The Hourglass

Chapter X.

For a moment in time, Rynna's question stunned me to the point that I was internally paralysed. No, this..this couldn't be possible!

Rynna: Everybody out! I want to speak with Jasmin in private.

Everyone else left the room, except for Julius whom -presumably still unconscious- was left on the floor.

Rynna: I want to show you something, please come closer.

I stood nearby Rynna while she placed the grimoire down on her desk and smiled at me.

Rynna: Look at this.

She pulled out her necklace gently that she was wearing. It was a silver colored locket; an exact same match to the one that I wore. On seeing it, I clasped my own locket; as if I reassured myself that it was still there. 

Jasmin: My..locket.

Rynna: It was given to me by my mother.

My locket used to belong to my mother as well, I kept it as a reminder of her.

Rynna flipped open the locket and I saw a woman who just looked exactly like I do. She was approximately the same age and same hair color. However, there was only one key difference; she was heavily pregnant.

Rynna: This photograph was taken by my father, shortly before I was born. I can't decide if you're her or not..What do you think?

Jasmin: I..I'm not sure, I guess I'm your mother. Or..I'm going to be...

I'm still hella confused! I don't think I'm pregnant and here I am, talking to my daughter? I don't think I'm her mother though although there could be a slight chance that it is possible. But..there are awful lot of people out there who could look exactly or similar to me...right?

Rynna: It's so good to see you again..and so strange to see your younger self! I never knew you were a sorceress too.

Jasmin: Well, my mother keeps secrets too. I suppose it runs in the family.

Sadness crept into Rynna's sapphire colored eyes and a sigh escaped her pink lips.

Rynna: You..you used to tell me that all you wanted was for me to have a normal, happy life. Are..are you disappointed in me?

Jasmin: Disappointed? I really don't know if this is the only emotion or word to describe how I feel...but of course I am! You are ruling through fear. You've enslaved a nation and people have died! 

Rynna: I..I'm sorry that you feel that way. None of this was meant to happen.

Jasmin: What-it was an accident? You slipped and became the queen of supernatural in France?

Rynna: Well..Yes, kind of.

Jasmin: How? How did it happen, then? Please tell me.

Rynna: I..I casted a spell on both Theodore and Caspian. I..I just thought it would be fun, you know? As a joke? I never really played with magic unless I was time travelling myself but I didn't expect for the two of them to cling on me like now.

Jasmin: And was it fun?

Rynna: Yes, kind of. Only a few days later, powerful sorceress arrived and they are known as heads of covens. They've received letters from Amelie Phélès, telling them to meet me at Ludovic mansion on that date..and that I'd be their queen! The plan was all laid out by her and I felt I had no choice.

Amelie Phélès?! She planned this? Or..one timeline's versions of her, anyway. Did..did my Amelie Phélès know?

Rynna: I've been pushed around and prodded along a path that was laid out to me. For the first time in my life, I felt like there really wasn't any choice. Here I am- little more than a puppet queen, propped by the coven leaders. What should I do? Please tell me, what do I do?!