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@anne-of-lothlorien @nuetrobolt @kari-karast @e-b-raulands @naiya-dyani

 

CHAPTER TWELVE:

A splinter of light pierced the utter dark.

Chloe bolted upright and glanced upon her cream-shaded bed. Pale walls decorated with vibrant flowers surrounded her. Dazzling, golden light descended through her window upon the multicolored floor. A wreath of flowers hung on her bright pink door.

She glanced downward at her white gown. Bandages covered each wound. Squinting, she cocked her head.

Oh, I’m in a hospital, she thought, glancing at the flowers. Well, at least someone decorated my room.

A knock came from the door.

She froze. I wonder who that might be.

Another knock came.

Chloe sighed, and then bellowed, “Come in, random person!”

At her words, the door creaked forward. A woman dressed in fine silver entered her room. Curls of gray hair flowed over her shoulders.

“Hi there, I’m Elizabeth Beatrix,” she spoke with a warm smile. “You must be Chloe. You have awoken at last.”

She moved over to the side of her bed.

Chloe crinkled her brow. “I have awoken at last? How long have I slept?”

“Three days, to be exact,” Elizabeth replied. “During that time, much has happened. We managed injecting you with various medicines; that is, for helping wounds heal as well as numb excessive amounts of physical pain. Anyway, you’re probably hungry. This morning, Chloe, you shall have breakfast… in bed.”

Breakfast?! What?! Chloe gaped with a blink. How long ago was her last breakfast?

Her ravenous stomach growled.

“But a moment, please.”

Elizabeth rose and strode out the door. Within mere seconds, she returned.

On her hand she balanced a delicate glass plate. The sight made her mouth water. Upon the plate glistened a glass of water, wonderful biscuits, and most scrumptious of all a perfect steak. Her mind whirled in a hundred questions, although those must wait. Right now she must begin a delightful breakfast.

“Eat up, eat up,” Elizabeth spoke. “Perhaps we shall speak then.”

Chloe nodded with gratefulness. Once the plate was on her lap, she clenched both hands around the glass. It was cool and smooth. Perfect.

She raised the glass to her lips. Refreshing water rushed down her throat, quenching her horrible thirst. Setting her drink down, she glanced at the biscuits.

Chloe snatched one and bit down on the crunchy, warm delight. She closed her eyes, relishing the overwhelming and delicious flavor. She glanced at the steak and grinned.

Placing down her biscuit, she snatched her fork and knife. Once her steak was sliced up, with her fork she raised a cube of sizzling meat to her lips. She bit down, chewed, and swallowed. Woah, that was amazing! It looked, smelled, and tasted delicious.

She glanced at Elizabeth, who smiled and gestured at her remaining food.

Chloe returned her smile, turning back to her breakfast. Within minutes, her biscuits and steak, as well as her entire glass of water, were consumed. She attempted having good manners, but when she was ravenous, she couldn’t restrain herself.

She dabbed at her lips with a napkin, setting the plate aside.

“Chloe, I’ll take that.”

Elizabeth grasped the breakfast dish, exiting out the door. Within seconds she returned, a gentle smile on her round face.

“Alright, now since breakfast is done, I have certain questions.” Elizabeth seated herself upon an elegant golden chair near her bed. “Physically, you are recovering well. However, that surprises me. The majority of patients severely deprived of both food and water for extended periods of time have experienced starvation and death. Although, what about mental wellness? How are you feeling?”

Chloe froze, crinkling her brow. She recalled her fight with Nicholas, her outrageous murder, and oddest of all the bizarre creatures, whether hallucinations or magic. Her mind was less unstable and clearer, but a little scattered nonetheless.

“I feel better,” Chloe replied, “but dreadful. I can’t believe what I had done.”

Elizabeth sighed, hands folded together. “Well, I’m a psychologist and doctor, and I believe you are recovering from your mental, perhaps temporary, condition; which, I’m glad to discover, appears less severe than before. Although, I suspect magic, combined with a strange erraticism resulting from trauma, at the moment damaged that brain inside your head. I hope the medicines we gave you helped.” She paused before speaking again. “Miss Chloe, have you been in contact with a magical source of a kind, resulting in the magic affecting your mental wellbeing?”

Chloe met Elizabeth’s kind silver-eyed gaze. She glanced at the ceiling, swallowing hard.

The Monster Stone wasn’t an exception. She recalled how its wicked, extravagant magic enticed her soul. How she obliterated the Palace of Arizokaland. She wanted to keep all that a secret, but at the same time… well, another part of her mind urged her to be honest.

“Yes,” she blurted out the answer. “Believing a magical source might solve all these problems within me, I stole the Monster Stone―but I was mistaken. Sure, I defeated Nicholas, but the stone also created horrific destruction. At the moment I remained quite desperate and confused. But ever since I have awoken, it appears that my entire personality has… shifted. Just a little, that is.” She raised a hand to the bandage on her forehead, and froze. “So ah, I don’t have permanent damage here resulting from this wound? That’s correct, isn’t?”

“Oh, that minor problem? No permanent damage. The bleeding ceased, so all is well. A scar might be visible―but nothing more, nothing less. Your friends claim you banged your head on a statue when dashing across the castle, resulting in sudden unconsciousness. But I believe this recent unconsciousness was the result of magical interference with the brain. However, surprising this might sound, that magic might have enabled you to endure throughout this difficult time lacking both food and water all the while and, to awake physically well.” Elizabeth reached out, stroking Chloe’s dark hair. “It’s alright, Chloe. Magic is a real source―however, a source one might use for evil. Although the King’s magic remains pure and glorious, most other magic dark beings have corrupted. Unless the King directs a particular individual to have magic, under no circumstances should you attempt stealing a magical source. Don’t feel bad. Just move on. So, if you don’t mind answering, I have another question. Your friends claim you engaged another in a fight. Can you explain briefly what happened?”

“Yes, I can. When I―” Chloe arched her eyebrows, cocking her head.

Wait. Her friends told on her? A spark of anger flickered inside her. She clenched her fists, extinguishing the flame burning within her heart. She mustn’t be like that. Should a fellow act as she acted within the past, particularly unstable and extremely confused, she’d be concerned as well and report the crazed individual.

But she was alright now. She was more stable, more focused, more… balanced. Wasn’t she?

“Uh, it was terrible,” Chloe admitted. “My sister was under Nicholas’s magical spell, I think. Either that or she was corrupted resulting from another source. I intended on rescuing her, and changing her heart. However, I challenged the dark lord to a murderous fight. He was defeated. But… during the fight, I ended my sister’s life―and even worse, that of multiple others. The scene was like a nightmare.” She sucked in a deep breath. “It was like a figment of imagination, I recall. I can’t describe it better! Speaking of nightmares, I must mention the strange dreams I dreamed during this prolonged sleep of mine.”

“Strange dreams?” Elizabeth paused before speaking again, “Chloe, how strange, exactly? Might you provide further detail?”

Chloe clenched her eyes shut.

“Well, each dream I recall was rather strange,” she answered, a hand on her temple. “This might sound odd, but I haven’t forgotten a single dream while I remained asleep. One dream I was locked inside a dungeon underground writhing in clusters of snakes… and I banged and banged on the wall, fearing that I might die. Within another dream, all the teeth I once possessed clattered upon glass floor. Trust me, what I dreamed was particularly random, but it terrified me. However, towards the end of this sleep, the dreams became less and less frequent until at once the nightmares vanished. Perhaps that was the result of this ‘medicine’ you gave me.”

“Odd,” Elizabeth spoke. “Must be another magical effect. Well, at least the medicines proved efficient. I’m glad you have regained a sense of clarity.”

Chloe sighed. She was glad as well.

“What now, Elizabeth?” she asked. “Have more questions? Should the answer be no, then I have a question. For what I have done I feel dreadful. Should someone, would you think, once discovering this outrageous scene I have created, might believe I should remain contained within a cell?”

“What? No, I wouldn’t think you should be locked up. Although I believe one should be careful rather than slaughtering multiple individuals, from what I have heard this appears you have been under horrible distress and that your choices remained under influence of a magical source, in this case the Monster Stone. This ‘outrageous action’ was an entire accident. That I don’t mean as excuse, however.” Wariness marked Elizabeth’s expression. “Although for sheer information, should you like avoiding a cell, I’d keep that odd tale as a little secret. Don’t be deceitful, Chloe; just be cautious concerning this horrible ‘nightmare.’ There are particular men never to be trusted.”

Chloe swallowed, blinking at the tears forming within her eyes. “W-w-well… I appreciate this hospitality, Mistress Beatrix. But this kind treatment I don’t deserve.”

Elizabeth smiled, pressing a warm hand on her shoulder. “Don’t be like that. You are a wonderful young lady.”

Chloe was about to object, but Elizabeth silenced her as she raised a finger to her lips.

“Now, now, I believe visitors await this room.” Elizabeth smiled bigger.

“Visitors?” Chloe asked as her brow crinkled forming an expression of confusion.

Elizabeth never replied. She strode forth and halted at the entrance, flinging the door open. A delighted squeal disrupted the silence. Allison, her dress displaying multiple shades of maroon, entered the room. She glanced over and bolted around the bed. An enthusiastic grin cracked across her wrinkled face. Dominic arrived then, his black tuxedo fine and shining. His graying hair was well combed forming a wave.

“Are you well?” Allison clutched Chloe’s wrist, shoving aside silver hair from her darker blue eyes. “I was informed our horrible neighbor, Nicholas, commanded that you participate within that dreaded arena. How dare that foul soul! But all remains alright this moment, correct?”

She inspected Chloe’s bandages and froze.

“Where have you received these wounds?” Allison paused, and repeated her recent question, “Are you well?”

“Yes, I’m alright,” Chloe answered, slightly clenching her teeth.

But was she alright?  She sighed at her own self-doubt. Glancing from Allison to Dominic, Chloe forced a smile upon her lips. Despite her sadness, the sight of her foster parents ignited a spark of excitement within her.

“I shall leave you alone in peace.” Elizabeth smiled as she exited the bright room, closing the door behind her.

Dominic nodded with a smile. A gentle glint sparkled within his appreciative, particularly green eyes. Allison smiled as well.

“You had us worried, Chloe,” she said. “I recall believing that our sweet little girl was dead!”

“Calm down, Allison.” Dominic sighed, scratching his chin. “All turned out right in the end. For that we have the King to thank. Chloe, those friends, Eric and Sarah, must be quite loyal and trustworthy friends. You’re quite lucky for their company. Once having snuck past the guards, Eric and Sarah released us from the dungeon.”

“Oh, Dominic, but that’s not all,” Allison’s voice took on an excited tone. “Stealing several of Old Nicholas’s majestic and prized horses, as well as a couple sacks of gold, we traveled here where you remained in the hospital’s care. Meanwhile, during this slumber I recall you experienced, Dominic and I along with Eric and Sarah ventured elsewhere, announcing Nicholas’s treachery and his location to several near towns―what happened was a surprise.”

Chloe straightened her shoulders, her lips curling in a smile. She cocked her head a little to one side.

“Please, make known this tale unto me,” she said. “How this ends I’d like to hear.”

Allison shared a glance with Dominic.

“Well, then making known unto you this tale we shall!” Allison spoke, facing Chloe. “We managed gathering what might be considered a ‘little army.’ The weapons varied, from farm pitchforks to carved wooden sticks and more. Since I stole a sword from Nicholas’s castle, I was considered one the several luckiest ones wielding a splendid weapon created specifically for battle. However, during the middle of our march to the wicked castle, a strange kind met us.”

Chloe leaned closer.

Allison drew nearer, and whispered in her ear, “Monsters.”

Chloe pulled back. Her eyebrows arched in surprise.

“Oh, but I recall the monsters acting with friendliness.” Allison nudged Dominic on the shoulder. “Isn’t that right, Mr. Chase? At the ferocious look on their faces, I was pale with fear. However, those monsters joined us. Never have I known such creatures ever existed. But the King has provided much for us, in this case the addition of monsters.”

What? Those horrible nightmarish monsters helped them? Chloe squinted, scrunching her brow. She recalled the monsters remaining under the wizard’s control. Well, perhaps when Nicholas was destroyed, the “magic spell” was broken and the monsters set free. It was a strange thought, but she couldn’t ignore it.

“And together we marched to the castle. Then WHAM!” Allison’s hand formed a fist. “The castle was overtook, the captives released, and our enemies imprisoned. Among our foes imprisoned was Grandpa Phoenix, the so-called ‘guardian’ of Miss Zoe. However, Nicholas wasn’t to be found within the castle.”

Dominic shrugged. “Don’t fear, Chloe. That rascal shall be executed.”

Chloe smirked, glancing at the ceiling. “Don’t fear? Who, Nicholas? Look, Nicholas is dead.”

Allison and Dominic alike froze.

“Nicholas is dead?” Allison sounded a little skeptical. “Was he murdered at the castle? Because Nicholas’s corpse was absent. When the spoils had been taken, all was searched. When Nicholas perished where had his death taken place?”

“Uh, within the castle,” Chloe replied. “Unlike the monsters I hear you encountered, the monster Nicholas became was malevolent. Nicholas was a terrible looking creature, and when he perished he became a horrible fluidal mess. In fact, I was drenched in the foul liquid. Yes, the details are rather gruesome and outrageous. And I don’t wish that this particular matter be discussed further.”

Chloe shuddered and fluttered her eyes. She was struggling banishing the horrid memories, all the grotesque and morbid images, from her mind; the bloodcurdling death of Merubalos de Albiro, the devastating and murderous kittens, the daughters’ fractured skeletons, all the blood, all the violence…

“Well then, no more questions shall I ask. I believe you, Chloe. That’s the past and this’s the present. You’re all well! Don’t dwell on the morbid side. Just move on.” Allison grinned. “Also, I’m glad that I have the privilege of announcing that the townsfolk are celebrating. People are dancing, and children are… children are chasing each other―”

“Allison, it’s called tag,” Dominic interrupted. “Look, they’re children. It’s just what children do!”

“Whatever.” Allison shrugged. “Chloe, Eric’s celebrating as well. You are invited to another of his parties!”

What? Another! Chloe pressed her lips tight against each other. She glanced at the door then returned her gaze upon Dominic and Allison.

“Look, be honest. Is that for real?” Chloe asked.

“Absolutely, I would never lie!” Allison assured her. “Just as before, have fun! Relax and enjoy the party, snack on scrumptious delights, socialize, participate in games, and so on and so forth! Also, we shall dine at the same table―and we’ll be just like a family again!”

The word “family” sparked mixed emotions.

Chloe gulped, blinking. Despite the horrible fact her sister and parents remained dead, she was glad for her Allison, Dominic, and all her other friends. She drew a breath and smiled. Tears sparkled within her eyes.

Chloe dove at Allison, embracing her.

“Thanks.” She withdrew, glancing at Dominic. “And thanks too.”

Dominic smiled. “You’re most welcome.”

Allison rose from the golden chair.

“You are welcome as well, Chloe.” She paused before uttering another word. “But this room is boring. I have the most spectacular dress that you must wear at the party. Now, let’s go! Eric and the others are waiting!”

Chloe cocked her head and grinned. “Well, I must state a party would be quite grand and fine indeed.”

 

Allison was correct.

The dress, white as snow with tinges of pale gold and a dash of scarlet, embedded with dazzling pearls was elegant and fitting. Allison had done her hair forming a braid and added a little blush on her cheeks. Chloe never understood the purpose of blush, but Allison claimed it had to do with “fashion.”

The bandage removal process, however, wasn’t the most pleasant.

As Chloe wandered the streets, a sense of calm arose within her. The town sparked in her mind the image of Eldymartt. Children bustling about, the conversations of boisterous neighbors, the distant sound of domesticated animals, all the unique shops, and the like. As well as the spectacular gardens. Except this wasn’t the burnt town she once called home. This was Valdemaro.

Within the azure brilliance above, the sun blazed golden amongst the billowing clouds. She smiled and moved on, traveling the dull soil beneath her scarlet boots. Houses, displaying multiple shapes and colors, passed her.

But none were as bright as the multicolored striped tent before her gaze. The vibrant floor within her hospital room was no exception.

Chloe flicked her eyes shut. She drew a tense breath. Then exhaled, forcing her eyes open. She attempted a nice smile, yet her lips quivered. Upon reaching her destination, she halted at the entrance.

A figure appeared. He wore a rich green tuxedo, his silver shirt and trousers fine and sharp.

“I’m sorry, Eric,” Chloe apologized. “Back at the castle, it wasn’t right for me to act like that.”

His mouth formed a faint smile. “That’s alright. From what I understand, Nicholas was twisting your heart around his gnarled fingers. I suspect that sadistic neighbor remains the cause behind this.”

“But was he?” Chloe asked. “No. I’m the one that should be blamed. I committed a horrible deed. You don’t have a clue what I had done.”

Eric sighed. He drew closer, an attentive expression on his face.

“Look, I’m aware you have a wounded heart. But there are others who have suffered as well. When Eldymartt’s destruction happened, multiple townsfolk lost their homes and loved ones.” Seriousness was evident in his blue eyes. “I was building a little house. Remember that project I showed you? Well, once that project was complete, I would have created a card shop. Oh, and I would have each kind of card-related game available. And that project, along with all Eldymartt, was burned. But I salvaged what remained and created this tent instead. Life isn’t all bad. In fact, Nicholas remains defeated.”

Chloe averted her gaze.

“Now c’mon. You don’t wanna miss out!”

Without another word, Eric gripped her wrist and spun her into the tent. A cheer rose within the air. Chloe scanned all the faces and stopped when her gaze met her friend’s. Sarah Janson laughed, her finger directed toward an elegant scarlet-frosted cake.

“I baked that cake!” Sarah declared. “And it’s both strawberry-flavored and as tall as five layers!”

Chloe arched her eyebrows in surprise. Ah, strawberries. Sarah remained as creative a baker since Chloe first met her.

She observed her vibrant surroundings within the tent. Wooden tables for eating and elegant marble tables stacked with various foods were spread out across the tent. The aroma smelled delicious. Despite that earlier meal, she remained ever more ravenous.

But that wasn’t all. Several brilliant chests, carved from redwood, were crammed full and, almost overflowing with cards. Located within the center was a round table enveloped with a velvet crimson cloth. And upon such towered an exceptional stack of cards. Chloe recognized the game at once.

The Monster King!

She was excited at first, but dread shattered the fragile peace within her. She recalled the Monster King, Merubalos de Albiro, and she disliked the robotic, unemotional monarch. He claimed she was a serpent, and that venomous look in his eyes when he spoke it, sent a chill down her spine. She blinked, shrugging the feeling off.

Chloe stared ahead at the card stack. Eric smiled when he noticed what she was looking at.

“Would you like to play that game?” Eric asked.

Chloe returned her smile. “Well… I suppose. Yes.”

Eric nodded enthusiastically. “Awesome choice there.”

He turned and cleared his throat.

Upon capturing the guests’ attention, he declared, “All who wish to participate in this unique game, The Monster King, are absolutely welcome to join!”

Sarah Janson froze. Her cheeks became as red as the cherries she was snacking on.

“I love that game so much!” Sarah hollered. “Eric, I shall most definitely participate!”

Several men advanced.

One with red hair and wearing fine azure velvet spoke for his companions, “Yes, I recall our earlier game being much fun. We shall gladly join.”

Chloe recognized the man as Richard, Eric’s friend. The man on his right was Ian, dressed in solid brown. The other was Xavier, his long dark hair with violet streaks. He also wore a strange feathered costume, a distinct pink and yellow combination.

A bearded man approached. His orange suit was patched and old. He wore checkered trousers and a dark brown shirt. His hair was whitish-silver, and his distinct eyes each another color. One was blue and one was brown. Chloe never met this man, but he looked interesting.

“Hmm, I’ve never seen this game,” spoke the stranger. “But I’ll give it a try!”

“Me too!” said a random person.

Chloe craned her neck, narrowing her eyes. Another man, this one dark-haired, was dressed in complete black. However, she never met that one either.

Eric and Chloe glanced at each other. At once their gazes settled upon the stack of cards.

“Well,” Chloe then spoke, smiling, “let us begin the game.”

 

“Oh Richard, I must declare that ye are eliminated!” Xavier’s voice was dramatic and musical―rather distinct, in fact. “Your mother would be disappointed!”

Richard rolled his eyes, shaking his head. A frown spread across his face.

“Whatever. I don’t care.” He cast aside the remaining cards. “At least I endured to the second round, unlike our earlier game.”

The man dressed all in black, whom Chloe secretly labeled Mr. Random, chuckled, “Hey, don’t complain. I was eliminated in the first round.”

“Silence!” Xavier dealt new cards. “Alright, Eric begins the third round!”

Eric’s card, which he placed down, boasted 53 points. However, the image upon the card displayed a familiar horrible figure: the Dark Knight. Chloe froze. Her brow crinkled. She glared at the mere image, her hands forming subtle fists.

Eric almost noticed her anger, but Chloe hid the unpleasant emotion with a smile.

The bearded man’s turn was next. The card he revealed pictured a dark-feathered owl grasping a bloodied wretched-looking pitchfork, and bore a total of 27 points.

However, Sarah’s card reached 77 points. The monster displayed was an enormous, multi-legged, cephalopod-like sea creature. But Ian’s card pictured a bright scarlet dragon. Like the Dark Knight card, Chloe recognized the dragon from their earlier game.

And from encountering such monsters, she disliked those particular cards.

“Oh Ian, what terrible cards and low points you have there,” Xavier commented with a snort. “Whatever, I shall win this round!”

He slapped a card upon the table, boasting a grand 98 points.

“Ha!” Xavier cackled.

Chloe leaned closer, scrutinizing the picture upon the card. It was a slender figure robed in dark silk, several daggers glinting within each hand. The face was concealed under a dark hood, but chilling blood streaked down the figure’s pale chin.

The image reminded Chloe of her twin sister. That she most disliked.

“Your turn, Chloe,” Xavier said with a grin. “Whatever card ye shall lie down, remember this. Ye cannot beat me no matter what. I shall win.”

Chloe raised one eyebrow higher than the other. She glanced at her cards and smirked. Before she was thinking about placing down a card picturing a giant, but at Xavier’s boasting words, she placed down another card instead.

The card revealed an ultimate 100 points. The Monster King displayed, although majestic and beautiful as depicted, wasn’t as grand as she once believed when she met the monster. Her score this time was 100 points, but in order to win the third round she must build up to 4oo points.

Richard chuckled. He scratched down numbers on a board.

“Well Xavier, perhaps you should have saved that card for another turn,” Richard said.

Xavier became red in the face. But Chloe hadn’t pitied the weirdo. He was acting like a child, simple and true.

And so the game proceeded. Within all the cards displayed, she noticed a couple other monsters she disliked. One was a multi-headed beast, like the monster Nicholas became. The other was an outlandish lion swinging a whip around, which Chloe recalled viewing before her prolonged sleep.

Chloe won the third round, but Ian was eliminated. The bearded stranger was eliminated next. Sarah was eliminated in the fifth round. And Xavier, boasting he was, was eliminated as well.

Once more, Xavier fled with a melodramatic sorrow. Oh, but whatever!

Again, Chloe and Eric challenged each other within the final round. She loved The Monster King and was great at it, despite the fact this was just her second time playing the game.

However, this was her first time winning!

“Excellent game,” Eric spoke as he shook her hand. He faced the crowd. “Guests, I declare Chloe the game winner!”

At his words, cheers and the clapping of hands rang in the air.

“Yes, Chloe’s awesome at The Monster King,” Sarah stated. “Now, would someone like a piece of cake?”

The room became silent. An old man stepped from the crowd, a wooden cane in his wrinkled hands. He was grinning.

“I would like cake,” he replied. “As does everyone else, isn’t that correct?”

A particularly loud “aye!” split the silence. Within the next moment, the cake was nothing but crumbs.

Along with her cake, Chloe added various foods upon her glass plate. Finding a seat amidst the others, Chloe settled down. Eric was seated across from her, cake on his own plate.

Chloe handled a purple grape and bit down. Stunning flavor exploded inside her mouth. She sighed, glancing at her chicken leg. That she found was downright scrumptious as well. She attempted having table manners, but she was a little too much ravenous to truly care.

Eric glanced at her, a curious gleam in his eyes. “You have changed, but a little that is. Chloe, I’ve realized you have an exceptional craving for delighting foods.”

“Well, I was imprisoned, and during such deprived of meals.” Chloe laughed. “What are you expecting? I almost starved; death might have taken me. Of course, I have an exceptional craving for delighting foods. No offence intended.”

“No offense taken.” Eric smirked, digging into his cake with a silver fork. “You have quirks and, I was simply noticing one of them.”

“Quirks?” Her mouth was crammed with cake. She chewed then swallowed. “Like an odd or hilarious characteristic about me, eh?”

“Ah well, both.” Eric cocked his head. “But I’ve also noticed something else. The changes I noticed were related to mood. Like one moment, for example, you are either depressed, fearful, or angry―perhaps a mixture of the three mentioned. Then, all the sudden, you are a happy girl.  You are laughing and eating, like there ain’t nothin’ wrong with this entire world.”

“Oh, there’s a lot about this world that’s wrong.” Chloe sighed. “If what I stated was untrue, this life of mine wouldn’t be like this at all. I mean, I’m glad I have you and the others… I’m glad I have Allison and Dominic as well. But nothing shall change the fact that what remained of the family I once had are now dead.”

At her words, she drew several glances from other guests.

Chloe lowered her voice. “Should this world be perfect, Eldymartt wouldn’t be ashes either. I don’t mean to complain, but I can’t ignore it.”

“Ah,” Eric said. “Perhaps if you share with me what happened exactly, I might be able to offer a little advice.”

Chloe sipped her pink lemonade. “Like what that happened? How Nicholas perished? The dark imprisonment I loathed?”

“Whatever that be you wouldn’t mind sharing,” Eric replied.

“I… I don’t think this would be the proper location to discuss this matter.” Chloe drew nearer. “Perhaps another place where there aren’t as much ears around.”

“What about the beach?” Eric asked. “That’d be a more proper location, eh?”

“Sure.” Chloe smiled. “You and I shall meet there at evening time.”

She resumed her dinner. Eric nodded, glancing elsewhere.

Laughter rang in the background. Chloe sighed and leaned on her forehead. She recalled all the lives stolen and the palace’s destruction. And that moment in particular, when her sister perished. It was a devastating scar.

And realizing that it was all her fault was even worse. Oh, and what about her friends? Perhaps she might lose control again, or murder someone. She hated to think that she might hurt someone she loved, like the fate her twin received…

Chloe swiped at the tear that dared roll down her cheek. Her motion was subtle, that Eric mightn’t notice. Like he mentioned earlier about her mood changes and emotions, she remained at the moment what one might consider “depressed.”

Chloe glanced about her vibrant surroundings. Casually, she sipped her lemonade. Little children laughed, lurking around an elegant table where rested the sweetest desserts. Sarah, mere crumbs remaining upon her glass plate and icing smeared across her lips, entertained a mini audience about a most epic tale.

“And that’s when I escaped Old Nicholas Goldstone’s most horrible dungeon!” Sarah laughed. “While the guard slumbered, imbecile he must be, I stole the idiotic man’s secret key!”

Oh, Sarah. Interesting tale there, Chloe mused on, shaking her head. She rested her chin on her hand and sighed.

 

Seated on the beach, Chloe watched alone as waves rippled across the azure sea under the golden sun. The breeze washed over her, sending tendrils of hair over her brow. Shaking them back into place, she smiled as seagulls traveled here and there, scavenging for remaining foods that other visitors had littered the sand with.

Her fingers sliced into the hot sand. She raised her fist, and white sand poured from between her fingers. Staring into the distant sea, she attempted refreshing her mind, contemplating her life. No matter what, she couldn’t erase her sorrow.

Chloe drew a shaking breath. Perhaps she should move on. This pain was downright unpleasant, but taught a valuable lesson: one must control their emotions and behave sensibly, lest their actions result in consequences.

She clenched her fists. Perhaps now she might have a chance at this “destiny” she wished fulfilled. Perhaps now she might heal, and her life would serve a clear purpose.

“This weather is grand.” Eric approached from behind. “I’m surprised we have the entire beach to ourselves.”

Chloe glanced over her shoulder. Eric sat near her, his distinct tuxedo rather fine.

“What matter shall we discuss?” Eric asked. “It can be anything you wish.”

Chloe shrugged.

“Does this concern Nicholas and that fight?” Eric studied her facial expression. “You claim Nicholas became a grotesque mess. How did this all happen? I’m here to help you, Chloe.”

She hesitated then began, “Well, I stole a magic stone.”

Eric didn’t laugh. He listened, serious. Nonjudgmental.

“I just wanted my sister back,” Chloe said. “I lost control and became reckless. Enraged. Nicholas… that snake created a vision, and what I beheld was a battle scene at the palace. I attempted stopping Nicholas. But, I lost control. The magic was a little overwhelming, and I caused the palace’s destruction. Zoe was there, which along with more than a hundred others, I massacred.”

Chloe looked down with quivering lips.

“At the end Nicholas believed he was the victor. He even devoured the magic stone. But that was a mistake. Nicholas exploded. The entire scene was horrible,” her voice was shaking. “A little while following that incident, I experienced hallucinations, I think. And then I entered a state of horrible slumber, and during so afflicted with outrageous nightmares. The entire process was so intense, so dramatic. I feel awful.”

“Well, all that’s over.”

“Yes, but I dread what my future might hold,” she calmed her voice. “What I shall become at last remains beyond my knowledge. Shall the life before me flourish and reward me with grand fortunes, or die and wither like an unremarkable weed?”

“You shouldn’t fear,” Eric said. “Trust the King. He’s the Maker that created all, and the One that controls your life. I don’t mean to lecture you, Chloe, but also… admit the wrongs deeds you have done and ask that such be forgiven. Understood?”

Chloe nodded. “Yes.”

“Well then, awesome.” Eric smiled enthusiastically. “Alright, I have a question. This remains unrelated to this topic, but I wondering, would you be interested in joining a business I began where card-related games are created and sold? Sarah’s in the business now. It would be thrilling, without a doubt, for us all to venture across the kingdoms, and while at it, selling games. Remember that bright tent where the party had taken place? Well, that tent can be taken down, set back up, moved about―providing for both a splendid home and a shop for cards and games. You are most welcome to enter the card business, Chloe.”

It sounded fun, but Chloe was reluctant. Despite the irrational feelings whirling inside her, she acknowledged what Eric claimed was true. She must trust the King. She mustn’t fear what her future might hold or what might happen. Ignoring such an extreme fear was hard, almost impossible, but the King was in control nonetheless.

“Let me think about this offer,” Chloe said. “Next time we meet again, I’ll have a decision.”

“Sounds perfect.” Eric rose to his feet. “I must be going now. You enjoy the beach.”

He trod back the direction he’d came, but hadn’t before waving goodbye. Chloe returned her wave. Letting her gaze wander, she admired the rippling sea from a wondrous view. She sighed.

Despite the multiple obstacles―fear, regret, anger, and the like―blocking her path, trusting and relying completely on the King rather than other sources, whether magical or not, would change a life. Perhaps it might be a grand and adventurous life, or not at all. What her future held she’d never know until it came, but should the King be merciful upon her, she wouldn’t remain miserable and in constant despair.

Perhaps she would partake in Eric’s business.

A smile formed across her face. Indeed, the world she would travel with Eric and the others. While at it, she would declare word of the King, that her “destiny” might be accomplished.

Chloe arose, the sun in the distance drawing her attention. About the billowing clouds, the horizon primarily consisted of red, pink, and orange shades. She clasped her hands against each other, quite enjoying the gentle breeze.

She was glad she awoke from her slumber. She was glad she remained well, despite her wounds. She was glad she wasn’t insane, in fact. The Monster Stone’s effects, which might have remained lethal, she was glad vanquished.

Chloe observed the rippling waves, rather satisfied indeed, alone on the beach.