Chapter 19: BLOOD TIES

EASTERN COAST

LOREN POV

It's been two days after Kael's visit, and the tension of his threats still hangs in the ears of the walls. I have been expecting the king’s call, but it seems he's yet to conclude with his kinsmen. The thought of trading his life for the resurrection of a mind-controlling spirit still disturbs me deeply.

I paced back and forth in my chambers, my mind reeling with the events that had just happened. Kael's defiance, his refusal to back down, his threats to take back what's his, it was all so...infuriating.

"How could he be so resilient?" I muttered to myself, my fists clenched in frustration. "Does he have to prove his righteousness, can't he back down?"

I stopped pacing and ran my hands through my hair as I slumped on the one-seater sofa, trying to calm myself down. But before I could even take a deep breath, I heard a huge bang on my door. It's the queen, my mother, she stormed into the room. Her expressions looked so devouring that I knew she would be coming anytime soon.

"Loren, what is wrong with you?" she demanded, her voice filled with anger. "Is it until Kael takes over the throne before you'll know the right thing to do?"

I felt a surge of defensiveness, but I bit back myself. I knew better than to argue with my mother when she was in this mood. I knew I had not met her expectations lately.

"Mother, I—" I tried to speak.

"Don't 'Mother' me!" she spat, her eyes blazing with fury. "You're so weak, Loren. So indecisive. Your father would have never let things get this far. How could that son of a bitch called Kael have the guts to walk into the castle because he has someone who could control the whole guard's mind… you are here when you can get what he has and at the same time become the king.”

“How long do you want to keep being pushed, Lore?”

I just sat there, Sunk in the weight of her demand. I was still pained by the familiar stings of Mother's words, but I quickly pushed off. I knew she was trying to compel me into action.

My mother's expression didn't change, but her voice took on a cold, calculating tone. "You need to focus, Loren. You need to remember what's at stake here. You need to remember the odds of not taking action quickly, the throne, the kingdom...it's all just a means to an end."

My right hand hovered on my face as I tried to absorb her words, as I met her gaze. I knew what she was getting at, and I knew I didn't want to go down that path.

"You know exactly what to do, Loren. You have the substance already,” she says like a whisper directly into my ears, circling the sofa I'm sitting on.

“All you have to do is sprinkle a little in his food and a little on his throne. So it won't kill him but would render him permanently paralyzed, it would reduce the suspicion, and he would quickly be replaced by you. You need to take action now. The ritual can't proceed without the sacrifice, Loren"

The weight of her words washed over me; I stood up, my eyes wide with fear and resolve. My mother's words hung in the air like a challenge. I'm caught between love and trust, I don't know if she is persuading me because she loves me or for her selfish interest.

I have taken time to examine what she stands to gain, and I don't see any special gain aside from what she is now, then what's her real motive? Is she just willing to go the extra mile just to eliminate Kael?

Finally, her tone came low as she gradually came closer to me. “Is that girl I saw the ‘Zara’ you are talking about?” she asked curiously.

I looked into her eyes. “Yes, that's her”, I muttered.

Her eyebrows slightly raised, indicating a spark of interest. I could see something in her eyes that tells me she recognizes Zara.

“Do you know her?” I pressed further curiously.

Mother turned back, facing the door, her expressions mixed, I sensed she was hiding something.

I quickly stood up and approached her slowly to inquire more “Mother, do you know her?”

“This can't be possible” she muttered, her body shaking “How could this be…was she pregnant when she left?” she asked anxiously

“What can't be possible, mum? What are you talking about?” I held her softly to inquire more.

“That Lady is the perfect replica of Tira, but how could this be…?”

“Mother, who's Tira,” I asked, confused.

“That Zara is the perfect replica of Kael's Mother, the king’s first wife who was banished before he married me,” she replied, confused.

“What!!” My heart raced; how could this be?

“How come Kael didn't recognize her as you did?” I asked, staring into her face.

Her voice came low and direct “He was just a boy, a five-year boy, he barely could recognize her face, maybe that's why he didn't know she was a replica of his mother”

Mother paced forth and back, her heart almost skipping off her chest. “No, I am not sure they are aware they are siblings,” she muttered as her hand hung on her waist.

My mind quickly ran back to what Zara had told me before. “She told me something about her mother,” I said, trying to recall.

Mother jolted “What did she say to you,” she asked curiously

“She said…” I started, still trying to recall, and then I remembered my tattoo. “she said her mother has the same tattoo as mine on the same spot”

“That's it!!, that is Tira. That witch has given birth to another witch,” Mother cuts in angrily, abruptly stopping her pacing.

“Did your father see her?” She asks, her gaze piercing into mine as she holds my hands.

“No, Kael told her to remain outside,” I replied, keeping my voice firm.

“Oh! Okay! That was when I saw her through the window” she said, nodding slowly. “We need to act fast, Loren, my child; we need to do something to stop her fast.”

Mother continues with a sense of urgency. “If Zara is truly the daughter of Tira, then her mind-controlling power is just the tip of her powers.”

“What!!” My eyebrows tingled in amusement.

“Yes, Loren. Tira is multi-powered by the gods, and I believe Zara would be the same too. Sooner or later, many other powers will surface. If we don't stop her now…” she paused and directed her gaze into my eyes “We all would be puns in the Chess of her thoughts”

Her words sent cold shivers down my spine as she made her way, she stopped abruptly as she held the door handle and turned, her eyes blazing.

“The ball is in your court, son,” her voice cold and mean. “This is the last time I would tell you this. Shape up or ship out, step up your game!! Pull that rat out of the hat!! You know what to do.” She said with a note of finality as she banged the door behind her, leaving me feeling drained and anxious.

The thought of Kael and Zara being siblings shook me off, and I hope it's not true because that would mean she is my step-sister. And if so, that means I have somewhat connection with her mother because of the tattoo.

I let out a deep breath and tried to shake off the lingering fear, but it was no use.

Just as I was starting to collect my thoughts, the door opened; for a moment, I thought Mom was back again, but it was Carlos, my assistant commander.

“And what is it, Carlos, that demands you to bulge into my chamber unannounced?” I fumed at him with rage.

That's the usual way he does enter my chamber, and I've never complained. This time around, I was looking for where to transfer the aggression from my mother's weighty words, and he came just in time.

“Are you insane? Have you forgotten your position in this kingdom?” I yelled

"I am sorry,” he said his head bowed

“How can I help you”

“the king and the council of elders want to see you," he said, his voice firm.

I felt a jolt of unease, masked it off with my dying rage. Have they decided on what to do on Kael's matter? I bet none of them knew about Zara's presence; they only saw her power.

"When?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Now," Carlos replied. "They're waiting for you in the throne room."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew I had to be prepared. This could be the last official meeting I will have with the king before I terminate him for good.

"Go," I said, squaring my shoulders “I will be right behind you”

As he walked out, I couldn't shake the feeling that father’s death would shake the balance of the kingdoms’ peace but I knew I had to do it. I have to stop Zara.