The Remembered (Elements II)

Chapter 47

She settled quickly and easily back into the rhythm of palace life, but still put off talking in depth with her brother. She wasn’t sure at all how to tell him what she’d learned about her magic. She wasn’t even sure if she should tell him, or wait for her sixteenth birthday, which was only a couple of months away.

With a sigh, she put her book down, unable to even read. Her mind was buzzing too much. She uncurled herself from the chair, and walked to the massive window that dominated the library, staring out of it. She was happy to be home, of course, but she didn’t know what to do with herself now.

“Cat?”

She turned at the soft voice, smiling at her brother as he closed the door behind him, keeping them alone.

“Are you okay? You’ve been really quiet since you came back.”

She nodded, turning back to the window. “I’m fine. Just getting used to it all again.”

“You don’t want to talk about it?”

She didn’t answer for a long moment, worrying her bottom lip as she thought. “The…the men.” She was proud of herself for keeping her voice level. “They’re still imprisoned?”

When he didn’t answer right away, she looked at him, almost flinching back at the rage that was in his eyes. His hands were gripping the windowsill so tight that his knuckles were white. She bit her lip, and gripping one of his hands.

“Pablo, please.”

He looked at her, and with a huge effort, pushed his fury away. His voice, when he spoke, was shaking only a little. “Yes, Cat. They’re still here. The vines have refused to let them go.”

She nodded. “I know how to make them let go,” she said softly. She traced her finger along the edge of the windowsill, unsure how he would take the news.

He was silent for a long time. Too long. She couldn’t take it, and moved away, sliding the book back in its place on the shelf.

“Cat?”

“Yes?” She turned, looking back at her brother.

“What do you want me to do?”

“What do you want to do with them, Pablo?”

He heaved a sigh, and met her eyes, suddenly looking very young. “I want them dead,” he whispered. “Because they hurt you.”

She lifted her chin. “You can do that.”

“But is it right, little sister? Should I do it?”

She stayed silent, unsure.

He looked out the window, refusing to meet her gaze. “I don’t know, Cat,” he said quietly. “They…they hurt you, and I lost you. But…”

“They are bandits,” she said, just as quietly. “Wanted for more than what they did to me. They have robbed and burned for a few years now. You know that.”

He nodded, still not looking at her. “Yes, I know. Tell me, Cat. What do you want me to do?”

She shook her head, walking away from him. She couldn’t talk anymore. “I don’t know, Pablo. I don’t know.”

She couldn’t tell him now. Not when he was this angry, and his mind fixated on the two bandits. She knew she would have to tell him soon. If she didn’t, her magic would make itself known to all. And she knew that if he ever found out that she had known and not told him, he would get that disappointed look in his eyes, like she’d hurt him. she didn’t want to do that, but she wasn’t sure how to break the news to him. He was all she had now.

as she wandered through the corridors and hallways of the palace, she thought about how she could tell her brother. She wanted to tell him – she just couldn’t work out how.

“Little princess.”

She turned, meeting Isla’s steady green eyes. “You came back.”

“I did. I told you I would. You are coping?” The elemental joined her in her wanderings, not pressing her.

The princess shrugged. “Yes, I suppose. It’s not like the beginning at your home.”

“Than that is good. You haven’t told your brother yet, have you?”

“No.” She shook her head, looking at Isla almost pleadingly. “He is fixated on the bandits, Isla, and what he should do with them. I don’t know how he’d take the news. He’s so angry now.”

“He was scared that he’d lost you. Remember that.”

“I know. But I’m back. And I’m fine. He doesn’t seem to get that. I just want him to be himself again.”

“Mêl, are you the same?”

Catriona opened her mouth to answer, and then closed it again, thinking better of what she had been about to say. She looked down.

“No,” she murmured. “I’m not.”

“And neither is your brother. He’s grown, as have you. And you are both strong enough to take what this news will bring. He won’t push you away, Catriona. You’re all he has now.”

The princess sighed. “I don’t want to hurt him, Isly. But I feel that if I do tell him, I will.” She looked back at the wise elemental, who gave her a gentle smile.

“He is your brother, yes? Your family.”

Catriona nodded.

“Un bach, there was a time, years ago, that he told me something. He spoke of you.”

“What did he say?”

Isla smiled again. “He said that you glowed, bach tywysoges. You glowed, and you wouldn’t ever hurt him on purpose. Trust him.”

Catriona nodded again. “I do trust him,” she whispered. “I’m just scared. Whenever the bandits get mentioned, he…he changes, Isla.”

The elemental nodded, smoothing the princess’ hair. “I know. Come, let us find him. we’ll see what he has to say for himself, yes?”

Catriona nodded once again, smiling this time. “Thank you, Isla. For everything.”

“There is nothing to thank me for, my dear. You are like a daughter to me, and your brother like a son. I merely did what any mother would do.”

Catriona swallowed, trying to hold back tears, but she could feel herself failing. One slid down her cheek, and Isla saw it. She brushed it away gently.

“Sweetheart, there’s no need to cry. “

Catriona sniffed, and suddenly threw her arms around the elemental, hugging her tightly. “You’re my mother, Isly,” she explained through her tears, her voice muffled. “I don’t know what we’d have done without you.”

Isla stayed silent, rubbing the princess’ back. Pablo’s voice dried her tears soon enough, however, and she jerked back, turning to hide her face as she wiped the moisture away.

“Isla!” Her brother’s voice was full of joy, and she looked at him, glad to see that he could still be cheerful, as she was more used to. He came down the hallway to meet them, giving Isla a swift hug. “It is good to see you again,” he greeted her, grinning like a small boy.

“And you, bach tywysog,” the elemental answered him. “Come, let me rest. And you can explain all that’s happened, bach Brenin.”