To Learn To Fall (Sequel to the Other Side)

Chapter Nine

The guards saw me and perked with a thinly veiled interest. Their swords were in the air in seconds, both pointed at me and him. Then, the one on the left spoke.

"So you did come."

They were expecting me. Was that good or bad?

The formality that had been beaten into me since day one took over. I folded my wings and dropped my head, the Avion sign of a respect. "I did."

"I believe the King advised you to come alone," said the other, his sword indicating to my shoulder.

"I apologize. They never seem to leave me alone. May I enter?"

The guards exchanged a tentative glance, but they lowered their swords and stepped aside. Keeping my back straight and eyes set dead ahead, I pushed past them, hoping I gave the illusion of total nonchalance.

I passed through the front entry and into the courtyard. Somewhere in the distance began a sudden and hopeful cry from the garden as I stepped foot on the path. It was almost like they could sense my presence.

"We're in," I murmured to Hercules, trying to stay as quite as possible.

I glanced to my left and tried not to shudder at the sight of the maze.

More guards were stationed throughout the path, and they seemed just as unsettled at my appearance as I was at theirs. I walked past them regardless, refusing to meet their eyes.

I don't have to, I kept reminding myself. The first step to ruling is to show you are in control.

Hercules stiffened as the great glass door to the castle loomed ahead. Though fully open, it looked the opposite of inviting.

"We're gonna be fine," I said, though I didn't quite believe so myself. Without hesitation, I stepped onto the tile floors of the castle entryway, feeling a familiar sense of dread and displacement wash over me.

I heard music playing in another room. It wasn't Earth music. It was solemn, serious. There was hardly any difference in rhythm, any change in tone. Where the music was intended to put those in attendance at ease and let them enjoy themselves, it only put me on edge.

Nevertheless, I followed the source of music and slipped into the room quietly, clinging to the walls as I surveyed the room.

I recognized almost everybody, and could place names to each face. Some were the king's most trusted generals, and I even saw one or two lords and ladies of regions that openly opposed the rebellion. In addition, there were quite a few of the traitors and the spies from Washington's other regiments that he ousted and revealed to us.

I stared at the ballroom next. He really hasn't changed when it comes to sparing expenses, huh? And yet, despite the decorations and remodeling, it still resembled the same ballroom where we had met, danced, and soon found out we were betrothed.

Though they longed to spread and take me far away from here, I kept my wings folded and watched with quiet interest.

"Somebody's coming," warned Hercules suddenly, his single chirp breaking into the song. "To our right. It looks like it might be Howe."

I didn't turn my head, but I glanced out of the corner of my eye, only to find that Hercules was, unfortunately correct.

It was indeed Howe, and his hand was resting on the handle of the sword hanging at his side.

"Great," I muttered, drawing my hands behind my back and locking my jaw as I waited.

If Hercules hadn't have noticed, I would have been caught completely off guard when his sword was suddenly underneath my chin. But fortunately for me, I was prepared. I calmly looked up and met his eye.