Promises, Broken

Chapter 12

You, Laurance, and Nina arrive at New Meteli. You must be in a ragged state, because a guard runs over to ask if you are refugees from Tu'la. Laurance explains your situation, as you sit down with Nina to catch your breath. The guard runs off and returns with Cadenza and another guard. Cadenza sweeps you all into a giant hug. "Auntie Cady, Auntie Cady!" Nina exclaims excitedly. "Y/N! Is that you?! From the old village!" I nod eagerly. She smiles, somehow it's cunning. "LAURANCE ZVAHL WHERE IS YOUR WIFE?!" she yells in his ear. "Um, er, it's not official, but, er, ex-wife?" he says. I almost laugh. The same fear is back. Yet, I can't when I see Nina about to cry. "Mama and dada not married?" she asks, her eyes full of tears. "Oh, Nina!" you say sympathetically. You pull her into a hug. Cadenza and Laurance whisper about some things. You wince, as you feel the burns on your arms itch. You can't scratch or they'll get worse, though. Cadenza eventually takes Nina from your arms and proceeds to give you a tour of New Meteli. You zone out a bit. Laurance takes my hand and gives it a squeeze when we reach Cadenza's house. "I insist you stay with you until new arrangements are made!" she commands, shooing us inside. The house is massive with lavish furniture and carpets everywhere. You're sure the lord is payed heftily. We are shown to our room. Cadenza leaves us to settle. As if we had anything to unpack. You stare at the room. Big enough. Nina toddles over to the crib. Laurance puts her down for a nap. You sit on the mini-couch. Laurance joins me. "I'm sorry," you whisper, as to not wake Nina.

"You have nothing to apologize for," he says.

Finally, you let it all spill out, "It's all my fault. You had to leave your wife: everything you've been working toward since I left. All of it gone," you begin to tear up, "because of me." He stares at you, his expression unreadable.