Burned to Ashes

Chapter Six

           

I breathe in the cool night air, the stars twinkling in the sky like diamonds. I lean over the granite balcony, both hands braced on the rail. It truly was a beautiful night. It's a shame that the worst things happen on the best of days. I close my eyes. I can hear the crickets chirp, the owls hooting, the frogs croaking, and even the wolves howling into the dark atmosphere. I take another deep breath.

          I can't do this anymore. I can't keep letting my father do this while I sit back and do nothing. I would like to do something right for once in my life. Something that will set me apart from every other damn royal. I open my eyes. I feel so alone. Lyle has left me, so has his fiancé. He didn't even tell me where they were going. And now Michel's dead, beheaded, because of my brother's carelessness. Because of my father's insanity. I curse a string of filthy words beneath my breath. Once I was dismissed from the execution I made my way up here. I just needed a minute to myself. I have always liked standing on this balcony. It was located in the stone region so hardly anyone ever used it. The space was barely enough for two people so I usually come alone. It was quiet, secluded, and the stars. My, they are incredible! And the mountains! Especially now that autumn was in full force. It didn't take much to impress me as a child. For Lyle, it was golden crowns and glass swords, for me—it was as simple as a pretty view.

          I guess looks weren't the only things that set me and the Crown Prince apart. It was also our personalities, our values in life. Lyle was born to be king, born to be a great ruler. He is handsome, powerful, I'm sure he could do just about anything. The only thing he was lacking was compassion. I don't think that the crown prince even knows what compassion is. But it does not matter. No matter how nice or compassionate I am, I will never amount to my brother. At least in my father's eyes.

          I still do not understand how my father could just sit there and watch as that coach driver was killed. He didn't even flinch. The cold, blue, fury in his eyes still taunts me. Then I hear the man scream the rebel kings name, just before the sword sliced through his meaty neck. I don't want to believe that this is what my country has become. Or worst of all, that this is what it's been all along. But I can't help but find myself reaching into the back of my mind, trying to find a way to make sense of all this. It scares me.

          "Avi?" A soft voice peeps from behind me.

          I turn half expecting to see Kalea, but instead I'm greeted by Natura's warm, glowing face.

          "My apologies," She blurts suddenly. "I don't mean to intrude--"

          "It is no intrusion, I was just leaving." I say pivoting on my heel.

          "Wait! You don't have to go." Natura blushes, "I would actually prefer if you stayed. It has been quite lonely these past days since the princess arrived."

          I gave her a quick sigh before turning around, looking at the night sky again. She stood next to me on the balcony, her red hair gleaming in the moonlight.

          "I attempted to find you about an hour ago, but I was told that you were in a council meeting. Doesn't your brother usually go to those types of things?"

           "Yes, usually." I remark. "Why were you trying to find me? Do you need something?"

          "Nevermind, it's irrelevant now." She sighs, before taking a good look at me. "Avi are you okay? You look a little pale."

          I swallow hard, "I just... needed some air."

          Natura placed her hand over mine reassuringly. I guessed we were friends, but I definitely didn't love her. It doesn't matter if I do or not, I'm still going to have to marry her.