* * *
Cole watched as Arlana once again stormed away from him. What guy was she thinking about?, he began to wonder-Marco, no he didn't think so, he seemed too old to be of interest to her, and they hardly even talked to each other that he had noticed. He was going to have to find out a way to watch over her more closely. He had been kept so busy with Avalynn’s activities that he had hardly seen a glimpse of Arlana in several days. He had been around Kellam so much that he didn't know how much more he could take. He called Sven to him and asked if he would watch Avalynn for a while as he was going to go confer with Diokles about the celebration.
As Cole walked through the camp he saw Marco posted outside Arlana’s door. He guessed her lessons were done for the day. It was almost dark, maybe she decided to retire early. He nodded his head towards Marco and Marco nodded back.
The light was on at Diokles’ cabin. Cole was relieved that he wouldn’t have to search the camp for him. Diokles liked for his children and wife to be guarded 24/7 but for himself he liked a bit more freedom. As he approached the door he lifted his hand to pull up the knocker but just before he knocked he heard Marika’s syrupy sweet voice. That was strange; he didn't see Marika’s protector outside. He decided to wait by the door and give them some privacy. He would stand guard for a few minutes and wait for Marika’s protector to get back. Marika’s voice was getting louder and he couldn't help but hear a little of what they were saying. "But don't you see darling, it will be so perfect. We have already decided to wed Avalynn and Kellam, but after Avalynn is made an immortal she will not be able to have children. This is where Arlana will come in, if Arlana has children for her, it will be almost like she has given birth to them herself, since they are twins" Marika said excitedly.
"I don't know if Arlana will do this, it is a lot to ask. For Arlana to have a child with Kellam and then give the child to be raised by him and her sister..."
"No, not just a child, children. You don't realize how much Arlana loves Avalynn. She would do anything for her." Marika replied
"If this is to happen I will only allow it once Marika and that is final. And if she doesn't agree, what then do you propose?" stated Diokles.
"She will agree. And if she changes her mind later we can remove her to a different place in the camp, she will be comfortable there, but somewhere where I won’t have to look at her face."
"She can't help it if she looks like her mother."
"Hearing you say that reminds me of your betrayal Diokles, you loved Sophia, you were never suppose to love her, I am your wife! And then you embarrassed me by "secretly" spending time with her, that secret time that everyone knew about made me the laughing stock!"
"Calm down Marika, you will receive what you wish, but only one child."
"YOU should be glad if she is away. We will all be glad. I am ready to move past this betrayal. Are you? If you are then prove it to me by your actions."
"It will be as you wish. But let’s wait a couple of more years before we ask this of her. First the immortality elixir, then the engagement."
"Thank you Diokles, I love you so very much." Marika purred into his ear.
Coles couldn’t believe what he had just heard. He wanted to scream “NO.”He wanted to go into the cabin strangle Marika and shove Diokles into the wall. He knew he could do none of these things. He quietly but quickly backed away from the cabin. And then he began to run. His feet were rushing towards Arlana’s cabin his heart pounding with every footfall. He felt that it would explode out of his chest. ARE THEY COMPLETELY OUT OF THEIR MINDS!? They must be. Arlana is Diokles daughter, he felt like he was in a strange nightmare. He began to realize that he didn't care what loyalty he had sworn to Diokles, he would not let them hurt an innocent girl and rob her of her life, and he would never let them hurt Arlana. Have a child with KELLAM, and then take the child away?! Never going to happen, he thought, not on his watch.
Cole approached the cabin and told Marco that he could break for the night. Marco looked up surprised, "Have our assignments changed?"
"No," Cole replied with as much calmness as he could muster, "Sven is watching Avalynn for a few hours; I thought you might need a break. Have you been inside since she got back?"
"No. I figured she was asleep and I didn't want to wake her, it's so quiet in there."
Cole immediately began to worry. He knew Arlana’s tendency to sneak away, especially when she was upset. "I'll take over until morning; you'll need your rest for tomorrow’s activities."
"See you in the morning then." Marco turned and strode happily towards his cabin.
Cole immediately broke through the door of Arlanna’s cabin. As he walked into her bedroom he crossed his fingers hoping he would find her asleep. He drew closer to the bed not sure what to do or say. He slowly drew the covers back and instead of seeing her golden red hair he saw a large green pillow. "Arrrrrghh! Where is she?" He shouted at her empty bed. He sat down on the bed and calmed himself so he could think clearly. He could smell her sweet scent, honeysuckle and jasmine. “Where is she?” he cried out. He started realizing that this whole situation was making her not being here seem worse than it actually was. She snuck out often, he always found her, he reminded himself. He had an idea of where she might be. He abruptly stood up from the bed and shot out of her window, following her into the night at as fast a pace as he could reach. As he moved he began to make plans of what to do next. Should he tell her, or would the truth hurt too much? The more he thought about it the more decided he became. The truth may hurt, but it wouldn't hurt as much as if Marika’s plans succeeded.