Ice Queen

Prince of Ashes

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#12

I woke up the next morning feeling exhausted and well confused as to why no one banged me in the head for sleeping all day yesterday. No one went looking for me, which was surprising in the first place.

I would have been glad for the few hours of sleep I got, if not for the flawed nightmares that haunted my consciousness. The shadow took my father, and as much I hated him right now, I couldn't stop bawling my eyes out the moment those sprang open.

Even Anna was missing and some part of me wanted to make sure she was alright and not taken by the reckless Marcus who spied these halls.

I entered the kitchen with bewilderment and grabbed a few things while maids minded their own business.

"There you are!" Sharp fingernails dig into my delicate skin almost causing me choke on the large strawberry in my mouth.

"It's time to choose your next Prince." Queen Beatrice rushes me into the large hall faster than I can formulate a response having a death grip on my wrist. I rip my hand from her protectively before she can shove me in front of the crowd.

"Where's King Darren?" I question concern flowing through my veins like poison setting my emotions running wild.

"Not now, people are waiting-" She reaches for my hand again but I pull back.

"I SAID WHERE IS MY FATHER?!" It was loud alright, got attention from almost everyone in the room including the Princes all lined up as they did so every morning, their new routine.

"He is dealing with something important right now. Stop making a scene and move your little brown head of yours." Queen Beatrice hissed glaring directly into my eyes. I tore my gaze from her face and looked at the awaiting crowd that somewhat tried not stare at the sudden aggression coming from both leaders. Especially from Ice Elementals.

I shift my legs forcing them to walk into the center. I clear my throat, thinking who got left. My throat clogged up, it felt like I couldn't utter a word.
Was my father upset because of what I said? He hated me? He didn't love me? He..left me?

"A name would be nice, Princess Elizabeth!" Beatrice's sickly sweet voice made me nauseous and I wanted to run, and run far. Even Alayna was nowhere to be found. I was alone, like I always did. But this time it felt real and meaningful. King Darren wouldn't leave me would he?

"I-Im sorry. I can't make a decision right now." I exclaim feeling on the verge of painful tears. What if he left like mum did?
I turn my body but Queen Beatrice unnoticeably forces her fingers into my arm almost drawing blood.

"It's okay sweetheart, just state a name." She looked like a perfect mother anyone would wish for. She also resembled a good actress for that mater, her act cannot be seen through.

I twist my head with all my might fighting the will to not just give up and let my emotions run wild.
As a future Ice Queen I needed to be strong. My father probably was still asleep in his room or doing some paperwork. But for two days?

I speak the name of the first person I see, there were only three people left anyway.

"A-ash." It comes out almost like a whisper. My voice was raspy and broken. It was wrecked and damaged.

The red eyes launch deeply onto mine. He doesn't have a specific expression to give away what he thinks of the situation and I honestly couldn't care less of what he thought right now, for I wanted to know my father's whereabouts.