Goodbyes

Eva's eyes were red-rimmed as she placed the finishing touches on Azriel's face. She took out another pot and began to dab some rouge on Azriel's cheeks for a final. She clucked, "Your face is as white as a sheet, and I don't blame you. I tried so hard to reason with Galvib but he has no desire to discuss the matter further."

"He just wants me gone from Andora Eva, let it be."

Eva sniffed and said, "I barely get time to speak to him anymore. He is so busy with matters of state, and also now all he cares about is getting the mines working like before. He hasn't much bothered to listen to Duke Ashdeer's counsel as well on keeping the fifth level shut for a long time."

Azriel listened to her sister speak on, as her fingers worked deftly on her. She was just exhausted from lack of sleep and worry now. Last night again she had dreamt of watching Ashmeer disappear into the black mists while calling out her name, his hands on her like a vice, till some force had pulled her back and she had landed in Duke Ashdeer's arms, with him whispering to her, "You are mine now Azriel."

"Someone as powerful as you should belong to themselves", the Book said in a rather indignant voice. She ignored it, as she knew there was no point. A lone girl and a Book were no match against the world and the powers of the dark anyway.

"We quite like Irismus, it's rather beautiful." the Book said as if to placate her.

She looked at her pale face in the mirror and shook her head. Her usually brilliant sapphire eyes were a light blue today as if their spark had gone. Eva had worked as much magic as she could, but now she resembled a painted doll and not her real self. Her cheekbones were highlighted with rouge, her eyes had dark liner accentuating them and more dark pigments on her eyelashes, her lips were a ruby red. Her dress was daringly low cut for a girl who had not yet made her debut, with a sweetheart neckline and cheerful lace. Unlike the rest of her, it was sunshine yellow. Yellow ribbons and little sapphire clips were in her hair, and Eva had ensured a small jewelry box full of pretty things in her suitcases. Right now, she wore a simple sapphire teardrop on her neck and matching earrings.

"Pretty....I mean if you smiled you would be prettier, but I understand how you feel," said Eva.

"When is the Duke of Ascan coming?" asked Azriel.

"In a few days, I guess. Galvin wants to get rid of both his sisters and rule Andora in peace I guess. But, I wish I could have come with you Azriel. I was the one that handed the Cup to Ashmeer, and I would undo that moment if I could."

Azriel said, "Why don't you then?"

"No....Galvin has forbidden me from stepping out of the castle. I don't know what to do." she said crossly. "If I were a man, I would have asked Galvin for a quest and I would have gone and got that Cup back."

"You wouldn't know where to look!" Azriel said.

"I would have found a way," Eva said determinedly.

The sisters made their way down to the castle courtyard, where Duke Ashdeer stood with his rather tiny regiment of men. He had got a carriage ready for Azriel as he knew she would be unable to carry out such a large journey on horseback. He frowned when he looked at her and Azriel wondered what was wrong.

Galvin came looking rather self-important, followed by Malvina and announced to no one in particular, "Mother is rather unwell to come down am afraid. Farewell dear Azriel, may you stay blessed. The Duke and I have discussed your dowry and it will be sent across once the nuptials get finalized. I do hope you will keep the name of Andora flying high and do no such thing as to bring us shame."

Azriel said nothing and just curtsied as a mark of respect. She was too hurt to say a word to the brother she had always loved so much. She was too hurt that the lady she had called mother for so many years had not looked upon her face since that fateful day father had taken ill. Malvin stepped upto her and gave her a quick impulsive hug before ruching back to Galvin's side.

The Duke bowed to everyone and took her hand, helping her up into the carriage. To her surprise, he also got in himself and pulled the curtains back. She wished she could have seen a bit more of Andora while she left, but the Duke wanted to have more caution on the journey. She shivered despite the warmth of the day, wishing she had been able to properly hug Eva one last time.

The Duke sat opposite her and handed her his kerchief saying, "Now, Azriel, will you please wipe off all that make-up from your face."