Empire of Kingdoms Awakening

Chapter 13

Her nerves were heightened as she awaited for Celeste to return. Unsure of what she wanted, Elaine's mind rampaged. She had considered going to see her after their encounter in the councilman chambers but was worried it would draw too much attention to them. If Charles found out, he may have believed that they were conspiring against him.

She and Charles had a strange relationship. Their first time in Caster after being introduced had completely changed her outlook on the country. She didn't realize something that seemed so extravagant was so faltered. When the guardian sought their help, she had no idea that the others would become a second family to her.

She always idolized his ethics before his mind began to deteriorate. Consumed by paranoia, he had lost who he was when he was chosen. Walking past a locked door, Elaine placed her hand against the cold stone as water gathered in her eyes. "Are you alright, my lady?" She nodded but kept her lips pressed shut. "They were seen in the marketplace yesterday, but we lost sight of them." Elaine nodded once again before walking away.

Her hand grazed the elegant wood as she descended the steps. Clacking echoed the corridor as her heels met against the worn-down planks. Many workers looked up to her, but she didn't acknowledge them. Elaine couldn't stop herself from halting, appreciating one of the portraits that hung on the wall. It was a painting of the five of them. They all looked so serious. Of course, she was sporting a goblet. She enjoyed a fine wine more than the next. A weight bared down on her chest, and Elaine could feel her heart sink itself into her stomach.

Exiting the castle, the hot air stroked her face. She looked up to the sky to find that it was a clear day. Sun beaming upon her, Elaine took a deep breath. The fresh air had always helped ease her mind. The area was lively and a smile edged its way to her lips. While she couldn't be there for all of her people, the ones she did were happy. The satisfaction was enough to keep her moving forward.

The sound of bells rang through the courtyard, signaling it was time for the workers to take their leave. Elaine relaxed to the tone as she circled around to go inside of her home. As she made her back up the stairs, Elaine grazed her fingers across the petals of blue roses that lined her railing.

Faced with the door once again, she pressed the key into the hole. With a click, it subsided. The breeze from the door caused the dust that layered the furniture to twirl throughout the room. Her nose crinkled as she fought the urge to sneeze. The realization of how long it's been since she had come here mocked her.

Crumbled flowers covered the mantle of the dirty fireplace. She brushed them off to the floor as she pouted at the sight. A room that was once so heavily used had become neglected and abandoned. The next area she wiped down was in the corner of the room, a chair. Once clean, she took a seat and looked around the area.

Nothing was out of place, yet it seemed as if everything was. It felt so empty to her. She took another deep breath before a mumble released itself. "Revertere mecum." Like clockwork, the room slowly returned itself to its former glory. Elaine's eyes beamed as their faces returned to her once more.

Wood crackled in the pit as they laughed at Charles' comment. "What about you, Elaine?" Her brother questioned her. It was strange to see herself so vibrant. The years have taken its toll on her. She couldn't remember the last time she had smiled like that. She tried to speak but more laughter came out.

They had originally met that day to discuss the upcoming gathering. Now, they were just making jokes in regards to some of the lower leaders. A select few tended to suck up to them. After multiple explanations that the other leaders cannot join them they stopped trying. Often, it felt as if they were talking to a wall. However, it did give the others some credit for being close to them.