Heart of darkness

Chapter Twenty-Four

The way back to the tunnel entrance wasn't as confusing as before. Calia seemed to remember all the twists and turns I had forgotten in the short time we had been gone.

"Aurora, are you sure you don't want me to stay with you until the wedding? I know it will be hard to stay there for three days all by yourself. I get it if you've already gone crazy by now." Calia said as we reached the door to my room.

"I'll be fine Calia, but I do need you to deliver a letter to Cas." I said and pushed the door open to my room.

The small writing desk sat quietly in a corner as I went over to it and sat down. All of my essentials were there, paper, pens, ink, and wax. With that I started writing.

Dear Cas,

I hope this letter finds you quickly. The coven is in the forbidden wood, they are hiding there and don't take lightly to strangers. Thankfully my friend Elizabeth, who is a witch, was able to send a message to them. I hope you are safe, please hurry.

Sincerely yours, Aurora.

I slowly re-read my letter, pausing when I read sincerely yours, the reality of my relationship with Cas softly brushed through my mind. What were we? I knew that I had feelings for him, but I didn't know how much those feelings had evolved over the span of three weeks.

Though now I quickly brushed the thought away and handed the letter to Calia

"Please make sure this gets to Cas. I know it will be hard, but he needs this information." I said and watched Calia take the thin paper from my hands.

"Of course Aurora." She said and started out of the room.

Just then a person came into the room and ran right into Calia.

"Oh, I am so sorry, your Majesty." A familiar voice said as she helped the fallen queen to her feet.

"It is quite alright Miss..."

"Daphne." The girl said.

"Daphne?" I questioned and walked over to my friend.

"Aurora!" She squealed and wrapped her arms around me. "It is so good to see you!"

"You too Daphne." I gasped, her embrace was so tight I could barely breathe.

"Your mother told us all about the ball and I'm here to help." She released me and smiled.

"Is she here?" I asked, knowing it was unlikely. Just like at the ball, it would be too dangerous for her.

"No, just me." Daphne smiled. "I'm here to make your dress."

"Wait... the prince allowed you to make my dress? Does he know we're friends?" I asked.

"Yes and no. He personally called upon me because he knows that I am the kingdom's best seem-stress." Daphne gloated. Her eyes soaring with pride.

I gave her a I-know-you're-lying look.

"Alright, Calia asked for me and your mother thought it best I come." Daphne shrugged.

"Have you heard from Cas?" I asked, hoping she could give us something as to where he is.

"Not really, though last week he did tell us that he would be travelling North, but he never said why."

"He's looking for witches." I mentioned.

"Witches!" Daphne exclaimed. "Why on earth would he be looking for witches?"

"So that they can help us overthrow the king. They're not actually bad, just misunderstood." I answered. Her face seemed to express all of the questions her voice wouldn't say.