The sound of heavy footsteps and the screeching sound of metal against the marble floor resounded in the dark cold hall.
Dragging her weary body up to the throne, Circe sighed heavily as she sat down at its foot.
"Sister. " A deep voice said at the other end of the Hall.
"Until when shall you address me with that title?" Circe breathed lifting her head to face her brother, Claude.
'I am a traitor, you shouldn't have compassion for those that threaten your position. Have you learnt nothing? ' she thought.
"Your troops have surrendered, you can also be spared. " Claude said, "Please."
Her shoulders shook, a chuckle escaped her lips then she laughed. Feeling ridiculously hopeless.
"Do you know that I have been framed? " Circe asked as she slowly got up, "You were always smart. I know you know the truth. "
"That is why you have to surrender. I'll clear your name, please." Claude pleaded, his voice breaking as tears welled up in his eyes.
"Have I taught you nothing? " Circe yelled and with lightning speed charged at him, forcing Claude to put up his sword blocking her attack and sent her back. A shock wave of energy bounced off them cracking the walls.
"A king begs no one but his people. " Claude mumbled.
"I am going to kill you now. So try to survive. " She said and at once, she released energy and the Hall was consumed by the flames. Claude's eyes widened and he gripped his sword.
Tartered clothing drenched in blood and open wounds, the hand that held her sword was scorched.
The door burst open and she frowned as soldiers surrounded her. Claude collapsed to floor and was helped up by his soldiers.
"For trying to kill the Regent and the crown prince, you are a traitor to Lagares."
"Spare me. " Circe rolled her eyes andflicked her hand a light went round her and sliced the soldiers' throats.
Smiling at her brother, she mouthed something and running towards the window she crashed through the flames and glass, falling.
Time seemed to slow down, Claude yelling her name, and then she landed on something. "Kalador" Circe sighed. A cry rang out as the beast beat its wings soaring into the sky. Below, the capital was in disarray, infernos swallowed up shops and castles alike.
"Save them. "Circe said and gave in to the exhaustion.
Kalador cried out once more, rain pouring down before it soured high above the clouds.
.....
'Cold' Circe thought and hugged herself.
" There is a person with the dragon, your grace." An unfamiliar voice said and she heard crunching of snow.
Instinctively grabbing her sword, she immediately got into a defensive stance but her broken leg made her crouch on one leg. Snarling and growling came from behind her, Kalador's icy blue eyes matching those of his master.
"Never thought we'd meet again like this, Princess Circe Vera Aethelgard. " That familiar voice, a few times, but she certainly knew him.
With a grunt, she thrust her sword into the thick blanket of snow and rested back on Kalador. The creature growled at the tall figure but she hushed it and rubbed its hide. "Sorry to infiltrate your region, Duke Luca Wagner. "She sighed.
" You're injured. Is this about you being a traitor ?"Luca asked looking at her sitting in blood drenched snow.
"You pity me, I don't deserve it. " Circe sighed. "I won't hand you over, I can provide safety for you here."Luca said.
Circe chuckled, " Don't risk your peace for a fugitive. You should focus more on how to be at peace not rage war with Lagares. I am dying in any case. "
"Then what can I do to help? "
"Is this about the favour? "
Luca was quiet. She chuckled and then hugged the dragon, "Goodbye Kalador. " She said as tears ran down her cheeks. Kalador's body slowly faded into little blue lights, that disappeared with one last cry.
....
In a temple, lit by candles all around, Luca carried Circe who was now wrapped in his dark fur coat to the altar where the statue of Themis was standing tall.
"At least I should repent my sins although, I know not if there is a god who can listen to this sinner's plea. " Circe chuckled as Luca held her and knelt down.
"I am scared. " Circe muttered. "I know but it will all go away. " Luca said and kissed her head.
She smiled bitterly, "You still like me. " "Yes"
'If only I could have made a better choice, a better ally, a better answer... "
The weight in his arm grew heavier and her headd slumped onto his shoulder.