Page 88 of The Healing Dragon
Sabrina laughs from her place on the couch. “She might as well be dead for all they care.”
“They’re not quiet about it. Riots, protest, you name it. They’re not happy with the decision for the crown to punish you.” Dorty reaches for me and places a hand on mine. “They want you to be forgiven. To them, punishing you is punishing them for something neither of you could have helped.”
“Why would Ignis want me as their representative after everything?” I ask.
“You are royal, Janelle.” Dorty’s expression is serious and as sincere as I’ve ever seen it. “You have a name to live up to and the majority in this room can attest that it comes with a lot of sacrifice. We’ve watched you be molded into your father’s puppet. How could any of us blame you for performing?”
“It happened to you, but it could’ve just as easily happened to us,” James says.
“We have failed you.” Dorty drops her hand from mine. “As a matter of fact, any of us could have ended up in your position.”
“Ignis deserves better than me. I’m not worthy anymore. I don’t think I ever was.” Looking down at the floor, I gulp. “Perhaps it is time for another family to take over the royal title.”
“Being perfect isn’t what makes someone worthy of a title,” Sabrina says.
“We cannot return her to Ignis just yet.” Brandon leans over the table.
Dorty turns to Brandon and stares him down. “Don’t you get sassy with me, King Oscuro. You cannot deny we’re saying anything but the truth.”
Brandon shakes his head. “The Duelo house is in shambles. They want her back, but she is not ready to take on her duties as the head of that family while her father is not found. There’s too much room for him to sneak his way back.”
“Give her to us. We will give her refuge.” James nods at his brother for support.
“I think we have heard enough from your mouth.” Jesse scowls at the youngest Aether brother.
James’s lips spread to a wicked smile, delighted to have gotten on Jesse’s nerves.
“Thank you,” I say, out of words.
“Well, that‘s far more than I expected from her.” Dorty points in my direction. “She has been reformed.”
I step forward and look between Jesse and Brandon. Roman has now joined the impromptu meeting but is standing lazily by the door. There is zero concern in his expression. The tilt of his lip might indicate a level of amusement at the scene.
“I’m not done here. I appreciate all of you,” I say as I turn about the room, making eye contact with every visitor who has traveled this far for me. “I wish to stay and finish what I’ve started. This way I will earn my magic and my title back. I want to bring honor back to my royal name. That would be the only right way I can accept my title.”
“Novel,” Jill says, and nods. He has always been short of temper and valued self-sufficiency the most.
“Now if you don’t mind,” Brandon opens his office door. “You’re all welcome to stay, but we will depart soon for a pre-planned trip.”
“Don’t worry about us,” Dorty says, leading the way out. “We have plans anyway.”
“Yeah,” James says with a smirk. He stops before Jesse and extends his hand. “No hard feelings?”
Jesse takes his hand and shakes it with a scowl firmly in place.
I try to catch his eyes after James steps aside, but he doesn’t meet my eye. I can’t help but feel like Jesse is upset at me for something.
“Janelle?” Brandon is still holding the office door, and I take it as my cue to leave.
“I will get back to my duties.” I incline my head and turn to exit.
“They’re right.” I stop and turn back to Brandon. “Your rightful place is something I can’t deny you. The Fates decided your title and birthright.”
I want to convey my doubts about the Fates and what they have in store for me. It’s understandable that I feel this way considering the challenges I faced as a child. But I say no such thing. Instead, I incline my head and retire back to my daily duties.
Trying to understand what has already been written by the stars is pointless. All the pieces haven't been played yet, and until then, making assumptions will only lead to questions.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
