The Fire Within

Guidance

A/N: Sorry for the slight delay! If you are still reading, thank you a million times over. October was a hectic month and I have been devoted a good chunk of my time to writing my novel for NANOWRIMO. Regardless, I do have intentions to finish this story. I foresee only a few more chapters in our story but they will pack a punch. Enjoy!

***

"Tomorrow you will need to rest. You will spend the day in your chambers, Delphine will attend to your every need." Cardinal Copia explained to Cirice across the long, dark table. Cirice shivered as she took in the dinner before her. Simple venison and vegetables, nothing too extravagant. She sighed and began to eat, not much for conversation. 

"What is on your mind my lamb?" Copia asked as Cirice glanced at the fireplace to her right. She pondered her words. 

"Why do you hate my mother?" she asked, her voice hoarse. Cardinal Copia was taken aback by the question, unsure of how to answer it. He wiped his lips on his napkin as Cirice took another thoughtful bite. 

"I don't hate your mother," Cardinal Copia started, taking a sip of his wine. "I did not care for her, but hate is such a strong word." 

More reserved for that imp of a leader, Cardinal Copia's mind shot as Cirice met his eyes. She watched him intently, trying to understand his expression. 

"You called her a whore and a witch. That doesn't sound like endearment." Cirice shot tightly, her fist clenching. Cardinal Copia sighed. 

"Your mother was very strong willed, much like yourself. When she arrived, your father changed. Some would say for the better, I personally say for the worst." he shot dismissively. 

"It's because of me, isn't it?" Cirice blurted quickly. Cardinal Copia's browd furrowed as she continued.

"You knew he loved her, but as soon as she was pregnant with me, it all changed. You would no longer be in line for the Immortal Throne--I would be." Cirice pondered softly, eyeing him. Cardinal Copia's hands were clenched. 

"Not that I blame you. Now that I will be gone, my father will most definitely step down and it will be all yours, but to what end? Surely you want more than for a bunch of people to want your guidance." Cirice said, pressing her lips together as her words floated in the space around them. 

"Your father is prophesied for great loss--death even. I only wish to save him from that, by having you go in his place--the Dark Lord gets what he requires and your father remains safe." Cardinal Copia was even becoming dizzy at the lies he had fought to spin so meticulously in everyones heads. He only hoped that by this time tomorrow evening, eberything would fall into place. 

"It is late, sweet Lamb. You must rest. I will send Delphine up with your tea. Drink it in full and use your time to commune with the Lord. He will listen." Cardinal Copia said, standing and coming to her side. Cirice sighed, her body aching as she stood and followed him to the door. 

"The next time I see you will be tomorrow night. All the Vale shall know of your bravery and sacrifice." Cardinal Copia said, opening the door. Cirice blinked once and dropped her eyes, praying she was doing the right thing.  

****

Back in her room, Cirice wrapped herself in a worn blanket and leaned close to the fire in the hearth. The frigid winter air whistled outside and through the cracks around the windows. 

Cirice had never given a lot of thought to her death. She had honestly figured she would commit suicide before anything else. Now that thought suprised her--now she was about to do the exact opposite. She pondered her death. 

It would be a noble one, no doubt. With her death the Vale would be saved--the Vale that held her beloved Father and her Alex. She thought of them both and prayed that the news of her passing would not create any more animosity than there already was between them. 

A knock sounded on the door and Delphine appeared, tray in hand. She didn't meet Cirice's eyes as she placed it down in front of her and went to leave the room. 

"Delphine," Cirice started, pushing herself up. Delphine turned, her body tense. 

"I am sorry I judged you. It wasn't right of me. Your son, Mason, was my best friend and I'd like to think he is still to some capacity." Cirice said mournfully as Delphine gave her a sad look.

"I have heard many tales about you Princess. While your demise is foretold, please know I harbor no Ill will towards you," Delphine said softly as Cirice nodded. Delphine was just about to leave when Cirice stopped her. 

"You have powers, don't you?" Cirice asked. Delphine smoothed her dress and nodded, her mouth a tight line. 

"Could you do something for me? After I'm gone could you find a way to give Alexander Idris a message?" Cirice asked quickly, watching her. Delphine sighed impatiently but nodded. 

"Could you tell him he was right all along? And that I love him," Cirice added softly as Delphone watched her. She reached out and poured the tea Delphine had brought into cup.

"Perhaps in a dream," she mused softly, picking up the cup as Delphine nodded and left the room. Cirice took a tenative sip, the team's taste was sharp but warm as it slipped down her throat. 

She watched the fire crackle and dance, swirling the cup. 

"I'm told I should talk to you," Cirice said aloud, looking around the empty room. She felt silly speaking to silence but continued. 

"I don't know what good it will do, you haven't ever been there before." Cirice shot hotly as she sipped the tea. 

"Regardless, I would appreciate your guidance. I am doing the right thing, aren't I?" Cirice asked just as the fire spit, sending a loose ember onto the stone hearth. 

"That's what I thought," Cirice said softly, finishing her tea. She stood and went to the bed, her head beginning to feel heavy. She rested down, pulling the blankets around her as she listened to the wind and fire. 

"Send me a sign," Cirice said softly, her face half concealed by the pillow. "Tell me what to do