1.1 CHAPTER FIVE: THE NIGHTMARE AFTER
Karme had no idea what woke her up. But as she opened her eyes, she instantly saw the empty space beside her. Wide-eyed, she sat up. Her silk blanket fell to her waist, revealing her naked body. But Karme's room was filled with warmth from a very alive fireplace for the first time in years.
But–the warmth that surrounded her the night before was gone.
Lucian was nowhere to be found in the room, along with any of his belongings.
Karme pulled at the silk and wrapped it around her as she stood up from the bed. As she did, her legs gave up, and she fell to the floor. In an attempt to save herself, Karme held on to the bedside table, but it fell with her.
The loud sound echoed around the empty room. Karme closed her eyes as pain assailed her. As she tried to disentangle herself from the mess she landed in, she heard the door open, along with Maya's worried questions.
The attendant was quick. She helped Karme back into the bed, pulling the silk blanket tighter. She knelt down on the floor and started picking everything up.
"Please stay seated, my lady," Maya implored, looking up at the younger woman she served. "I am sure after a night with your husband, your hips might be numb,"
"Maya!" Karme chided in embarrassment as memories of the night flashed in her mind, and blood rushed to her cheeks.
But Maya only laughed as she stood up from the floor, picking up the last of the objects that fell and putting them back once more on top of the bedside table. "Forgive me, my lady," but her laughing tone told Karme she was not sorry.
"Where is he, anyway?" Karme asked, looking around the room once more.
"I saw him early this morning leaving your father's library," Maya answered as she walked back towards the door and ordered someone for a fresh pot of tea.
Karme's ears twitched at what she heard, and her mind whirled with all the possibilities. What would her father want with her husband so early in the morning? Not to mention on the day after her wedding.
Her blood ran cold as she thought of the worst possible scenario. She jumped up from the bed, staggering at the action. Despite Maya's protest for her to stay seated, Karme stood her ground.
"Bring me my clothes, Maya. I have to talk to my father," Karme instructed.
There was nothing Maya could do but obey. It was rare for Karme to order her. But rarer for her to want to talk with her father on her own accord.
Just as Maya finished helping the younger woman dress, the bedchamber door opened. The two of them gasped at the sudden sound, and their eyes flew in that direction.
The two women quickly bowed their heads when they realized who had entered. Karme's throat felt dry. Her father looked angrier than ever as he stalked toward her.
Without warning, the duke struck her sharply with an open hand. The heavy slap threw Karme down the floor. Maya's loud gasp followed the thudding sound the lady she served made.
"What have you done this time, you wretched brat?" the duke bellowed, his face reddening in anger.
Karme quickly scrambled and knelt down in front of her father. "I don't understand, your highness," she cried.
"Your husband left," the duke announced.
With those words, Karme had no idea what hurt more. The pain from her father's attack or the ache in her heart.
~oOo~
A week after her husband abandoned her, Karme still found herself unable to believe it. After securing her cape around her shoulder, she sat down on the grass, slightly covered with fresh snow. She rested the side of her head towards the Iloe tree her mother adored.
But out of the peacefulness, she found in the place full of memories of her mother, Krianna's voice pierced through.
"Should you even be here?"
Karme sighed as she opened her eyes and looked up at her twin sister. "This is the garden, Krianna. I am allowed here,"
"Do. Not. Say. My. Name, you useless wretch, "Krianna clipped, enraged.
The air around Krianna started crackling with the pure energy of white lightning. Karme sighed as she bowed her head low.
"Please, forgive me, your ladyship," she instinctively apologized.
Krianna and their father were so alike in so many things. For one, their love for tormenting Karme. But it was not like Karme never understood why they got along so well.
As she watched Krianna walk away with a huff, Karme could not help but be wistful. Krianna was the perfect daughter. Her father's apple of the eye. And the royal family's pride and joy. After all, Krianna was a very gifted mage and embodied the rare lightning's ability.
Their father hoped Krianna would be chosen as the next royal mage by the Undying Phoenix fire. Having your name pulled out from the fire would mean the most tremendous honor possible.
While Karme was…
Well, Karme.
She sighed as she closed her eyes once more. She could not help but imagine. How good would it be to be wrapped in the arms of someone who loved her?
She never wished for the world.
Just one person.
It would be enough.