The Land of Shadows

Chapter Sixteen

The moment the words were out of my mouth, Zach was walking away. Before I could say anything else, the door opened and the Council filed back out, each person taking their seat. I couldn't reach out for Zach again, not until the meeting is over. Trust the Council to make their quickest decision on record when I was having a moment. Still, despite the vague sense of resentment I felt, I was anxious to know which outcome they approved of. I glanced over at Zachariah, but he was staring ahead, stone-faced. I was, for the first time, in this alone. "Zachariah, Alice, the Council has come to a decision. You are not bound to follow what they have decided, but it is within your best interest to do so. Are you ready to here what the Council has decided?" Joshua asks.

"Yes, sir," Zach and I reply at the same time. "Very well. The Council is in favor of Alice Castonia's suggestion of marriage, due to the convincing argument she put forth. This is officially the end of the Advisory Council meeting, called forth by Zach Krashen." For the first few moments after Joshua spoke, the room was silent. My breath had caught in my throat; I was waiting for Zach's reaction. Without a word he bowed to Joshua, his jaw set. He was angrier than I'd ever seen, although he was keeping it well concealed.

I forced myself to bow to Joshua before scurrying out of the room to catch up to Zach. But when I exited, he was nowhere to be seen. I felt my heart break for him momentarily, but then I felt the momentum of what was about to happen. I was about to summon the enemy to the heart of my kingdom and propose a marriage between the two of us. I almost couldn't wait, and yet at the same time I would be happy never seeing Matt again. My mind had truly been warped by him.

With nothing else to do, I made my way to the library. The lighting here was always dim; clearly no one usually stayed in here for their work, instead taking what they needed and going somewhere else. I made my way to the deal and took out an envelope, a piece of paper, and a pencil. Disregarding the lighting and my shaking hand, I sit down gingerly at one of the few tables on the library, perching myself on the edge of my seat. I bite my lip before beginning to write, hardly considering what I'm actually putting down.

My darling, Matt,

I was taken away without consent and was not even awake until I was in my bed in my castle! Upon awakening, I cried out for you. Now, I am recovered from my sickness. I have so many words I wish to speak to you, and all of them in person. Please come to the castle as soon as you read this. I assure you that you will be warmly welcomed, despite the war still going on. I miss you more than I thought possible. I beg of you to come.

Yours,

Alice