PENELOPE KALLIS:
“Thank you for escorting us, Lord Teran,” Eliot respectfully shook his hand.
Lord Teran was our father’s friend that took care of us when we reached Whitestone. He was kind and had a loving family, married to the sweetest woman that kept begging him to shave off his swirly mustache. We were thankful that they took us to Raveryn personally after hearing what had happened.
“Nonsense. . . Wish I could do more,” he said with a sympathetic smile. “Your father should be here in four or five days. If you need anything, just let me know.”
“We will. Thank you, again. . .” Eliot repeated while Ellie and I simply nodded.
We were finally in Raveryn, safe and welcomed into the Royal Palace, given rooms and food along with a few servants to care for us. The King couldn’t see us right away but his wife, a golden-haired beauty made sure to express their condolences. After that, I locked myself in my bedroom not wishing to leave for anything other than food late at night.
When we reached Whitestone I collapsed from exhaustion, which was when Lord Teran took us in. Messengers were sent to our parents to notify them of what happened after Eliot gave a detailed report. However, due to dangers on the road, it was bound to be delivered late.
It was so painful. . . I couldn’t stop myself from laying around all day in bed and crying to sleep every night. No matter how hard I tried, I’d break into tears at the thought of him. My last words to him were a damn incantation to a spell that sent him to his death, making me wish to never use magic again. Worst of all, as soon as he cast the spell I knew he seriously burned himself. I kept choking on my tears and couldn’t even say goodbye. . . I didn’t even manage to tell him what I wanted to say for the past few weeks, maybe even months. All these thoughts devoured me as I wanted nothing more than to scream into my pillow and drown in sorrow.
Who was I to call myself anyone’s sister? Even now I failed to go look for Elena to make sure she was alright because I couldn’t look at her after what we did. Luckily, Eliot was taking care of her and she sounded alright based on what the maid that snuck food to me said.
When my brother came to find me, hoping to barge into my room and talk to me, I shoved him away using gust, a weak wind spell, before shutting the door and freezing the lock with ice magic. No matter how worried he was for me, I couldn’t face him. There was so much pent-up anger in me that I’d ruin our relationship. We were kids so he never knew how angry I got with him at times, but now we did something we could never take back.
Five days passed since our arrival and I ended up missing the gathering that we came for because I refused to leave my room. Honestly, I was disgracing my entire family with my tantrum, but everyone was being understanding.
Laying in bed, I hugged my pillow and hummed a tune that I remembered Alex sometimes whispering in the garden when he was happy. My body was becoming weaker from not doing anything all day and the curtains kept blocking out the sun so I wasn’t even sure if it was daytime anymore. I sighed closing my eyes and drifting asleep, but a loud knock on my door woke me up.
“Go away. . .” I said, frustrated knowing that I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep again for at least a few hours.
“Penelope. . .” I heard my mother’s voice for the first time since we left Dellion. “Could you please let me in?”
Jumping out of bed with tears running down my cheek, I rushed to the door nearly falling over as I dispelled the ice that kept the door locked. For days I wanted nothing more than to be embraced by her but as I reached for the handle I froze in place. Realization hit me that she must’ve hated me after learning what happened. We abandoned her only biological son and left him to die. Just imagining the look in her eyes made me petrified as I fell back bursting into tears. I couldn’t handle her hating me when I already hated myself.
She ran into the room as I covered my face, too afraid to look at her. But my fear never came true as she wrapped her arms around me and held me tightly. It was the first time I felt warmth since that day.
“He’s gone! I’m so sorry. . . I’m sorry. . . I’m sorry!” I kept yelling repeatedly as I cried into her chest, unable to control myself.
“Shhh. . . It’s okay. . .” she kept whispering into my ear while gently stroking the back of my head. “It’s not your fault.”
It took a while, but she got me back in bed. The warm mattress was much more comfortable to sit on than the floor. I hugged my pillow and leaned against the headboard while my mother sat next to me and kept stroking my hair. Whenever I looked at her I felt guilt and the fact that she was there to soothe me while hiding her sorrow showed me just how much she cared for us. My father couldn’t have chosen a better woman to marry.
“I heard you locked yourself up for days. Hope you ate at least?” she smiled softly.
“The maid snuck me food late at night. . .” I whispered with a brittle voice, unable to understand where her strength to stand came from.
“Your father is currently talking to Eliot. He was worried as well but I wanted to talk to you first.”
I buried my face into the pillow. “I’m sorry. . .” I mumbled again.
“Sweetie, please stop apologizing. . .” she whispered, kissing me on the head. “What happened wasn’t your fault. If anything, I shouldn’t have allowed you to go without us because of some party.”
“I didn’t end up going,” I pulled away from the pillow while enduring my annoying stuffy nose. “Sorry for ruining everything. . .”
“You didn’t ruin anything. . . It was a shitty party anyway full of snobby nobles,” she continuously tried to make me feel better which made me feel even guiltier. It was a never-ending loop.
“That’s what he would’ve said!” I uttered before bursting into tears again.
“Penelope. . .” She sighed. “Talk to me. I know you’re sad because of what happened to your brother, but there must be something you’re keeping in. Please?”
My eyes burned every time I looked up as tears kept irritating them. I turned to her and gave her a nod, but needed a moment to gather my strength to talk.
“I feel so guilty because I’ve never been a good sister to him. I kept my distance because when we were little, Eliot was really mad at us for getting a new family. You had to deal with our tantrums as well, but Alex was so young and he didn’t know how to approach us. I didn’t want my older brother to feel like I betrayed him by getting close to Alex so I kept avoiding him and acting coldly until it eventually created a barrier that I never knew how to overcome. When Ellie was born things were finally getting better. We had an excuse to talk from time to time while she was around and I used to follow her up to his room to wake him up every now and then. I loved it when he allowed me to borrow his books which I read time and time again without bringing them back so he could ask me to return them. Whenever Eliot wasn’t looking I’d try to show him that I cared but I didn’t know how so it probably looked as if I was indifferent and just putting on an act. And for the past couple of weeks or even months, I’ve struggled to tell him how glad I was to know him and that he became dear to me. . . But I’ll never get the chance to tell him that now. I didn’t even manage to say goodbye to him before he left us. . . All I could do was hide my tears while averting my gaze knowing that he was rushing to his death to save us. I never even called him my brother!”
Bursting into tears, I shoved my face back into the pillow and screamed, haunted by all the times I hesitated to say how I felt. Mother tightly hugged me again, pressing her lips above my ear, and giving me a kiss.
“Listen, sweetie. . . Your brother knew deep down just how much you cared, same as you know that he loved all of you, regardless if you said it or not. That’s what love is. . . We don’t always do the right thing, but when it matters the most we’re there for each other. He wouldn’t want to see you all crying because of him.”
“But we abandoned him. . .” I barely managed to speak with a wobbly voice.
“You didn’t abandon him. He chose to save you because you all meant the world to him. It was his duty as your brother to protect you, so be proud that he was so courageous.”
“Did he ever talk about me?” I dared ask, hoping to hear something nice.
“Are you kidding? He talked about you all the time,” she chuckled. “Not only did he brag how cool you were, but he admired his so-called older sister despite the one-day difference,” she teased me referring to the inside joke we always had whenever we argued which made me chuckle. “You don’t know this but I’ve heard it from the guards. . . He even got into a fight at the tavern by the south gate over a comment somebody made about you.”
“What did they say?”
“How you were beautiful and turning eighteen soon, so he freaked out and started a fight saying that such men shouldn’t even dare imagine being with you. If you ever want to know more about him, I suggest you visit the places he hung out at.”
“How silly. . .” I tearfully chuckled again before our attention was stolen away by the door being slightly pushed open.
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“Who is it?” my mother asked, though when she saw the small hand pulling the door shut she laughed along with me. “Ellie, come on in and give your sister a hug.”
Even though I was laughing, as soon as she entered I wanted to cry again. However, I didn’t want to upset her so I tried to hold it in.
“Come here. . .” I said, letting go of the pillow as Ellie rushed into my arms. “There you go.”
“How long were you hiding there?” my mother asked. “Don’t lie now.”
“Since you ran in. . .” she admitted, meaning that she overheard everything I said. “But I wanted to give my sister a hug and tell her that there’s no need to cry! After all, brother promised he’d keep us all safe and that one day I would take care of him, so he must be safe.”
“Ellie. . .” I whispered softly.
“Trust me!” She pulled back and looked at me confidently. “Alex promised and he never ever broke a promise.”
“That’s true,” I chuckled tilting my head back trying to hold it in.
“I told you, don’t cry. . .” she said before brushing away my tears with her small hands, hugging me tightly a moment later. “Brother wanted us to be happy together and he planned a big surprise for your birthday, but since he isn’t here, I’ll make sure to help him by making you smile tomorrow.”
How silly was it that my kid sister was soothing me as well? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? I had to get my shit together and prepare for tomorrow. Though I didn’t want to celebrate my birthday, my family would appreciate me making an appearance at least. It would also make up for missing the party two days ago.
“Don’t worry about the party if you don’t want to go. I’ll talk to Victor.”
“No, I’ll go. . . It’s about time I left my room,” I said, managing to smile for the first time.
----------------------------------------
The day ended with me taking a bath. It was about time I got properly cleaned and had a good night’s rest. I expected to cry again but knowing Ellie was going to sleep with me made it easier knowing I could at least hug her. The maids were going to wake us up early so I could get dressed for the party which started early in the afternoon. However, before I went to sleep I passed by my parent’s room and overheard my mother crying. She didn’t know I was there otherwise, she’d try and hold it in to appear strong for us. I couldn’t even begin to imagine her pain.
The next day we woke up as planned and the first one to congratulate me for turning eighteen was none other than Ellie who cheerfully jumped on the bed.
My mother was in charge of picking out my dress as I had to get my hair done. The maids wanted to braid my hair into a crown which would’ve looked beautiful but would also make my hair appear shorter. Alex always loved when I kept it down and long thus I wished to have something he would’ve liked, so I instructed them to do a braided half do.
Once I was done getting ready, I looked at the mirror only to be left in awe by the gorgeous black dress. Luckily, I was used to wearing a corset and thus didn’t have much trouble when they put it on. Ellie kept praising me, but I thought proudly that her little pink dress looked ten times cuter which was to be expected.
Before the party, it was finally time for me to meet the King. I’d been avoiding it for as long as possible since I refused to show up when called for. I walked up to the throne room with my father who after congratulating me on my birthday embraced me dearly. I was nervous to meet the King as I didn’t remember him, but worst of all was that he stood in front of the throne room door making us awkwardly meet in the hallway. As soon as I saw him I went to bow, not noticing his second son standing behind him.
“No, no!” he raised his voice with his hands up. “No need for such formalities.” He chuckled, approaching us slowly. “Penelope my dear, you’ve truly grown into a fine Lady.”
“Thank you, your Majesty. I apologize for not answering your summons sooner. . .” I awkwardly smiled, not sure what else to say.
“Oh please, call me Uncle Ed. . .” he smiled before asking for my hand.
I reluctantly agreed, knowing that we broke every noble etiquette there was in a span of a few seconds. He gave it a gentle kiss before letting go. There was no relation between the King and me so I was baffled by what was going on. However, I knew my father was his best friend which must’ve been the reason he acted so friendly.
King Edward Lionheart was a man in his late fifties that had let himself go a bit, but by no means was he a repulsive man. He kept himself well groomed and had the sweetest smile that made anyone trust him as soon as they met him. Father always told me how he was a kind giant that always saw the best in people and fought for his country countless times. The giant part was no joke as his height reached over two meters.
“My dear Penelope, I first met you when you were so little you couldn’t even walk on your own. It’s a shame that politics kept me from visiting more often.”
“I’d say. . .” Father joked.
“Ha! That just means we have to catch up now,” he said to my father before turning to me again. “Dear, happy birthday. . . I can’t begin to imagine how tough it must be having to go through all that and still attempt to make an appearance. You have my utmost respect, but I hope that you find it in you to relax and enjoy this day. It’s what he would’ve wished for and I promise you that if he’s still alive, we will find him.”
“Thank you, Uncle Ed,” I smiled, knowing it would ease the tension.
“Hear that Victor? She called me Uncle Ed!” he burst into laughter. “Oh, before I forget. . . This is my son, Damien.” He gestured to the man standing behind him who eagerly waited for his turn.
“It’s an honor to finally meet you, Lady Penelope.” He curtsied before gently kissing my hand. “Know that I share my Father’s wishes and that I congratulate you on your coming of age.”
Prince Damien, the second son of King Edward. I’ve heard rumors about him and his appearance. He was known as a charismatic young man who had just turned twenty and was famous among many noble ladies that would lust for him. Much like his father, he boasted an impressive height while rigorously training his body, making any woman fall for him at first glance. Same as the king, he had short light blonde hair and ocean blue eyes, traits that were common for the Lionheart family.
“Thank you, my Prince. The honor is all mine,” I curtsied.
“Ha, I knew you two would get along,” King Ed said proudly.
“Father. . .” he sighed but charmingly smiled at me.
“Should we head to the party, I’m sure the guests are waiting. . .” I awkwardly suggested.
“Sounds like a great idea,” Damien said. “Would you grant me the honor of escorting you?”
King Ed smiled, hoping I had taken a liking to his son. Honestly, I wanted to refuse but it was hard to do so without causing a scene.
“If the young Prince wouldn’t mind, I’d like to retain the honor of being by my daughter’s side for her coming of age.” Father Interrupted, making me wonder if he noticed my discomfort.
“Ah. . .” Damien hadn’t expected him to butt in. “If that’s what the Lady wishes, of course. . .”
“Damien,” King Ed said firmly. “Such requests can only be answered with of course and not a word more.”
King Ed surprised me, but it just showed how much respect he had for my father.
“Of course. . .” Damien said, taking a step back.
“You’re a fine man,” my father said. “I look forward to watching you grow.”
“Thank you.”
Afterward, we went to the party where I finally got to see Eliot for the first time since I pushed him away. Without saying a word he embraced me in a tight hug.
“Happy birthday sis. . . You look gorgeous.”
“Thanks,” I said, hugging him tighter. “I’m sorry for what I did.”
“No, it’s fine. I understand how you feel, but try and have fun. Okay?”
I nodded before breaking away from the hug.
During the party, I had dozens of people I never even met come over to congratulate me. I forced a smile and endured the desire to run off, but kept hoping it would end at any moment. My mother eventually joined us and spent most of her time talking to me, making sure I was alright. Everything was fine but after a few hours, I needed a bit of fresh air.
“She’s so pretty in that black dress.” I overheard a young lady mention me on the balcony.
My curiosity got the better of me as I hid behind the door, listening in on their conversation.
“Too bad she looks like a widow. . .”
“Haven’t you heard? She apparently lost her brother a little over a week ago,” said the third woman.
“Oh please, wasn’t it her adoptive brother. I get being sad, but how can you throw such a tantrum and refuse to even meet the King. I heard she even skipped out on the gathering Lord Eliot was attending.”
“Wasn’t he the cursed kid that couldn’t use magic?” asked the woman that praised me in the beginning.
“He was. . . I bet they are secretly glad he got caught in that ambush, that way they have nobody to bring shame to their name,” the vicious woman that compared me to a widow said.
I couldn’t believe what I listened to. Rage built up inside me in an instant as my mana leaked out of my hand, forming frosted particles in the air. They could have said whatever they wanted about me, I didn’t mind being ridiculed for my actions, but aiming it toward Alexander managed to trigger something in me that made me want to smash their faces in and throw them over the balcony.
They noticed the sudden change in temperature and looked toward me, realizing I overheard them. The fear in their eyes as I extended my hand was a sight to remember, but it all came to a sudden end when the second Prince grabbed my hand and stopped me.
“Lady Penelope, I hope you’re not going to go as far as to waste your mana on someone like them?” he gazed toward the ladies that provoked me. “You three, get out of here and don’t let me hear a single word about this again. Understood?”
“Yes, Prince Damien!” they yelled out simultaneously before running off.
He let out a sigh before turning to me. “While it would’ve been fun to see how you deal with them, I don’t believe you wanted that kind of attention.”
“I guess. . .” I dismissed my mana before exhaling infuriatingly.
“Don’t worry, as long as I am here, nobody will dare say such words again. You have my promise.”
“Thank you, but I don’t need such a promise, Prince Damien. I’ll control myself next time. Just not used to it yet. . .” I sighed, pulling my hand away from him.
“I understand. . .” he paused for a second before giving me a smile. “Lady Penelope, I know this might be a bit forward, but I’d love for you to join me during the royal wedding as my partner. Would you be willing to accept my invitation?”
“Thank you for the offer, but I’ll have to decline. I’m going to go with my sister Elena,” I tried being nice again.
“I’m sure she’d understand. . .” he persisted.
“Prince Damien,” I let out another sigh, annoyed that everyone kept bothering me so much when all I wanted to do was lay in bed and cry over Alex. “I tried being polite, but I think I must put out the fire before it starts to spread. I have no intention of going with you to any formal gatherings. Such relationships simply don’t interest me right now as I have a lot on my plate. If you’ll excuse me now, I’d like to leave this dreadful party. Goodbye, Prince Damien. . .”
I turned around and left, leaving him on the balcony on his own.
As I left the party unannounced, I freaked out on my way back to my room. I couldn’t believe what I had just told the second Prince and I hoped it wouldn’t cause me trouble. It was his fault for being annoying anyway, so even if something did happen, my father would surely have my back.
Reentering the room, I realized it was already nighttime. The party had lasted for far too long if it were up to me. What I didn’t know was that they would bring all the gifts to my room, so there was a large pile of wrapped-up boxes resting in front of my bed. However, none of that mattered.
I walked up to the bed and grabbed my pillow that recently became my new best friend. Before I did anything else, I picked up the pouch that I traveled with from the table. Next, I approached the window and opened it wide before sitting down on the ground, looking at the moon.
Reaching into my pouch, I pulled out the turtle figurine Alex gave me, the only gift I truly cherished for my birthday. Tears filled my eyes as I remembered him apologizing for not being able to make the turtle appear more magical as I watched it illuminate under the moonlight. Again, I failed to hold back as I started to cry.
“I miss you,” I said out loud, trying to catch my breath. “Thank you for saving us. . . Please. . . If you’re out there alive, come back to us so that I can properly thank you. . . Otherwise, I don’t know how I’ll ever stop crying.”
Chapter End.
Thank you for reading.
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