Blood Ties

Chapter 27

Towering, gleaming buildings of shimmering stone and a magnificent castle of some greenish stone rose majestically in the nearby distance. Star surveyed the sight with fascination, her eyes struggling to peer through the torrent of snow. The wind whipped around her ears, and with her hands bound behind her back, keeping her balance was difficult. Layla and Jake strode before her, and two Aquan men behind, leading her and prodding her towards the castle. Her heart pounded painfully in her chest, and every step caused another wave of nausea and terror to wash over her body.

Tempus was the name of the capital city where the castle rested, and where Star supposed she was now. No one really informed her of much, so she could only assume from the tidbits she caught from their conversations among themselves. In the last days of the journey, Layla had refused to speak to her –or anyone else, for that matter. If Star didn't know better, she would think the older girl was afraid.

The streets they traveled were worn with use but held a certain type of beauty; a beauty seen in the people who hurried along, seemingly unaware of the war that ensued. Star marveled at the amount of healthy young men and boys that swarmed the streets, and wondered why they weren't fighting in the war.

Then she remembered the queen's tactics, and the 'army of the undead' and began to tremble anew. Dread formed a pit in her stomach, and she nervously rubbed her bound hands together, trying to sooth some of the numbness away.

"Is that the princess?" Star's head whipped around in the direction of the soft query, presuming that he spoke of her. But the boy who had spoken had eyes only for Layla, his expression suggesting awe and adoration. Others turned at his voice, and soon, everyone assembled was watching their progress, applauding and cheering rowdily.

Layla did not react to the praise, her pale face completely blank, and she continued on towards the castle. Star followed her lead, keeping her eyes downcast and hoping no one would recognize her. Her pride, which had taken so many blows she thought it completely destroyed, was wounded at the thought. She was being forced into the opposing kingdom in chains.

At last, they reached the castle's gate; they opened immediately once the guards saw who approached. Star was shoved through, unnecessarily, and nigh dragged into the castle doors.

Inside, the air was warmer and the wind nonexistent, but that was the only aspect that could be considered warm. The color scheme of the castle was white, silver, and pale blue, causing it to look as though winter had set itself into the very grooves of the building. The hallways were sparse but still managed to appear extravagant, as everything was lace and silk and dark wood. There were very few windows, but there was a good amount of artwork, most dark and haunting.  The lighting was pale and cold, similar to the moonlight, and the entire atmosphere reminded Star of a horror film.

The party mounted a flight of winding, stone stairs, and traveled down yet another spooky hallway. They stopped at an elegant if not overly exquisite door, and Layla whispered, "Princess Star. This is your temporary living quarters. There will be four armed guards outside this door at all times, along with other guards and assassins known for their stealth hidden down this corridor. The door will be locked and I will have the key. Make yourself presentable, and await orders. I imagine you will be meeting the queen very shortly." After that impressive speech, the older girl continued down the hall with Jake at her heels, and the two Aquan men shoved Star into her room, locking it behind her.

The room was pure white –white covers on the overlarge bed, white curtains covering the one small window, and white furniture placed oddly around the room. The only contrast was the dark floor beneath Star's feet and the flickering flames in the fireplace.

Her reflections were interrupted by the sudden lack of stinging in her wrists. Surprised, she raised her hands, the purple rope losing its glow and falling to the ground in frays. With some relief, she rubbed her hands across her arms, moving closer to the fire. Crouching near it, she allowed the heat to warm the numbness from her body as she pondered the grimness of her scenario.