The Phantom Calling: Dragonwood/Chapters 21 - 25

Chapter 21 As I was lying down on the couch once more, Ivy and Hazel were arguing over something again, presumably over something stupid. Last time it was because Hazel had apparently stepped on Ivy's tail, and Ivy had purposefully hacked up another hairball on Hazel when she wasn't looking. All in all, I really wanted to smack the both of them.

"Hazel, I know you stepped on my tail!" Ivy hissed, unsheathing her claws. Hazel just ignored her, instead walking over to me. "Hey! Quit ignoring me!"

She crouched down on her knees, tilting her head. "You okay? You look upset." Huffing, I narrowed my eyes. "Oh, you just noticed that? Gee, thanks." Hazel just held back a retort, instead deciding to rustle my hair gently, all the while giving me a small smile. "But yes, I'm upset. Anything you want to take note of?"

Ivy shook her head, sighing. "Hazel, you should probably leave her be. She just lost someone important to her, and she had a fight with Silverfire earlier." Hazel just shot a venomous glare at Ivy, but said nothing. Why did they have to be so…so kind to me? Jayson was nice to me; are they also trying to mock me? Well, maybe Hazel isn't- after all, she probably never even knew that Jayson even existed.

"Can you two not? It's getting irritating hearing the two of you fight every single second you're around the other. Grow up," I snapped. The two of them just ignored me, the both of them still spitting at each other. "...Honestly, even if it might make me pass out, it's tempting to cast a love spell on the both of you to efficiently shut you up and to pass the time with something amusing. And that's saying something, when acknowledging Twyla and that love spell."

Hazel raised an eyebrow, suspicion flashing in her gaze. "You…you know how to cast love spells? Aren't those illegal?"

Snorting in laughter, I rolled my eyes. "No kidding, genius. I only cast it on her so she wouldn't go on a rampage and kill someone, namely Tristan. Nasty things. Hopefully no one accidentally breaks it to her that she's under one, otherwise it's Tristan's problem, not mine. The calm before the storm, as I've dubbed it."

"As infuriating as she is while under it, I can't help but wonder what it feels like to be under one," Ivy murmured, crossing her arms. "That is not an a-okay for you to cast one on me, Holly!"

Huffing, I flicked my hand at her, sitting up on the couch. "Relax, Ivy. It drains me too much to cast just a simple healing spell for a cut or bruise these days. However, I can tell you myself- it feels really nice and fuzzy when around the person you're infatuated with while under it, and you can't help but swoon over them all the time. Just think of it like an obsession that honestly feels like bliss, that is until something happens to them, or when the spell fades."

Hazel frowned. "Then why was Twyla flirting with me for the past few weeks if she's under a spell? I mean, I really do like it…but is it normal for her to do that? And why would she go on a rampage?"

Rolling my eyes, I shrugged. "If she's flirting with you so casually, then it's probably something she tends to do anyways. I did adjust the spell to make her personality more of like how she used to be before this 'Aspen' guy did something that made her hate a solid percentage of humanity, since she probably would've proved difficult if I hadn't done that, so thank me later. Judging from the bits and pieces of conversation I've heard from her and Violet, it isn't too hard to make a guess on what exactly he did to them."

"Wait, what did he do to Violet?" Ivy growled, her tail lashing. For a moment I was shocked at how angry Ivy seemed, until I remembered that Ivy and her were good friends…are they confident that they aren't becoming more than friends? "I swear, if he did anything to her and got away with it, I'll…I'll-"

Resting her hand on Ivy's shoulder, Hazel shook her head. "Ivy, just calm down, please. He probably isn't even at this school anyways. You'll probably get the chance to ask Violet about it later, seeing as you two are practically inseparable."

Her cheeks flushing red, she snapped, "We are not inseparable!" Hazel just laughed, nudging Ivy's shoulder. "I hate you."

Closing my eyes for a brief second, I yawned. "Make sure to invite me to the wedding, Ivs." Presumably Ivy was ready to hiss at me some more, but she couldn't deny that in the past few months they were getting really close- to the point of literally everyone except the densest idiots in the school can tell.

Hazel sighed, shrugging to herself. "To be fair, Holly, they do just want to be friends, it seems. Wouldn't be surprised if they ended up as an item, though." Ivy just groaned, pouting as she sat back down on the couch, albeit looking as if she was pondering the idea. "Anyways, when will Silverfire get back? I can't stand around waiting for him when I could be back in my dorm consoling Stargaze with his…issues."

"What issues?" Ivy called out, raising an eyebrow.

"He's been muttering to himself about potential futures, talking to 'ghosts', all that jazz. I've been getting worried about him even though that's what he usually does, since he's been outright hiding in his room." She shook her head, sighing once more. "I mean, now it's only us two and Columbia in our dorm, so he claimed his own room. He doesn't even come out to eat!"

Frowning at her, I wasn't sure what to say. On one hand, this might actually be a good thing that Stargaze's powers are working way out here. He could be able to tell us what might happen if we stay on here too long…or some of the plans the school has in store for us. Something, anything would be good. But on the other…his ability to speak with the dead does worry me. Has he been talking with Rishi? Does she genuinely hate me after what I did? Or has…has he seen Jayson? Bright Scar, I'd hope not, but…why wouldn't he be gone at this point? I've done nothing to help him. I don't know where he is. He probably is dead by now, if he isn't experiencing a fate worse than death… A tear forming in my eye, I just turned away from Hazel and Ivy, burying my face into my pillow. They wouldn't understand why I'm so upset over Jayson. They simply wouldn't, unless they had spent most of their childhood and teenage years with him. He was the only one who I ever truly saw as my best friend.

As I sat down on the side of my bed, Jayson plopped down right next to me, giving me a small smile.

''"Well, at least King Brokenfire is still allowing me to stay as your servant after that sudden announcement," He remarked, crossing his arms behind his head. "I mean, you getting married to the prince of Périlimar? Wouldn't ever think of you agreeing to that, my Princess."''

''Shrugging, I sighed. "I didn't. Why would he do that? Is it because I'm his only heir to the throne?" Groaning to myself, I closed my eyes, inhaling sharply. "I don't want to be with him. Sometimes I wish that I could've just stayed with my mom instead of my dad dragging me here. Mom certainly wouldn't have done something like that without telling me." ''

''Jayson blinked slowly, as if analyzing what I had said. "I get that. I mean, I miss my brother dearly, and I do wish I had stayed with him to fight in the war…it makes me feel sick that I just let him go without stopping him. I don't even know if he's alive or not. The only one keeping me from leaving is you, Holly. I don't want King Brokenfire or anyone doing anything to you." ''

''Batting his shoulder, I snorted in faint amusement. "Jayson, you think about me far too much. You might get yourself sick worrying about me- no, you will." Simply laughing, he wrapped his arm around my shoulders, causing me a blush. "Jay-Jay, come on. There's more to our relationship than you fretting about every single thing that involves me, and me trying to console you. But thanks, I guess, for trying to make me feel better." ''

''Sighing, Jayson rested his head on my shoulder. "Just doing my duty. But it does concern me why King Brokenfire would just set you up like that without your consent. He's…usually an understanding person, towards you at least." Glancing back in my direction, he added, "And even if we're putting that aside, I'm still really worried, Holly. Will Prince Ethelred treat you right? Will I even be allowed to be your friend still? It really bugs me, considering how I might never be able to see you again." ''

''"If Ethelred doesn't let me have my own life outside of him or let us keep seeing one another, then he's going to regret marrying me in the first place. No one tells Holly Crowe what to do, otherwise they'll be getting a fist full of pain!" ''

''Jayson only let out a small chuckle, his hair brushing up against my skin. Why did he always have to be so…infuriating yet pleasant at the same time? It really baffled me; he could've just dismissed me and my feelings when breaking the news to me, but he didn't. I just…I just don't get him sometimes. Jayson's still really sweet, I suppose. After all, I consider him to be my best friend for a reason… ''

''A knock on the door yanked me out of my own thoughts, much to my irritation. Looking up, a shiver ran down my spine once I saw who it was; King Brokenfire, the one who issued the marriage in the first place. He had a scowl on his face upon seeing Jayson snuggled up against my chest, though it was probably more of the fact that we were getting so close to begin with. His hair was messy and unkempt, which surprised me; usually he kept it well groomed, for the most part. Today must've been an off day, then, especially considering he hadn't bothered to put on his more royal clothing today; he liked to parade around the castle in it, just to remind his subjects that King Baqer was no longer ruler. ''

''Brokenfire glowered Jayson, his cheeks red. "Rineheart, don't you have other tasks to tend to, aside from attempting to court my daughter? Who is soon to be wed to Prince Ethelred, might I add?" ''

''"I wasn't trying to court her," Jayson snapped, getting up from my bed. "I was trying to console her after that sudden bomb you just dropped on everyone in the castle. You could've said something about it to her." ''

''Chuckling, my father shook his head. "You know, Rineheart, I appreciate the advice, but I really think you should consider this: I have a burning hatred of simple minded servants that tell me what to do. Imagine what I might do to you if you don't shut your trap. Or…your brother, even? Frost, wasn't it? It would sure be heart-breaking if your brother were to tragically die before turning nine years old, now would it?" ''

''Lowering his head in fright, Jayson meekly padded out the room, with Brokenfire casting a smug grin in his direction. Whipping his head around to face me, he crouched down onto his knees, stroking my chin with his fingers. Awkwardly trying to turn away, I attempted to move backwards, only for him to let out a small growl in response. Whimpering, I stayed put. ''

''"D-Dad, why did you set me up with Prince Ethelred?" ''

''"Holly, my dear, you must understand that you are the only valid heir to Vagushade now, and that Ethelred was the best option for all of us; I hear he's a gentle and patient man, and he's one of the princes of Périlimar. You get a wonderful husband while Vagushade and Périlimar have a steady alliance without us having to take…certain measures to gain their help. Just why would you be upset?" ''

''A tear rolling down my cheeks, I murmured, "I don't even know him, nor do I want to. How could I care for anything that happens to our connection with Périlimar when you're just going to invade their country anyways?" Folding my arms, I added, "It just feels like you're trying to tear me and Jayson away from each other." ''

''The king sighed, shrugging his shoulders. "Holly, I want what's best for you. Right now, you and Jayson are in your teens. Questionable things happen with teenagers left alone with one another, especially ones who are incredibly close. Ethelred is not that bad of a guy, you know I'd never do anything that horrible to you." ''

''"Jayson isn't that bad of a guy either, and he'd never do anything questionable to me without my permission. He's really sweet and understanding, and someone in this forsaken kingdom that actually tries to get me." Gulping, I glared at my dad directly in the eye, snapping, "I'm not marrying Ethelred. I refuse to love him or want to marry him. I don't want any of it." ''

''Rolling his eyes, Brokenfire grumbled to himself. "Of course, go ahead and endanger the kingdom. That certainly won't put a monkey in our wrench." ''

''Glowering him some more, I felt myself fuming on the inside; what point was there in marrying Ethelred if he was just going to take them over anyways? What was so special about Périlimar that he just has to marry me off to one of their princes? There wasn't any sense of logic to it, if you ask me. ''

''Huffing, I curled my lip. "I'm not endangering the kingdom by refusing to marry him. You're just going to take over the kingdom anyways, alliance or no alliance." ''

''"That is enough!" He hissed, slamming his fists against the mattress. "Look, you little brat, I don't have the time nor patience to deal with this; marrying Ethelred will make things more bearable for both countries, as well as the both of us in the long run. I'm not letting you screw up my plans, you're marrying him whether you like it or not!" ''

''Snapping his fingers before I had the chance to respond, a sudden jolt of pain flashed in my head, causing me to grimace. Grinding my teeth, I let out a shuddering groan of agony as I realized what he just did; he cast a spell on me, or is punishing me with a small bout of suffering. No doubt about it that he wasn't going to make it go away any time soon, though. Eventually the pain began to fade away, leaving me almost out of breath and my mind practically at a blank. Brokenfire raised an eyebrow at me, as if hoping that whatever he did was enough. ''

''"Now, Princess Holly…I won't repeat this again," He growled, his icy blue eyes overflowing with anger. "Will you take Prince Ethelred as your husband?" ''

''At the mention of his name, a smile tugged at my lips; Prince Ethelred. How could I not want to take him as my husband? Like father said, he is rather gentle and patient. A rush of giddiness rummaging through my mind, I nodded, giggling. ''

''"Of course I would, I absolutely love him!" The words came spilling out of my mouth like a waterfall, almost completely uncontrollable. But I could've cared less. Why? ''

''Because Prince Ethelred was mine, and no one would ever take him away from me. ''

"H-Holly, you m-might want to wake up!" The ear-piercing screech of Hazel brought me back to reality, much to my dismay. Opening my eyes, I was greeted with the sight of Hazel shaking violently, whimpering out loud as Ivy awkwardly tried to comfort her (only for Hazel to shoo her away).

Sighing, I stretched my arms, groaning. "Why? I wasn't even having a nightmare for once!"

Hazel frowned. "I-I'm sorry but there's these t-two guys outside of your d-dorm that I think have taken V-Violet and Silverfire hostage and they're threatening to storm in and just k-kill you if you don't answer!" Clearly she was panicking about the whole thing; I guess I can't blame Ivy for making feeble attempts to console her, now can I? Rolling onto my back, I let out a small grunt. "Okay, Hazie, first off, calm the heck down. Freaking out is not helping anyone. Secondly, I'm being targeted by people here now? I've gotta say, I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner."

"Holly, how in the name of B-Bright Scar are you so okay with this? They m-might kill you! D-Don't you realize that?!"

Shrugging, I let out a nonchalant laugh. "I'm used to it by now. People hate my guts, Hazie. Don't you know who I am? I'm Princess Holly, daughter of King Brokenfire. You know, the one who forcefully seized the throne to Vagushade and is set on taking over the world, so it seems? The one who publicly executed many, and purposefully killed to prove his point? Yeah. Why are you so concerned, anyways? You don't even know me."

"I-I didn't k-know that, b-but…I can't help but c-care about your safety, Holly. You seem like a bad p-person, to me at least." Lowering her voice down to a whisper, she stuttered, "A-And your heritage d-doesn't matter to me. Y-You're just another friend to me."

Ivy hissed at the door, unsheathing her claws. "Forget it, you fleabag! I'm not letting you come in here to murder anyone!" Turning to Hazel, she murmured, "Hazel, I really think you should take a moment to catch your breath and calm down. If your stuttering isn't giving it away, then I don't know what will."

Inhaling sharply, Hazel nodded. "I-I know. B-But I'm just really worried, Ivy. V-Violet and my little b-brother are with them, presumably t-taken hostage. I'm not even sure about t-the albino kid out there, but that brown haired guy? Y-Yeesh."

Tilting her head, Ivy suggested, "Maybe you should go upstairs to your room and hide while we get rid of them, Holly. I'll make sure Violet and Silverfire are safe, so you don't need to worry on that front."

"Just let them in. I could care less about what they want to do with me, it's likely that I can handle it myself. And besides, then Violet and Silverfire will be much easier to retrieve." Sitting up on the couch, I rolled my eyes. "Don't bother attacking them unless they make a move to attack first. It's fine and all not wanting to attack another human being, but be logical here."

As Ivy hesitantly opened the door, I couldn't have been more shocked to see who wanted me dead this time around; it was the ex-heirs of Vagushade's throne, Ex-Prince Delmar and Ex-Princess Scarlet.