DRAMA NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 40
"You should all stay at the manor for a few days." Aunt Freya says over breakfast. "You can go back to school on Wednesday.
We don't reply. "You'll still go back to the capitol today, I'll stay back a day here. Try to keep the people at ease, talk with the leaders. It will be fine."
"I'm going back to Mallone today," Max says. "I have a lot to do, make sure nothing like this happens again." He squeezes his fist. "I have to find out where they're coming from."
"Max." Aunt Freya's voice is soft, she places her hand on his clenched fist. He relaxes his hands and intertwines them with hers. "I'll visit the barracks for a few days, in a week or so."
He nods and turns to us. "A car will take you to the airport soon, make sure you're all packed."
"It's my fault." I voice the thought that's been plaguing my mind since the attack. "You haven't seen them in decades. I show up and a few months later, they're back."
"It's not," Uncle Max says. "We always knew they would come back. We've been noticing signs since early last year."
"He's right," Seb reassures. "They were always going to come back. They just needed an excuse and..."
"I was their excuse." I finish. "It's my fault."
"It's not." He says. I don't believe him.
I bring my boxes downstairs. The driver drops them in the car and Kat, Grey, Seb, Lilian and I go to the airport. Our security is so much stricter than it was before, aunt Freya isn't taking any chances.
I enter the plane and lay down on the longest chair I find. I get a call and let it go to voicemail, as I've been doing since yesterday. I've also avoided articles. I already know what's there, disgruntled pictures of us, we're making headlines all over Illyria.
"Here." Lilian offers me a sleeping pill. I sleep throughout the flight and only wake up to walk to the car. I continue my sleep in there and again when I reach my bed.
When I can't sleep anymore, I stare up at my bedroom ceiling. I get another call and am ready to ignore it till I see the caller ID.
"Mom." I cry into the phone.
"Baby." She cries back. "Sebastian told me what happened, are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm not, people died and it's my fault."
"Don't say that. They've been targetting the family for months. Besides, you left the car even when you had the option of staying there safely. Also don't ever do that again." We both laugh between sobs. "Your dad's here, hold on for him."
"Dad," I whisper.
"Yes, sweetheart, I'm here. I swear I'll be on the first magical plane to Aldean if I have to."
I sniff. "You don't have to do that, I'm fine. I just need some time to myself."
"No, I want to come, or maybe you can come here. Spend some days with us."
I shake my head. "I'm alright, I should be here." As much as I want to go home, I know I'm needed more here. I need to make sure Kat and Grey are alright.
"Are you sure, sweetie? Your mom and I would love to have you."
"I'm sure, I'll be fine."
Aunt Freya arrives the next evening to see how everyone is doing. She surveys the guards patrolling the grounds from the balcony. They've tripled since we came back, as one is leaving, another is taking their place.
"I've also put more guards at your school." She says. "I had to put more in other schools to make it seem fair." She adds. "But they'll be some new staff at your school, they're specially trained fighters. Extra protection." We pick at our dinner. "We're doing everything we can to keep you and the country safe, I want you to know that."
"We do, mum," Kat replies, she doesn't look at her. "We'll be fine."
Her mother nods. "I will be coming to your school to deliver an official announcement on Friday, Saturday there will be a state funeral for the fallen victims." I choke back a sob.
Later that night, footage from the fight is leaked, I don't know if the queen leaked it herself. I don't ask.
Watching the video unsurprisingly made me feel worse, I didn't appear till the end and am seen barely fighting. I could have, should have done more. But I didn't, and now that memory is going to haunt me forever.
That night, I also decide to take another call, from Sara. "Cass it's been all over the news, are you alright?"
"People keep asking me that, it's annoying."
"It's because we care. Now please, are you alright?"
"No."
"When are you coming back to school? We can talk then."
"I'll be back Wednesday, don't tell anyone. I want to slip in unnoticed."
"We both know that's not going to happen. And of course, I won't tell anyone."
"Thanks, Sara."
***
The next afternoon, Kat and I are lounging by the pool. I decide to call Tristan. "Cass, you've been ignoring my calls." I don't reply to that. "How are you? I'm worried."
"I'll be alright. Just needed some days to myself, how's school?"
"School is fine. How are you?" He says the first part quickly.
"Sad, depressed, scared, the works. Doesn't matter though, I'm going back to school tomorrow. Have to put on a brave face, make everybody feel better."
He sighs into the phone. "I'm sorry, maybe I can come see you."
"No need, I'm coming back tomorrow."
"I'm just really worried about you. It's okay to be sad about this."
"Harrington's aren't allowed to be sad. Like phoenixes, we will rise from the ash, more magnificent than ever. Didn't you see our little tape?"
"I did, I was so proud of you. You saved lives that day."
I scoff. "Imagine how many more people I could have helped if I wasn't a privileged coward." I sigh. "Can we stop talking about this?"
"Of course, just get better. Please, take care of yourself."
"I will, Tristan. I'll be fine." I don't even say goodbye, I just abruptly end the conversation.
"I like Tristan, he's caring." Kat murmurs, eyes closed. "I appreciate that in guys."
"Then you date him." I retort and her lips curl up in a smile. I smile too.
Wednesday afternoon, we go back to school. A convoy of at least three cars accompany us. I didn't expect reporters to be waiting close to the gate but they're there, taking pictures.
I take deep breaths, practicing my confident face for the cameras and crowds. We dropped Grey off at his building first and he walks in confidently. He seems his usual self, if I didn't know any better, I would say it was genuine.
Next, we drop off Kat, Mika is waiting for her at the front and they hug. Kat laughs, she seems like her usual self. She disappears into the building and soon it's my turn.
"Do I have to?" I ask Dent in the front seat.
He nods. "Sorry, it's your aunt's orders."
I climb down from the car and ignore the people who weren't just standing around waiting for me to come. The driver helps me with my bags and drop them at the door of the building.
"Actually can you help me carry it up please?" I ask.
He nods in affirmation and takes the bags up for me. I hold my head up high and try to act casual. As I'm walking in, a girl walks up to me with her friends. I think she's an Earth elemental.
"We saw what happened on the news, how are you feeling?" They ask, eager for gossip.
I laugh lightly. "I'm fine, thank you so much for asking." That's all I say, it's curt, to the point and requires no further explanation. I don't answer their other question and go up to my room.
As I open the door, I see all my friends there with cake and snacks. The driver leaves after inspecting the room for any suspicious objects.
"School has not been the same without you." Axel hugs me. "How are you?"
I consider telling them the truth, of how miserable and guilty I feel but, I don't. It will only make things more complicated. The only people I want outside my family knowing are Sara and Tristan.
"As good as can be, considering..." I pause. "But I'm fine, I'll get over it." Sara notices what I did but says nothing,
That evening at dinner, I get even more looks than usual. More people come up to me though, using what happened as a conversation starter. I remain polite and give my usual answer, not caring that I'm repeating myself.
The next day, the same thing happens, even my teachers try to get information out of me. I'm happy to see Professor Harding acting normal, he's his usual strict self. I barely make it through the day and spend the evening talking with Kat and Grey on the phone.
***
On Friday, the queen arrives to speak to the students and as members of the royal family, it's our job to sit at the front and look confident.
The students are sitting in the great hall, impatiently awaiting her arrival. Kat, Grey and I are standing in front of the administrative building waiting. I'm wearing a light pink bodycon dress with heels and the family crest on a pretty brooch pinned to my right side. Kat is in a similar blue dress while Grey is in a black suit. We all have the family brooch pinned on.
My aunt looks us over when she arrives and nods in approval. "Good, you all look presentable."
She, as usual, looks perfect, the only difference is the bandage on her arm and a slight limp the doctor said will heal in a few weeks. The great hall grows louder as walk in. I go to my seat in the first row. The three of us are seated in the middle of some royal guards, something I don't think is necessary.
She climbs the stage immediately, she didn't want an introduction. "Students of Brimstone, thank you for inviting me to your school. I am so happy to be here." Their applause is thunderous. "Thank you, thank you. Unfortunately, I come bearing less than ideal news. As you all know, our great nation is under attack. It is at times like this that we must stay very alert. See something, say something. Rest assured, you are very safe at this school. Do not lose courage and I can assure you, all will be right soon." More applause.
I tune out of her speech, I don't want to hear it. I'm not sure if she's telling them the truth, or just what they want to hear. "The Milton's match may be suspended this year." Murmurs, she frowns. "It breaks my heart too, but we must do the needful to stay safe. You are no longer allowed to leave school and visits from outsiders will be restricted. All these are emergency protocols that will clear off soon. I know you don't like all these guards, too many people to watch you and stop all your fun." She says this playfully and everyone laughs and talk about how cool she is.
I tune out again, these people are eating out of the palm of her hand. I stare straight ahead, my mind is churning with different thoughts. Tomorrow is the funeral and awards ceremony. The deceased families will accept the medals on their behalf while the ones still alive will take theirs by themselves. Out of the twelve guards present that night, four died, and one lost use of her legs. I clear my throat, nope not now. Now, I need to be strong.
The crowd is inspired by my aunt's speech. She waves goodbye and is off to Grovehills next then Lockhart, those are the best schools in the country. The other schools are not worthy enough for her visit. Well, she just doesn't have time.
We escort her back to her car and she leaves but not before telling us to be brave. Or at least pretend to be. I go straight back to my room, I'm not interested in any social interaction.
***
The next day is harder than I expected. My aunt instructed us not to cry, I tried, I really did. I just lost it when I saw their spouses and kids.
The little daughter of one of the men offered me a flower from her bouquet and I started weeping.
"I'm so sorry." I cry.
"It's okay." She takes my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze.
I shake my head. "I should be comforting you, not the other way around."
"I know." She says then walks back to her mother.
The medals are presented then the bodies are buried.
I hear someone call my name. I turn back and see a woman in a wheelchair, I recognize her instantly. "How are you, how's your stomach?"
Her face lights up. "You remembered, I didn't think you would." Her face becomes serious. "I overheard your conversation with Mark's daughter. Don't feel guilty, they would have still fought even if they knew the outcome. Because of their deaths, the world is a safer place to live in. The best way to go."
What uncle Max said. "I shouldn't have hidden, I should have helped sooner. More people would have been saved."
"You did your best and your best was good enough. You saved people, you personally saved me. I don't think I would be alive if you hadn't gotten to me in time."
Before I can respond, Keri drags me away for pictures. I try my best to pay attention to the photographers but find myself staring blankly ahead. I can't wait to leave.