Memory in the End

Chapter 22: Tell me the Truth

It felt good to wash all the stink off of me from the sewage system but also wash off all the dried blood from our little fall. Michael, Aru, and Henry took the longest to wash off because they were completely drenched in it and Ivan kept guard while I washed just in case. Once we finished, Owyne had started a fire and we all sat around it because the nights were starting to get colder.

"Thank god you finally smell good," Ivan said, "I was getting sick of holding my breath around you guys."

Aru and Henry weren't amused, neither was Michael, so we all agreed to not talk about it anymore. The guys started talking about something but I wasn't really paying attention, I just stared at the fire and thought about everything. My father was dead, I was the queen of this kingdom, and I never felt more terrified of anything in my life. I was always aware that when my father died I would take over, but I figured that wouldn't be in a long time, but here I am, the queen of the kingdom.

"So it's official!" Aru claps his hands, bringing me out of my daze, "Arrabella and I are to be married.".

"What?" I speak, a little confused, and shocked.

"I told you that'd get her to pay attention," Aru beams proudly.

"Oh," I slightly smile, "Good job."

"Everything okay?" Ivan asks me.

I shrug and smile, "Everything is fine."

"Arrabella-"

"I mean, why wouldn't it be? I'm pretty much the queen of this kingdom, right? I only have to defeat an all-powerful warlock to have it. My father is dead so I don't at least have to worry about him giving me advice," I speak pretty quickly.

Everyone looks down, Michael speaks, "Arrabella, what's really bugging you?"

"I'm not ready," I admit, "What if I'm a terrible queen? I couldn't even defeat Victor, I stood there shocked about my father instead of battling him. I haven't trained enough to run this kingdom. What if I drag it to the ground?" I have to admit I was panicking and I didn't like it but I couldn't help it.

"Princess, take a deep breath," Michael tells me, rubbing my shoulder, "You're going to be an amazing leader. You care about your people, you will fight for your people, you lost your father but you still went up against Victor. Arrabella, no one is born to be a leader, you learn as you go. A leader is made, not born, and you already have proven that you will be an amazing queen."

I'm silent for a while, and then take a deep breath before continuing. "I know that I shouldn't be worried. But there is another thing that's been haunting me."

They're all staring intently at me. Even if I'm not looking at them, I can feel their gazes.

"I am the queen. Or at least, I should be. But in that encounter earlier...Victor is going to make me into even more of a criminal. They found me with my dead father with exiles. Every high standing official will be convinced by his words, and once my title is removed, Victor can succeed the throne..." I look up at them, clenching my fists, "As long as Victor is in that castle, with his own fabricated truth, I might not even be a princess right now.".

This very thought scared me. If my title as the princess is removed, then the reign of the Embertails is over. And not only that, our history will be forever blemished. Years will pass in this kingdom, and...the Princess Arrabella Embertail will be forgotten.

"We won't let that happen," Aru proclaims.

"You're not alone," Owyne tells me, "You've got us, and we will always be here for you.".

Michael steps in front of me and kneels down. He takes me hand in his, holding it in both of his hands. The other four are lighted by the fire, creating a picturesque scene before me that's warming and full of reassurance.

"I swear, as long as we are the Magnificent Five," Michael says, "You will always be the princess.".

I smile and wipe the tears running down my face, "Thank you," I sigh and watch Ivan stoke the fire a bit while I try to regain my composure.

Before they head off to prepare for bed, I speak up one more time, "Um, can I ask you guys something?"

They all nod nonchalantly, "Go ahead."
"Victor mentioned someone named William, and... he sounds really familiar but I cannot remember who it might be. I was wondering if you could tell me anything about him."

Every time I heard that name, that dream that I had before would show faintly in my head before a small headache would occur and the vision disappeared.

They all became silent, the only sound coming from the crackling of the fire. Finally Aru spoke.

"Arrabella, this really isn't something that we should be talking about."

I had stumbled upon a sensitive topic for the group. Normally I wouldn't go any further, but the fact that this was something that concerned me, and they all seemed to know something, only peaked my curiosity further. "No, I'm not letting you all brush this off. Victor mentioned that you all had a soft spot for the Embertail siblings." I touch the spot on my head that would hurt whenever I thought of that dream, "I don't remember ever having a sibling. But at the same time, there's this burning feeling that I'm missing something important.". I look at each of them, "Please, tell me.".

Aru shakes his head, "We can't."

"But why not?"

Michael finally sighs, "Arrabella, I know how strange this must seem to you. But you don't understand what you're asking. Knowing this will only do you more harm than good."

"But that's for me to decide, isn't it? "

I stare intently at Michael whom, despite his attempts to avoid my glare, finally surrenders. He glances at all the other members, whom all have solemn looks in their eyes. Henry shakes his head at Michael, as a last attempt to dissuade him from telling me. Michael only sighs again.

"If we don't tell her now, she will only keep asking about it, and if we fight Victor, he will definitely bring it up again," he says and then breathes deeply. He turns to me and looks me directly in the eyes. "Arrabella, the William that Victor mentioned was indeed an Embertail. He was your elder brother."

He pauses to let me take in the information.

"But...how could I have a brother? Surely I would remember him.".

"He died a long time ago, but he was your brother. He was much older than you. But yes, Arrabella, William sounds familiar to you because he was the rightful heir to the throne."

I shake my head, "Why can't I remember him?"

"Your memories had been erased," Henry speaks, "It must have been after we left the kingdom. We only realized what had happened when you acted like it was the first time you had met any of us.".

"But-"

"Someone erased them, probably to conceal what had happened. That's why you had no ill feelings toward us when you saw us.".

"What would I be angry about?"

There's a long silence. The tension in the air grows thicker, and it suddenly feels colder. Was it the change in the atmosphere, or Ivan's powers following his mood? I know that the deeper that I inquire, the more I might be bringing up painful memories for them, but it's too late. I have to know.

"It's my fault your brother died, Arrabella," Michael finally speaks. He interlaces his fingers and rests his forehead on his thumbs. I blink a couple times and stare at him. I don't understand what he is saying. Before I can speak, he continues, "Your brother started as a soldier.".

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Whoa major bombshell! Enjoy!