Chapter 7 - That's the water?
1308 Words
Aaron received word very early in the morning that there won’t be any practice for him at the palace that day. He was curious. It’s the first time it happened. He didn’t miss a day before this. Maybe it has something to do with Nate’s disappearance. Should he visit the prince and ask for news?
As it was, he chose to stay in bed for a little longer. He needs some extra rest, too.
There was a clutter in the kitchen. Selene must have woken up already. The kid prepares meals for them dutifully. He listened to the movements, guessing what she’s making this morning. He heard Pyro’s childish laughter. He smiled at that.
And then, a shriek. He immediately sat up and bolted outside. He saw Philip on his door, too.
“What happened?” He asked in a yell.
“Brother!” Selene hollered; he noticed the fear in her voice.
They quick went down to check what happened.
Selene was as still as a statue, looking horrified in Pyro’s direction. Pyro…
What is that on his hands?
Philip went to him and crouched.
“What’s this?” He reached for it. He immediately withdrew his hand upon touching it. It was very cold.
“It that an ice?” Aaron asked as he observed the object. It was steaming. Is that the right word? He couldn’t be sure. They could see some sort of mist floating around it, away from it. Like smoke.
“Drop it.” Philip realized Pyro’s holding it with his bare hands.
“It’s okay. It’s just water.” He answered cutely. The poor kid doesn’t know what’s going on. Philip turned to Selene.
“What happened?”
“I…” She still feels terrified. One moment…
“I was holding a goblet with water. I’m making soup. I tripped and the water spilled. But Pyro… he…” She pointed at the thing on his hand.
“That’s the water?” Aaron came closer to look as well.
“It didn’t spill.” Pyro declared happily, holding the ice tightly.
“Aren’t you cold?” Aaron couldn’t help asking. He poked the ice and the cold seeped into his fingers. How is he holding it this long?
Philip’s expression turned grim as he looked at his younger brother.
How can he be?
“We must bring him to the king.” Aaron stated as he stood up. Philip glared at him.
“He’s just a child. We will keep this a secret.” The turned to Selene and reached out a hand, asking her to come over. She did, holding on his hand tightly.
“We will not tell anyone.” Then, he turned to Pyro. “You can’t show this to anyone, alright? You can’t do this outside the house. You can’t do this when there are other people present. They will harm you if they see what you can do. You understand?”
Pyro stared at him. His earlier cheeriness gone because of his older brother’s tone.
“The king will help. He won’t be harmed.” Aaron struggled what to say. He can’t divulge information. This is only how much he can say to keep everything else still a secret.
Philip smirked at him, the grim expression remaining, “You weren’t here when they executed a young girl who can control fire. She was younger than Selene and she wasn’t spared.”
Hearing that, Aaron was even more relieved that he wasn’t executed. But things have changed, he wanted to say.
“Still…” He’d sworn to report to the king any signs of magic he sees in someone else.
“We will keep it a secret.” Philip insisted.
Aaron reluctantly nodded his head. He listened as Philip did his best to explain the situation to both Selene and Pyro. He hates seeing them afraid. What can he tell them, though? His hands are tied. He has to keep things secret, as he’d sworn. But this is tricky… the person involved is just a kid. How old is he? Five? Six?
Before Philip could finish explaining to the kids, Aaron has already decided. He will inform the king. Only he can decide. Pyro won’t be harmed, that much he knows.
Philip was wary of him. He knew he’s now employed at the palace. Would he tell the king? He couldn’t shake off his wariness. He almost couldn’t concentrate during training that day. His mind was evidently scattered.
Selene kept reminding Pyro what their elder brother said that morning. But Pyro… he was too excited to keep making ice sculptures. Or ice shapes, anyway. She was aware of the previously executed girl who can use magic. She didn’t want the same to happen to his brother. But he’s stubborn.
“Didn’t I tell you to stop?” She repeated for the nth time. In a low whisper, she threatened him, “If someone sees you doing that, they’re gonna take you to the king. Then, you will be killed. Do you want that?”
Pyro stared at her for a minute, before he smiled and continued playing with the ice he already produced. She sighed. Well, at least he’s not making more of them. But if anyone sees those ice… what are they gonna say? She checked the door again. She kept it locked the whole day.
She pulled Pyro into their room so she can cook in peace at the kitchen.
“Do not open the windows, okay?”
Pyro nodded as he continued to play with his ice. She tried taking them away earlier, but he only managed to make more. In the end, she let him have them. She still doesn’t know where to put them away.
Aaron couldn’t gain an audience with the king. Vince and Nate were nowhere in sight as well. Someone only said that they are busy with something and couldn’t be disturbed. He was glad to know that Nate is back. He waited well into the evening. They must take a break or at least have their meal.
He saw them exit the recreation hall and he approached, bowing deeply.
“My king.”
“We are busy with something. You will receive word when you are to resume your training.” King Edward stated as they walked towards the dining hall.
“It’s not about that, my lord. There is something I must report. In private.” He looked around at all the guards with them and the occasional maids walking between the dining hall and the kitchen on the other end of the corridor.
King Edward paused to look at him. “How important?”
“Me. Same as me.” He wildly stated, not sure if the king would understand it.
Vince was the first one who figured it out. “You found someone? Who?” The other two are intrigued as well, and he almost crumbled from the pressure of three sets of eyes on him.
Maybe they could converse in the hallway using these vague sentences.
“Pyro.” He answered simply.
“Who is this Pyro?” The King asked as he frowned, and it was Vince who replied.
“Philip’s brother. Sir Harold’s son.”
“Oh…” The king remembers Harold. Such a fine, brave knight…
“Why didn’t you bring him to me?”
Aaron sought the others' eyes.
“He’s only five, my lord.” Nate replied for him.
“Philip wanted to keep it a secret. Understandably.” In his panic, he even forgot the use of formality. Thankfully, no one noticed.
“I shall speak to Philip, then.” The king decided and they moved forward.
“I will inform him. I will take my leave, then, my lords. My lady.” He sighed in relief at being able to do his responsibility. He saw Nate rolling her eyes at him. No doubt annoyed at his use of my lady. He grinned at her before bowing and moving backwards. He better gets home. It’s late now.
When Philip came home early, abandoning his usual routine of cleaning his weapons in the evening, he only found his siblings at home.
“Brother, you’re here. You’re early.” Selene commented as she sets the table.
“Where’s Pyro? Aaron?”
“Pyro’s in our room. I'm keeping him there; in case someone knocks. Aaron’s not home yet.” She showed an expression of concern.
“Normally, he’s home to help me prepare dinner. I wonder where he went.” Her statement sent an alarm in his head.
- Writer
