It’s been decided. Tristan, I and twenty two soldiers will go to the Queen’s castle. They have all packed essentials – apparently that includes weapons accompanied with complete armor. They look like they’re ready for battle. I hope it doesn’t come down to that. In my mind, it will be a simple exchange – me for the prisoners. I can’t believe this was actually my idea. When did I get so brave? Don’t question it, Jude. You can’t back out now. I shrug back that insecure feeling and focus on the upcoming journey.
“Thomas, tell the soldiers to pack their crossbows.” Tristan advises.
“Of course, your Maj- I mean, Tristan.” Thomas nods. He looks rather uncomfortable addressing Tristan by his name.
“Will we really be needing all of this?” I timidly ask.
Tristan shoots me a stern look and turns his back towards me. Yup, he’s still upset at me. I hope he doesn’t act like this the entire trip to the castle.
After all has been prepared, we head towards the secret door in the mountain and exit back into the unprotected land. Tristan leads with me silently shadowing him followed by the loyal soldiers in the back.
Since I did not see many provisions packed, I’m guessing the journey will not be long.
A few hours pass and this silence is killing me. I gather the courage I have left and join Tristan by his side. He doesn’t acknowledge me whatsoever and the rejection hurts. Jude, just say something – say anything.
I clear my throat, “Uh Tristan…I-I...I’m sorry.” A few seconds of painful silence follow, but then, he speaks.
“And what are you sorry for, Jude.” His words cut into my like a jagged knife.
“I’m sorry you’re upset.” I shrug. He scoffs his annoyance.
“And why do you think I’m upset, Jude.” Sheesh the way he says my name so pronounced – sounds like how my dad would speak it when he was scolding me.
“I guess you’re upset because I chose to go see the Queen?”
He shakes his head. He’s definitely mad.
“Thomas, please stay here with the soldiers. I need a minute with Miss Jude.” Thomas nods in agreement to Tristan’s request.
Tristan pulls me by my arm rather harshly and pulls me behind some nearby trees – far enough so the others will not overhear us.
“Ow!” I mutter. Now I’m the one angry. He’s treating my like a child and I don’t like it one bit.
“I’m upset that you forced my hand, Jude! I’m upset that you are making me offer you up to Lady Raven. Do you have any clue what she will do to you?” He’s fuming.
“Tristan…what choice did I have?”
“You could have stayed quiet for one thing! You could have just shut your mouth and stayed inside the tent like I asked!”
“It would have been selfish, Tristan. She would have killed all of the taken, if didn’t give myself up because she thinks I’m...”
“Get this through your head, Jude. You are not the Chosen One! Okay! You are sacrificing your life for nothing.”
“Tristan, you don’t know anything about me! You don’t know where I’m from!” I yell. He turns his back towards me. He’s really upset.
Before I can say another word, he turns swiftly around and grabs my shoulders with a painful look painted across his face. We stand there both frozen – our faces only inches apart. My breathing is heavy and labored, and I can feel all of the blood rushing to my cheeks.
He squeezes his eyes shut as if he’s in pain and whispers, “I’m going to lose you…and I just found you.”
I don’t know what to say. I feel the same, but I’ve just killed any future we could have possibly had together. Maybe we could have been happy together. Maybe I could be content to stay in Althion. But then again, maybe this was meant to be from the beginning. Maybe I was meant to save these people…sacrifice my life for theirs.
I take a deep breath and take my hand to gently caress Tristan’s cheek.
“Everything will work out in the end. Please trust me, Tristan.” He returns my wishful thinking with a sad smile.
“I hope you’re right, Jude. I really hope you’re right.” He softly kisses my forehead and walks back to the others with me close to his side.
