Broken, but Not Defeated

Chapter 30 (Caldina)

After leaving Wesley, I head for my office. Esta and Sienna wait for me by the door. "Caldina, someone is threatening your sister," Esta says, stepping forward with a grim face. I clench my jaw.

"Kill them." I step past them into my office and walk to the door that leads to my room.

"That's the problem. We searched the whole castle. No Doryukans anywhere." Sienna says.

"Find them," I snap, stopping in front of the door. "Oh, and one more thing. I am not to be disturbed, at all." They both nod and back out.

I close my bedroom door and lock it heading towards the balcony. Pushing the doors open the cold wind hits my cheeks. I look at the moon. A witch's powers lie on the moon. The fuller the moon the more powerful a witch is. But as a fire witch, my powers come from the sun. I sigh, and I hear the soft pads of paws behind me. Turning around I see Shadow staring at me with a knowing look. I sit down with my back against the railing. Shadows pads over and lays down next to me, laying his head on my leg. I pet his head and watch Gavina circle the sky, hunting.

Just then a loud bang wakes me up. I open my eyes with a start. Ingrid stands in the doorway. "Sorry to wake you, but there are some people here to see you." I sigh and stand up. Shadow grumbles but stands up next to me.

"Let me change into some clothes. I'll meet them in the throne room." Thirty minutes later the doors to the throne room blow open in front of me. Three human men turn around to face me. What really surprises me is the fact that my siblings are also in the room. I walk down, the men stare at me. I give them a witch smile, the fireplaces roar to life. All of the men jump back. I look at Esta and wink. She grins back at me. I walk up to the dais and sit on the throne. "What do you want?" I think I scared them because they all jumped. All but one. Must be the leader by the looks of it.

Wesley steps forward. "These are some of my father's men."

I snap my gaze to Wesley and frown. One of the men grips his sword pommel and steps in front of Wesley.

"Why should I trust men of a man who betrays their Lord?" I wonder aloud.

"Because we can get you into the castle," one of them states, the one who is standing way too close to Juliana for it to be accidental. I send him a few threatening glances. I think Juliana catches on pretty quickly.

She steps forward. "This is Peter, Aaron, and Matthew. They used to be my bodyguards."

Still doesn't explain why he's standing that close.

"And do you need bodyguards in my castle?" I ask.

Juliana stares at me. Peter, if I remember correctly, steps forward so he is back in front of her.

"In a castle full of witches, I would think she does."

Esta growls at him. Sienna steps forward, a hand on her knives. "You are in that castle, don't forget. She could kill you in an instant. So watch your tone!" she snaps.

"Besides, she is my sister, why would I hurt her?" I ask shifting in my throne. Juliana's guards turn and stare at her. I turn to Anya who in turn is sending me looks. She marches to me not even bothered by Esta or Sienna who both have their hands on their knives and swords. She leans and whispers in my ear, "You know you messed up Juliana's plan. Well done, Caldina. Sometimes you act like you are really smart, but in truth, you don't know when to keep your mouth shut." Anya straightens back up and walks back down to Juliana.

I try to keep my face blank. I look at Juliana who in turn is giving me an apologetic look. I shake my head and smile to myself. Anya is definitely not one to mess with. If I was Wesley I would watch my back. Or at least apologize. But if I know anything about Wesley, his pride would get in the way. I look back at the man in front of Wesley, he still hadn't taken a hand off his sword. He's an idiot if he thinks he can defeat a group of witches. Oh well.

"Give me a reason why I should trust you. Being Juliana's bodyguards is not enough."

"Nora sent us," Matthew says, walking forward. "She told us to find the castle belonging to the rightful heir princess, Caldina." Juliana glances at him, trying to mask her surprise.

"Well, you came to the right place," I say. "Where's Nora?"

"In the dungeons, where all witches belong," Aaron says from his place beside Wesley. Before I know what to do, Esta attacks, tackling him to the ground. They roll around on the ground eventually she comes up on top with a knife to his throat.

She growls, about a second from cutting his throat open.

"Esta that's enough!" I command, standing up. "You," I say looking at Aaron, "had better watch your back. Everyone here respects Nora. Try not to disrespect her again, or I won't stop my witches from attacking."