Earth and Sky

Chapter 5

Araquiel

I curtsy at my last dance partner and head to the refreshment tables. I pick up a glass of water and grab a strawberry from a large bowl. My party had only started two hours ago and I'm already exhausted. A hand grabs my shoulder and I whip around. My brother and the twins stand before me.

"Its time." Laec whispers into my ear. Grabbing onto my arm, he practically drags me to my throne.

I mumble apologies to the people we barely avoid bumping into while the twins follow behind, urging me on whenever the crowds are particularly thick. My brother has always been so impatient. When we finally make it to my throne, he pushes me down into my chair and then stands on my left as the twins take their place at my right.

'At least he is very efficient in getting his jobs done.'

I hold back a giggle and scan the crowds for my friends. Scar is dancing with a tall handsome Nymph Prince from a far away kingdom. The siblings, Michelle and Michael, are bumping into people while holding food to ruin there fine clothes. Making a mental to talk to them about that later I start to search for my Father who will be formally introducing me. This is the year that I am officially able to marry, and while most likely I won't get married for a couple of years, it exciting. Finally I spot him dancing with my mother.

"Laec, go get Father or else we will be here all night."

My brother nods and runs off into the crowd. I can't see him in the crowd but I see the people rushing to get out of his way. An eerie chill sweeps over me and I peer around. A boy around my age is watching me. He has snow white hair and translucent skin. He quickly motions towards the door. I furrow my eyebrows, confused. He does it quicker this time and I stand up.

'Does he want me to leave now? But its time for me to be publicly announced!'

The boy tries one more time. I take a step forward but he quickly shakes his head- no. I don't have time to understand what he is doing so I take another step towards him. He gestures for me to go to the door one last time. I take a step towards the door and in front of the twins who are gazing at me curiously. I hear the heavy thud of a crossbow bolt release. Its heavy head grades my left arm and dives into my throne. Tears fill my eyes as pain floods my body. I grasp around my wound and stare at the bolt that could have hit my heart. The room falls silent for a moment as they turn to stare at me. There is another thud and I jump to the side. An arrow appears in Sloane's stomach. She falls backwards but Simona catches her. She stares at her limp sister in shock.

Finally, the white haired boy shouts.
"Run!"

I pick up my skirts and run towards the door. The boy saved my life. While I'm worrying about when I'm going to marry he was worrying about me seeing another day. Blood flows down my arm as I try to get away from my ball. Someone in the castle wants to kill me. The answer comes to me. Go outside. I shout out to a passing maid.

"Send for the guards, an assassin is among us!"

She drops her platter and runs off to deliver my message. I get to the front gate.

"I need you to open this door immediately!" I shout at the gate man.

"My lady, your hurt!" He runs over to me and tries to grasp my arm. I hastily pull it away.

"Someone just tried to kill me. I need to get out of the castle!"

His eyes widen. "My lady-"

"Just do your job!" I snap.

He quickly opens the gate and I run over to the Forest. The place where I feel most safe. I hear a horse behind me and assume a knight has come to guard me.

"My lady!" The knight shouts.

I don't stop, but increase my speed. Something seems... Off.

The knight increases his speed as well. In a matter of seconds he is next to me. I hear the sound of steel being scraped and stop in a hurry. The 'knight' points his sword towards me.

"My lady, I will advise you get on this horse and come with me."

I finally let my tears fall.

"Sir, I cannot get on. You see, earlier my arm was injured." I mock.

He grabs my underarms and pulls up so I sit in front of him. He continues galloping again. I grasp my arm to try and prevent more blood from flowing. Seeing the blood flow from in between my fingers, I know I failed. I rip the sleeve off of my dress and tie it around my arm as a bandage. The man slings his arm around my waist to prevent me from falling and running away. Tired and irritated, I fall asleep.