VenatIO (Book I Of The IO Series)

II

NIGHTMARE

0625 HOURS

LOCATION: NEPTUNE, AQUAIN, ROYAL QUARTERS

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The fog in my head disappeared as I slipped into one of my memories, pulling myself into its clutches. My body, during sleep, no longer had control over itself as my emotions took over. I turned over and pushed my face into the satin pillowcase as the memory played out in the form of a dream.

"You can't wear that," Jaz said with dismay. "The Queen's meeting us and it only happens once a year and sometimes never."

"So?" I smiled rocking on my heels. She glanced down at my shoes; disapproval clear on her face.

"Converse," she asked, looking defeated.

"Mother bought it from Earth and they're comfortable," I said shrugging.

"But-," she said but I cut her off, Jaz's taste in clothes was similar to mine and yet I did not want to dress up for something I so clearly disliked. And judging the ankle length flowy dress she had donned; I shook my head at her. I wasn't here to impress anyone.

"It's not like she's gonna notice me, there's thousands of people here," I replied, determined not to allow Jaz to drag me off.

"I don't care, you're not wearing that," Jaz said.

"Oh, come on, let her," Tyler said, draping his arm over Jaz.

"Oi, doctor-person what you are doing back here, aren't you supposed to be back in Jupiter," she said glaring at him.

"I'm done with them, practice turned out to be Chris and Jase arguing about their instruments. So, I slipped out, went home then remembered about the Queen so I teleported here," he said shrugging. I looked between the both of them, this was a Neptunian gathering and I was confused why they were in here as they both weren't Neptunian.

"Why are you both here anyway?" I asked, voicing my thoughts.

"Don't even, if I wasn't here, you wouldn't be here and if you did come you would cause a scene, plus she's the Queen of the most powerful planet, why would I miss it, " Jaz said rolling her eyes.

"Whatever," I muttered as Ty shrugged his shoulder agreeing with her.

"Come," Jaz said about to drag me away with her. I glanced at the huge crafted grandfather clock in the centre of the room and smiled, raising an eyebrow,

"No time," I said tapping the blue imprinted Idecelet on my wrist. Giving me one final glare, she turned around to face the platform. Being a working-class member of the planet, we stood right at the back of the hall. The lot this year had graciously awarded my family with a one-time visit to the Queen. An honour I must say. Not.

A horn sounded, grabbing the attention of the people as they turned to face the platform. A man with a dinner suit stood there and spoke calmly. I could see the female amplifier standing in the corner concentrating on the man's words, increasing the volume of his speech.

"Welcome to the 50th and last appearance of your royal highness of this year. I welcome to you Queen of Neptune and Leader of the Kings and Queens Committee.... Your royal highness, Queen Marine Stein West." Everybody clapped lavishly as the Queen walked on the platform with her heavily beaded royal blue gown. Me, on the other hand started at her moodily, waiting for her words.

The memory fogged as I groaned and turned to the otherwise, my arm knocking off the alarm clock on my bedside table, yet I still did not wake.

"Sapphire West," a voice said from behind me as I momentarily froze realising it was a stranger's voice, quickly evaporating the water into the thin air, I turned around to see the Queen standing there, looking at me deeply. My eyebrows furrowed as I realised another memory had pulled itself out.