Conflicted Emotions

"Why am I being told all of this now and not before all hell broke loose?" Red's anger rose.

"There wasn't enough time to explain. Granny Cane saw the watch when you were asleep and we knew the first trial was at hand." Archer said.

"We waited for the longest time for you to awaken Red. We are so sorry it had to be like this. We almost thought you were never going to; we had no choice but to fight unprepared because if we haven't, death would come upon us." Ari continued.

"You could have told me the truth even before I awoke. Not only is it time saving, I could've been prepared." Steam started to rise from where she stood.

"It is not how the Faey Court had instructed the warriors Red. Do not vent on Arikyer here." Grandmama interrupted. "The candidate must awaken by herself or else any forced attempt might lead to the insanity along with the warrior's death."

"We couldn't just force you to awaken Red. It was too risky-" Ari agreed.

"Doesn't the queen have children? Why does she need to randomly pick people to fight to the death?" Red asked Arikyer mid-sentence.

"The queen is not allowed to have a lover as she is to focus ruling the kingdom alone." Dorothy answered. "To a Queen, love is not an emotion she could afford."

"That sounds pretty lonesome." Red contemplated. "But hold on for a while. Why do you know all of this grandmama?"

The old lady gazed faraway and replied, "Because we were once nobilities of the Faey Courts dear. The Canes family were banished and cursed to never return to the kingdom of Faey."

She looked at her grand-daughter and smiled. "We aged faster and our days became numbered in human years. We basically became humans. Our magic stripped away." Dorothy told Red.

"All because my betrothed sister fell in love with a human and ran away. They had a son, your father was part Faey and human Red. And your mother, dear she was exceptional indeed."

"Magic runs in your blood." Arikyer said. "You cannot escape your destiny."

"We know this is a lot to take in sweetie." Grandmama took Red's hand and squeezed it tightly. "We have no choice but to fight. The Seven Trials is a ritual battle to become the ruler of Faeys, and you've heard it from Arikyer himself."

"No Faey is allowed to kill another Faey outside of ritual battle." She whispered under her breath.

"The trials have already commenced. Which means both you and Granny Cane are in great danger from the other candidates Red." Arikyer warned her.

"Which also means you would need to be able to fight them anytime." Archer pointed out.

Red dreaded what they were telling her now. Even if she chose to flee from this, the other candidates will try to get rid of her and could even try to hurt her loved ones. Red collapsed at the spare sofa and clutched her hair in frustration.

How ill-fated of her to have awaken at all.

She should've just stayed oblivious and continued on with her dreary life. Joining the battle was a decision poorly made. She had always been someone who was not confident enough. She was just very good in hiding all her self-doubt by wearing a charade of confidence.

What has she gotten herself into?

Why did she allow all of these to happen?

Why did it have to be her?

"As I have said, you were chosen by the queen for a reason the queen alone knows and in order for you to find those out, you must continue winning the trials given to you." Her Faey warrior assured her as he knelt down and their faces leveled. "You just need to trust us. Trust in me Red."

Ari's face was so close to her that she could see the strands of his hair brushed neatly backwards. He smelled of fresh pinewood even after all the things that happened when she awakened and during the first trial.

Her emotions was on a roller-coaster ride and she was mad at how fate had played out for her. Archer motioned for his brother and Ari stood back to give Red her space.

"Let's leave her be with her thoughts for now." She heard the flower boy said.

"When you need us, we will be at the top floor." Ari said as they went out of the apartment.

"Good night and rest well. Tomorrow is another day to be mad and confused." Archer added. He is really adding on to all the confusion Red is facing right now.

Was he being sarcastic or was it just the truth she can't admit to herself?

The door closed on them and Sir Arthur jumped at the coffee table; his golden and azure eyes staring intently while swishing his black chubby tail back and forth. Grandmama came back from the kitchen and handed her something warm to calm her mind.

"The world of the Faeys isn't always rainbows and butterflies like in the bedtime stories I used to read to you dear." The old lady said, stroking her hair lovingly. "You have so much more to know sweetie. But tonight, we shall rest."

What a day it had been.