EMBER POV
"It appears to me everyone is ignorant of who the lady beside me is," Evander said, gripping my hand gently. "She's Ember, my anchor, and she's a very important person in my life because my health is in her hands.
"This meeting is about your marriage, Your majesty." Another council member spoke in a low tone giving a bow.
"And I need to be alive to be married," he tilted his head with confidence and walked close to the elder, "don't you think so?" his face was close to his and it made the man's leg shake.
"Sorry, your majesty.." he pleaded.
"Another thing, I will not tolerate isadora been sent to my chambers for petty reasons." He looked straight at Isadora who lowered her head.
"We have heard you, your majesty. your anchor won't be disrespected by anyone." Mr Valarie, said the eldest council man.
"Very well then." Evander sat on his seat and I stood beside him. I could see Isabella eyes prying me with hatred, she was seated among the council members.
"About the marriage, we will love to hear from you because the northern princess is happy to be married into our pack." Mr Valarie spoke, facing Evander.
"I thought the council had given me two weeks." He raised his brow lightly.
"We did, but the earlier the better." He responded, staring at me.
"Your majesty, may I say something." Isadora bowed.
"Let your words be worth this time," he lifted his right arm in approval.
"My father, she paused then stared at her silk dress. "Wish I get married as soon as possible." Her voice was weak.
"And what does that have to do with me?" Evander said with callousness.
Suddenly, the big doors flew open. Bang!
A tall woman walked in. She had white hair and a crown. She looked just like Isadora. It was the Queen of the Northern Reach. She looked broken.
"Your majesty !" she yelled. Her voice was like a bell. "My husband is dying. The King of the North is sick. We need this wedding now!"
Everyone started talking at once. It was loud. It was scary. "May I remind the Queen of the north, that this isn't a market place to walk in disrespectfully?" Evander clenched his fist.
"Control yourself, look at her state." I leaned close his ear lope and whispered.
"Sorry your majesty," she bowed. "I had to rush here in this mess, because this is my dying husband's wish."
"Mother, what happened to father?" Isadora rushed over to her mother.
The Queen walked to Isadora. She didn't look angry anymore. She put her hands on Isadora's face. She touched her so softly. Isadora closed her eyes. She looked like a little girl. The Queen kissed her head. She whispered something. Isadora got teary.
My chest went tight. I couldn't breathe.
A mother, I thought. She has a mother who loves her. She has a home.
I thought about my mom. I saw her carrying me on her laps, combing my hair while singing a lullaby. I remembered my dad, selling me like a bag of grain , I remember the dirt back in the Ashlands. My chest began to ache , and sweat dripped. I paced around with my legs trembling.
"Ember?" Evander whispered. I felt his worry through our link.
I didn't answer. I couldn't. I turned around. I moved passed everyone at the hall. My shoes made a loud noise on the floor. I pushed past the doors. I needed to hide. I needed to cry. I ran until I found the green grass outside. I fell to my knees. I just wanted to go home. But I didn't have a home.