Page 14 of A Kingdom so Crimson

Survive? That's what my traininghasbeen all my life: tosurvive. What more could a match be than to survive? I grumbled in frustration, angry that I failed to coax anything out of him.

Gathering my skirts, I walked towards a maid with a platter of drinks. I took some lemonade and tapped on the maid's sleeve. "Have you seen Calum anywhere?"

The maid's plump cheeks went red at the mention of Cal. I forced down a roll of my eyes. She shook her head, "Sorry, my lady, I have not."

I gulped down the drink and placed it back on the plate, smiling at her before finding a place to hide until the finale.

"With heartfelt gratitude, I thank you for celebrating our new beginnings and growth. As friends and family, let us rejoice!" Jesri's voice boomed, accompanied by the explosion of cannons, showering the sky with colorful powder that settled on the pathways below, symbolizing the planting of our new seeds, much like the butterflies, heralding new life. Cheers echoed through the air as the crowd began to disperse, strolling through the powder and allowing the vibrant hues to cling to their shoes in hopes of new promises. Amidst the crowd, I spotted Levon surrounded by ladies, giggling and swooning over his now colorful suit.

The buzz of laughter and chatter slowly dimmed into the rattle of carriages and hooves.

I moved to help clean up some misplaced glasses on a few tables when a maid intercepted me, insisting I stop, especially on my founding day. I scowled at her, dismissing birthdays as trivial and holding no significance for me beyond being a day I was left forgotten.

Yet, she persisted, and I departed with a nod, seeking solace within the estate after the party's uproar. Upon entering my room, I saw a crumpled bag on my bed. I exhaled audibly, hoping it wasn't Aoife's attempt at gifting me something—sheknew I hated celebrating. I cautiously untied it and peered inside, revealing a lush lavender shawl adorned with intricate threads, creating a swirling pattern like the sea's tides. Resting atop the shawl was a small note:

The tree. Midnight.

Cal

I crumpled the note and lifted the shawl, its fabric carrying his lingering scent. It was thick and warm, with small threads hanging from each trim.

Today marks my eighteenth year, thus making it three years since Jesri forbade us from visiting our tree together, where we used to go after every Spring Harvest or whenever we needed solace, and wish upon the stars for our friendship and a brighter future beyond our dreary lives. Yet, year after year, those stars never granted my wishes, especially not for comfort regarding my lost parents. So, I stopped believing in and visiting the tree altogether, making Jesri's demand all too easy to accept. Yet, I still kept staring at the stars from my window, obtaining comfort from them despite how far away they were.

At least I never had the chance to meet my parents, making it easier to move on, unlike Calum, who never ceased to yearn for his parents' return. They sent him away to a boarding school while they ventured off to explore the world, leaving only a note for Jesri, Calum's only remaining family, stating they had embarked on a sailing journey to the East Ulvery Sea and wouldn't return until the following Winter.

Two years later, Jesri received a letter stating that Calum's parents were not returning, and knowing the burden of boarding school, he took Calum in. I still recall the day Calum received the news, seeing the weight of his world vanish within a few words. He stayed in his room for two weeks, becoming sickly and hollow. It was then that Jesri insisted he train with me, andit was during those sessions that our friendship formed. I was thirteen at the time; Cal was almost fifteen.

He was blessed with attractiveness, capable of captivating anyone who crossed his path, making his golden eyes, blond ruffled hair, and tall, strong features effortlessly claim my young, lonely heart. I beckoned to his every call, challenging myself harder as he praised me for successes, knowing how to sneak his way in and weave intricately like the shawl's threads into my young heart.

As I matured, I grew weary of Calum's games and ceased trying to impress him, recognizing his true nature as Jesri's kin. However, rather than deterring him, my indifference only seemed to fuel his determination to captivate me, leaving my heart in turmoil.

Complying with his last request before our lives separated, I made my way to the armoire, shedding my dress, stockings, and shoes, quickly dressing in black pants and a long knit tunic. I draped the shawl over my shoulders and slipped into my boots before entering the hallway, hearing the faint sound of shuffling feet echoing on the ceramic floors. Unnoticed, I slipped out the door into the dark ebony sky. A handful of servants remained, ensuring all guests had departed, and began to secure the gates.

The night air carried a chill, mingled with the scent of dust from the powder that still clung to the damp grass and walkways. I pulled the shawl tighter around me as a gust of wind rippled through my hair. The moon illuminated the path before me, guiding my steps with its radiant glow. A playful smirk danced on my lips as I swiftly made my way onto the soft, plush grounds of the familiar woods; the trees blossomed with color under the moon's luminous gaze and welcomed me back home.

6

In the moonlight, the woods radiated with vibrant colors against the twinkling stars. Each tree swayed gracefully in the breeze, seemingly in perpetual bloom, their leaves whispering enchanting melodies. I was lulled into a sense of tranquility, a gentle warmth spreading from my fingertips to the small of my back. Pollen drifted through the air like shimmering stars while insects chirped and settled in for the night. As I breathed in the earthy scent mixed with the sweetness of honey, I relished the feeling of belonging, as if this place were my true home, exuding life and vibrancy.

I followed the curve of a cluster of trees onto the makeshift path that Cal and I had created as children. The once-flat stones melted into the moss-covered ground, the greenery hugging them like spindly fingers.

I leaped onto one and instinctively knew where each stone lay within the shadowy pathway. Jumping from the last rock, I leapt, landing quietly on the gravel that led to the bubbling stream next to our tree.

The deeper I went, the more my eyes easily adjusted to the darkness. Giving my one thanks to Jesri, who had insisted on pushing my body beyond its physical limits. Whether it was sparring with Darius in the dark or confronting my fear of venomous spiders, each challenge left me bruised and swollen for days. I pushed my body relentlessly, embracing the burn of exhaustion, consistently surpassing my own expectations, and marveling at how well my body adapted to the elements around me.

"What took you so long?" Calum asked, his voice piercing the quiet and startling me. I steadied myself and approached his shadowy figure, standing next to our wish tree, a twisted mass of gnarled branches sticking out in every direction. The tree appeared lifeless and abandoned, with its thick, contorted limbs contrasting sharply against the vibrant foliage around it. Despite its barren appearance, it held a special place in my heart and was the perfect spot to gaze up and admire the shining stars that seemed to glow just a little brighter from beneath its boughs.

"It's not yet midnight," I remarked. "And I'm not going to wish anyway."

He huffed out a laugh, walking into view. The shadows crept across him like dark tendrils with each step closer.

He smirked, "Glad you're enjoying the shawl."

I tugged it tighter around me. "Please tell me you didn't skip the entire party just for this?"

His expression darkened briefly before he flashed a deep smile, revealing his dimples. "Oh, I had other important matters to attend to."

Confusion flickered in my mind. "Important?" I chuckled. "What could possibly be more important than a party with plenty of ladies who—"

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