Empire of Kingdoms Awakening

Chapter 17

She wondered why she allowed something so beautiful to ruin her. In her hand, she held a folded piece of paper. She had been contemplating whether or not to open it, unsure where it was from. The scent was earthy and brisk and smelled nothing of burnt. It had been unphased by the flames.

"Just open it, my queen." Her first commander spoke. It could have something to do with the ongoing war, and new information would have given her the upper hand. It could also be a trap. Any information was able to be brought to one of her many advisors. "If you don't, I will."

Glaring at him, she began to unfold the parchment. Her eyes watered as she recognized the writing. She couldn't control her mind as she prepared herself for what was to follow. Why would he wait this long to reach out to her? He knew how to the whole time.

The queen cracked her fingers before she began to read the letter out loud.

This world is a cruel and unjust place without your guidance. Please put an end to our pain and suffering, one way or another. I didn't think there was anything left to fight for until Celeste had returned. Hatred consumed me on why it could not be you, but everything has begun piecing itself together.

Michael and I agree we have lost enough time, you have suffered enough time. You are due a reconnection with those who love you and those you love. We cannot stand idly by and watch this grow. Avoiding chaos is as deadly as enabling it.

I know you. I know you want to bury your past. In your eyes, I knew you understood a mistake was made. We all have bad judgment calls. What's important is that we learn from them. You never meant to let your rage consume you. You weren't you. It's why Elaine gave you the necklace. So she may endure some of it on your behalf.

As more and more information surfaces about your downfall, we regret not standing behind you. You begged for us to listen, and we wouldn't. You screamed for me as they bound you. I knew you could get out of the situation you had put yourself in. You chose to stand down. And you were gone before you could even see that havoc that slowly followed.

We will not make you choose between your people and our people, but we need you. We need you now more than ever. Our fight was lost after Everlyn was taken down by Charles, who is now the only king that remains. I didn't help her, and I wouldn't even help myself when my time came. I just sat back and watched it happen. I made a choice; a wrong choice.

The only thing I have ever pleaded for was your return, and now, I beg for your return, not for me, for the people. You are the voice of reason. War is what happens when language fails. The time has come for us to unite once again. Protect those who cannot protect themselves. It's what kept you driving after all of this time.

Do not let others pay for a choice the way that I have. The darkness is only as shallow as the light allows it.

Ivan

A lump formed in her throat. She wasn't sure what she had expected to come from it, but that was not it. With a broken voice, she demanded her commander to find information on Caster since her leave.

He gave her a displeased stare for a moment before heading out. She knew that she needed to focus on the war. It was the most important thing that needed to be resolved. She just didn't care to. And right now, her people weren't the only people who mattered.

The silver-haired servant asked her if she was alright. "How could I possibly be alright? I thought they were better off without me. I refused to go back, even though I could. I've done horrible things that might not have even been real." The idea of Celeste being right fuelled the rage that lingered inside of her.