“Come.” I held on tightly to Elian’s hand at his invitation, but made no attempt to move. The weight of what I was yet to discover was as shackles to my feet, keeping me from taking a single step. So was every thought as my mind lingered on my parent’s scents. Searching, still hoping, even for the tiniest thread to tug at my heart and speak of the bond that could have been. Nothing… One would even consider my heart as dead when it came to that. My usually expressive organ remained as still as Xatis’ afternoon air. Hot and unwilling to be blown in any direction. It was a hopeless endeavour. One that left me with only one choice.
Taking in a much needed breath, I began my decent from the carriage.
“Your majesty, welcome to our humble home. My quee– Shyla?” Both my father and mother froze.
