"… union is a bond that is bringing two nations together for generations to come. We are grateful for your acceptance and hope for a brighter future for all of us."
Applause broke out as Father concluded his speech. I did not bother to stand up as everyone had. I preferred sulking in my seat. The noise drowned out as I walked out of the banquet hall, cursing myself for letting Mother convince me to wear a ball gown for my sisters engagement. I was not going to stand and watch the happy couple. Instead, I stood by the balcony, staring out into the night.
Tomorrow, the Northerners would all leave, along with Aimee. Life would go back to normal. How fun. I sighed, leaning onto the banister and staring down.
"Amaya!" Madeline's chirpy voice makes me turn around to see her.
She's the only one I will miss. Madeline is a bubble of sunshine that makes everyone happy. I smile at her as she drags along another girl, probably another Northerner. The poor thing trips so many times on her dress that Madeline's hand is the only thing keeping her on her feet. We have something to bond over.
"I've been searching for you. What are you doing out here?" Madeline asked, sadness in her voice as her eyes look into mine, going past into my soul.
"Just needed some air," I replied. "What's up?"
Madeline beams. "Guess who's here?"
She nudged the girl next to her closer to me. I took a closer look as I tried to imagine where I could have ever met her. The girl blushed.
"I don't look that different," she mumbled shyly, looking away from me.
I recognized the voice instantly. "No way! Lin!"
"I was worried you'd gone blind," she joked.
She looked completely different. Her hair was curled, there was makeup on her face and she wore a beautiful deep green dress.
"How are you here?" I asked.
She shrugged. "I don't know either, to tell you the truth. All I know is that Lucas made a huge fuss about me being sent away."
I hugged her. "I'm so glad you're okay. I was worried about you."
"Well, im worried about you. Are you okay?" Lin asked, taking me by surprise.
"What do you mean?"
"You're not your usual naughty self. You don't stand by yourself on a night like this and you never come out for air," she pointed out.
I shook my head. "You're worried about nothing. Maybe im growing up."
"I heard you kissed Mr. Kennedy," she said.
I sputtered as Madeline began to laugh. "It was an accident!"
"Of course it was," Lin said. "We have so much talk about and very little time."
"What do you mean little time? You're not being sent away anymore so there's no rush," I told her.
"Actually…"
There was a loud bang followed by a scream. I jumped in fright as fear creeped into me.
"What was that?" I asked, my eyes wide.
Lin looked pale as we watched the open doors in anticipation. Madeline looked down the balcony and cursed.
"I'm not sure but something is wrong. We need to get somewhere safe," Madeline said. "You two need to stay close to me or your mates will freak out. Lets go."
Madeline led us from the balcony. We did not go back to the banquet hall were there was a chorus of screams and shout. We started walking briskly through empty passages and up the stairs until we reached a room in the South wing, which was empty. Madeline locked the door and analyzed us. Lin and I were both breathless and shaking.
"We are staying here until its safe to come out. We have to be quiet so that they wont find us," Madeline instructed as she looked around the room until she found a coat hanger.
"What about Lucas?" Lin asked, her hands wrapped around her abdomen.
"He's a big boy so he'll be fine," Madeline waved her off. "Just stay calm and relax."
I fumbled with my fingers, anxiety eating me up. I decided to distract myself with something else.
"You were about to tell me something," I said to Lin.
She frowned. "Do we have to talk about this now?"
"Of course we do," I insisted, my eyes following Madeline as she peered out the window. "If we don't, I'm going to freak out."
"What do you want to hear?" she relented, getting comfortable on the bed where I joined her.
"Let's start with, how are you here?" I asked.
"Im not sure of the specifics but I know that Lucas made a huge fuss about it and broke a couple of rules. He disobeyed Mr Kennedy and used some of the funds they had brought along to pay the magistrate, going against a couple of laws," she explained, looking at me closely to gauge my reaction. "He has paid up my debt so I don't have to stay with your family anymore. I'm leaving with the Northerners tomorrow."
"Leaving?!"
"Yeah. Lucas says he doesn't want to let me go. He can't stay here and I don't have much of a life here either so moving to him is the better choice," she said.
"No!" I protested.
Lin held my hand. "Amaya, I'm pregnant."
"You are?" My mouth had gone dry. "You're pregnant?"
She nodded. "Im so happy, Amaya. There is an amazing man who loves me and is ready to give me the world. I'm going to be a mother. I'm free and safe. I have nothing to worry about. It's all thanks to you."
I didn't even realise I was crying. "Lin..."
"You're not the sappy type, Amaya. Why are you crying?" Lin chuckled as she pulled me in for a hug. "We're not even that close. Amaya, are you okay?"
"I don't want you to go," I wept. "I don't want him to go."
"Who are you talking about?" Lin asked nervously. "Maddie, a little help?"
The tears wouldn't stop and I felt as if I was spiralling into a pit of dark emotions. I could not explain what was happening to me. It had started yesterday, after Aimee threw it in my face that the Northerners were leaving soon. It was not just the Northerners, but Midas. I had not slept at all knowing that. I could not understand what was happening to me and I did not have anyone to tell.
"I'm a mess right now. I'm sorry," I croaked, trying to wipe at the never ending flow of tears. "I've just been feeling a bit down lately."
"flower, tell me how you feel," Madeline softly said.
I sniffed. "You probably won't believe me. I feel like... Like someone keeps stabbing my heart over and over. And I... What's wrong with me?"
"You have to be strong, Moonflower," Madeline encouraged me. "Just hold on."
"What do you mean?" I asked, sobering up slightly.
"Whatever is troubling you will turn out okay, I promise," she vowed. "Cheer up and don't give up."
I sniffed again. "Why do you call me Moonflower?"
"Its a precious and rare flower but it is also very special and sacred," she answered. "You remind me of that flower."
"I'm hungry," I blurted.
"And she's back," Lin teased. "Do you think it's safe to leave yet?"
"Let me go and check," Madeline offered. "On second thoughts, it's safer if you come with me. Stay close to me, okay?"
We followed her out, jumping at each sound we heard but not meeting anyone along the way, which only made the short journey quite eerie. My stomach was up in knots when we finally reached the banquet hall. I heard the voices before we walked in, relief washing over me.
Lin was the first to break away from our little group as she ran towards Lucas, jumping into his awaiting arms. My eyes instantly found deep green orbs, their owner briskly approaching us. His face was blank but his eyes were glued on me. I felt an unusual calm sweep over me that had my shoulders relaxing.
"Are you okay?" he asked, turning to Madeline. "Did anything happen to you?"
"No," Madeline replied. "Nothing happened. We're fine. I didn't know what was going on so I took them somewhere safe."
"Good," was all he said to that.
I heard my mother's voice next as she ran towards me and held me in her arms. "They took her, Amaya! They took your sister!"
My stomach dropped as I looked around, only to confirm that Aimee wasn't around. "What do you mean? Where is Aimee?!"
Mother was a sobbing mess and could not say anything else as she held onto me. Aimee was gone. I was not yet sure what had happened but I regretted not going out to see. Maybe I could have helped Aimee.
"We're calling for an emergency meeting," Father's voice boomed authoritatively.
I had never seen my father so tense and stern before. He relaxed slightly when he saw Mother and me and came to us, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder, the other onto Mother.
"Im glad you're okay, Amaya. I was worried they had got you too," he solemnly spoke.
"What happened, Dad?" I asked, tears brimming in my eyes. "Where is Aimee?"
"A group of rebels attacked us, went straight through our security and defence. They got Aimee first and hurt a lot of people. They would have gotten you too if you were here," he explained. "But we'll get Aimee back, I promise."
Father managed to get Mother away from me and left her in Ms Angel's care. Madeline gave me a hug as o cried, assuring me that everything would be fine.
"Thanks, Maddie," I told her. "There's been too much waterworks from me, huh?"
"Dont worry about it," she said with one of her warm smiles. "I need to make sure our people were okay. Are you fine on your own?"
I nodded blankly and allowed her to go. I could not fin Lin anywhere. She had probably been whisked off by Lucas. My next option would have been Aimee. I always stood by her when I felt lonely. I felt a growing pit in my stomach. I had spent the past few days scheming against her for Midas and she had been so upset with me. What if she hated me and I never got to see her again?
"Amaya, I need you to join me for this meeting. I'm afraid your mother won't be available. Is that okay? I know you're not used to this," Father requested.
"Ill be there. I just need to wear something comfortable," I told him and gave him a smile. "I guess it's time for me to finally act like the lady I am."
He chuckled to himself as I went up to my room. Now was not the time to cry. I had to be strong for my mother, for Aimee and for the Southside. It was a critical moment for me to get my wits together. Rebels had never posed such a great threat before. This could be an act of war. If they managed to get into our home and get Aimee, I could only imagine what had been done to the rest of the town.
I wore a simple beige dress with short heels, something I knew Aimee would pick. I also brushed my hair and tied it up in a neat bun. I never put this much effort in my clothes before but it was necessary now. Once done, I rushed back downstairs, just in time to meet Madeline.
"Hey Moonflower. How are you holding up?" She asked as I fell in step beside her.
I shrugged. "Im trying, I guess. I have to be strong for Aimee."
"That's the spirit," she giggled.
I smiled at her. "I had missed your smile. You've been really serious today."
"It can't be helped," she sighed. "Lucas has to take care of Lin so I had to step in. But hey, just know that we'll do our best to help, okay?"
"Thanks Maddie," I told her before we entered the conference room, the second largest room in the house, after the banquet hall.
I rushed to Father's side and tried to start conversations with the other nobles. Before long, the meeting had started.
"Thank you all for being here. To begin with, I would like to apologize to Mr Kennedy and our guests for having been involved in this. And my deepest condolences and regrets to those who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate event," Father began. "The statistics resulting from this are as follows. We have lost twenty-three people, including three children and two highly respected officials. Fifteen others are missing, including Lady Aimee who was abducted by the rebels. A lot of infrastructure has been destroyed and food supplies raided hence we shall be experiencing food shortages. We have confirmed that they polluted two of our major clean water supplies. We have more injuries than we could account for, including enforcers and officials hence we are not prepared for another attack such as this. Rebels have always been a problem we failed to handle but this is the first major crisis that has ensued because of them."
There were mumbles across the room, and even louder noise in my head as I processed the information. People had dies from this. I could not even imagine the scale to which we were hit.
"The other towns and cities have been informed and are now on high alert. A lockdown shall be observed with no one leaving or entering. We are gathering enough able people to help us fight these rebels and rid of them once and for all," Father said.
"Lord Bailey," Midas said, his deep voice easily going across the room. "It is unfortunate that you are facing this crisis. As much as we would like to offer our assistance, I am afraid that our hands are tied. The North has no connection to you hence it will be hard convincing my generals to allow their men to come here, especially with Lady Aimee's absence."
Heavy silence fell over the room that I could hear Father as he gulped. "Are you saying you will not assist us?"
"I am saying, we cannot. There is only so much we can do without the alliance now. Food and medical supplies will be provided as promised but-"
"We were under the impression that you have control of the North. Or were we misinformed?" Duke Lansbury, an elderly and highly respected official challenged angrily.
Midas's jaw ticked. "These rebels had high grade weapons. Unfortunately, one of them managed to use it on me before we disarmed them. You're asking me to tell my generals to send their men to die. This is on voluntary basis and if they do not offer their services the there is nothing I can do. I will not abuse my power and demand that my generals and their men participate in this if it is against their will."
Duke Lansbury seethed silently as murmurs began once more. Father was also silent as he looked down at the papers in front of him. Midas had a calm expression on his face, not betraying any emotions. Panic was about to start without any hope.
"Mr Kennedy, we were sure of victory with your assistance and had hope for a better future. We even survived today because you were present. Could you imagine what we can do on our own? We do not have enough men or weapons or skill to go against these people. The best case scenario is that there will be a split in the Southside, with the rebels claiming their land whilst we live on ours, only after we have sacrificed a lot of lives. Is there anything we can do?" Father said.
Midas was quiet for a while. "The best course of action would be to find Aimee first and bring her back. I can find some people available to help you with that."
"I am positive that Aimee will not be easy to get. They know how important she is to us, after all," Baron Siphles mentioned.
"Lord Bailey," Madeline said, a smile playing at her lips. "You have two daughters, am I right?"
It took a full second to register what Madeline meant before the entire room turned to look at me. My jaw dropped in disbelief.
"Are you suggesting that Amaya take her sister's place?" Father forced out through gritted teeth.
"It is an option," Madeline shrugged. "The difference between her and Lady Aimee is only a matter of who was born first."
"Thats not the only difference," Father said, clenching his fists. "Amaya has not been prepared for this. She is still too young-"
"-immature and childish," Midas said, not looking at me at all. "I think you disregard the fact that this alliance is not only to benefit the Southside but the North as well. I would require an intelligent, mature, elegant and educated wife. With all due respect, Lady Amaya is none of that. Her reputation precedes her and I have had the chance to witness it myself."
What did he just say?
"Aimee was the better option to help me lead my people. I cannot have anything less. I suggest that you keep that in mind before making any unnecessary suggestions, Madeline," Midas concluded.
The insult felt like a slap. Father was seething beside me but that was half of the rage I felt. Immature and childish? He knows nothing about me! How dare he say that I am not intelligent, mature, elegant or educated?!
A few people had begun to protest, including Madeline who was now in a heated, hushed argument with Midas. I slowly stood up, my back straight and my head held high.
"Mr Kennedy... Midas, I would kindly ask you to take that back," I calmly said, my voice loud and bold, taking everyone by surprise. "We don't know each other well enough for you to say such things about me."
"Lady Amaya-"
"I wasn't done yet," I said as I began to pace around the open area in the middle of the circular room, my heels clicking against the marble. "You have questioned my character when we have only interacted for a few days. It is expected of me to feel insulted."
"I meant no disrespect," he said.
"Of course you didn't," I scoffed.
"I understand if you had taken this the wrong way but I am not entirely wrong. What else could I say about someone who believes in magic?" he argued.
"Is that all you have to prove that I am immature, indecent and foolish? If so, then you have no right to question my character. Just because I have decided not to engage in any political or social activity does not deem me immature. Just because I choose to entertain the possibility of magic does not make me uneducated nor naive. Frankly, I think the Southside has been doing well on its own and will be much better without your interference," I said.
"Lady Amaya, that is highly unlikely," he said, glaring at me.
"The rebels used high grade weaponry," I pointed out. "Might these be anywhere close by? I would like to take a closer look. Is that alright, Father?"
Father nodded at me and I smiled as the said weapons were placed on a podium at the centre of the room. I picked one up, a gun which felt very heavy in my hands, and looked at it closely.
"Is this the weaponry you spoke about?" I asked, a smile playing at my lips. "It looks new and well made. But the bullets... Did you get shot, Mr Kennedy?"
I glanced at the bandage on his left forearm. He looked closely at me, as if trying to figure out what was in my head. Good luck with that.
"Yes," he forced out.
"Im so sorry to hear that," I said. "Did you notice, though, that the bullets to this gun are made of silver? So are the blades of these knives. Isn't that funny?"
"What are you trying to say, Lady Amaya?" Duke Lansbury asked, probably impatient.
Old hag.
"There are three silver farms in Southside. The rest of the continent has been depleted of the mineral. We make good money from silver because Northerners purchase all of it. The price of silver increases each year but there have not been any complaints from the North. As a result, we have no silver here. Baron Myers, could you be selling this silver elsewhere?" I asked.
"No, Lady Amaya. It's too expensive for any Southsider to purchase. And besides that, all of it is purchased and payments are made beforehand," the man replied.
"Even if they managed to find a silver mine or steal some, Duke Handers, do we have the equipment to produce these weapons?" I asked, turning to the other man.
"We have only one company that is able to produce weapons, but most of them are too run down to process silver," Duke Handers replied.
"So would it be safe to assume that these weapons were obtained from the North?" I asked, now looking at Midas.
"Is that an accusation, Lady Amaya?" he asked.
"No, it's speculation," I replied with a shrug. "And proof as to why I think we are better off without the North."