Thinking of you

The ride was awfully quiet, both of them didn't get a wink of sleep either. Cashimir didn't know what to say either to smooth over the situation. Even when Cashimir tried small talk, Helene didn't say much back. So he stopped trying.

It didn't take too long for them to find the cracks and holes in the ice. They quickly stopped the sled, being careful not to make the cracks spread. Cashimir's heart sank at the thought that Eris might have hurt herself… They carefully moved closer to the holes and noticed the broken ships but no bodies were found. Helene took out the robe from her bag then attached one of the ends on the sled then made sure that the sled wouldn't move away, casting a spell on it. Then she began to climb down and Cashimir soon followed as well.

The two of them observed the place as much as they could, coming to the conclusion they must have moved forward in the tunnel. So they did the same.

"If it really is Eris… I… You can't ask of me to actually… Kill her. They probably didn't even make it that far. The fall must have made them badly injured too." Helene stopped and sighed loudly.

"I can't even believe how Theelia chose you. Your feelings are in the way of your holy quest!"

"Theelia never taught us or prepared us to kill someone. Only to defend, love and spread creativity. You should never spread hate. The king is wrong about that. Even my mother is wrong! Ashtad is the god of law and order. Not Theelia nor Onyx. That you've been picked by Onyx even…" Cashimir bit his tongue before he said anything more. He shouldn't let himself in his anger say something hurtful.

"I know what you're thinking. I shouldn't have been chosen. I am unfit for this role. That the chosen one should be the one who completely agrees with the god or goddess. And I agree… I don't even know why Onyx, of all people, picked me! It's like he's playing with me… He gifted me a book which was supposed to have fates and instructions written into them. But guess what! It's empty. EMPTY! I swear he's smiling over his prank…"

"I didn't…"

"It's fine… You are probably the kindest man alive or something. But I am lost… And Onyx isn't guiding me, he is just leaving me in the dark. I… I have a hard time choosing for myself… But killing someone… Someone you have feelings for. It feels wrong. But I can't stop thinking about the king's orders. They didn't actually hurt someone…" Helene paused and took a deep breath as she leaned towards the wall.

"The king would never know… If we lied" Cashimir suggested, crossing his arms as he looked at her carefully. She sighed, her eyes stuck on the ground.

"I guess you're right. Let's return then."

"I'll have a bit of a look around first. We can't return too soon otherwise he won't believe us."

"Fair point, I'll wait for you on the surface" Helene then straightened herself and went back while Cashimir moved forward. He noticed how the lights began to go dim in the caves so he slowed down and that's when he heard other footsteps as well. He quickly hid, hoping he wouldn't get caught. But the footsteps stopped. He breathed out and quickly pulled out his journal, writing a quick note to Eris and wrapped the flower with the note. If the fates want the two of them to meet again… Then she will find this gift from him. He then placed it on the ground and quickly ran back to the surface, climbing up on the robe then pulling it up.

"Found anything interesting?" Helene asked, sitting already ready in the sled. The wolves were collected and fed as well.

"No… Nothing. I only met a dead end."

"Strange…" But Helene didn't question it further and the two of them returned to the Frosa. They returned the sled and the wolves, sitting down in the tavern where Cashimir bought some drinks for the both of them however Helene decided to remain silent.

After a meal and a few drinks they returned to the castle when the sun had set. They went to meet up with the king right away who still sat on his throne.

"That was quick…"

"The ice has cracked and they all fell in. The ships they have stolen had… Crushed all of them." Cashimir explained and he could spot an amusing look in the king's eye.

"The blue haired girl as well?"

"Yes… Your majesty." The king let out a sigh of relief before standing up.

"Perfect. Then I can plan out this year's ball in peace. Everyone in the kingdom should be happy now, our city has been purified, thanks to you two. Please, stay here for the celebration. As a reward." The king didn't seem to take no for an answer so Cashimir just accepted. Maybe he could sneak out to meet Eris… But it would be too risky if someone found out…

The two of them returned to their rooms while the servants were running back and forth, decorating and preparing for the ball. Helene barely left her room, neither did Cashimir and the princess was nowhere to be seen. The king was however kind enough to let his personal seamstress prepare their outfits as well since who would bring fine clothes to a journey? The ball was also supposed to be a masquerade so masks were absolutely required.

Few days later, a knock was heard on Cashimir's door. He went to open it and it was one of the servants. They gave him a letter then they bowed and left. Cashimir thought it was strange and opened the letter. There wasn't a sender either on the envelope, just his name. He didn't really recognize the handwriting either… But when he started to read he dropped the piece of paper.

His father was found dead.