Geminus

Chapter Four - More Than Alive

Thankfully my sleep was dreamless. When I woke early the next morning it was with a shock. I was used to waking in the cold dampness of the room Zander and I had shared since we were small children. He'd usually scoop up some of the bucket water and flick it at me then laugh. We never felt fully rested, but our hearts were full, and it was all that mattered. There was none of that here. I felt rested, but my heart was empty.

Before I could dwell much further on the thoughts running through my mind. The bedroom door opened.

“Imogen, the Queen has called for you. Please dress quickly” Thomas exclaimed chucking a pile of black clothing on to my bed. He left the room straight away.

I jumped out of the worlds most comfortable giant bed and dressed myself into the guard garb.

I left the room and walked with Thomas through the halls. 

“She's in a terrible mood Imogen. She's summoned the prince and princess as well.”

“Everyone is also in a terrible mood here.” I whispered in reply. 

I walked with Thomas in to a large hall with marble floors so shiny that if I squinted I could see my reflection, the walls were adorned with Paintings of the royal family. Their arrogance made me sick. The laws of the new world surrounded the pictures, but I tried my best not to look at them. The laws killed my parents, and as long as I lived I would abhor those pathetic laws. I stood along side Thomas and stared at a large chair instead.

“Is this the throne room Thomas?” I asked..

“Yes. Quiet. I can hear the Queen coming” He hushed.

The queen walked through the door a few moments later, closely followed by Oliver and Ocelia. Oliver smiled at me as he walked across the floor behind his mother. I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself from returning the smile. He was a different kind of boy, he wasn't like anyone else I'd encountered here so far, he was also going to get me in to trouble if he kept this up.

“Imogen.” She exclaimed, looking my direction “Oliver and Ocelia need to attend a gathering at the military grounds today. You will go with them and make sure no harm is to come of them. Understood?” The Queen barked at me, she offered no warmth, and I wondered how her DNA had made a boy as kind and hopeful as Oliver. Clearly he was more like his father.

“Mother, May I interject.” Ocelia asked, her voice clear and concise. Her mother nodded at her and Ocelia smiled before flipping her long golden hair.

“I have a pre-arranged date with my match. It was cleared last week.” She said sweetly.

The queen nodded then looked back at me, her eyes narrowed. She drummed her fingers on the edge of the throne then looked back at her perfect daughter.

“So be it. I'll send one of the other guards with you Ocelia. You were staying on Castle grounds were you not?”

Ocelia nodded in reply. The queen again turned her focus back to Me.

“You will accompany Oliver. You are his shield Imogen... remember that.” 

The queen turned on her heel and walked from the room. Ocelia walked over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

“You'll have a great time at the military base. Even though we're matched by the system, there are some delectable boys to look at.” Ocelia sauntered away and left Oliver, Thomas and I alone in the throne room.

Thomas eyed up Oliver first, and then me.

“Imogen, You have more to lose than Oliver. You have no rights here, and if anything happens you take the fall. Oliver, you must remember that this isn't just you.” Thomas spoke with an authority he probably didn't command, especially when it came to Oliver, But he didn't take it badly instead he held his hand out to Thomas and smiled.