SWNOVELS Chapter 4
Annabelle Virgo
You want me to come outside? Rasal asked as I had my hand on the door knob.
That’s okay, you wait here.
He slid into his bed and kept his eyes on the door of the terrace.
“Well, it’s about time,” I said with my arms crossed.
“Finally,” the Star Spirit cheered. “You look presentable.”
“Excuse me?”
“Never mind, dear,” she said.
“Where were you?” I demanded.
“In the Stars,” she smiled.
“I’m serious,” I pouted.
“Well, thanks to your brilliant king, the Constellations are out of balance,” she started. “People are dying and the Star Spirits are dealing with this crisis!”
“I’m really sorry about that,” I lowered my head.
“You should be,” she said.
“How is this my fault?” I said defensively. “I was forced into this.”
“Yes, but everyone thinks you should’ve fought back. That you delayed the war which everyone wanted to fight because they want to end this injustice,” she told. “They’re right. You shouldn’t have married or given Ophiuchus to Alec. Now Stars know what the Hydras will do.”
For someone dealing with an Astrological crisis she was dressed like she was invited to the Celestial Ball. Silver hair fell to her waist, half of it braided back with a tiara on her head woven with golden leaves. Her eyes sparkled with blue stardust, reminding me of Raelynn.
There was something different about her. I noticed the symbol of Virgo on her forehead. It was just like the one I had on my wrist only much larger.
“Have you always had that?” I pointed to her Sign.
“Yes, I have.” she confirmed. “A Star Spirit has the mark of his or her Constellation where everyone can see it best. We can hide it if we want but since there have been so many gatherings it’s hard to tell everyone apart so we make our Sign more prominent.”
“How’s everyone in Crimsyn State doing?” I asked quietly.
“Last I checked with Alred they were setting up camp near Hydrus,” she told.
My stomach churned. “Why?”
“Because they’re going to get you back and end this war. It’s not going to be easy. Restoring all the Constellations, they’ll have to get new descendants since the old ones are dead. But you will have help from the Star Spirits.”
I took a shaky breath and groaned.
“Now, how’s Rasalhague doing?” she said his name with an Arabic accent.
“Rasal is fine,” I told her about what the servant from Ophiuchus had told me about my Sign.
“Poor thing has to suffer for something you did,′ she said.
“I didn’t mean to upset Ophiuchus. Now I can’t Stargaze without passing out.”
“What’s your plan, then? How are you going to make up for it?”
“I don’t know,” I confessed.
She sighed out of disappointment by also as if she had expected this.” I thought with a personal snake servant he’d help you out.”
“Oh, he did.” I told her about the assassination plan Rasal had come up with.
“That’s perfect!” she exclaimed.
“Yes, but how?”
“Annabelle,” she smiled as if she knew something I didn’t. “Sometimes what you’re looking for is staring at you right in the face.”
She started dissolving into blue stardust. “That makes no sense.” I whispered.
Was she much help? Rasal approached me.
No, I told.
If snakes could laugh, Rasal did. You’ll realize what she means soon.
I sighed and went to dinner.
“Annabelle, are you feeling better now?” Lydia asked in a low voice over the loud conversation Jaxon and Alec were having. “Our tutor told me you were having some trouble today.”
“Yes but I’m sure I will be alright.”
Granny and Sophie were mumbling to each other and kept eyeing me. They whispered behind their hands and glanced at me.
What is wrong with those two? Rasal’s head appeared on my lap and he narrowed his eyes at the two women.
Should I take care of them?
No, Rasal. You cannot poison Sophie and-as much as I hate her- not even Granny.
You never let me have any fun, he complained and slid under the table.
I threw him a chicken when no one was looking.
Thank you, milady.
You’re welcome!
I heard him chewing and munching in my head and nudged him lightly with my foot.
Apologies, I heard him say.
“Annabelle, have you prepared for the Celestial Ball?” Granny asked as I took a sip of water.
She must have noticed my confused expression. “Have you picked out a decent dress?” she said through gritted teeth.
I thought since there were a few days I’d pick a gown the night before, I wanted to say but kept it to myself knowing that I would only get scolded if I procrastinate.
I gulped and lied, “Yes, of course.”
“The ball is in a few days,” she announced while pointing a finger at me. “I want you on your best behaviour, no mumbling, muttering, arguing. Only obeying, being nice...but not too nice, learn to respect those around you and gain the respect of other and yes, most importantly, stay sober.”
I growled at the last one. This coming from you? My mind screamed.
“But don’t turn down a glass or two, that would seem rude.” she added quickly.
She gave me a small smile. Her eyes sending a message her mouth was too afraid to, I’ll check on it later.
She probably didn’t want my in-laws to think that I needed to be babysat by my grandmother or have to be told how to do things properly. They thought I had been trained for that my entire life.
Granny marched in my room before I could even close the door properly.
“You have no idea what the Celestial Ball is, do you?” she whispered loudly before slowly closing the door.
“I know what it is,” I said through gritted teeth.
“Then you should know how important this is for the kingdom,” she explained.
“Yes, yes!” I almost yelled. “It’s not like this is my first time attending the Celestial Ball. I’ve been invited since I was thirteen years old. So have all the other descendants in Stellaregno.”
I regretted saying that since my words only stabbed me. More than half of the descendants of the Twelve Major were in Crimsyn State.
“Well, it’s your first time going as princess and I don’t want you to mess anything up,” she told. “And don’t worry about your friends, they have cousins who will be coming in their place.”
My mouth fell open. Granny knew what I was thinking about.
“I’ll send your maids to help you with your clothes.” she said and stormed out.
I groaned and fell on the couch with Rasal on my lap.
Are you certain that you two are related by blood and Constellation? Rasal asked.
Unfortunately yes, I answered.
Don’t worry about the others, he comforted. Just think about it, Taurus, Aquarius, Pisces and Cancer were always in Crimsyn State so their cousin, also descendants of the Twelve Major attended each royal event in their place.
That’s true, I agreed.
This time Capricorn, Gemini, Aries and Sagittarius will have new descendants.
And I have to face them, I added. Not to mention, I’ll be hosting them this time.
It’ll be fine, Rasal said. I’ll help you.
With what?
Defend yourself against all the rumors, he told.
I nearly shouted.
People think you’re a spy for the rebels and the Hydras are wrong to trust you.
I don’t think they trust me at all.
But, people will ask you questions about the rebel hideout and their strategies, Rasal said.
It’s a good thing I don’t know their strategies and only their location, I sighed. So if anything suspicious happens in the palace, everyone is going to think it’s my fault?
Rasal gulped, Yes.
Oh my...
What now? Rasal wondered.
How am I supposed to kill a king, then? I said. If anything goes wrong everyone will suspect me. They will blame me and Jaxon’s family of snakes will destroy me.
Your people at Crimsyn State can handle them, Rasal confirmed. And don’t call the Hydras snakes, that’s an insult to serpents everywhere!
I laughed, Rasal joined. Sorry, I said.
How do you know about the rumors? I wondered.
Because they were quite obvious.
That’s true but what is the real reason?
I overheard you maids talking last night, he told.
“Oh,” is all I could say.
My maids arrived and helped me get ready for bed. I saw them differently now, though it wasn’t their fault.
I pulled off my robe, revealing the silky sleeveless nightgown which fell to my knees and had a neck so deep that I was embarrassed of because of my Virgo personality.