Chrystal

After the attack, Dad made sure my original room next to Kella's had been prepared. He wanted us to fly back home the morning after, but I threw a tantrum, telling everyone I'd puke if we went in the air, insisting to wait a few days.

That was a lie. I had never vomited in my life and I wasn't planning on that changing any time soon.

I waited until I thought everyone was asleep before leaving my room and creeping to the elevator. Half of the east wing of the fourth floor was littered with miniature T34-3 construction bots, slowly chipping away at the nano-glue staining the walls.

When the doors to the elevator closed, I called out for the second floor. It dropped me off across the hall from the Hospital Wing where two guards were stationed outside.

I swore to myself. If I had known she'd be under lock and key, I wouldn't have come.

Tapping my foot, I considered going back upstairs. Reaching out to close the door, one of the guards caught sight.

"Mirande, is that you?"

"Who?"

How can he not recognize me? I thought, only to realize this was a good thing.

"Sorry, ma'am. I thought you were one of the maid's daughter."

"Who is it?" the other asked.

I cleared my throat, putting on the best Fossitan accent I could muster. "Evelyn."

They looked between each other.

"Wanna try that again? Last I checked, Evelyn's hair was brown."

I crossed my arms. "Tis Princess Chrystal of Pilksdale and if either of ye arses tell anyone I was here, I'll rain down on ye with the fury of Scath. Do ye understand?"

"Who's Scath?" one guard whispered to the other.

"The Faelic goddess of martial arts and—um, something. I mean, I dunno." He looked away from his partner sheepishly.

I tapped my foot impatiently. "If I may...?"

They stepped to either side of the door and without making eye contact with either of them, I walked inside.

The Hospital Wing was dark, bland, and smelled of sterile chemicals.

Kai was easy enough to find. Not only was she the only person inside, her med station had been left open. Large bright yellow blankets were thrown over her and she tossed and turned in her sleep. Her hands kept twitching like she was trying to sign something, but I couldn't tell what. I had never been interested in learning sign language.

A small bundle of fur curled up next to her.

Does she still sleep with stuffed animals?

It sneezed. I startled.

Never mind.

The small feline creature's rustling woke her up. Her face was fixed as if she might fall asleep again, but the moment her eyes landed on me she jumped. "Oh, Chrystal." She shook her head. "It's you. I thought you were..."

"What?"

"I don't know. Shadow?" She shook her head again. "What are you doing here?"

I scoffed. "What do ye think?"

"I dunno." She cut herself off with a yawn. "That's why I'm asking you."

"I just wanted t'apologize, alright? I realize I don't always treat you in a respectable manner, and I just wanted t'tell ye that."

"Oh, um, thank you?"

I huffed. "Is that it?"

"What do you mean?"

"All ye have to say is 'thank you?'"

"Yes?" She almost sounded annoyed.

I scoffed. "Fine!" I spat. Turning on my heel, I started to leave. I knew I shouldn't have come.

"Wait," she called. "What's going on?"

I whirled around again. "You save me life and ye act like it's nothing!"

Even in the dark, I could see her eyes widen. "I saved your life?"

I drew in a breath, my anger fading in an instant. She didn't just sound tired, but her voice was starting to slur. "Ye really did do a number on that head of yours, didn't ye?"

She looked away. "I don't remember anything past unraveling the paracord in my—" She gasped. "You were a hostage. I remember. I was so worried about Dad and Cara... she's my maid-in-waiting." Kai shook her head, starting to rub her eyes. Now that I was really looking at her, the girl was a wreck.

Tentatively, I took a step forward. "That makes sense. T'would be weird if ye were more concerned on me behalf."

She nodded, still frowning. "Are you alright?"

I paused, startled by the question. Instead of answering, I lifted up my arm, still bandaged from second degree burns. "I also have bruises on me neck, arm, and me shoulder, but ye can't see 'em very well."

She nodded. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Coming to see me."

I rolled my eyes. "You saved me life. What'd ye expect?"

She shook her head, chuckling. "Are you staying for my father's announcement?"

"Obviously. It'd be a little useless t'stay until the day before the big announcement only t'watch it on a cruiser. Unless ye'd like t'tell me what it is ahead of time, of course."

Smiling, she shook her head. "Sorry."

I shrugged. "Worth a shot." I looked away, then back at her. "Did ye ever see your gift from us?"

She shook her head.

I looked away again, shrugging. "It was a primrose. I might help plant it before we leave if that girl Evelyn lets me near it, but it's one I've been cultivating and editing for months now so it—it should be in bloom for half the year."

Her eyes widened. "Oh, infinite. That's amazing."

"Twas nothing."

"I can't believe you remembered they're my favorite."

"I didn't," I lied. "They're your national flower."

"Oh, right." She paused. "I should probably go back to sleep, now."

"Probably. Ye need all the beauty sleep ye can get."

She smirked, hitting me with her pillow. "Goodnight, Chrystal."

"Um, g'night," I answered back. It seemed childish.

I paused in front of the door, looking back at her. When I came down, I expected to find someone a lot more broken looking. But she had asked me if I was alright.

Kailani the Firebrand, hero of Fossit. I thought to myself. And all people ever called me was Chrystal the Cold with a heart like stone.

I sighed.

There had been a moment—just a moment—when the invaders had me and I didn't care what happened. I wonder what it's like to have something to fight for.