46 - Being Pursued

Her mother paled at his words. "It can't be them, right?" she whispered in fear. Her father shook his head.

"We're not certain. One of my scouts reported weird tracks. Some horses and a weird beast track never seen. Almost like a bear but larger."

Anemone stared at both of them, unsure. "Mother, is everything okay?" she asked softly.

Her mother turned to stare at her, her eyes wide. "Calla, I will go out for a bit with my husband. Watch over Anemone for now. I will be back." Her mother opened the door and sat sideways in her father's saddle.

Calla reached over to close the door. Anemone looked at the ball of light in her hands. "Milady, let's continue with our lessons. I will teach you how to heal," Calla said.

Anemone listened to Calla wordlessly. She wanted to know what was happening and who it was. Her parents still thought she was young to know. The healing spell was like sewing, only good for minor scratches and bruises. Hours seem to pass by, and she learned more magic spells.

Her mother finally came back after what seemed like forever. She smiled at Anemone in assurance and sat down. "Calla, how was Anemone's training?"

Anemone stared at her mother converse with Calla. Her curiosity burned within her. Before she knew it, the words flew out. "Mother, what is happening?"

Her mother stopped to look at her. "What do you mean, Anemone?"

"Father said we're being followed. Has it been resolved?" Anemone asked.

Her mother smiled and held Anemone's hands. "Yes, it has been resolved. He only came by to say we are going to rush home. We're not going to rest for the night. It'll be okay. We just want to spend more time with you."

Her mother's words seemed off to Anemone. She could feel her mother's hands gripping tightly to hers. Anemone squeezed back. "Are you not telling me because you think I won't understand?"

They stared at each other in silence. Calla finally said something. "I am sorry for being bold but milady has been learning really fast. Her knowledge is more than most girls her age. I'm sure she would understand and may help."

Tears started falling from her mother's eyes. Anemone, shocked, looked for a handkerchief but her mother stopped her. "Calla, you are right." She took a deep breath. "Please leave, Calla."

Calla nodded and left out the door, closing it shut. Her mother went and closed the drapes over the window. She casted a small light spell, illuminating their faces. "Anemone, the queen had a vision of something bad happening to you. That's why we are rushing home."

Anemone thought back to how the queen dismissed her answer and sent her off. "When?"

"The queen didn't specify. The problem with her visions... they don't specify much and it can changed drastically. To be safe, she decided we should leave early."

Anemone thought back to the queen's words. "Is it about my engagement?"

Her mother smiled sadly. "It can be and it can not be."