The Remembered (Elements II)

Chapter 10

She found him still in his study, speaking with one of the generals. Holding her tongue, she waited until the men had finished, acknowledging the respect given to her by the general. Once the general had left, she stepped forward.

“Pablo.”

Her brother didn’t look up from his letter. “What, Cat?”

Her anger flared, and she slammed her hand down on his desk. “Listen to me!” she hissed. “For once in your life.”

Startled, he looked up, staring at her. “Cat…what?”

“Pablo. Listen to me. If you lie to me ever again, you will be sorry.”

He swallowed nervously, and stood up, keeping his pale green gaze on her amber one. “Catriona, what are you talking about?”

She shook her head in disgust. “You know exactly what I mean. Now, if you’re not going to do anything for Isla, I will.” She turned to leave, managing to get her hand on the doorknob before he spoke.

“Wait, Cat. I don’t understand. Please.”

She looked over her shoulder at him, her eyes glittering. “She deserves thanks for what she did for us, Pablo. I don’t care what you think – I’m going to do it.”

He stared at her, but she didn’t wait for an answer. She slipped out of the room, striding out to where the housekeeper had her quarters.

“Alaria!”

The woman came out of the room she had evidently been cleaning, for she was wiping her hands. “Yes, Your Highness?”

“Is there any part of the garden that can be redone?”

Alaria blinked, surprised, but she didn’t say anything. “I believe so, Your Highness.” She waited.

“Find out for me. I need to know.” Catriona turned away without waiting for a response – she wanted to visit the mage.

Her horse clattered into the courtyard, bringing a groom out to meet her. She gave the reins to him, and walked to the front door, not waiting for anyone. She knocked on the door, and it opened. The young elemental’s ice blue eyes widened, and then she offered a shy smile. “Princess. What brings you here?”

Catriona sent a swift glance to the young girl’s arms, noticing that none of her tattoos were black, and addressed her as such.  “I’d like to talk to the mage, if that’s alright.”

The young elemental nodded. “It should be,” she said, inviting Catriona inside. “He’s in the middle of one of his spells right now, but he won’t be too long. Come and have a seat.”

Thankful, Catriona followed her to the same room they had been in before. With a grateful sigh, she sat, and the elemental made to leave.

“I’ll go tell him. Is there anything in particular you want me to tell him?”

Catriona shook her head. “No, thank you,” she replied. The girl nodded and slipped out, a gentle breath of wind following her.

Catriona sat back with a sigh, closing her eyes. She didn’t enjoy arguing with her brother – he was all she had – but sometimes he didn’t seem to understand what was right in front of his nose.

“Your Highness. This is a welcome surprise.”

At the mage’s voice, she opened her eyes, sitting up. He nodded to the elemental hovering behind him, and she scampered away. He closed the door, and joined her on another seat.

“What can I do for you?”

Hesitant now, Catriona didn’t know how to start. She looked away, and the mage leant back in his seat.

“Is it about Isla?” he asked softly.

Startled, she looked back at him. “Yes,” she finally said. “I…I’d like to do something for her. As a thank you.”

He chuckled, surprising her again. “Don’t say that too loud, Your Highness. She’s not one for accepting gifts.”

Catriona felt her shoulders droop. It was as she feared. However, the mage kept talking.

“But, Your Highness, if you manage to keep it from her knowledge, you might succeed. What did you have in mind?”

“A place of her own,” she admitted. “She seems so overwhelmed sometimes, and she said that it was only in her garden here, and her home, that she could relax. I’d like to give her another place.”

“Ah.” He studied her out of once light grey eyes, now darker with the wisdom that came with growing up. “How do you know she needs one, or wants one?”

That made her hesitate. “I don’t,” she said quietly. “But I can’t ask her without her finding out. Can I?” She glanced at him, unsure, and he shook his head.

“No, I don’t believe so. Unless you asked Sofie, or one of the other elder elementals. They may have an idea.”

Thinking, she nodded slowly. “Who would be best?”

“Sofie,” he answered, and then frowned. “No, she’s not that old. I think perhaps Carla would be best. She and Isla are very close.”

“Where can I find her?”

He glanced out of the window at the sun. It was drawing closer to the horizon, making shadows lengthen. “At this time of day, the kitchens. She’ll be getting everything ready for the evening meal.”

She nodded again, thankful. “May I talk to her?” she asked, rising to her feet. He followed suit.

“If she can spare the time. I must warn you, Your Highness, she’s rather blunt – more so than other elementals. And her accent can make her a little difficult to understand, but don’t be put off by that. She’s a gentle heart.”

She smiled, touched by his concern. “Thank you,” she murmured, and followed him out of the room. He showed her to the kitchens, and then made an excuse. She didn’t mind – she wasn’t sure how she felt about him quite yet.