Epiphany

⇞ puppet strings ⇞

It made me wonder and rethink things.

The hazy memories from my nightmares were getting to me and I don't for how long I could handle it. Everytime I stood strong as a barrier it felt like a part of me was hurt. Just this tiny blink of confusion within me and Syrion was going away with Ermeline.

The confounded people around me looked like something happened for a moment.

"She is gone." Nazereth was the first one to come back to senses.

 I don't how Syrion vanished right in front of us, maybe one of his treasures but I lost an important chance.

In that moment I realised, I do not need to  think everything this I just need to be brave, I just need to be ruthless as I could be because good is weak and they let plans go astray.

Few moments later, King bellowed in anger.

"Where is she?" Unlike my power Syrion's can't do long lasting damage or make people forget.

He took away his love afraid that she would die. I understood him because I would have done the same for Nazereth.

But I need to get her back. I need her to fulfill her curse or destiny whatever it was.  I need her do to end this King of Udairis and end her misery along with it. Nazereth's revenge would be completed and he would be proud of me. He can then decide what he wants to do with water kingdom or any kingdom since once Udairis is under our control rest were just a matter of time.

"You have been playing games with us." King yelled breaking my planning process in my head.

"Me? " I said pretending to me surprised.

"You and your husband. Do you think I am afraid of your little tactics?" He asked obviously afraid because I sense it from him.

The anger from Nazereth that emitted was so strong that I had to curl my palm into a fist.

"Calm down." I said in my most convincing tone and he did.

It made me wonder why I didn't use my power on him before.

"We will leave your Highness, just be careful. Your fall is near." 

He couldn't believe it, neither could Nazereth because I threatened him. Why not? I was the last living Spirit royal, why can't I be daring enough? Just because I was cursed or just because I lacked in ways of war? Just because I was the slave who was taught not to raise her head or her voice. And look at the mighty King of Udairis who everyone seem to fear just a puppet in my hand.

"Who are you?" King asked and it made me laugh darkly.

"Someone you should be afraid of." I said calmly.

I wanted to tell him that I was the Spirit Kingdom princess and that I will avenge what he did to my parents and my Kingdom and how he destroyed my whole life. But I didn't because that would have been foolish but I would tell him, the moment he would be dying I would tell him.

I could just ask him to give me his kingdom at this moment and he would but where is the fun in that?

"See you later." I said and that was it, there is nothing he could do about it.

➻➻➻

"What is wrong with you?" Nazereth asked in a gentle tone.

"Nothing, I am completely fine. Better than fine." I said casually.

He shook his head and looked away.

"Why? Do you feel something is wrong with me?" I asked agitated at his behavior.

"You are ... reckless." He said after a little thought.

I scoffed at him,"Am I? Will you feel better if I am crying in your arms or if I would be touched by every other emotion of human or drown in misery of people and just be pathetic little princess who was the cause of destruction of her family? Would it?"

I realised my tone was high and filled with anger and Nazereth didn't even obliged me with an answer. He sighed and looked away. I didn't feel his emotions because in that moment I was afraid that if I did, I would hate myself and break my heart.

My eyes watered at what I did but I had no excuse of why I did it? Why was I feeling guilty or stressed?

The carriage halted and I realised we might be at the cross roads. Ciara and Morel would be here, to report if anything is wrong with Krobet or if Darren needed help. If not then we would set out to lead the bandits with us. But I had other plan in mind. If I was different so be it.

Find your anchor. 

I don't need anchor, I need strength and courage to accept my fate and power and not be afraid of myself all the time. I don't need to feel emotions,  I need to control other people's emotions.

Ciara was waiting for us the cross roads with supplies I needed. I sent a message through the spy in Udairis and he reached faster we did. I gave her a subtle nod. The cat gave me narrowed eyes like it suspected me.

Queen, what is that you are thinking?

Something fun.

"Ciara give us a moment." I said and she moved away sharing that Krobet was fine and we can continue our journey. In case of sudden attack Fergie would send an urgent message.

"I will come back to you once I am done with this job. Don't ask where I am going and don't worry too much. Go your own way and I will be back soon." I said and saw NAzereth struggle with my words.

Even with my power it took a little time for him to believe my words.

"Zephora." He said with a little hesitance like he was contemplating what I said.

"Go your own way King, I will come to you." I said in a more convincing tone.

Like in a trance he got back on the carriage.

Queen, what the hell are you doing?

Come with me Morel, we are going to get Ermeline.

Why? Isn't she safe with the pirate?

Is she? Can't you feel the havoc she is causing in the waters? She needs to have a kingdom and she needs to get revenge.

You are losing yourself Queen. Morel warned me and I had the urge to throw him in dungeon.

I lost everything Morel, I am doing this to save myself. I can't let myself drown.

Till the time Nazereth would realise I am missing I will be back to destroy Udairis.

Maybe then I would leave one of the two sibling alive to rule the kingdom.

➻➻➻

First and foremost, I want to know can you feel the struggle and slow transformation of Zephora with the use of weapon on her? How worried are you? Do you think her thought process is right or wrong? 

I have thoughts about the matter but discussing them would like giving spoilers so I would listen to what you guys feel?

Today I did the great job of making my self a story planner and I jotted down pointers for Epiphany. So by that 5 chapters excluding the epilogue is left. For now i don't feel sad because I want to share the whole thing and see your reactions :)

OK, enough of boring A/N, HAPPY READING!