Chapter 24 Chapter 24
Thalina’s POV
‘You are ready, Thalina,’
Those words keep on repeating inside my head like broken cassette.
I have no idea what made him think that I am ready. Is it because I was able to walk straight without falling those books? Or maybe because I didn’t cry in front of Princess Atasha and Selene when they were clearly insulting me? Whatever it may be I still can’t fully grasp everything.
I don’t think I will ever be ready. I keep on telling them that I will claim what’s mine and I will fight for the crown but now that I am close to that day I feel like my heart would explode from fear.
“You will be fine, Thalina. Everything will be fine,” I assured myself.
I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling hugging my pillow tightly as I keep on reminding myself that I will be fine. Everything will be fine.
I have no idea when did I fall asleep that night but I woke up when I heard a knock on my door.
I rubbed my eyes to clear my vision and stretched my arms before crawling out of bed.
I was still half-asleep when I pulled the door open.
“I am sorry I disturbed your sleep, Thalina,” Juliet’s voice infiltrated my ear.
I blinked a few times to check if she was really here and she is really here. I wasn’t dreaming.
“Juliet,” I greeted as I widened the opening of the door.
I just met her but I feel happy that she’s here. I don’t know if she thinks the same but I already see her as my friend.
“King Thaddeus summoned me to help you for the preparation for the Blood Moon. It might appear on the night sky tonight so he wants me to help you condition your body,”
I understandingly nodded. I trust her. I know she isn’t like Princess who was filled with evil scheme.
“Come in. I’m sorry my room is still a mess I just woke up,”
She offered me a polite smile and stepped inside my room. She sat on the couch while I stared tidying my bed.
“I’ll just take a quick shower if that’s okay with you?”
Juliet being sweet as she is gave me a nod. “It’s fine. Don’t rush yourself. I will just wait here,”
Even if she tells me to take my time I still can’t abuse her kindness. It is rude to keep her waiting when she came here early to help me.
Just like what I said I took a quick shower and changed into a decent dress.
I dried my hair while Juliet was busy reading a book on the couch.
“Did you have breakfast?”
She shook her head. “I rushed her. I forgot to eat,”
“Let’s have breakfast first? Is that okay with you?”
Juliet smiled and rose from the couch. She went to me and we stepped out of the room together.
Before we could reached the staircase we bumped into Princess Atasha at the hallway. I guess the peaceful morning that I am aiming for will no longer happen.
“You are here Juliet,” she greeted. She didn’t even looked at me as if I didn’t exist.
Juliet politely bowed at her and flashed a gentle smile. “It was nice to see you again, Princess Atasha,”
Atasha smiled looking at Juliet with adoration. I wonder if that’s true or she is just faking it. “You no longer visit my chamber. I miss talking to you,” she pouted her lips, sulking as if she’s really sad that Juliet doesn’t visit her.
Do they have a close relationship? Then why did Juliet tell me those words? Why does she sounded like she was against of Princess Atasha becoming the Queen of the kingdom?
“I got busy attending our men who guards the border. Don’t worry I will pay you a visit whenever I am free, Princess Atasha,”
Princess Atasha’s smile widened and this time she glanced at me as if she finally noticed my presence.
“I heard the Blood Moon might appear tonight, Thalina. Are you confident to face the whole kingdom and the Council?”
It wasn’t a question. Her tone sounded like he was mocking me as if she was indirectly telling me that I am yet ready and I should back out.
I admit I am scared. I am not confident to face the kingdom but I won’t admit it to her face.
I smiled and gave her a nod. “You train me well. I am sure I will do just fine,”
I want to insult her back but I will just waste my energy doing that. Princess Atasha being Princess Atasha I know she will do everything to ruin my mood so this time I won’t let her. I have so many things I have to do instead of dealing with the petty fight she was pulling.
“If you’ll excuse us Princess Atasha. We have important things to do,”
I offered her a polite smile before I held Juliet’s hand and pulled her out of Princess Atasha’s face.
When we reached the last step of the stair I let go of Juliet’s hand and walked side by side towards the breakfast hall.
The moment we reached the breakfast hall I sat on my usual seat—on the right side of the center end table where King Thaddeus usually sit while Juliet sat across from me.
Foods are already laid on the table. King Thaddeus probably already had his breakfast.
“Are you and Princess Atasha close?” I asked breaking the silence between us.
No one was around anyway. I hope it is safe to ask that question.
Juliet smile and slowly shook her head. “I am more of her therapist than her friend,” she roamed her eyes as if she was checking if someone will hear us. She leaned forward and I did the same curious on what she is about to say. “Princess Atasha’s temper was something I couldn’t deal. She goes crazy sometimes,”
She bit her lowerlip as she suppressed her smile while I freely let out my chuckle.
“Is that the reason why you told me to fight for my spot?”
She took a bite and nodded. She chewed her food but her gaze was still focused on me. “I also know you will be a good Queen. You have a kind heart, Thalina,”
I don’t know about that. Maybe I am just used as pleasing people and it sometimes mistook as kindness. Now that I am starting to fight back and was brave enough to fight for my place I feel like I am losing the kindness Juliet was talking about.
“I doubt that. I feel like I am slowly turning evil because of my desire to claim a spot in the palace. I feel like I am slowly losing myself, Juliet,”
“Or maybe you are slowly learning who you really are?” She meaningfully asked looking at me straight in the eyes. “Your ability to stood your ground and fight for what’s yours was never evil, Thalina. You are just claiming what’s yours and there is nothing wrong with that,”
The guilt that I have been carrying somehow lessened. I am not used to fight back. I let people have their way even if it means sacrificing what I want. When I told Selene last night what Magnus had been doing I feel guilty. She was still my sister and I still care for her but I can’t stop myself. All I want to happen that night was to make her feel the pain that I felt that night. I want her to realize that I am no longer the Thalina she can pushed around.
Juliet reached for my hand that was resting above the table and gently squeezed it.
“Tonight if the Blood Moon appeared on the sky you have to face everyone with bravery. I know you lost your wolf,” she looked at me intently wearing an assuring smile. “Being wolf less doesn’t mean your weak. Stood in the altar with pride. Don’t let anyone intimidate you. Be strong and survive the monster that King Thaddeus might unleash. If you survive the Blood Moon you will be someone they would fear, Thalina. You hold so much power more than you know,”