Abbadon Rising - (NaNoWriMo2016)

Chapter Eight

NERVOUSNESS swirled around in Abi's stomach as she followed Aiden to the King's personal office, and she gripped the shoulder strap of her knapsack tightly with her hand. Her gems lit up as her anxiety rose, and Aiden glanced back at her as they walked. The halls of the Palace were fairly empty and Abi could hear their footsteps echoing off of the stone walls and floor. The emptiness unnerved her.

"Where are all the people?" she asked, "Normally the halls are bustling with people." Aiden slowed down a bit so he was walking beside her.

"They're all in the Coliseum getting ready for the tournament." He replied, "Didn't you know? The first team tournament is in a few days, and everyone is excited." Abi's heart leapt into her throat at Aiden's throat.

"The tournament is this week?" she asked weakly, "But I haven't had enough time to train, plus our team hasn't trained together at all." Aiden shrugged in response, and then looked at Abi.

"I think that your team has had plenty of time to train," he said, "They've been a team for almost three years Abi, you just joined them a couple of days ago."

"Yeah, but-"

"And from what I've heard, they do a bang up job at tournaments. I bet that you'll do fine, you just have to find your place on the team and how you fit in to the battle strategy." Aiden finished, and Abi looked down as they continued walking. They walked in silence as thoughts bounced around Abi's brain and she mentally stewed over the upcoming tournament.

"Were here," Aiden said, "I'll let the King know that we've arrived. I would prepare yourself. You know that he's going to ask about where you were taken last night, and so I would go with the amnesia story, that as soon as I took you that I made you black out or something." Aiden grabbed the door handle to the King's office and then turned back around. "Also, be wary of his mental powers. As Planetary Jupiter he can read minds, so make sure that your mental walls are strong." Abi nodded, and looked up at the huge wooden door to the Kings office. It, like the door to the training wing, was encrusted with light yellow stones like Jo's and had ornate golden handles. Abi stood outside the doors impatiently for a few moments before Aiden returned.

"The King will see you now," he proclaimed very formally, and then opened the door to the King's office and ushered her inside.

The King's office was extremely ornate and traditional. Thick red carpet covered the floor and the walls were the same stone as the hallway, and red drapes hung beside the high arched windows as well. The office was small and cozy, and papers were haphazardly strewn around the room, on tables and chairs alike. The King sat at a mahogany desk that sat towards the back of the room and he looked up from the papers that were scattered about his desk as Abi entered.

"You wanted to see me, Your Highness?" Abi said quietly as she entered. She bowed low and waited for the King to speak. When he didn't say anything, Abi could feel his eyes on her back and her gems lit up again as she got more and more nervous. After a tense moment, the King finally spoke.

"Rise, Elemental," he said loftily. Abi rose from her bow and stood up straight as she tried to calm the light in her gems. She could feel the fire dancing just beneath her skin, and it took all of her concentration to keep her hand and skin from bursting into flames. The King could clearly see her nervousness, and he raised his eyebrows. "Nervous, are we?" he asked. Abi nodded timidly, and the King smiled at her fear of him.

"D-did you want something from me, Your Highness?" Abi asked, "I have a tournament to train for, sir." The King nodded, and then gestured for Abi to sit down. Abi sat down nervously in one of the chairs in front of the King's desk and grabbed her knee with her hand.