The Girl With the Purple Eyes

Chapter 8~ An Eventful Encounter

CHAPTER 8

~*Evie*~

We rode up to the palace and it was even more marvelous up close. Vines with flowers climbed up the walls and off to the side was a small garden. It was hidden away between rows of hedges but I could see the outline of a fountain and several benches. As we approached the gate, Shane just nodded at the guard there and went through with ease. A young boy ran up and took his horse so we continued on foot.

I weaved in between his legs as he walked, purring the entire time. Just being near this guy made me feel complete. I saw a butterfly out of the corner of my eye and I stopped, preparing to pounce. A large hand went around my midsection and lifted me into the air. I mewed in surprise.

“Come on Evie we have a schedule we need to follow here” Shane laughed, “We can do a tour of the grounds after we meet Trianna.” We continued on until we reached the palace its self and then we made our way through some very long and curvy hallways, getting me thoroughly lost.

We finally arrived at a room that was completely circular. There was no roof and it was almost like a small garden in the middle of the palace. The edges of the room were in shadow, but in the middle was a beautiful wooden throne surrounded by flowers of all colors. Birds and butterflies fluttered around the entire area, completing the look.

“Evie, stay to the edges of the room where you won’t be seen until I give you a signal to come out. Her Lady should be here any minute now.” With that I wandered into the shadows and watched as a procession walked in the doors.

First were two heavily armed guards, carrying swords and shields, even full blown armor. What is this the middle ages? Next was a young looking man holding several notebooks and looking completely overwhelmed. Finally was a woman wearing a long emerald green dress that brushed the ground as she walked, making soft swishing noises. Her hair was brownish red and reached about the middle of her back. She had high cheekbones and medium brown eyes that flashed with authority. She looked pretty and menacing all at the same time.

I was guessing that this was the Lady that everyone was talking about as she went and sat in the wooden throne in the middle of the room. I saw a movement in the corner of my eye and glanced at the roof. Crouching there was a figure dressed in all black. I could tell using my excellent cat eyesight that the figure was holding something similar to a blowgun, and it was pointed at the woman in the chair. At this point the woman was addressing Shane and I made a split second decision. Whoever this lady was, it would probably be a bad thing if she died. I shifted into a sleek black panther just as I heard Shane say, “I would like to introduce the last known shifter in existence.”

I took that as my signal and stepped out of the darkness, hearing several gasps. I heard the faint click of whatever gun the figure was holding so I lunged at the woman in the chair. I knocked her to the ground just as a dart whizzed past the place where her heart was just moments before.

The guards were rushing at me and Shane looked stunned. “Evie what the hell are you doing!?” I glanced up and saw the black figure scrambling to stand. A low growl ripped out of my throat and I launched myself onto the roof in pursuit.

“Someone catch that obnoxious feline!” said a shrill voice. You’re welcome for saving your life. I raced after the figure that was dashing across the rooftops and I managed to grab him by the collar using my teeth.

I dragged him back to the small clearing and dropped him at the feet of a very surprised looking guard. I shifted back into a human bringing on ever more surprised looks and walked over to the wooden throne, where the dart was embedded into the wood. I pulled it out and approached the woman who was still sitting on the ground and offered it to her.