Chapter 2 Worry of War

Chapter 2: Worry of War

“A war? Tae, aren’t you exaggerating?” I was surprised and looked up at her putting a knife away. She turned, emptying the glass of wine in one go with a serious face. 

“I really don’t know, dear. The current situation is really unpredictable, I have already told my family to move far away from the palace.” She took my hand with her cold ones. She was scared, her hands were trembling and sweaty. If they declare war against us, the first place they will attack is the borders. Her family may be in a dangerous situation, but I am sure my father has taken care of all wolfs surrounding the borders. 

“Calm down Tae. I don’t think a few rogue vampires can drive to war.” I tried to keep my face relaxed, giving her a convincing smile, and her face softened a bit. I was sure, she wasn’t aware of a lot of information about this, and rumors were never trusted. It was the thoughts of some warriors, but it doesn’t reassure, that it can’t contribute to the war in any way.   

“Hope so, dear.” She nodded at me, holding new anticipation in her eyes, but she was still worried. If father manages to contact the few strongest packs to lead our army, then it is possible to win the battle.

Besides, vampires and werewolves had a treaty against war, but for rogue vampires who betrayed their own king, it comes to their motives, which we don’t know but Vampire King must be willing to help my father. For me, it's quite confusing and strange that few vampire rebels against the vampire king.    

After finishing my dinner, she picked up all the dishes. She was quiet the entire time and looked lost in her own thoughts. I walked to pick up the book which I left incomplete in the afternoon, but I saw her standing still staring at the tray, creasing her forehead. She was staring at no particular point. She is really worried about it. 

“Tae, you really need to calm down. Let’s visit the music chamber for a few hours. It will be soothing for your mind.” I want her to cheer up, hoping her mood would change too. She loves music, and she can play piano too. I grew up listening to her music and songs sung by her.  

“Princess Aylin, I think it’s time to give it to you.” She was looking up at me, as this was the first time we met; her eyes were filled with determination and held a new shine in them. I don’t understand why her mood changed so drastically. And what was she talking about? 

“What?” I put the book back in myself and ran towards her, holding my dress up in both of my hands. A weird calmness surrounded her as if there is nothing left in her life to do further. Her worried eyes were uncomfortably empty.

“I will come in a few minutes. Wait for me.” She responded while heading out of the room hurriedly before I could reach her. She was talking about something to give me, but what? I was pacing anxiously in my room thinking about her words, trying to contemplate some meaning from them. Her words were driving me near the edge, especially in this suspicious wartime.

I know, she loves me, but I am afraid, her love for me won't put her in a condition where she can't be retrieved. The look in her deep eyes took my peace with her. 

The shining roof of the room feels like going to eat me alive in desperation. Tae was taking so long to show up again. I got startled as the flames from the nearby fireplace blazed suddenly, making a sputtering roar catching me off guard, and the room lit up with bright red orange light.

Taking deep breaths, I tried to cool myself down. I stopped pacing the room and sat down on my bed. The fire from the fireplace gradually shrinking to its original position as my restless nature decreased. Flames danced over the broken pieces of cherry wood at their own comfortable pace forgetting their cruel nature. 

As I can control elements, elements also get affected by my mood. My practice from childhood helped me to compose myself because I never want someone to get hurt because of my powers, especially Tae. She is special to me. She is my mother to me.

I heard the opening of the door and two guards entered with Tae. Guards were holding a large ark in their hands, that wooden ark was carved beautifully with flowers and stars, which immediately pulled me towards it to see what was in it.

Getting up from bed, I ran to her, who was staring at that ark with concerned eyes standing near the door clutching the handle of the door in her hands. 

“My princess.” Guards greeted while putting the ark down on nearby feet with a deep bow on one knee holding their spade in their hands high showing their respect. I was surprised. This kind of bow was only for the King, but why were they doing it in front of me? 

“Please rise.” I requested, and they stood up. 

“You can keep the ark there.” I pointed my hand near my wardrobe. They nodded and lifted the ark, moving it near the wardrobe. I couldn’t move my eyes from that ark that was so beautifully carved, for a moment I felt its leaves will move, the next second.

“You can leave.” Tae shoved them away as soon as they rested their ark on the ground and walked into the room, still watching the ark with worried looks. The guard nodded at her and left with a silent bow to me. They were sharing a knowing look as they had talked about it earlier.

What was she planning? Her breathing was visibly raised; beads of sweat were dripping from her forehead. Even the guard had a tensed face and rigid body. They must do something shady.  

Tae hurriedly closed the door of the room as she was doing something suspicious, glancing out if anyone other than guards saw them entering and turned around, checking the lock of the door twice. 

“Come here with me.” She pulled my hand with her. Her voice was holding urgency.

“What are you doing, Tae? What’s in this ark?” I followed her, catching up with her rapid speed towards the ark. She made me sit down on the carpet with her. The ark had a big lock, which was studded with emeralds and stunning diamonds. 

She pulled out a key from her chain, which had the same design which was on the lock. It must be the key to this ark. She was wearing the key in her neck using a long chain, hiding well in her dress. 

“Your mother gave this to me for your safety.” She watched the key in her hand with so much emotion, clenching it tightly. I was surprised to hear her and couldn’t utter a word. 

“She knew she couldn’t survive the childbirth and requested me to have it for your safety and protection.” She added while twisting the key in the lock, and the creak of the lock made my head turn to the ark. 

I was curious about what my mother left for me in Tae’s possession. I knew she was loyal to my mother and loved me the most. It must be something important, otherwise, she shouldn't keep the key with her all the time. She opened the lid, and we peeped in to see what was inside. 

Something was covered in a red muslin cloth and along with it, there was one small leather bag kept beside it. I don’t know what I was hoping for, but it didn’t look like what I expected. She backed away from me while gulping audibly holding her stare.

“Dear, unwrap the cloth carefully.” She responded by looking at the red cloth. I nodded and picked that thing in my hand, muslin cloth felt smooth while taking it in my hand. It was slender and lightweight, too.

I unwrapped it slowly without letting it fall to the ground, and my mouth touched the ground. What the hell was it? How could she do something like this? It’s prohibited and super rare to find, too. 

“A silver knife?” I snapped my head at her. It was the last thing I would have guessed.