Quietus

What Paradise?

"We sent out as many guards as we could manage. They have searched every inch of that forest, there is no cabin." The captain explained.

"But I showed you my memories of the whole trip. How could you not find it?" Acaila asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Your Highness, I can assure you that we have searched thoroughly." The captain continued.

"So what are you saying? They made the cabin disappear? My memories have been toyed with?" Acaila proposed sarcastically. "If only I was allowed to ride out with you and show you where it was-" She continued but was interrupted by the captain again.

"I beg your pardon, My Lady, but there is no cabin. And you will not be riding out again until we find your kidnappers." The Captain concluded.

Acaila locked eyes with him. "Fine. I have training now. So, if you'd excuse me." Acaila declared, spun on her heels and walked out of the room and straight into Francis.

"Were you eavesdropping?" Acaila gasped.

"No, Your Highness. I simply came to offer my apologies. If I had ridden out with you-" he started but Acaila was already walking away.

"Acaila!" He shouted after her, and when she didn't stop, he ran to catch up.

"I'm just saying-" he started again but Acaila had heard enough. "I know what you're saying. If only big strong Francis had been there to defend poor weak Acaila, then everything would have been fine. Well I'm sorry to break it to you Francis, but I am fine. Conclusion? I don't need you." Acaila barked.

When Acaila returned from the woods two days ago, no one had even noticed she was gone. No one had sounded any alarm until they saw that Pearl was missing from the stable.

Reed wasn't there, Francis hadn't cared and none of her siblings even noticed. On top of that, the meeting with the leader of the operation to find the two men, had not gone as well as Acaila had hoped.

So, although Francis may not have deserved to be yelled at, Acaila deserved to yell.

"Oh and stick to your choices. If you don't want anything to do with me, you shall address me as nothing less than a royal." Acaila concluded as she halted outside the training room.

"Yes, Your Highness." Francis responded with a bow. His face in controlled folds, but Acaila knew him well enough to spot the pain in his eyes.

Acaila opened the door to the training hall and entered to see Inc already there.

For the first time for as long as she could remember, she was happy to see him.

"What do you know about warlocks?" Acaila asked as soon as Inc had noticed she was there.

If the question caught him off guard, he wasn't one to show it.

"Foul creatures. Loads of magic but virtually zero brain cells." Inc responded in an instant. "And good morning to you too."

Inc wasn't one to let his feelings get the best of him. And although nearly every word that came out of Inc's mouth was an insult, it was always discreet.

"So, they're real?" Acaila asked, knowing the answer was yes.

"Are you suddenly taking in interest in magical creatures?" Inc sniggered.

"Are you suddenly not compelled to spew facts at every hint of a question?" Acaila responded, with earned a raised eyebrow from her brother.

"Trouble in paradise?" Inc chuckled.

"What paradise?" Acaila muttered in response.

The doors to the training hall opened and in walked Reed.

Acaila couldn't believe her eyes.

"You're back!" she beamed, unable to conceal her happiness.

"I could've sworn that you were sulking just a few seconds ago..." Inc mumbled, but Acaila ignored him.

"I am indeed back," Reed smiled. "It's nice to see I was missed." He chuckled.

"oh get over yourself. I'm just glad I don't have to be alone with Inc anymore." Acaila laughed.

"I can hear you." Inc reminded her, but Acaila was busy ignoring him.

"So how was stuff in the Black? Why are you back already? Does Lawrence actually like Oriann?" Acaila asked, determined not to enquire him about the subject she was most curious about. Did he see Heturain?

"It seems as though Lawrence actually has taken interest. Oriann is just as obsessed with him, although she would never admit it. And as to why I'm here; father called me back after your attack. Speaking of, how are you?" Reed asked, lifting a hand to Acaila's shoulder.

"I'm quite alright, but what is that?" Acaila asked, pointing at a rolled-up parchment in Reed's other hand.

"Oh right. Its for you." Reed responded, handing it over to her. "You see, I met a friend of yours." He mumbled, but Acaila was busy reading.

"So, what does it say?" Reed asked.

"Heturain is coming in four days!" Acaila exclaimed.

"What paradise?" Inc mimicked and rolled his eyes.

"I'm glad. He seems like a great guy." Reed smiled.

"Is it not funny how the only guy Acaila can get is the blind one?" Inc snorted.

Acaila spun towards him, but Reed had already planted his fist in Inc's face.

Inc tumbled backwards, as dumbfounded as Acaila.

"That was a very cruel thing to say." Reed fumed.

Inc was about to snap back when the doors opened once again, and their trainers strutted inside.

"You're working on healing today, but first-" one of their instructors started, before noticing that Inc was sprawled on the floor.

"Practicing, are we?" he asked, lending a hand to Acaila's fallen brother.

His eyes were glistening black as he answered, "you know I like being one step ahead."