15 Chapter 15: The smell of fire

There was a lingering smell of fire in the air. It smelt burnt, a distinctive smell.

Her hair was wet, but her body was warm. She lifted a hand and saw a small fire in her hand.

"Bryan! Bryan! Where are you?"

She fell to her knees. The white dress now stained brown, pieces of it seemed singed. The grass on the ground were scorched. The rain smelt refreshing, diluting the burnt stench.

"Sister! I am here."

Mia turned and saw Bryan standing right in front of her. He was smiling. He was so beautiful. He knew her. He knew everything. He knew the fire inside of her.

"It is okay, sister." The little boy nodded his head. "I will always be here for you."

Mia smiled, and hugged Bryan.

"Queen Mia!" Emily's voice broke through the atmosphere.

Mia awoke in shock.

"Bryan!" She cried aloud, before she composed herself.

"How long have I been sleeping for?" Mia said.

Emily Harper laughed. "Not very long, just one night and one day."

"That devil Zachariah. I totally lost control because of that idiot. What has happened? Have the suitors all run away?"

"Woah, slowly slowly," Emily smiled. "You might be relieved that some have left, or rather run away. There are still five of them. Peter Black, Gale Forrest, Russell White and Clement Flynn. Oh, there's still Darren The Great, who effectively missed what's happened."

"Argh, do I really need to choose a husband?" Mia felt like giving up. It was just so difficult to imagine that it would be plausible that somebody would still accept her as a wife, knowing that she might burst into flames anytime.

"True love will tame your flames," Emily said. "That was what the prophet said. Maybe somebody will be able to help you. Maybe it is one of them? Maybe you are already looking at him?"

"Maybe," Mia sighed.