Chapter Thirty-One

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Tabitha

When I first heard the plan, I knew it would work. Now that I am waiting to put it into action, I'm not so sure. I think back on this journey. On everything I've been through. It's a bad idea, because it's what makes me hesitant. I think of all the things that have gone wrong and figure this one will too.

When I was first held in the dungeons, all I wanted was revenge. I was angry. There were some days I'd give up, but that never lasted long. I told myself over and over I had to stay strong for my people. To ensure one day I could right all the wrongs my father did. When I finally escaped, I held onto that high for a long time. Maybe I was even cocky about it. After buying my Dravens, that somehow skyrocketed, and I was sure nothing could stop us.

Then there were the ogres. And they changed everything.

Though we escaped them relatively unscathed, and saved many in the process, something about it shook me to the core. Reminded me that I am not in control here. The universe is, and it has its own plan. No matter what I do, I may not win this. Perhaps that isn't the way to think, but it's the truth. However, I firmly believe I am meant to be on that throne. I believe that is what the universe wants. So now, my confidence is waning, but I have something else that I am holding onto. Hope. And it's possible that will get me further than anything else will.

I clench and unclench my fists many times as I stand at the top of the stairs, overlooking the area beneath. It's nothing more than a large entryway leading to other rooms and hallways. I lost count of how long I've been standing here, re-familiarizing myself with the castle and where in the world my father could be now that the throne room no longer exists. The scent of burning wood and ash permeates the air, meaning the fire is spreading this way. I'm sure most of that side of the castle is gone, meaning there are only so many places he could be.

So where is he…

What else is important to him?

Then it hits me. I glance up, recalling a room that few people know about. One I stumbled upon accidentally as a teenager because I was curious and had to explore every inch of this castle. I'd lost track of time while up there, lost in all that I could see. It was my father who found me. Though he wasn't angry, I could tell something was up with him. He seemed off. He played it off as if he was worried something had happened to me, but now that I think about it, I realize it was more.

He didn't want me there, and there is a reason for it.

I turn away from the stairs and move down the hallway, toward the set that will lead me up. Once I reach the landing, I look to my left and my stomach drops when I see the doors leading to my parents' bedroom. An ache forms in my chest as I recall my mother and her sweet laugh. Her soft voice that would sing me to sleep as a child because nothing else in the world would relax me. I was so full of energy and life. Always exploring and getting into things I shouldn't. She was a bright light in this world.

The people of this realm believe her to be bedridden. But I heard the guards speaking about her death many nights after I'd been thrown into the dungeons. At first, I was hurt that my mother allowed my father to do such a thing. I was so angry. The only thing that made me believe her death was true was that she didn't go down there to save me.

She loved me fiercely. As much as I loved her. More possibly. She was a good mother. The best. Kind and loving. Not a mean bone in her body. And my father killed her…

The thought enrages me more than it ever has before, and I turn to the right, walking with purpose. When I find the hallway I need, I hurry down it and toward the door that few know exists. It takes me some time to find it, as I cannot seem to find the crease between the bricks. When I was younger, the only reason I'd found it was because I felt a draft. It had been raining with a lot of thunder and heavy winds. I was walking along the hall and a draft blew out my candle. Once I relit it, I investigated and found the source.

Now, I move to the area I think the secret door is. I stand still, close my eyes, and wait. Keeping my breath soft and even, I count in my head to keep myself occupied. The weather outside is nice, but inside this castle is warm. I should be able to feel the shift in temperature if I only wait long enough.

I've counted over three minutes when I finally feel it. Coming from the left, just ahead of me. I open my eyes and move along the wall, smiling when I see the small opening between bricks that is hardly noticeable from a distance. I kneel on the ground and feel for the fake brick that I found the last time, grateful when it's the first once I choose. With the tips of my fingers, I grip it and tug it out and put it on the floor beside me. Then I reach my hand inside, grasp the side, and pull the door open.

The cool air swarms me, along with a musky scent. The faint smell of fire lingers too, and I can't tell if it's because the smoke is coming in through the windows, or my father brought it in with him when he entered.

In my gut, I know he is here.

I step inside and am met with a stone staircase that leads up into a dark room. One step at a time, I move upward until I am on the landing. I can hardly see around. The two windows barely give enough light to see inside, thanks to the wooden planks that are not put over them. Streaks of sunlight peek through the darkness, landing on the dirty ground.

"I knew you'd find me."

My father's voice cuts through the silence. A chill runs up my spine as I straighten my back. I turn to face him, finding him standing tall in the back corner.

"I knew you'd be here," I answer.

"You know me well."

"It's exactly why I'm going to kill you."

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