Twelve: Marythelia

Otreg and I didn't speak or look at each other. He knew I was angry with him for what he's done and knew if he said anything, I'd explode. However mad I was, I wasn't expecting to be flying through the sky at the fastest speed ever. The experience was intoxicating, but I didn't smile or share my exhilaration.

We didn't stop at night, so when Otreg handed me some food, I ignored him and closed my eyes. "Come on, Thelia. You're going to have to talk to me at some point."

I wanted to retort, but kept my mouth shut.

"We'll be in the kingdom tomorrow afternoon. In order to survive there, you'll have to listen to me. You need to work with me."

I still didn't say anything and he stopped talking. I eventually fell asleep.

The next day, I was staring out the window when I saw a glimmer ahead. I squinted against the sunshine and realized it was a giant golden castle, complete with windows that were colored like gems. Silver tiles lined the rooftops, beautiful statues guarded the gates we flew through, carved into a pair of angry dragons meeting in the middle with teeth and claws bared. On the roads, men and women wandered about. Children played on grassy areas, chasing each other or playing with a ball.

And in the distance, beyond the castle and the people, huge birdlike creatures flew. I couldn't really tell what they were, but I had a good guess.

I didn't get to confirm it because the carriage landed in front of the castle doors where two columns of soldiers stood at attention. Otreg glanced at me warily. "Don't run. We aren't a kingdom like yours, and because of that you could be a danger to yourself."

I swallowed, but said nothing. He opened the door of the carriage and stepped out, then turned back and held out his hand. I narrowed my eyes at him in suspicion, but let him help me out. Once my feet touched the ground, the doors opened. I looked up and saw a middle-aged man stride towards us with a glowing smile. "Otreg! It's wonderful to have you home again!" he said.

"Lord Thiebaut, how have you been?" Otreg greeted.

"I have endured. And who is this?" he asked, looking at me.

"This is Marythelila from Sellan."

If possible, the man's smile grew as if he were pleased at my presence. "Wonderful! My Lady, it is an honor to finally meet you. I hope your room is to your liking and if you need anything at all, you just let me know."

I smiled a little and nodded. Otreg stepped in front of me and asked, "How's Zargis?"

To this, Thiebaut frowned. "I wouldn't be surprised if he came at you, Otreg. He's in a rage, especially since you didn't let him go with you."

I frowned at this. Why wouldn't Otreg let Zargis come to Citron's? Because of me? "He'll be fine as soon as Marythelia walks through the doors!" Otreg says cheerfully.

Thiebaut muttered to himself but ushered us between the two columns of guards and through the doors of the castle. Inside, I found myself looking up, up, up, way up to the vaulted ceiling with stained glass to let in the sunshine. There were reds and oranges and yellows and blues. It was magnificent. While the outside seemed like the castle was made of gold, the inside was more cozy but with all the glory.

We walked through the foyer and through a door on the left. Inside, I thought it was a ballroom at first, but then noticed there were pews where people could sit on each side of the room, doors at the far end that I believed led to the outside for citizens to come inside, and on the opposite side of the room from those was a raised dais with a tall throne that looked like it was real fire. Seated there was Zargis, looking enraged.

Thiebaut bowed to Zargis and announced Otreg and I, then stepped back. Otreg did not bow, but stared at Zargis levelly. I felt awkward, but stood behind Otreg, waiting for a sign from someone that I should do something.

At last, when I thought they would continue the staring contest all day, Zargis stood and paced the dais. "Where is Unda?" he demanded.

"She decided to stay. She wouldn't come when I told her Marythelia was joining us."

Zargis looked at me and paused. I crossed my arms and glared. He blinked. "Why in Korgenyegia is she here? Why isn't she at home?"

My glare deepened and I opened my mouth to say something, but Otreg beat me to it. "Because she is no longer a slave and you were planning on bringing her here anyways."

Zargis shook his head. "I don't remember this."

Otreg waved a hand as if to say, "And why do you think that is?"

Zargis sat down and stared at us for a long time, then said, "Lord Thiebaut, will you show Thelia to her room? Otreg and I need to have a private conversation."

"Yes, Sir," Thiebaut said and opened the door we came through and gestured for me to go ahead.

I began to walk over, glad to be leaving the room when Zargis said, "Thelia?" I paused my steps, but didn't turn to look at him. "I will come talk to you soon."

My anger turns to hatred and I stomp out of the room. Thiebaut leads me up a staircase to the next floor and down a hallway. I thought the hallway would never end when it finally did. "This will be your room, Lady Marythelia. If there is anything you may need, ring the bell. I or one of the maids will come."

He handed me a pair of keys then stepped to the side and let me step up to the door. I unlocked it and opened it to find a little sitting area with plush couches and a beautiful mahogany desk.

Before I got too engrossed with my exploration, I turned to Thiebaut. "Thank you," I say.

He bows. "It's my pleasure. Please, make yourself comfortable." With that, he turned and strode down the hallway. I closed the door and slumped against it.

I had no idea where I was, no idea how to escape, and no one to trust. I was on my own and I felt overwhelmed. Otreg took me away from my life, as horrible as it was, it was still a life. Now, I didn't know what to do or where to go. I wanted to be far away from Zargis. I never wanted to see him again. And yet, this was his kingdom and he could order anyone to bring me to him if I refused.

It seemed hopeless.

I walked through doors and found my bedroom. The huge bed was adorned with soft blankets and cloud-like pillows. I pulled myself up onto it and lied down, finally giving up completely.