Chapter 12

~Kamari~

"Tell me this isn't how my people are dressing?" The ragged-looking dress and shoes that Calea gave me to put on were horrid. I wasn't one to judge, but this wasn't right. 

"Your father wasn't the giving type. He felt this type of clothing put them in their place." Calea says as she puts the wrap on her head and adjusts mine. A bitterness dug into my gut. My father's reign still had a hold on my Kingdom. And by the Calea's pinch brows and tight-lipped-frown, she didn't care for it either.

"I hope to change that," I said with a hopeful smile. Calea's face brightens, "I know you will."

In moments like this, Calea feels like the closest thing to a real friend. "Do you miss her like I do?" I ask, feeling the ache in my soul.

Calea's face goes blank for a second, and then she looks at me, and she swallows, "I do."

"Are you okay?" I ask, seeing a shift in Calea's demeanor.

"Hm? Oh, yes. Sorry. I guess nerves are making me a bit unsettled." Calea's face brightens again. "Are we ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

Walking out of the Castle and into the City of Nivillia was a drastic difference. I had to turn around to ensure Calea was leading me to the right place. The Archway to the City is cracked and weathered with pieces of its stone on the ground. And ahead, I could see the gloomy start of the city. I haven't been out of the Castle for so long. 

"What did my father do?" I asked, my heart sinking at the sight of the kingdom.

"Nothing. He let it rot." A sliver of anger laced Calea's voice.

The homes and vendor's buildings were made of weak wood; it almost looked as if it would break on top of their heads. Yet I saw some owners smiling as they waved their customers goodbye. A girl passes by me, and I notice her clothes are far too tight for the young woman she's becoming. It makes me sick to my stomach. This can't be Nivillia, not the one I remember.

"I don't understand. When I was young, this place flourished." The archway gleamed of bright white stone. It bloomed with lush green plants and trees intertwined with the buildings. Clear pools of blue could be seen in some places in the city, with cobblestone walkways and moss that peaked out of the creaks.

My heart breaks. And I halt, feeling a deep hollowness within myself. "Kamari," Calea whispers, "What's wrong?"

I drop to my knees, and for whatever reason, I place my hand on the ground and feel a jolt of a heartbeat, as if electricity zapped through me. I grab my hand and press it to my chest. 

What was that?

"Kamari get up," Calea whispers harshly, "People are starting to stare…"

I couldn't care less; my focus was on the land itself. I swallowed hard and placed my hand on the ground again. And I heard a low-timbered voice.

Kin of my daughter. My beloved is poisoned—rebirth of her soul.

The voice makes me gasp; I shoot up. My body shakes as if I've just seen a ghost. I feel the blood drain from my face, "I-I need to go back home…" I turn quickly on my heels and run for the Castle. There is no doubt in my mind of who spoke to me. 

Veldon.

***

I didn't go back to the underdwelling. Veldon's voice came with overwhelming emotions beyond compare—sorrow, anger, and pain. My father ruined the thing Veldon poured his body and soul into. And he wanted me to fix it.

Does he know who I am? Maybe. He knew I was part of his bloodline. All I knew was that I wanted to do everything possible to fix what my father destroyed. I wouldn't have just one Dragonborn; I'd have more than enough to ensure this Kingdom wouldn't have a horrid King like Syris. My children would know the history, the truth behind the land they'd eventually rule. 

My mother did. She made sure of it, and now that I think about it, she never lets me forget. It wasn't until the council meeting that I heard Veldon's words in writing. And now I was sure that jolt I felt was a heartbeat…

And that's what killed me. He was still there, slowly dying over years and years. No longer able to fight for what he loved. Now, he depended on his daughter's lineages. "Good Goddess, why would you would let him do such a thing." Kadea must have seen it. Yet, she did nothing. The mere thought made my blood burn like fire. 

"Kamari?" Calea rounds the corner of the stairwell leading up to the tower. "Why did you run like that? So many people questioned me about you. I had to tell them you were a deranged girl!"

I scoff, "I think it's the closest truth you could have told."

"What?" Calea sighs, then sat next to me, "What happened Kamari? What made you run like that, you've never been one to flee."

I pause then answer her, "He was in my head…"

"Who?"

"Veldon."

When I turn to Calea, she stares at me and double-blinks. As I continue to talk she stands up, her face pales. I furrow my brows, " You look like you're about to puke."

Calea turns her back on me, "Kamari you should um-check on your husbands. They may be worried about you." Calea starts to walk away from me. 

"Hey, Calea! Wha-what the hell…"

I followed her with my gaze, this wasn't like her at all. Did I freak her out? I rub my arm, hoping that wasn't the case. I didn't mean to. I sigh, putting my face in my hands. 

Three months. Three months to fix all of this mess. It wasn't enough time.