Chapter 7: Emotional Chaos

I remember the sunny morning I got up, later than usual it seemed and looked around for Poe. It was the beginning of my third week in what I had begun to feel was captivity. I had fallen into the routine of waking, being interrogated by the king, being escorted by guards whenever I left my room, and never being allowed to even approach an open door.

"Paona?" I called, "Poe?"

Silence greeted my tired voice. I had been seeing less of Poe lately, she said they had needed her to help prepare for this "Meeting of Princes," being held here soon. This was the first morning, however, she wasn't here when I woke up. I rose and dressed myself, still wondering where my friend could be. By habit, I opened the door to my chambers and started walking to the Throne room.

Two sleepy guards slouched outside my room. Immediately, they stepped towards me.

"Where are you going?" One asked.

"I'm going to get some food and then speak with the King," I answered with just a hint of annoyance. The other guard motioned me to go back into my room.

"Not today," he said. "Many guests are coming here today and will be here for a while. You must stay in your room. Food will be brought to you."

"What?" I asked incredulously. "I can't leave my room? Where is my handmaiden?"

"Your servant will be here shortly, she is tending to the guests. Be patient."

The other guard opened the door to my room.

"Fine!" I slammed the door myself.

Fuming, I paced the length of my room and back again. I picked up the green book that I had read cover to cover and threw it down again. I made the bed and arranged the furniture in front of the fireplace. Pace, pace, pace. Sun shone through the balcony doors. I pulled on a pair of worn boots from a trunk near my bed and took one of the grey cloaks hanging in the corner to wrap my chilled body. Even the balcony doors stuck for a moment like they were resisting my intent on leaving the room. I forcefully swung one door half open and slipped outside.

Even though there was snow on the ground, the sun was warm and there was no wind. Ice sparkled off the forest and river. Below in the yard, I watched as riders and carriages arrived and were taken care of. Faes of all sizes and shape and manner of colour were chatting in groups like birds at a feeder, as they made their way into the castle. I didn't see any sheep wrestling men and noticed there were no prints near where I saw the trap door those many days ago.

"My lady," Poe's tired, but cheerful voice reached me through the balcony doors. "You need to keep the doors shut against the cold. Did no one build you a fire?"

"Well, hello Paona." I laughed, happy to see a friendly face. A glint of the sun reflected off something in the courtyard, and I turned my attention back to the yard. My heart jumped,

"Breeard! Sieren! Glendrig!" I shouted excitedly, overjoyed to see my first friends again. "You're alright! I'm so happy to see you!"

"My lady!"

"It is good to see you."

"Are you well?"

They chorused back. The knights seemed to be as happy to see me as I was to see them. I dashed by Poe, quickly explaining my excitement, and opened my door. I was just about to burst through when a guard grabbed my arm.

"Whoa ho! No, back in you go."

Before I could resist or say a single word, he spun me around and pushed me back inside. I hatched a hasty plan.

"Poe, hey Poe.... come here." I whispered. She nodded and tilted her head to listen. "Can you go and talk to the three silver knights? Tell them where I am and why I can't meet them?"

She answered with her typical, "Of course, My lady," and casually stepped out. Almost immediately she came back in, followed by the guards.

"You are to come with us. The King has requested your presence."

Poe's expression was as plain as her dress. She calmly followed us at a distance, until the guards waved her away. A knot began to tie itself in my stomach as we marched down the hall, down the stairs, through the foyers and antechamberss, until finally, I came out from the side of the main throne room.

The Fae in the crowded room all turned as one to watch my approach.

"Ah, here she is," the silky voice of Valentin rose above the low chatter. "My guests, let us begin. Thank you all for coming, some of us have travelled very far."

He cast a withering glance to a far corner of the room.

As if a silent command was given, the noble Fae in the room drifted apart, leaving the middle of the room open. I was escorted to the centre by the guard, then left to stand alone. I scanned the group of Fae who surrounded me. crowns and tiaras of gold, silver, branches, and feathers adorned the heads of numerous princes. Others had flowers and precious stones. I caught a glimpse of my three knights, standing near the doorway of the room. They must be here with someone. Seeing them sent a spark of hope and warmth into my troubled heart. I continued to look at my audience. There was one prince, standing slightly apart from the others, hooded and dressed in black. I caught sight of vivid blue eyes which stared into mine for a mere moment before I looked down and prepared myself for whatever was to come.

I'm sure I could have imagined worse, but the experience was still uncomfortable. The King repeated all the questions he had ever asked me. Sometimes a voice from beside, in front, or behind me would speak up and ask a question. I don't know how many times they asked about abilities, powers, and strengths. I was getting exasperated at having to continually repeat myself.

"I do NOT have superpowers, I am not inhumanly strong, I do not have any abilities that make me fly or read minds or talk to animals!"

When the princes had exhausted their questions, Valentin walked towards me.

"Thank you, as always, my treasured guest," He stood in a daunting stance before me, and I felt a chill run down my spine. "You may go relax in your chambers while we discuss this situation."

I took a chance, "Will they help me get home?"

Valentin stared hard into my eyes.

"We will see."