Blood Ties

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

            Rain poured from the gloomy gray skies and onto Layla’s face as she stood outside, anguish clearly sketched on her expression. Jake tugged at her hand, a sympathetic smile on his lips.

            Layla turned, and glared at Jake, her fists clenched. “Yes?”

            He motioned to the Evanescere, which was glowing brightly, signifying that it was ready for use. Layla sighed slightly, reaching for the orb and grasping it firmly. She looked at Jake, fear evident in her eyes.

            “I failed, Jake.”

            I know, said his eyes, his tear-filled, expressive eyes.

            She took a deep breath, her features calming and her eyes hardening. The orb began to glow, and Jake gripped Layla’s hand tightly.

            When they opened their eyes, they were in another world. The change was apparent; where there used to be a small southern neighborhood was now a large, imposing castle, and the air was heavy with enchantments. They stood in a charred field, the blackened grass crunching beneath their feet as they headed towards the castle.

            Within minutes, they’d arrived at the front gate. Silent servants, ones too frightened to even dare to look at Layla, escorted them inside. They were allowed to change clothes and tidy themselves up before they were required to see the queen.

            Layla stalled as much as she dared, but she knew that the punishment would be worse if she didn’t just get it over with. She patted Jake’s head, gently, and whispered, “Farewell.”

            Jake smirked cheekily at her, as though trying to tell her not to be so dramatic. Layla smirked back, nodding, and strode from the room with her head held high.

            I am not afraid of my mother. I am not afraid of my mother. I am not –oh Syreni, I’m terrified.

            Layla raked her fingers through her hair, desperately trying to appear calm and collected. Maybe, just maybe, her mother wouldn’t react so violently, maybe her mother had taken her medications today, maybe…

            Layla realized then that she stood in front of the queen’s private study’s door. She knocked, loudly, refusing to seem timid in front of this woman.

            “Enter, daughter,” a soft, seemingly unthreatening voice came from beyond the doors.

            Gulping, Layla shuffled inside, her chin in the air and her expression betraying nothing. “Hello, Mother.”

            Queen Grace of Aqua sat at her desk, her fingers covered in ink and her pale blond hair appearing golden in the soft candlelight. Her green-gray eyes were narrowed, and her expression was calculating. Her lips curled into something that was probably supposed to be a smile.

            “Hello, daughter. Have a seat, you look pale.”

            Layla sank into the chair opposite, her arms crossed, and her back straighter than a board. “How are you? How does Aqua fare? I have missed home dreadfully.”

            “I am well, Layla. I believe Ignis is very close to surrender. Do you know what would have made this ever so much easier?” Her voice was sweet, honeysuckle sweet, nearly dripping with syrup.

            “I suppose the princess’s capture, but that proved to be-"

            Smack!