Insangel

Chapter 2

     "I will do it," I declare loudly. Causing everyone to flinch in their seats from the noise.

      "If that is what you wish," Mother says slowly after a long pause as she opened and closed her mouth multiple times.

      "Excellent," the cenobite called Persagniyah says, "We shall collect her tomorrow at dawn." That soon? This is all happening so fast!

The remainder of the meeting passes without the need for my active involvement.

At its conclusion, Nanny enters and moves to take my hand and lead me out of the room, but Mother indicates for me to stay behind.

      "This developed far quicker than I had anticipated. I would have questioned your ability to make such a huge decision, but any other option would have thrown doubt on my control of this kingdom. However, it is crucial that this alliance between Durum Terrae and The Order of The Incorporeus lasts. If there was any alternative, any at all, I would take it."

Moving close, she embraces me and gives me a kiss on the forehead.

     "You know that I love you, do you not?" she asks.

      "Of course! You would never do anything to harm me."

      "Good..." she says, a tear welling in her eye, "Anyway, Ms. Dia, Charmaine is hungry, so please take her to dinner."

Hungry... Yes, I suppose I am hungry. So good of Mother to notice.

The dining hall reserved for Mother and I was somewhere on the ground floor. It was larger than necessary but that at least meant that there were few obstructions to the lines formed by the many grand pieces of furniture, giving me something to admire while I fill my stomach with enough food. However, the servants are a distraction, both to my enjoyment of my meal and of the room's geometry, so I usually send them away.

From what I hear, the servants were relieved when Mother took the throne because she did away with the extravagant and wasteful meals that royalty usually dined upon.

I wonder if portion sizes with The Order are even more modest. I suppose they must eat very little since greed is meant to be a sin, I think.

      "All finished?" Nanny asks, reaching up to wipe my mouth with a napkin, "Then it is off to lessons with you."

      "Of course, Nanny."

Lessons are held in a private room with my teacher, wonderfully patient and understanding Ms. Naya'il, who, despite being only a few years older than me, was wise beyond her years.

      "How are you today, Miss Charmaine?" she asks as I enter the room.

      "From tomorrow, I am to be learning from The Order of The Incorporeus, which will involve leaving this palace for the first time."

      "Oh... Well, how fascinating! Though that leaves little time to finish the exercises that I had planned out."

      "This was an unexpected development from a meeting I had attended earlier. My apologies, Teacher."

      "No matter. Since that makes this our last day together, would you like to choose the book what we read?"

      "This one!" I say, quickly finding the book that has taught me so much over the years about what wings are meant for.

      "Ah, of course," she says with a sad smile, "you have always strived for that which is seen as beneath a lady like yourself."

      "Teacher, will I be able to use my wings outside with The Order?"

     "If there is space to stretch, go for it. Now, enough of the pondering, shall we begin?"

What follows are hours of fun and learning. While I had been able to read extracts of it before, I had not permitted to indulge in it too much. Perhaps Teacher is offering this treat as a final goodbye.

I am going to miss her...

Without her, I would not have been allowed to read half as many books as I have under her wing.

I have heard Teacher use the phrase, 'Time flies when you are having fun', and it cannot be more applicable than here and now. Finally, the bell tolls the hour of seven.

      "I am afraid that marks the end of today's lesson. I wish you the very best of luck in your journey."

Initially, she moves to plant a formal peck on my check. However, she bursts into tears and pulls me into a shaky yet tight embrace, her body racked with sobs.

      "I-I-I will miss you, Miss Charmaine. You have shown a thirst for books that no other charge of mine has shown."

      "I will miss you too, Teacher."

After I was able to finally extricate myself from Teacher's embrace, I met my nanny, who was waiting patiently outside.

      "If you are to be collected at dawn tomorrow, you must have an early night, Miss Charmaine. Mother's orders."

The wish to make the most of my eyes, especially to read as much as possible, is high. However, if Mother wants me to sleep, then sleep, I shall.

Or rather not as I suddenly feel rather rebellious on my final day at home. Nanny escorts me to my room, but I do not stay there long; I have something to pay a visit to first.

Despite the recommendation from Mother, the servants and guards do not stop me on my journey to my favourite place in the entire palace.

Everything seems still and peaceful as I slip into the courtyard that is my destination.

The long stone planters and perfectly cylindrical pillars are just two of the geometric masterpieces that I love so much. I can spend hours admiring them and never tire.

Just a bit further is the bench that Azrael loved...

I slow to a halt, uncertain whether I want to visit the bench, but eventually decide that I do, so that I can say goodbye to it.

To my surprise and disgust, I realise someone is already sitting on it!

How dare they!