Golden Lights in a Dark Sky ✔

3. Escaping to Prythian

It was midnight by the time I arrived at the palace. Dim lights lined the halls, and it was all silent except for the soft patting of my bare feet on the floors. My dress was muddied and tattered, and I held my shoes by their straps in my fingers. I came up to the door of my room and opened it as quietly as I could.

I closed the door behind me and dropped my shoes to the floor. I turned around and saw Mom standing in front of the dying fire in the fireplace. She was silent and didn't look over at me as I walked closer. Awkwardly I sat down in the chair near the fireplace, hugging my knees to my chest.

"I thought you were gone," Mom whispered, still staring into the dying flames. Guiltily I hung my head.

"No," I said softly. "I needed some time to cool off." I didn't mention that I had considered leaving and going through the Gateway though.

"Don't run off again," Mom said, and her voice ached. I looked up into her face as saw that her eyes were red and puffy, and dried tear stains lined her cheeks.

"I'm sorry," I said looking down at the floor. Mom walked to me and crouched down in front of me so I couldn't help but look at her.

"I'm sorry too," she said softly. "I let my emotions blind me. I'm just scared for your safety."

"I know I'm not a warrior Mom," I said. "But I can still take care of myself."

"You're still going aren't you?" she asked. I nodded, clutching my dress by clenching my fingers into it. She sighed and sat on the floor, lying her head in my lap.

"I'm going to expect weekly letters," she said. "If not I'm dragging you back to Orynth myself."

I couldn't help but smile. Mom was going to let me go to Prythian!

"Monthly," I bargained, my smile spreading across my face.

Mom looked up at me a smirked. "Multiple letters for me, your father, and your siblings and friends every two weeks."

I opened my mouth to argue but Mom interrupted me. "Take it or leave it, Ash."

I grinned. "Fine," I said, my voice laced with sarcasm.

"Enough with the sass," Mom said. I snorted, thinking of all the times Dad had said those same words to Mom. Mom patted my knee and sat up.

"Go to bed," she said. "I'll see you in the morning." Then she gave me a smile and left the room, closing the door softly behind her.

✧ ✧ ✧

I woke up late the next day. I could tell it was late morning by the way the sunlight fell through the window and curtains. I got up quickly getting dressed and putting my hair up quickly. Outside my room I found Calvin sitting against the wall beside my door. He looked up at me and jumped up, brushing his dark hair out of his face.

"Your mom told me you were still here," Calvin said. "Is she going to let you go to Prythian after last night?"

I smiled brightly and shut my door. "Yes!" I said giddily, jumping one my tips toes excitedly.

"Really?" he asked as we went down the hall. "When are you leaving?"

I shrugged, still smiling. "Probably tomorrow, when my aunt and uncle are going home."

"What are you going to do once you're in Prythian?" Calvin asked.

"Probably jump from court to court," I said. "Then once I find somewhere I'd like to settle down, I'll settle down."