Chapter 16
Fireside
Calista stand in her room and stare out the window in deep thought. She studies the garden of flowers that is currently blooming to it's fullest. She shifts from one foot to the other and inhale through her nose. She watched the sun raise to it's peak and usually she is content afterwards but today she was feeling dull. Someone knocks on the door distracting her for a moment. "Enter." She says.
She is surprised to see it is Scarlet. The other girl walks deeper into the room and take a seat on the end of her bed. "Are you done being sad?" She questions.
"I'm not sad." Calista replies in a dull tone.
Scarlet roll her eyes as if she doesn't believe her. "Today, three months ago Tala disappeared in the middle of the night. She didn't say anything to anyone. Not even you..." Scarlet furrow her eyebrows suspiciously. "She's gone. Get over it." She concludes.
Calista clench her jaw annoyed. "Why are you here, Scarlet?" She questions.
"Aquarius sent me here to get you. They believe to have a lead on the Lost Children." Scarlet explains. She lay back in the bed and hum softly to herself. "You're lucky to get this room. It's so cozy and perfect." Scarlet sits up. "I guess the perks of dating Aquarius."
Calista roll her eyes and grab her light pullover. She follows behind Scarlet and down the backstairs, then down the hall toward the main hall. The huge double doors are pushed open and it reveals the marble floors and soaring ceilings. The men and women she walks past bow respectfully. Calista take a seat.
Aquarius is the first to speak. "We all were expecting you earlier."
"I over slept." Calista lies. "Please. Continue on."
Aquarius lip twitch in annoyance but she continues with the meeting. They were close to finding the lost children, but the hills were dangerous to cross. "We cannot send more than a team of seven." Nyla explains. "There is no source of water over the hills. We can only send our best."
Whispers begin to start among the people and Calista roll her eyes impatient. "I'll go." She volunteers herself. She needed something to do anyway. It would distract her thoughts and maybe release some anger. Aquarius immediately end the meeting after a short conversation about crops and property laws. Everyone leaves the main hall swiftly.
Calista chooses to linger behind. She knows Aquarius well enough to know when the other woman is upset. Her eyes would be sharp and narrow. Calista watches her as she taps her feet impatiently as she speaks to one of the councilmen. Finally, Aquarius nod her head and touches the older man shoulder before squeezing, "We can speak about it later."
He nods respectfully and leaves. Aquarius turn around with fire in her eyes and approach Calista. "You were late again."
"I apologize." Calista reply. "I told you..."
"You're lying." Aquarius hiss. "I don't need nor; do I want your apology. Being late is disrespectful to me and it makes the people think you don't care."
Calista clench her jaw, "They are not my people...."
Aquarius pushes Calista aggressively into the wall. Calista grunts but her face stay passive. "Are you trying to start a war? If anyone was to hear you speak like this, they will gladly join Sir. Is that what you want?"
Aquarius step away giving the two of them space. Calista roll her shoulders because Aquarius was way stronger anyone would expect. "Also, I need you here. Not running around the hills looking for children. That is what the soldiers are for. You are here to command."
