Nothing else was said after my mother dropped the bomb of information about the co-existing program. I was at a loss for words. I mean what are you supposed to say in that situation? 'I shall comply to your every demand mother dearest. Please excuse me whilst I pack'?
No normal person would ever react that way, so I did what I do best: ignore my problems until they're knocking at my door. In this case, there was literally a knock on my door. Today's the day after I was given the knowledge about the new program, and I was unsure how to handle it. I didn't want to cry, or rage, I simply spent the last 24 hours thinking. I tried to contact Clarke, the only person I would consider my best friend, but I didn't feel like talking.
The person behind the door knocked again interrupting my last hours of peace. "Who is it?" I sigh not wanting to be bothered.
"Kat it's us." I hear the familiar voice immediately and recognize it as Esmerelda, my youngest sibling. I set my laptop down and walk to my bedroom door. Upon opening it, I see that she's accompanied by Ulysses as well. I eye their faces before moving out the way and allowing them entry to my safe place.
I return to my desk while one settles down on my bed and the other on the bean bag chair in the corner of my room. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" I ask both of them going back to my laptop.
"We just wanted to check up on you. I haven't seen you since breakfast yesterday." Ulysses replies. I look at Esme on my bed and notice her similar look of concern. I crack a small smile. If I could choose one thing in my home to keep with me forever, it would be my siblings. Most days, I can't live without them, and I'll miss them the most when I leave.
"Thank you, minions, but I'm fine. I just needed a little time to myself." I say, using my nickname for them.
"Are you sure?" Esmerelda asked, "I heard from Selene that her older sister was chosen for the program. Then I'd seen Lyle preparing to travel and knew that he must be going along with you." Lyle was my bodyguard and went wherever I went. He graduated from the Academy with top scores in combat and weaponry 2 years ago and was later assigned as my bodyguard. Oddly, we never spoke to each other unless it was necessary. He always seemed quiet and distant when he was working. Always on alert for dangers.
"It doesn't matter how I feel about it. I have no other choices, so for now I'm just going to suck it up and deal with it." I say to them. I could complain, have a mental breakdown, or even refuse to go, but nothing is going to change my mother's mind. In her head, she's probably already planned the entire thing out. I'm just a chess piece she's willing to use to achieve her goal- whatever that is.
I love my mother, but I of all people know how far she'll go to get her way. The room is silent for a pregnant pause before Ulysses asks how far I've gotten in packing. "Just the basics. I'm told that all I need to bring are personal items. Everything else will be provided." I reply.
"I wish I could go with you," Ulysses says with a solemn expression.
I look at him and say, "Me too, but we both know that if something were to happen-" I don't even get a chance to finish before another knock is heard at the door. Startled, I nearly drop the pen I'm holding but manage to catch myself last minute.
"Lady Katarina I've just been told that it's time to depart for the jet," says a deep, baritone voice from behind the door. Realizing that my time is up, I gaze at my siblings, the first friends I had growing up. I see Esme's eyes begin to water and Ulysses stands up from the beanbag.
Trying not to cry I say, "I'm going to miss you assholes." The next thing I know, I'm being enveloped in a hug from two directions.
"Please stay safe Kat," Ulysses says with arms still wrapped around me. I say nothing in return and step back from our group hug. If I stayed too long I knew that I'd start bawling my eyes out along with them. I reach beside my bed and grab my navy blue duffel bag that contains items I'll need on the plane. All of my other luggage will be brought to the jet by palace staff.
I open the door to Lyle, Willow, and my only best friend Clarke. I smile wide at Clarke and rush to hug her. It's only been 2 weeks since we've seen each other, but it's felt like months. I'm used to seeing her every day at school, but she's been vacationing with her family for the past couple of weeks. "You didn't reply to any of my messages yesterday Rina," she says stepping back and punching me in my arm.
I pretend to wince like the punch hurt while letting out a small chuckle. "I'm sorry, I've been too preoccupied with my thoughts lately," I reply hoping she'll forgive me. She only smiles and gives me another hug before returning to her place beside Lyle. I give him a small nod, shift my gaze and reach to hug Willow. Willow is the daughter of a military strategist who works under my mother.
I've only met her 3 times in my entire life, so we're not close, but we've still known each other since we were children. I'm guessing she's also coming along as a bodyguard, not that I need one. With the training I have, I am more than equipped enough to protect myself. Bodyguards are simple a precaution that my mother takes 'just in case'. "It's nice to see you again Will," I tell her when we break apart.
"You think I would let you go across the world without me?" she says grinning. I smirk and pick up the duffel I'd dropped. I almost forget that Esme and Ulysses are still behind me, but Esmerelda's sudden presence at my side reminds me. I peer at the large grin she has on her face and the direction of her gaze.
"Esme stop ogling Willow, it's creepy," I whisper in her ear attempting not to laugh. She nudges my arm before giving Willow a small wave and speed walking down the hallway with Ulysses fast on her trails. She's had a huge crush on Will for as long as I can remember. Willow has barely even noticed her affection or has mistaken it as Esmerelda being friendly. This time I let out my laughter and look at Lyle waiting for the next move on our itinerary.
"We should be heading to the car now. I'll take your duffel bag," Lyle says reaching for it.
"No, it's fine. I'll carry it myself," I say pulling it away before he can grab it. He doesn't reach for it again and motions for me to lead the group to the car. With Clarke by my side, I walk through the castle halls I've memorized my entire life. When we reach the grand foyer, I see the front entrance wide open. We walk to the stark black SUV parked in the driveway. There are multiple cars parked around it filled with luggage and more guards.
Clarke and I settle into the back seat of the vehicle, Willow gets in the passenger side, and Lyle enters the driver's seat. I look up at the front view mirror and see Lyle waiting for my signal. I give him a nod and he takes the car out of park. With one final glance at my childhood home, I look away and put my earbuds in, drowning out the thoughts that threaten to intrude into my headspace.