COLONY WARS

CHAPTER 67-CHANGE OF PLANS

ASENATH POV

I could barely stop shaking, the nerves getting the best of me. My eyes burned as I stepped inside the room of Amdelonian soldiers who had gathered. They casually spoke to each other, some sharpening their swords and others braiding each other's hair.

Seeing me, they went quiet, their unfriendly eyes watching me closely.

"I believe that you all know that Princess Asenath will be joining us to Kayan." The familiar voice spoke, while she rose to her feet.

A pang of guilt took over my feelings as I watched my old friend pretend not to even know me.

"Welcome to the army princess," the other soldiers said,

I nodded, swallowing saliva slowly.

"Now," the green-eyed beauty said, "We are here to discuss for our departure tomorrow."

The world silenced after she had said those words. I stood there like a statue while they looked down at the galaxy map , pointing at the different planets and arguing with each other. I tried to pay attention but all of it was just confusing.

I stared at the planets, avoiding the eyes that stared at me. I could feel it, how they were watching me secretly, watching me closely like hawks. I could hear a few whispers and I feared that I was the discussion.

Seeing Iris ignore my presence made me sick. I watched her talk with everyone else but me. She did not even look at me. Why did it hurt so much? She was punishing me for my sins.

"Careful, you're..." I reached to fix her dress, but she casually moved away before pretending to not have seen me.

Oh, so this was how things were? Alright then! I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

When the meeting was done, I did not hesitate to step out of the room and down the hallways. I was fuming, hurt, belittled. I cracked my knuckles continuously while mumbling some words to myself.

"Princess Asenath," the priest appeared from one of the hallways, carrying some old books.

I stopped and fixed my face.

"Welcome back!" she smiled, "How are you?"

"I am alright," my eyes saw Iris walking towards us. "How about you?"

"The gods have been kind. I hope that you are done with your readings."

"I am. I am," I forced a laugh, while Iris walked past me. I couldn't help but turn my head around and watch her before looking at the priest.

"The Emperor reinstated her after you left." She said,

"Did she now?"

"Yes. Iris is very talented, she couldn't let her go to waste."

"Well, that's amusing. She waits for me to leave before she brings her back." The bitterness was obvious.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I...I don't know. Isn't it funny? How is Iris permanently stripped of her titles only to be reinstated on my absence?"

"I thought this was what you wanted."

"I did, I did!" I said quickly, "I just...never mind."

"Alright then, we will talk later."

I nodded before continuing with my journey.

Yes, this was what I wanted but now, I wasn't too sure of it. Seeing Iris again made me realize just how it was better with her gone. At least then, I did not have to feel like a fool.

We were just fire and ice, total opposites.

My day was ruined with that one encounter with Iris. I was under the weather suddenly. The day felt long and grey and I had to sit in the boardroom and discuss some of the colony affairs. As if my day could not get any worse, it did.

I saw the Emperor and Iris taking a walk around the castle, from the window that I sat by. My eyes widened at the sight. Since when did they both get along? My grip on the pen tightened and it broke in half.

Were they plotting against me?

"Princess Asenath, what do you think?" the loud voice interrupted my thoughts.

"I...that is great," I said, acting invested.

"Do you have input?"

"No, all is well, please do carry on," I forced a smile, "If that is all, may I excuse myself?"

"Of course,"

I stepped out of the room quickly and ran down the tiled floors, my footsteps loud. I needed to confront that traitorous mother of mine. She had to explain to me exactly why she was being nice to Iris.

"Asenath!" Darya appeared from my right,

"Not now!" I walked past her.

"...but...Princess!" she followed me,

"Darya, not now!"

"I have to tell you something!"

"Darya, do you ever listen?!" I stopped and scolded at her, "Do you?"

She went quiet.

"I have something to do at the moment. If you have anything for me, go and wait in my chambers. I will attend you then."

"Yes, I am sorry." She nodded timidly.

"Goodness you are annoying," I muttered, continuing with my journey.

The couple appeared before me and I couldn't help but yell, "Mother!"

She looked over her shoulder before turning around and looking down at me with her proud eyes.

"Asenath,"

"Am I missing something?" I looked at Iris and then at my mother.

"Missing something?"

"Yes, I mean you two were taking a walk. I believe you have something important to discuss." I forced the enthusiasm.

"We do, but it isn't about you." She said, "Not everything is about you."

"I know however..."

"Can we have this petty conversation during dinner now, will you...?" she cut me short.

"Of course, but mother..."

"Asenath, do I have to repeat myself?"

"No." I whispered.

"Good, begone!"

I was not a dog for her to talk to me like that! She was going to regret this.