Flames

Chapter Eight

Cassandra approached the inside of the castle with her head held high, not even sparing a glance behind her to ensure that Nix was still behind her. As they walked up the cobblestone steps that would lead to the interior, she attempted to distance her thoughts from the children. She had been under the impression that she hadn't done anything wrong. Yes, she was letting the children fight, but wasn't that for their own good? War was clear and evident in their land. They needed to know that defending themselves was crucial. She sighed, still not entirely understanding why William had freaked out on her. So many tried to hide the war from the children, protecting them from the reality of it. It wasn't right.

As they walked to the main entrance, Cassandra stopped by the two guards that stood watch on either side of the larger than a standard entryway. That was the first time she looked back at Nix. "Guards. This man isn't allowed inside the castle. He's following me, and I don't wish him to. Take care of this, please. Thank you."

Nix's eyes partially widened, though he could admit that he wasn't surprised. "William assigned me to you." He reminded, glancing at the guards. "He won't be pleased with you." Frustration was swelling within him as he watched the guards nod towards the princess and walk towards him. William had mentioned that the princess was stubborn, but he hadn't said she was like this. It wasn't as though he could take care of these guards as he usually would either. In Luxtene, Nix had to blend in and act normal. His skills were practically useless here.

She stood behind the guards, giving him a brief wave. "I'd say I was sorry, but that would be telling a lie." Cassandra was adamant that she didn't need a personal guard. Her life was supervised nearly every moment of every day, and they had enough palace guards to cover every room and then some. Besides, with Deletrear's visions, there wasn't any privacy left. Since the order had come from William, she doubted her father would mind her actions. Before Nix could convince the guards otherwise, she hurried into the entrance and disappeared as she turned down a hallway. She was entirely out of his sight now.

"Take a walk, pal. Get out of here if you know what's best for you." One of the guards snarled down at him. "Messing with the princess is no small crime."

He put his hands up by his hand, palms facing the guards. "I'm telling you, William assigned me to her. Just wait till he gets here. He'll sort it all out, I promise." He kept his voice leveled, not allowing the anger to rise within him. That seemed to convince them. He sat himself down on a boulder steps away, throwing his head into his hands. He was going through a lot of trouble for this. He couldn't wait until this was over, and he could ride back home. It was too bright here.

~~~

Cassandra had gone straight to her bedroom. Out of frustration, she grabbed one of the pillows off her bed and had thrown it against the door. She sighed and plopped down on her bed, letting her shoulders finally drop. The urge to cry started rising, the stinging building in her throat. It began feeling tight, demanding to be released. Her eyes began to water up, threatening to release at any second. Still, she fought it. She didn't want to cry, but perhaps this was the right time for it.

Taking on the children had been her ticket out. It had been her chance to prove that she was more than capable of taking care of herself and becoming the proper princess they all expected. Not only that, but it had allowed her to see the world through eyes that hadn't experienced the awfulness of it yet. It had freed her. It had been her chance to show just how ready she was for reality. This only put her steps behind schedule. She took comfort in the knowledge that her father and Deletrear were on her side in all this. They believed in her. She needed to value their thoughts over anyone else's. They were the ones that mattered in this situation. They were the only ones that knew the truth.