Sandra Hults
Author
Interrupted life again..
Current listening: A Poem for Byzantium – Delerium
Current Reading: Wizard and Glass – Stephen King (audiobook) and The Lady of Rivers – Philippa Gregory
So for no particular reason, the song listed above popped on the radio today and I got stuck in my head for lack of a better word. For those aware, it’s been kind of a rough week and a half for our family. I will not get too much into the logistics but we got thrown a rather strange curve ball that seems to be straightening itself out. With that in mind, I have been creatively stuck due to stress from my 9-5, and my personal struggles. This song always makes me think about the people we miss and the people we have lost. (For the curious, no, no one has died, this writer is just feeling mildly morose tonight while her creative wheels get unstuck.)
This one might be a bit off the beaten path but hey, here goes.
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Sunset lit the sea on fire. The thought should not have surprised her. Her life was often a fire at one point or another. At the moment, the fire seemed to have reached massive proportions. In fact, she was amazed most of them could find a civil word for her. Night would be upon them soon, she knew. More than the darkness lay ahead and the thought troubled her. What troubled her more was the gaping chasm between her heart and that of a much beloved sibling.
“I did not expect you. Your sister yes, but not you.” A wan smile curled Alexandra Jade’s lips. This evening she was hardly dressed for her station. One of Nicholas’ cast-offs framed her upper body and a loose pair of pants covered her lower half. Her platinum hair tumbled in carless waves down her back. Christiana had not requested that she return to her usual duties. In fact the Queen had been quite circumspect as of late. This little Sorceress suspected that distance to maintain the illusion of outrage the royal family must exhibit in the wake of her actions.
“Usually you are not one to stay your hand when a task needs doing.” Sion Jade settled into the sand next to her. “Usually of all of them, you are the first to follow Fate’s path to the end. What stays your hand this time, cousin-mine?” The words were gentler than most many had ever heard the man speak. In fact, Alexandra knew herself Sion reserved that level of gentleness for his twin and no other. “I drew the shorter stick. She said I’d get farther with you than I would with Marc.” He explained and slung an arm around her without waiting for her consent then laughed when she stiffened.
A moment later, Alexandra noticed he wore gloves and went out of his way to prevent contact with her. The thought brought a soft chuckle to her throat. “ I do believe I have destroyed quite enough lives as of late. I saw Lily Eisen when she returned from the manor. “ For once, Alexandra flushed to the roots of her hair. Lily’s words on her return had not been pleasant or kind. Clearly the woman held her responsible for her brother’s departure from the capital.
“And when has the opinion of others bothered you, dear Sorceress?” Sy said with a quick grin that had her glaring at him. “I am not wrong and you know in your heart I am not. You are just feeling guilty.” He could sense what was on the tip of her tongue and he would draw blood if needed. In that he was not quite as kind as his sister. Tati said she would likely be too gentle on Alexandra and sent him in her stead. “Our Queen summoned us both, in fact. She wanted to see the rift between you two righted. Her majesty has tasked us with reuniting you two, do you find yourself up to the task?” If Alexandra’s element was water, Sy suspected, he would be soaking wet. Her scow was dark and temper flared in her sea shaded eyes.
“I am never not up for the task, Sion Jade, well you remember that.” Alexandra shot back. In truth she was annoyed with both herself and the matter at hand. Her brother was moping and trying to protect them all in the only way he knew how—by extricating himself from the situation so he could think. “What makes you so certain my brother is ready to talk?” Sion’s smirk had her chuckling. “I see. Tati went to see him, did she not?” When he nodded, Alexandra figured out the rest of Christiana’s order. “I suppose I should not be surprised.”
“No, of all people you should not be surprised.” Sion responded and stood. “I expect you’ll be departing for the manor soon.” At Alexandra’s nod, a small grin curled his features. “Not like that, I assume.” He gestured to her attire. For all his battle experience, he could not have predicted her response. In a mix of telekinetic and physical skill, Alexandra snatched his ankle and pulled his feet from beneath him. The retaliation sent him sputtering into the sea.
As he sputtered, Alexandra got to her feet and dusted the sand from her well-worn pants. “I will depart for the manor and my brother’s company with the dawn. Let Christi know her request will be fulfilled soon.” And, with that, Alexandra left the beach. Marc had enough time to cool off and, she hoped, they could discuss their problem with calm but she suspected that would not be the case. She and her brother often settled their arguments over blade point. This would likely be no different.
Sandra Hults 