The Dragon Queen (Death #4)

17. Calista

Chapter 17

Calista

When I arrived in Riviana Star, I ran to the royal chambers where Queen Eldinar lived with my uncle. When the guards blocked my entry, I demanded to see the queen right away, and after a few minutes of waiting, they escorted me into the grand hall.

Queen Eldinar was as refined as always, wearing a white gown with a wreath of flowers carefully woven into her air, looking like a dream of sunlight and spring. She rose from the head of the table when I entered. “I did not expect to see you so soon, Calista. And I can tell from your features that something troubles you deeply.”

My uncle was on the other side of the table, dressed in his casual attire like he had been relieved from duty after his service in the battle. He watched with a concerned gaze but held his silence.

“Khazmuda would come if he could, but the forest bars his visit.”

“What do you need, Calista?” Her dress had long sleeves and a train that reached the floor, brilliant white without a hint of a stain. When war didn’t threaten her forest, it seemed like her only responsibility was to be as still and beautiful as a flower.

“I need your help.”

“Make your request, and I’ll grant it immediately.”

It was the first time I actually felt something besides despair. It wasn’t excitement or hope, but urgency, and that was better than endless sorrow. It was a reprieve for my heart and my mind. “Khazmuda and I decided to fuse, but when he tried to perform the magic, he couldn’t—because he remains fused with Talon.”

Her stare stayed sharp, his features focused. Instead of firing off with questions, she continued to listen like she expected more.

“Khazmuda says he can still feel him. He just feels really, really far away.”

Queen Eldinar brought her hands together at her waist, still as straight as the stem of a rose.

“He can’t explain it. Can you?”

She held my stare with no reaction. Didn’t even blink.

“Is it possible that he hasn’t passed on to the Realm of Caelum? Is it possible…” I knew it wasn’t possible, and I tried so hard not to feel hope in any capacity. “Is it possible that he’s still here?”

She said nothing.

“That he’s a spirit, or perhaps he still lives in a different form or…I don’t know.” The tears burned behind my eyes and tried to escape, but I shut them out. “I just don’t know. I don’t know how Khazmuda could feel his spirit if Riviana hadn’t taken him.”

She continued her stare.

“Maybe he can’t pass to the other side? Or perhaps he’s lost?”

She finally blinked, and once she did, her eyes shifted away.

“Help me understand, Queen Eldinar.”

Her eyes lifted to mine again. “Calista, I’m not sure why you think I would have those answers. I may be a descendant of Riviana, but I’m a mortal like you. Whatever has become of Talon Rothschild is unknown.”

“You’ve spoken to Riviana before. Could you ask her what’s become of him? Could you ask her to help him find his way to her?—”

“Calista.” Her hand moved for my arm, and she gave it a squeeze. “I understand this is hard for you. Harder than words can describe. But Talon Rothschild is gone—wherever he may be—and you need to let him go.”

The tears bubbled over the edges of my eyes and streaked down my cheeks.

Her eyes crinkled like my emotion was contagious. “I’m so sorry…”

“But…there has to be an explanation?—”

“We will never find that explanation, Calista. Even if I asked Riviana, she may not know.”

The fear in my heart wouldn’t abate. Even if Queen Eldinar had no answer for me, the mystery would remain in the back of my mind for as long as Khazmuda could feel him. Without answers, without an explanation, it would haunt me forever.

Her eyes shifted back and forth between mine, the sadness deep in their abyss. “I wish you knew how sorry I am. Truly.”

I stepped out of the royal chambers and stood in the clearing, in the same place where I’d spoken with Talon many times. The morning had passed, and now the sun was dead center in the sky. The birds chirped and sang their song as life carried on.

And I continued to grieve.

I should make my way back down the path and return to Khazmuda outside the forest, but all I could do was stand there and stare at the base of the trees. There was still damage from the battle that had nearly taken the forest. A lot of trees were missing. The music wasn’t as strong as it once was.

I stood there for a long time, the guards eyeing me with uncertainty.

Without a real purpose, it was hard to get myself to do anything. I’d run here to speak with the queen, but now that it had gone nowhere, I was back to my empty existence.

Calista, something has happened.

My eyes widened like I could see him directly before me. What?

I lay there absolutely still, and then I felt a force from within. It was tugging rather than pushing, like it was trying to rip my arm off my body…but eternally. I’d never felt anything like that in my life.

Speechless, I just stood there, my mind racing for an explanation.

What did the queen say?

Nothing useful. Said that we would never know what happened to Talon.

You’re right. That’s not useful at all.

I don’t know what to make of what you experienced. Can you still feel him after that?

Yes. That hasn’t changed.

Have you tried talking to him?

Khazmuda paused. No…

Maybe you should try. I knew how heavy of a task that was, to allow yourself to feel hope that had the power to destroy you. He would put his heart into it and feel nothing back. It would be like losing Talon all over again. I know it’s hard…but we have to try.