Lemuria: The City of Mysts

Chapter 45: Inheritance

The simple act transported her to a time when Celestraena was alive. Cheska remembered her childhood; being tucked in bed, her mother's lavender perfume engulfing her as she was given a good night kiss. Cheska detected faint scent of lavender on the King, too. His eyes, however, were the colour of warm chocolate.

"Your eyes", she said.

"We did not share the same mother." The King's mouth curved in a wry smile. "The eyes are inherent in your mother's line. The women of your mother's family are the only ones who consistently produce children with those pair of eyes."

"Excuse me, Your Highness", Louis interrupted and offered his sister an apologetic look.

The King arched a brow at his nephew. Louis didn't tear his eyes away even though the force of the King's gaze beat down on him. He was probably breaking every rule in the Uruimeth with the way he stared at the monarch; but the King owed the Roucans. Moreover, they had an agreement. Louis had introduced Cheska to them against their father's wishes.

It was high time the King kept his end of the bargain. Eventually, their mother's half-brother backed down. He let out a breath and faced Cheska again.

Louis' brows furrowed, not liking how the King studied his sister. He cleared his throat earning an annoyed look from their uncle.

Cheska's eyes flitted between her brother and newfound uncle, noticing an undercurrent between them. Louis clearly didn't trust the King and, yet, he'd sent Strago to her. The family reunion was just a means to an end.

"Cheska, my dear," the King began.

The endearment made Cheska dread what came next. It was always bad news when people say it to her. She waited for him to continue.

"You mother abdicated her throne when she married your father. She, however, retained her duties as Lady and led an independent group called Guardians. In the event that she could no longer fulfil her duties, her position and leadership transfers to her firstborn by default."

"No," she said with a sinking feeling. "There's already a Head Guardian."

"He only held the position in your stead because you were still a child. It is yours now. Have you not sensed your connection with the tunnels on your way here?"

"What if I don't want it?" she blurted out.

"Then the present Head Guardian must hand over her responsibilities to the candidate in a ceremony."

"Let's do that." Cheska knew she would regret it later. She loved being in the tunnels. Her careless words would probably sever her ties from it.

"His whereabouts are currently unknown. You will have to wait for his return."

"When will he be back?" she asked, quietly. Cheska realised she was already regretting her thoughtless decision. Is this really what I want?

"He usually returns every decade or two. The man has a habit of disappearing."

"Oh." Cheska felt relieved. She would think this through – see if it was possible for her to lead without endangering someone's life. If I decide to keep the position, I could always say that I changed my mind.

The King pursed his lips. "May I ask why you do not wish to continue your mother's legacy?"

Cheska looked away from her mother's half-brother. Unlike Louis, she wanted to give the King a chance to be part of their lives. But he was too new in her life to know private details about her. The King would have to be content with her response. "I don't deserve it', she said.

Her eyes strayed to her brother. Cheska expected him to support her decision and was disappointed to see the opposite.

"What if it means saving lives?" Louis asked.

"If this is about Libya, let the guardians decide —"

"You know what the guardians decided on", he cut her off.

"The guardians are forbidden to interfere beyond the tunnels they protect", she recited the code of the guardians.

"You're their leader now. You could change the rules." Louis locked eyes with her. The hard gaze was back as he said, "We can help Libya."

Cheska felt frustration bubble up inside her at Louis' persistence. She knew the guardians would uphold the code. She let her brother find out in the assembly knowing the guardians would explain it to him. "There is a reason why —"

"You can save Fred.

"Louis", Cheska started but couldn't give voice to what she feared.

Nonetheless, her brother answered: "He surrendered himself to Libya."

Copyright © 2014-2016 Cecilia Beatriz. All rights reserved.

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A/N: Am not posting an actual author's note today. Can't think of anything to write here... :(

Truth is, I'm also not supposed to be working on this right now. Been procrastinating when I should really focus on my research studies. Plus, mid-term exam is just days away. Wish me luck? :\

Stay tuned for the next chapter. We're - almost- there... ;)

Let me know if you enoyed this chapter by: clicking on like, leaving a comment and/or sharing this story.

Thanks! :)

-CeBea