Utopia

Chapter 12: The Big Four

I've got a long update for you guys. Sorry, I always take so long to update, but it takes time for me to write a chapter I'm actually happy with. I hope you all enjoy it. *Hands you a translator* 

Jaron's POV 

My mother's study was the definition of beautiful. Books lined the walls, trees working as columns to hold the shelves in place. Vines decorated the expanse of the ceiling, meeting at the center and coming down to form a chandelier of glowing lights. The back wall was all glass, showing the view of the forest outside that surrounded the castle. From the outside, it looked like the entrance of a cave instead of a window to a study.

I'm currently seated at my mother's desk, reviewing some files before my next meeting. Suddenly, a knocking at the door pulls my attention away from the papers in my hand, and I look up to see Manolo opening the door. He bows as he comes to stand in front of the desk.

"You're majesty, I'm here to remind you that your meeting with the Big Four is in an hour," he informs me. I let out a sigh and sink further into my chair. I take off my glasses and set them on the desk, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

"Inform me fifteen minutes prior so that I have enough time to prep before the clan leaders' arrival," I inform him, he nods in agreement. "I would also appreciate it if you could go and retrieve Alejandra's medical files from Dr. Althia; I want to see how her mutation is progressing."

"As you wish. Is there anything else I can assist you with?"

I pause and let out a breath. "Have we received word from my mother?"

After returning from Alejandra's and I's trip to the Northern Tree Clan, my mother wasted no time in summoning me to her study. She had requested my presence to inform me that she would be away on business and that I would be left in charge in her absence. No room for arguing. She never specified what kind of business she'd be conducting, nor the duration of her trip; she just packed her things and left the following morning. Here we are two weeks later without any knowledge of her whereabouts.

"We have yet to hear word from Queen Stefanie, your majesty," he is hesitant as he speaks. "You'll be the first one I go to if we do."

"Thank you, Manolo. You may leave," I dismiss him. He bows once again and goes to head out of the study. As he reaches for the doorknob, he pauses and turns to face me.

"Excuse me, your majesty," he starts. "I just thought you might want to know that lady Alejandra is currently with your sister in the infirmary." My heart jumps at the mention of my Curly Fry, and I can't help but smile.

"Thank you, Manolo. I think I'll retrieve those medical files myself." He smiles and leaves me to my own devices. I quickly grab all of the files and compile them into a neat pile. Once finished, I walk out of the study and make my way to the infirmary.

Due to my mother's busy schedule, I haven't been able to go out and see Alejandra. My sister, assuming that I missed her, would always come back from their outings and let me know how she was doing. The most contact I've had with her in these past two weeks was through Dr. Althia and reading about her mutation in her medical files. I would've preferred to make good on my promise, but that would have to wait until my mother's return.

The infirmary doors open as they come into view and out walks Alejandra and my dear sister. Alejandra was wearing her hair down, and her curls bounced on her shoulders as she walked. She was wearing an over-sized t-shirt and a pair of paint-splattered shorts and shoes. I smiled at the thought of her losing herself in one of her paintings.