Simple Awakenings

Chapter eight

We walk down the long winding hall towards King Atlas, my arms shaking a little bit. I look down at my feet because I don't know why, but I'm more nervous of facing this estranged king than I would if I were to talk to my school principal even if it was just to talk about college.

When I see out of the corners of my eyes that Adria has stopped, I stop at the same time still not looking up. Ugh, why is my stomach acting up? Please, God, don't make me throw up.

"Kneel." I hear the voice in front of me say. I'm guessing it's the king. I do as he says and get on one knee bowing my head. "Rise." I do that also. "What brings you here, Fire Clan messenger?"

Adria begins his statement. "Your majesty, earlier today I received word from your former caretaker that during his exile he ran into a mortal. However, unlike other mortals, this mortal could see him. He went to retrieve this mortal so I can take her here for you to examine what is going on. No mortal has the supernatural sight, but it appears she does."

There was a moment of silence, until the king spoke. "Fair enough. Where is the—" his sentence stopped. "That's the mortal, I'm guessing."

He's talking about me now.

"Yes, your majesty." Adria answers.

"Very well." I hear footsteps come closer to me until I can see a pair of black boots in front of my bare feet. "Look up, mortal." The king orders, but I couldn't make myself raise my head up. I guess I froze in my spot to be moving my head. "I said, look up mortal." His voice got harsher as I see a hand go under my chin and force my head up.

In front of me was yet again for probably the third time in the past 24 hours is a male. But this one was more built and toned than the last two times. He had pale skin and a clean brunette cut and gold eyes. Almost looking like something...something...I don't know how to even describe it. Oh, foreign. Wow, didn't think it would take that long to think of an adjective for this man.

"State your name and origin, mortal." The king once again orders from me.

Unlike the last time when Timbu asked almost the same thing, I was stumbling on my words.

"Uhh...Eliese Isabella Ardet of the...the United States of A...America." I stutter, my eyes drifting around.

"Keep your eyes on me." He said and I try my hardest to. He releases his hand from my chin and steps back. "Atlas, King of All of the Realms. It's a...exquisite pleasure to meet a mortal who can see us. Pray, do tell, have you seen other supernaturals in your past?"

Wait, there are more than just faeries?

"I..."

"Your majesty, she's just a mortal. She doesn't know about the supernatural world." Timbu jumps into the conversation.

"I am not talking to you, Fire General." Atlas snaps at Timbu and focuses back at me. "Well? Have you?"

I grab a hold of my arm, trying to stop myself from shaking uncontrollably. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"I don't know what you're talking about, your majesty." He repeats. "Say it again."

I really hate this guy.

"I don't know what you're talking about, your majesty." I now mutter rolling my eyes.

"That's better." He smirks walking back to his giant throne that's behind him. He takes a seat on it, crossing his legs and resting his elbow on one of the armchairs and his chin in the palm of his hand. "Bring her forward."

I am suddenly forced foward, which causes me to fall to the ground onto my knees. I lift my head up at this asshole. "Before you say anything else, I want you to know that I have a life back home."

"Your majesty," Adria says, "Ellie is right. She is only eighteen." I did tell him I was eighteen. "She goes to a mortal school. She is going to receive a high education in the future. Plus we only came here to see if you know what is wrong with her."

Atlas raises his free hand, which must mean to silence Adria as he shuts up. "You brought this mortal to me. Therefore, I shall do what I want with her." What?! "Guards, take the messenger and the general and his army back to the Fire Clan. The mortal is to stay with me for the rest of her time until I learn what her ability is."

No.

No.

"No! I won't let you do that!" I start to stand up, but am forced back down by a guard, whose hands are now pushing my shoulders down hard so I don't move. I look behind me and see Adria and Timbu being pushed back. "Adria, give a message to Servdon to give to my brother! His name is Joshua Ardet and he lives on Cherry Avenue in Avon, Ohio! Please!" I plead, tears now strolling down my face as I now realize I won't see my brother again.

I won't see my friends again.

Will I ever return to my normal life?