Rebirth

20. Reality

Dear Journal,
How unjust this life has been, so much that I had died for the 'crime' of simply existing.

                                                      - 𝓔𝓵𝓲𝓪𝓼 𝓢𝓽𝓮𝓮𝓵𝓮
                                                                 (1605)

Emma was in a dour mood.

Elias had left and Baltazaar had awoken, setting these two realities to become the driving force for her irritableness.

Her servants however, tried to pamper her in order to lift her spirits. They washed her hair as they gave her a bath. Fed her then draped her in a fine, red and gold brocade gown. Her dark brown tresses were curled loosely to fall around her neck in order to hide her bite marks and emphasize the splendor of the dainty gold crown atop of her head and glistening beauty of Elias's necklet. They also spoke words of encouragement and reassurance onto her, allowing her to gain the will and piece of mind she needed to visit her brother.

Making her way down the hallway towards Baltazaar's chambers, she tried to embrace the content feeling that lingered in her subconscious. Elias had left because he deemed it necessary in their survival and the impending war so she decided that she would believe in him, his victory and his safe return. She hoped that her forgetfulness in telling him the result of Baltazaar's attack would not set him back and be a major mistake on her part.

Words could not explain how much she already missed him. Her heart yearned for his close proximity and her skin pleaded for his touch. She was grateful for the memories he had left behind and she could not wait to be in his arms once more.

Entering the room, she saw Baltazaar propped up against his wooden headboard with Zelda tucked in beside him. Their hands were entangled as she laid her head against his shoulder lovingly, Zelda not bothering to move as she normally would whenever Emma had caught them displaying their affection.

"Shut the door behind you." Baltazaar ordered, scowling at his sister.

Closing the door, she walked over to the front of his bed, clasping her hands below her waist as she waited for him to speak. Her face held no emotion as she stared at her twin with an unwavering gaze. He looked to be in better health than the day before as his skin had returned to its lively color and his eyes were once again ignited with wickedness.

"I was told of all the happenings in Asphal. Elias has chosen a second and as since left the castle." He said.

Emma did not speak. She knew the outcome of her unreserved speech so she just listened and waited.

"You had one f*cking job!" He shouted at her. Zelda flinched at his outburst, removing her head from his shoulder.

"Calm down, Baz." Zelda chimed in.

"Forgive me, my Prince." Emma said respectfully.

"What is that on your neck?" Baltazaar asked incredulously, withdrawing his hands from Zelda's.

Placing a hand to her neck, Emma covered her wound, her emotionless expression never faltering.

"You are nothing but a disappointment and a whore." Baltazaar spat.

"Baltazaar, enough!" Zelda exclaimed.

"Stay out of it! You lied to me and I can never forgive you for it. You know my dreams and aspirations; you know me!" He said to her, moving from her side as he mustered enough strength to stand.