RISE RED AS THE DAWN ~red queen~

chapter six

Once again I was back in a jail cell. The same one, I think. The walls were covered with Silent Stone which made me feel tired. I was so nervous I was shaking. Prince Maven and Queen Elara were in another room talking. I could see them but I couldn't hear what they were saying. I didn't matter. I knew what would happen. She would use her whisper abilities to find out everything I know about the scarlet guard. She would find Farley, the Scarlet Guard would end. All because of me. Because I didn't pay attention. I heard the door open and Maven and the queen came to stand in front of my cell. 

"Well, I didn't think I would see you again." the Queen said. 

"Can I leave?" I asked, quietly. I was feeling brave today. I think climbing up that tree and on to the balcony gave me a boost of confidence. 

"You will be able to leave. But I don't want to see you inside the palace again. But first, you have to do some questioning and remember how I said you were free from conscription? Not any more." 

Great. I will now have to go off to war. 

"So Maven tells me you have nothing to do with the Scarlet Guard. Is that true?" 

He lied for me. I can't believe it. I really hope she doesn't read my mind when I answer. 

"No." 

She looks at me confusingly. She better not be reading my mind right now. 

"Are you sure?" 

"Yes." I respond, as confident as I can. 

"You turn 17 in a week is that right?" She asks. 

"Yes." 

"Now I would have you wait, but because of today, you will be leaving for the war tomorrow." 

She looks for a sign of defeat. I try to act as confident as I can. Even though, I am falling apart. I can't go to the war. I'm scared. 

After a long pause she says "You are dismissed. Maven you can see her out." She leaves, the only sound is her heels on the stone floor. 

"You lied for me." I whispered to Maven. 

"I told her you were an old friend of mine. I think she believed me. But she said that I can never see you again because you are a red." We started walking to the big doors. 

"Thanks, Prince Maven." 

"Just call me Maven, Juliet." He laughed. 

I left the palace. I can't believe I survived. That was close. But, I wasn't able to complete the task and I was going to the war tomorrow. So I actually failed. 

I didn't complete the task. The words hurt to think about. The Scarlet Guard trusted me and I let them down. They will be so disappointed. I reach in my pocket for the note. But its gone.

***

"I can't believe it. Farley trusted you with this!" Kilorn yelled. 

"I know, Kilorn but its not my fault! I just started! How was I supposed to know which room!?" 

"You worked there, Jay! How could you not remember! And now Prince Maven probably has the note. He'll probably show it to the queen and we will all die." 

There was a pause. 

"I don't think he will." I whispered. 

"What?" 

"He didn't tell her I was with the Scarlet Guard. H-he lied for me." 

It felt weird to say. I still was in shock that Maven lied to me. I must've been because of Thomas. 

"Wow. That's strange." Kilorn said in disbelief. 

"Maybe he'll give it to Mare. Do you think he could?" 

"I don't know Juliet. A minute ago I thought that Prince Maven was a cruel, red-hating Silver. But now.. I guess I changed my mind. Maybe he will." 

"Oh I hope so. I really don't want to get in trouble with Farley. 

"Well that will happen either way. The Queen is probably already angry at you. She's also probably suspicious." 

Great.

***

10/5 5:30 am

Dear Mother, 

I have to leave today. To go out to war. I didn't sleep at all last night. I'm really scared, mother. I'm going to have to leave Kilorn, and Gisa, and Mare. I don't know how I am going to be able to do it. They are picking me up at 8:00. Thats in 2 and a half hours. I'm going over to say bye to Kilorn and Gisa. Maybe I'll see Gayle at the war. Honestly I doubt it, there are probably thousands of people there. I'm writing this in my diary but I think I'll rip out this page and leave it on the table for when you come home. I hope you come home soon. I really miss you. I hope the Scarlet Guard can figure things out. Maybe they can change the conscription ages or something and I can come home. If  only I had completed the task yesterday, then I would be with the Scarlet Guard. With my friends. Anyway, I should probably go say my goodbyes. Also, please tell Father I miss him. He's off in another village looking for a job. And it doesn't seem like I'll be home anytime soon. I'll say hi to Gayle for you if I see her. 

I love you, 

Juliet Harrison