Lost

Seventeen.

The sun beat down on me, warming my skin. It felt so good and I'm going to miss it. I haven't thought much about what life will be like when I finally go home to New York, but I know it's going to be significantly colder than here. It's definitely going to be an adjustment.

"I was supposed to be gone hours ago," I mumbled to Dru as I raised the bow.

"I thought you wanted to stay a little longer?"

"I do, but that's the thing. I never got the chance to tell Max I wanted to stick around and help take down his mom."

"So?"

I released the arrow, watching as it landed just slightly to the left of the bullseye. "So why hasn't he come to get me and taken me to Zena? I haven't seen him since last night."

"If I'm understanding, you and Grant were supposed to travel this morning so you could go home?"

"Yes."

"But you changed your mind?"

"Yes."

"But Grant doesn't know you changed your mind?"

"Right."

"But he's clearly changed his mind as well and also didn't tell you?"

"Exactly."

"So the communication between you two is sorely lacking."

I huffed and raised my bow, then released another arrow. A perfect bullseye.

"May I ask why you changed your mind?"

"Her Majesty decided to have a little chat with me at the ball last night. What she said infuriated me, so I vowed to remove her before she could remove me."

"When was this?"

"Shortly before you finally found me."

"My apologies. Quite a few guards insisted on having words with me."

I smirked, thoroughly enjoying the way he speaks. I stepped aside to let him shoot, and kicked at a pebble on the cobblestone drive. We were within sight of both the stables and the front of the castle, so wherever Max decides to emerge from, he'll see me. If I'm being honest, I'm a little concerned that something might have happened to him. Who's to say Faye didn't go straight for the strongest player instead of me? I mean, she has to know it'd be suicide if she ever harmed me. Max would never let it go.

No, I need to stop. I'm going to scare myself into a panic attack and knowing Max, he's probably fine. He's always (annoyingly) kept things close to the vest. I'm sure he's working out a sure fire way to get rid of the Queen once and for all. I just wish he had the decency to give me a heads up or something. Ideally include me in whatever it is. I did do all the work. Some of it immensely risky. I was even thrown in jail for Christ's sake. He owes me an explanation.

Okay, I've kept things from him too, but only to protect him. Maybe he's doing the same? Except... ugh he gets mad at me when I do it so why is it okay for him? I just don't understand him sometimes.

"You are missing my exemplary work, Miss Aston," Dru teased.

I looked up at him and laughed when he waved to the target, which of course was nothing but five arrows perfectly centered. "I hate you."

He smiled. "I seriously doubt it. If it makes you feel any better, you've much improved since our first lesson."

I couldn't help but laugh again. "That kind of makes me feel better."

He gently held my chin and gave a cheeky wink, then went to clear the target. My focus went to the sound of horses against the driveway, and soon a carriage appeared. One that was uncomfortably familiar. Dru was once again at my side by the time it came to a stop in front of the castle doors, standing so close he was just a slight shift away from brushing my shoulder. He was standing tall, almost like he was daring anyone to try and come closer. I admired that. I wish I could act like that. Instead, all I felt was worry and panic.