Gemini|| #Wattys2019

Chapter 5

That night as I sit at my vanity getting my hair rope braided by Melanie I begin hearing a voice in my head, calling my name. Castiel's voice. It almost sounds like he's in the room, but I reject the urge to check my surroundings. Only Melanie is here with me.

Princess? His voice asks again.

Cass? Is that you or am I imagining things? I ask, silently.

No, it's me. I'm using my Chip to contact you.

But, I'm not wearing the barrette you gave me right now. The Chip is sitting back in my nightstand, away from me.

You don't need to anymore. He says, and he goes on to explain. Once you sync your thoughts, the Chip's electricity basically fuses with your brain and turns it into a machine that you can control. Try remembering something from your past.

I focus my thoughts on a specific event: Lorelei's wedding. And sure enough my mind is displayed directly behind my eyes. What seems to be some kind of virtual folder appears and a video clip of the wedding begins to play. But only in my mind.

This is amazing. I bring up memories that I haven't thought about in ages and they play like a slideshow. This is all because I activated the Chip?

It is. And it's a good thing you did so already. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to contact you right now. His tone shifts to a more serious one.

Is something wrong? I ask him.

I'd rather explain in person. Is there anyway you can escape to that room behind the bookcase? We can meet there after curfew.

I guess so. Try not to get caught. I warn him. We have guards that patrol the halls. It'll be harder for you to talk your way around them than for me.

Believe me, Princess. I can handle it. My hearts flutters a little when he says it like that. How does his voice affect me so much? I smile to myself and Melanie finishes up the braid.

"Thank you, Melanie. Sleep well." She curtsies and then scurries out of the room.

I wait for about a half hour and then slip out of my room in my night dress. I contemplated changing to go see Castiel, but I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard. I'm only meeting with him to discuss the information he received from my father. However, that doesn't stop me from wearing my best sleepwear. A silvery satin tank top gown with black laces to tie up the back.

I manage to reach the main hall without attracting attention, but as I step out into the vast space I hear someone else's footsteps. A second later, Franz appears from around the corner. I tried to dodge him by jumping behind a jade column but it was too late.

"Princess, what are you doing out past curfew?" He continues advancing and I step back out from behind the giant pillar. I fix my posture to stand taller and seem more confident.

"Evening, General." I smile wide. "I was just hoping to grab a book from the library. You see, I was having trouble sleeping and thought a story might help." He furrows his brows in contemplation, so I add a bit more truth to make it more convincing. "I-I can't sleep with all this wedding talk around me. The truth is... I'm a little stressed out." My eyes drop to my bare toes on the tile floor and the General chuckles.

"I suppose that'd stress anyone out, m'lady. If you'd like, I can escort you to the library." He offers me his hand but I politely decline.

"No thank you, Franz. If it's alright with you, I'd like to go alone. I've got a few things to think about." I smile and turn away, into the direction of the library. "Have a nice night, General."