Empire of Kingdoms Awakening

Chapter 19

As they arrived, Celeste had a twisted feeling in her gut. "Breannelyse, what did you do?" Ash covered the queen's face. It wasn't unusual for her to be dirty, but the sight made Celeste uneasy as it was not a frequent occurrence, nor the scent of scorched wood.

Breannelyse said nothing in return and kept a stern gaze on the tower in front of them, Apollos tower. The gravel crunched beneath their feet as they walked. Celeste did not like it there. The weather was unpredictable as it was located right next to the Vellanim Sea on Bronzerock and the Oasis borders.

Strong winds caused the waves to crash into the shoreline, and horns blew from ships arriving from the blood islands. The sound vibrated inside of their ears. Leaves on the trees rustled rapidly before falling to the ground. A storm was approaching them.

Celeste spotted the kings and queen, the guardian, and two protectors of Caster. Her mind raced at what would be significant enough to warrant such an audience. Her heart sank.

Ivan's crisp blue eyes were bloodshot red from the tears rolling down his chin, face drained of color. Elaine was steady as she slouched as if she were numb. Ashton, however, stood tall with a look riddled with irritation. Charles allowed a twisted grin to creep onto his lips when he noticed them coming. His eyes glowed.

When they stopped, Breannelyse said nothing as she stared into the guardian's eyes with rage. She knew why the guardian summoned her and her prodigy that day. "You stand accused of the murder of one thousand twenty-three civilians. You stand accused of treason to your country. We have decided on the punishment."

The guardian showed no emotion on his face, and neither did the queen. Breannelyse had thought to tell them of what happened, but she knew it wouldn't change her fate. The guardian nodded to the warriors.

They pulled out black ropes that were dripping with saged water. Binding Breannelyse was the only way to prevent the queen from using the magic that had been consuming her over the years.

The twine squeaked as they tightened around her wrists. Her lip quivered as the ropes rubbed and burned her skin, but she continued to remain silent. Her eyes locked with Charles, who was now grinning from ear to ear.

Celeste could sense a presence behind her before being grabbed as well. She jumped in confusion. "Let me go!" She tried to free her arms, but the guard had more strength.

Charles was quick to lose his smile and looked to the guardian. "Leave her be." His nostrils flared as he waved his arms. "Breannelyse is the one who rained fire on the continent, not Celeste!" His face reddened with anger as his eyes jumped between the guardian and the protectors.

Ashton looked at him with a coldness in his eyes. "As Breannelyse's prodigy, she is just as responsible. She must protect the people when her queen fails." Charles huffed at his words as his eyebrows flinched.

He pranced to the guards as he pleaded with them to release Celeste. Ashton came and pulled him back to his side. Charles went to shout at him but saw Elaine shake her head. He turned his attention to his partner and saw fear consuming her emerald eyes.

Charles swore to Celeste at that moment that he would find a way to have her once again. "That's enough!" the guardian yelled out.

Breannelyse remained calm as she watched Ivan. She mouthed him an 'I'm sorry.' Her gaze snapped upward when a cry out from above them sounded.

Her dragon circled above them in the rainbow colored clouds. All that they could see of her was the green and blue scales covering her broad torso. She, too, was coated in ash.

The guardian swirled his finger in the space before him. "Revertetur in terram suam." The dragon stopped it's lightning cry and took direction northeast.