Fates and Thrones

Summons

Two weeks of long training, and avidly avoiding Liam, I decided there was nothing else that I could do. My mother was pushing me to go back to school, but I kept trying to convince her I was deathly ill. I gazed at my reflection, the tangled mess of my hair a testament to my chaotic thoughts. My mother's words echoed in my mind, "You're a witch, blessed by the Goddesses." But I felt anything but blessed. I felt trapped. With a sigh, I began to brush out my hair, the knots resisting my efforts.

Just as I was making progress, a stern knock at the door interrupted me. My mother entered, followed by our cat, Pam. "Ajita, we need to talk," she said, her voice firm but controlled. She took the brush from my hand and began to work out the tangles with a gentleness that belied her words. "Aleesia is smitten with the prince, but you... you're a disappointment. Again." Her hands tightened in my hair, the pain making my eyes water. "But that's fine. We'll find another use for you. Rumor has it that Athenrún has been speaking to you." Her eyes gleamed with calculation.

"We'll use that to our advantage. You'll meet with Athenrún and fix the mess you've made." I felt a surge of resentment, but her grip on my hair kept me silent. I was forced to endure the painful styling, her words dripping with venom. As we finished, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My hair was pulled back into a tight bun, a small braid crowning my head. I looked like a puppet, ready to be manipulated by my mother's strings.

"I'm sorry, Mother," I said, the words tasting bitter on my lips. "I'll do what you want." Her smile was a thin, cruel line. "Good. I'll have Kiya dress you appropriately. You'll make a fine impression on Athenrún." I felt a shiver run down my spine as she left, Pam following closely behind. I was trapped, caught in a web of my mother's making; but I vowed to find a way out, no matter the cost. Pushing back the tears, I stood and stared at my reflection. My black hair was woven perfectly where you could see the hidden rainbows.

A slight rebellion I would never let anyone take away from me. A gentle knock came once more, but I did not have the energy to yell. With a wave of my hand the door opened, and there stood Aleesia. I clicked my teeth together to force back the feeling of wanting to slam the door in her face. "Get out." "AJ, I am so sor- "

"No, Al, I am sorry. Sorry that you must be the perfect one. Sorry you are the only one that can make mother proud. Sorry that you can be yourself. So, once again. GET OUT!" Aleesia shook her head slowly. Rather than doing as I asked, she approached me as if I was an injured animal. Her hands were raised, her mouth moving in a way that I could not understand until she got closer.

"A fucking calming spell Al? Really?"

"Ajita, I need your help. Something's happened and I don't know how to face Mother or...or anyone. I feel so lost and trapped." A sob wrenched through my chest.

"Now is not the time." I paused, taking a closer look at her. The normal sun golden hair, which was always in a perfect bun, was frizzled and unstyled. Her makeup was running down her face, and she was wearing my workout clothes.

"Al, what is going on?" My sister only started crying as she offered me her hand. As I held Aleesia's hand, I felt her tremble like a leaf. Her eyes locked onto mine, and with a deep breath, she began to cry. My twin rarely cried, and never in front of me. I pushed my heart wrenching pain aside and pulled my sister in a hug.

"He told me the prince was busy, but he would take care of me," Aleesia whispered, her voice trembling. "I tried to push him away, but... He was too strong." I felt a surge of rage as she described Lord Ravenswood's cruel words and actions.

'Hush up, Witch... Summon some rope, and make the room soundproof. Or I will tell the king about what will happen in here.' I sucked in a deep breath as I shook my head. No, she is not telling me what I think she is. No one would dare touch her. I wanted to scream, to peel this monster's skin back, and pour bleach in the open wounds.

Another tremble caught my attention. Her whole body shook as she relived the horror from this morning. Her voice cracked, and her eyes welled up with tears. When she finally spoke of the moment Lord Ravenswood's cold hands pushed up under her nightdress, I knew I had to intervene.

"That's enough," I whispered, my voice firm but gentle. I pulled Aleesia into a tight hug, holding her close as I whispered words of comfort. "Aleesia, who did this to you? Tell me and I will handle this tomorrow."

"Lord Ravenswood. He is the prince's and Kings advisor. He told me that Kg." Her voice broke at the mention of the prince.

In that moment, I knew I would do everything in my power to keep her safe, to bring justice to those who had hurt her. I pushed her to an arm's length, looking her straight in the eye. "We'll get through this together, Al. We'll make sure Lord Ravenswood, and the prince pay for what they've done. You're not alone in this. I'm here to stand with you, to fight for you." Pure rage and hatred filtered through my body. A darkness beckoned me towards it, as I fought to stay calm for my twin.

"Aleesia, I swear to you." Her eyes widened as she stared at me. "I will find this Lord Ravenwood, and Kgosi and they will both pay for what they have done." Lightning flashed outside as thunder struck. "I have made this vow, now I must make a vow with a Goddess." Aleesia nodded before she wiped her tears away.

"Wait. Goddess? The rumors are true?" I simply nodded as I watched the storm rage outside. "My meeting was not rumored like yours. Perhaps that's because I already accepted the offer. I work for Isis...or you could call her Brigid." "You mean Athenrún, or Athenrún?" Weariness coating my voice. She wanted both of us.

I pulled Aleesia to my bed and rung the bell for the servants. As I turned to watch the door, I caught a glimpse of an Owl sitting on my window seal. Hoo-Hoo. Its call seemed to mock my earlier question. The bright yellow eyes staring into my soul. Hoo-Hoo.