Rebellion

Chapter Six: Evangeline

Chapter Six: Evangeline

            The courtyard was in chaos when we reached it. Guards were everywhere, running, shouting, holding back the massive crowd that had gathered. Panic and fear were written on people’s faces, and my heart ached for them.

            When Father and I pushed through, I got some fearful glances, but I ignored them. The main thing was to find the cause of all this mess: the man at the center of the courtyard.

            The guards looked startled to see me, and relieved when they saw my father with me. They flocked to him, needing someone to give orders. I skirted my way around them, heading for the man.

            My stomach turned with my first look at him. He was badly bruised, his face and clothes covered in blood. I forced myself to step forward, kneeling at his side to take in the rest of the damage.

            There was a cut on his forehead, but it was shallow and would heal easily. More small cuts on his hands and arms. Bruises everywhere. Maybe a few broken ribs from the way he groaned with every breath. Nothing else seemed to be in particularly bad shape.

            Another groan escaped his lips as I brushed matted, bloody hair out of his eyes. He blinked a few times, looking up at me with confusion with wide blue eyes.

            “Where am I?” he gasped, using the little air he had. “Who are you?”

            I smiled at him, hoping it looked better than it felt on my face. “Don’t worry, you’re safe now. You’re in Lunandra. I’m Evangeline. I’m here to help you.”

            He seemed to relax slightly, but there was still an uneasy look on his face. “I’m Seth,” he said. I smiled, more genuinely this time.

            “Don’t worry about talking for now,” I instructed. “We’re trying to figure out where we can move you, and then you’ll have all the help you need.”

            “Don’t leave,” he pleaded, clutching at my hand. I was startled, but I laced my fingers through his. I felt a wave of guilt, though whether it was his or mine, I couldn’t tell. I shut down the connection that might have formed before it had a chance to develop anymore.

            “I won’t,” I promised, touching his bloody cheek with my fingertips.

            He closed his eyes again, and his breathing eased somewhat. I smiled faintly. My touch wasn’t often one that brought comfort.

            “What is going on?” I heard Rose demanding from somewhere in the crowd. I looked up, craning my neck to catch a glimpse of her.

            I heard my father speaking in a low voice, probably explaining to her what was happening.

            “Let me see him,” she said, her voice carrying over the other noise.

            The crowd shifted, making way for their future queen to see the boy who had caused so much trouble. I glanced back at him, startled at my thought. Though he was older than me, he seemed so young and innocent.

            I smiled wryly. That was probably due to the injuries.

            “Evie?” I looked up, meeting Rose’s green gaze.

            “Rose,” I said, nodding my respect. I saw a few of the guards frown in disapproval at our familiarity in front of the people, and I could hardly hold my temper in check.