Flames (Book 3)

Chapter 2: Viviana

I tried my hardest to keep my composure as I stood before the Order of the Flame, waiting for them to decide my fate. Aron and Rory were positioned on either side of me, while Thorel and the Glitches remained behind us. Most of the Order members managed to remain entirely emotionless despite the excitement that hung in the air. However, a small smile soon crept up on Lady Myers' lips. 

"We are immensely pleased to have you here, Your Highness." She bowed her head. 

"Please...don't...uh," I stuttered, my cheeks turning a brilliant crimson. 

There goes my first impression. 

"I understand, you aren't accustomed to formality," the leader of the Flame chuckled. "Do not make the mistake of thinking this makes you inadequate in any way," she added, seeing my embarrassed expression. "In fact, I think your human upbringing has done you good. I can already see from the way you've been speaking to your friends that you are far more considerate and humble than the members of your family who were raised under an endless shower of duvats." 

"Thank you," I breathed a sigh of relief. 

"Enough with the introductions," Alsiyah Valior drummed her fingers on the Order table impatiently. "We've been waiting for this moment for over ten years, and I know that none of us would like to wait any longer. Aron, summon the FAWD. It is time to proclaim our triumph to our Flame brothers and sisters!" 

"Have patience, Alsiyah," Eleanna Myers nodded slowly. "They have had a long, troubled journey and deserve some rest. Let us allow them to get a good night's sleep tonight, and we will announce their arrival tomorrow." 

"Yes, of course," Alsiyah nodded, reluctantly succumbing to her superior's wishes. 

"Rory, show the human survivors to our spare rooms. Thorel and Viviana,  please remain here," Lady Myers commanded. The Glitches dutifully filed out of the Order room, glad to finally be in a situation of relative safety. 

"Is there something you...need from me?" Thorel asked as soon as they were gone, his voice strained. 

"No," the rebel leader shook her head. "I merely wanted to inform you that you are a stupid, lovestruck boy." 

"Aunt Eleanna!" He protested. "How could you scold me when I've just brought you what you want? I've delivered your precious lost princess straight into your hands, and here you are, calling me names!" 

"Enough!" Eleanna spat. "You may be young. You may be rich, strong, and admittedly powerful, but your infatuation with the elder princess has prevented you from seeing that you have sealed your own fate by coming here. I left you, Amanda, and Holly in Glaisse for a reason!" 

"What?" Thorel crossed his arms. "Were we not good enough for your noble rebellion?"

"It's not that! The life of a rebel is a dangerous and painful one- especially for an Iceheart who is used to having his wishes instantly gratified. You cannot survive here, but now, there is no place else for you to go."

"I can do it," Thorel gritted his teeth. "Every day, Tara lives and hopes through ten times worse than anything I could possibly encounter here." 

"You are proving my point," Lady Myers rolled her eyes. "Everything is about Princess Tara! You'd do anything for her, wouldn't you? Would you walk up to Queen Saralee and ask for her hand in marriage?" 

"The Queen would incinerate me on the spot!" 

"Good," Eleanna sighed. "At least there seems to be a modicum of sense left in your brain. You may go." 

"Where am I supposed to go?" 

"Aron will take you to the place where you'll stay. You are not to leave that room until we decide what to do with you." 

"Fine," he grumbled, following Aron out the door. 

"Members of the Order, you are dismissed," Lady Myers pronounced, concluding the late night meeting. The rebellion's leaders exited through a back entrance to their quarters, leaving me alone in the room with Eleanna. 

"So, little princess," she raised an eyebrow, turning her attention to me. "My people are expecting quite a show tomorrow. We're all anxious to see your famed Aura in action." 

I gulped, wiping my sweaty palms on my jeans. These people thought I was some kind of superhero. How was I supposed to tell them that I actually had no idea how to use my Gift? Even if I decided to go with the flow, sooner or later, I would be found out. Then, I'd face greater humiliation than if I simply told the truth up front. 

"I can't actually-" 

"I know," she nodded, putting her palm out to silence me. "You grew up with humans. A year ago, you didn't even know what an Aura was. I'd be a fool to expect you to already be a master capable of taking on the Icehearts." 

"You...knew?" I gave her a confused look. "And you still welcomed me so enthusiastically?" 

"Viviana..." Lady Myers smiled knowingly. "The Flame doesn't need a legendary Aura warrior who can go and destroy Glaisse. Their spirit is dying, they think they've already lost. They're losing the fire in their eyes. What the Flame truly needs is something to believe in. They need an icon. They need a figure to rally behind." 

"What do you mean?" I questioned. 

"You've always been a performer- I heard about your life in the Program. Tomorrow, I want you to play your part. Put on the greatest show of your life, and I will be there with you the whole time." 

"You want me to convince thousands of people that I'm some kind of savior?" I gaped incredulously. 

"No," the Flame leader shook her head. "I want you to convince yourself."