. Or both. An inner coldness found its way within me, fighting to escape. Finding a way to portray my vulnerability-something I wished no-one should ever see. I fight the urge to let the tears flow, when I suddenly felt a warm embrace wrapping me whole.

I fought hard to keep my voice from forming into sobs when I buried my face on Ashkira's chest. I've covered my ears forcing no voices to plague my mind-delusions. They were nothing but delusions that echoed my insecurity. Just like dreams, they were only inside our minds...

"Eris...," I heard Ashkira's voice, barely a whisper. I slowly opened my eyes to glance up at her, funnily enough, I never imagined Ashkira to be taller than me. When had I realized how much of a relief her presence was to me? How comforting and warm? A presence that went beyond the common sentiments of friendship. It was more than that.

It took me a while to realize my heavy breathing. And it was only when Ashkira called me out. She whispered for me to calm down. Sympathizing with me and comforting me, telling me she was there for me. I heard a sigh of relief coming from me as I looked up realizing the look of worry my mentor and my father had whilst the king faintly talked with Finn.

"Are you feeling better, daughter?" My father asked, his voice deeper than usual, indicating his fatigue.

I did not reply. Not because I didn't want to, but because I didn't know how.

"Your highness, why don't the two of you go outside for now?" Lady Aleina suggested. "We will be sure to uncover any secrets we can from Ser Finn."

Ashkira nodded before immediately taking my hand in hers and dragged me outside. We walked through the familiar hallways of the castle. At first, I had no idea where she was intending to take me, until we passed the great hall. She was taking me to her favourite place-the garden.

When we arrived, I noticed a slight change inside the pavilion. On the table, the glass dome was empty. My mind immediately fluttered to the rose Ashkira sent to me during my fight with Daxton. "Were they the same rose?" I asked myself as I rummaged for the rose in my pocket. When I took it out, it was slightly less pretty than when I received it, but the significance of it remains valuable in my heart. Ashkira noticed me fondling with the rose and said, "You must love roses."

"So do you," I replied, almost snarky. Being alone with Ashkira, brought me to my relief, as if the earlier spiral I've had never happened. But then, all of a sudden, Ashkira fell silent. Her eyes lingered to me. Then towards the rose. A slight grin plastered on her face as I questioned her silence. She didn't reply, reaching for the rose in my hand. She then intertwined her fingers with mine, pushing the rose closer to my chest. The sudden action shocked me, but didn't scare me.

"I love...the red. Too much," she whispered in my ear, which sent shivers down my spine. In my mind, I wanted to believe that what she was referring to was the rose. However, her intense gaze on my eyes contradicted my theory. Her beautiful glistening sapphire eyes were fixated on my ruby eyes. My hands trembled with nervousness and my lips quivered, forcing my voice to break the intense silence between us, but to no avail.

Ashkira leaned close, her breath practically rubbing on my cheek. Her respiration was heavy, as if she was holding herself back. In that instant, however, I wished for her embrace again.