diamonds

chapter 26 | Hibi

"So the Hearts hunk is here" I nodded.

She looked down "You've had it good huh? Travelled the kingdoms in search for adventure" She looked out the window "I wish I had the guts to do that" My eyes widened at her suggestive tone.

I reached out to grab her hand "Euca it wasn't always an adventure, shit and giggles. There were times I didn't sleep for weeks at a stakeout to bust out child sex traffickers. Times where I was captured and tortured for information I didn't have. Times where I slept in trees to get away from people trying to kill me".

She looked down and I lifted her head with my index finger and thumb "This life?' I gestured to all that was around me "This is for you" She shooked her head and moved my hands away.

She looked out the window "I'm going to be the Queen Of Spades next year Hibi-

"And you're going to kick ass-

"That's the thing! I can't!" She waved around her skinny arms "I can't fight for shit. Hell! I can't even throw a fucking punch!" Tears escaped her eyes and she looked up at me "This was meant for you, you were made to be a queen".

I immediately shook my head with an awkward laugh "Look at me Euca! I can't stay in the same place for longer than a month. I'm not queen material. But you and I were cut from a different cloth. You were made to lead this place" Tears streamed down her face.

"No Hibi I-

"No, you listen to me!" I grabbed her face in both of my hands "Adaora adopted you for a reason. So what if I was next in line?! This role was made for you and here I am giving you a little push" I rubbed her cheek to wipe away the tears "Remember when we did war strategy together? You kicked ass at it and even designed the strategies to some of our best battles".

She laughed. "And you're so good with animals! I'm allergic to Rhus, but he loves you." A small smile tugged on her lips and I pulled it up, watching her face turn into a beautiful grateful smile "You're going to be the best queen we've ever seen Eucalyptus Spade. And I'll be at your coronation. Invitation be damned".

"It's a shame you're not going to be one too" She muttered as leaned into my hands "I've always thought you'd look beautiful with a crown on your head". I smiled and her and leaned in for a hug which in return she held me tightly.

"We'll see what the heavens have planned for me".

A loud booming knock echoed on her wooden door sprung us apart and it was closely followed by a worried voice. "Lypy? Are you in there?".

Adaora.

We both shared a look as the colour left our faces. "Uh- yes mom!" A sigh followed Euca's comforting words.

"There's been a breach in the castle and I just wanted to know if you were alright?"

I stood up softly trying to make as little noise as possible. Euca pointed frantically at the open cupboard, gesturing to me to hide in it. I tiptoed to it quickly. "I-i've just been h-here reading!"

"Euca" Her voice was now sterner "May I enter?"

I practically jumped into the closet causing it to shake a bit, a few books dropped from on top of it and splattered across the floor causing Euca to shoot me a glare. I tried to closer the door slowly but it made a squeaking sound that had me freeze in my place.

"Eucalyptus Yvette Spade what is going on in that room!?"

She leapt to shut the closet door before yelling "Sorry mom you can come in!"

I heard the door burst open followed by the sound of heavy footsteps entering. "God's you made such a mess, you need to clean this place up" I heard Adaora lecturing. "Well don't just stand there looking stupid come and give me a hug I missed you".

Euca immediately eased of the closet, causing the door to open a bit providing a space for me to look out of. I saw Adaora's hands wrapped around Euca as they hugged but instead of Adaora looking at her she was staring at the closet door with narrowed eyes.

I closed my eyes before we could make eye-contact. "What's with all this mess?" She asked.

"I was trying to reach a book but slipped before I could grab it" The lie slid easily passed her lips and I let out a small sigh of relief but covered my mouth lightning fast as I remembered who was still in the room.

Adaora let go of her and started walking towards the closet. She picked up the books and started to stack back into place. "Your height will truly be the death of you one day sweetheart".

My heart couldn't help but clench at her motherly love. Adaora had natural maternity instincts that turned on when around children or people she loved. Her concern for my every injury and slightest discomfort was something I still dearly missed.

"It's not like I'm trying to be short" Euca huffed in defiance causing Adaora to chuckle.

"I know Lypy" She walked over to her and placed a kiss on her head "But you should try to use the stool I got you once in a while" She nodded her head to the wooden stool that sat unused in the corner of the room. It had cobwebs joining at its legs, showing that it was untouched since purchase.

Euca raised her nose at it "I would never, it's insulting to me and all other people not blessed with long legs." Adaora shook her head in amusement and ruffled Euca's curls.

"Okay sweetheart" She chuckled. She began to head back to the door "I am jam-packed with stuff today so I'll only see you at dinner, which you will be attending" She emphasized pointedly.

Euca followed her to the door eagerly almost shoving her out of it. But Adaora stopped to peek her head out the door before leaving "And do organize your closet, the door is peaking open due to being stuffed with items".

Or criminals.

Euca nodded her head obediently and gritted out a quick goodbye before slamming the door closed. I let out a sigh and practically fell out of the closet. "Gosh, that was a close one".

"Yes you'd be cat food by now if it weren't for my spectacular acting" I rolled my eyes.

"Oh I did miss that peppy narcism" I deadpanned. We took a breather, both processing that I was still alive.

I guess Adaora's lost her touch.

"You know I have to go now right" Euca looked down.

"Yeah I know" She walked to her window and I followed her "I'm not that upset about it either, you smell like shit babe" I snorted and she chuckled with me before quickly pulling me into another hug. "Just gotta do that one more time" I wrapped my arms around her and put my chin on her head.

"I'll be back for you coronation" She looked up at me sceptically.

"You will?" I nodded.

"I promise" She sighed and held me for a bit more time before letting go.

She swung open the window and ushered me out "Be careful, don't slip and fall or anything" She quickly said unsure of what I was about to do. I got out and put my feet on the stone beneath her window.

"Don't worry I did this all the time when we were kids" She nodded as memories went flashing past her eyes.

"Goodbye Hibiscus" I smiled at her, trying to ignore the tears in her eyes that begged me to stay.

"Goodbye Eucalyptus"

I continued to climb as I moved towards the right side of the building. My plan was working almost too well considering there was surprisingly no one in the courtyard. I shrugged it off considering I heard Adaora say something about a meeting.

I shuffled past another huge window that opened into one of the spacial rooms Adaora used for yoga. As I reached for the next pillar the window shattered behind me and a hand wrapped around my neck, dragging me painfully through the window and through the shattered glassed before throwing me to the floor.

"What? did you think I was born yesterday?"