Queen of The Reach

15

Scalding water washed over my skin. I let it burn. It scorched away my sins. It's heat was a comfort. I ran my hands over my eyes, over my cheeks, my chin. I scrubbed at the scars that marred my memories. The water pooled angry red at my ghostly feet.

I was a ghost myself. Tempting the odds in taking me too many times. I had to be more careful. My actions, much like my relationships, were becoming life threatening. I amused myself with my worries while I continued to fret over them, I was no longer alive yet I was still afraid of dying. Curious how I could be punished by such a fear while being the face of its existence.

I left time unanswered. Even as my skin was aflame I remained still. Here I was alone. Here I could calm myself and decide on which path I wanted to move forward.

Loufabus had helped me to the shower but, after much insisting on my part, had left me to change by myself and run the water. I'd hoped my leg was just scratched. I didn't want to see pity in his colourful eyes. I didn't want to be the object of his scorn. But the water swirled red and it refused to run clear so I waited until my head was spinning from dizziness and the blood loss spotted my vision before I shut off the water and stepped out into a wall of steam.

Wrapping a plush towel around me I leaned on the counter opposite the shower for support. I sneered at my weakness. I needed to be stronger to make it here. With resolve I stood and swiped the condensation from the mirror. I looked hard at my reflection.

Crimson eyes set in porcelain skin. I was to be feared and still I was fragile. I was different. The cold was mine but it wasn't my own. I would need to understand it before controlling it and ultimately I needed to control it to escape, I knew that was my best shot. I was a mess in The Reach. This would never be my home.

I shut the door behind me so the steam wouldn't roll out into the hallway. I padded down the hall towards my room, cold feet on colder tiles. I didn't know if there would be clothing in my room and I would've been mortified if I were caught in a towel by Velum.

Loufabus had a considerable wardrobe, she'd shown it off with the outfits she had worn thus far. We were roughly the same size, she had some height on me but at least if she let me borrow something it would merely be a little loose. Her room was before mine on the way back so I made a point of stopping at her door.

I knocked loudly, I was feeling lightheaded and I wanted to be sitting or lying down if I did faint. I hoped I could rest here on my way. I heard footsteps on the other side. I heard the click of the lock and her purple hair greeted me. It made my head spin and I looked away. "Hey Lou," I tried to sound strong but my frailty was anything but inaudible. My leg burned where I mangled it earlier.

"What's going on Crimson?" She grew flustered almost immediately.

"Just need some clothes." I was keeping the talking to a minimum, I needed her to think I was fine. I wanted a change of clothing and my bed for one more night. In the morning I was gone. I should have left after my first night here but I was so captivated by this castle's inhabitants and the knowledge I was uncovering during my stay. I was working with lost time now and I had to make changes quick. The first, I knew would hurt the most, severing ties with The Reach. As much as I wanted it, I could not stay forever.

"Come on in," Loufabus stepped back and pulled the door open wider. "The servants were instructed to always leave clothing out for you in your room, in case you wanted to change," she informed me. "Velum will be upset to find out they did not do as he asked."

My thoughts swam with his vexed red eyes and I shivered at even the whisper of his hostility. I couldn't let the servants be punished for no reason. I spoke up, "I never made it to my room." She looked at me, confused. "Are you sure it's alright for me to borrow something?" I made a point of focusing on the reason behind my visit. Staying was out of the question, Loufabus would notice I was unwell, there would be no resting here.