"Vee, I was right. She lied about removing the monster, it is a part of him and has merged with his soul. Truly, there are some that take over the body and become uncontrollable but there's a way to tame it before it gets to that and a way to kill it after that and of course, kill the host too. This is from a documentation of the previous Air wielder's sorcerer, Johnny Sicario and Vee, none of those involve an Intercourse since the traits of the monster is not heritable."
"I do not know what she hopes to gain, you will have to inquire from her."
Aveedah closed the journey book and looked around for Irina. If they did not take any other recess, then they would likely arrive at the Air nation mid afternoon the next day. She had to clear this misunderstanding and find a solution before then.
Once she spotted her, she could not help but feel miserable once again, she was eating.
They were all eating fruits.
When she had made to collect one, Velaine had gave her a look that made her withdraw immediately.
"It is a part of the forest." He had pointed out, a smug look on his face.
The man no longer seemed angry, instead he had withdrawn from her. They were never so friendly with each other but he made conversation or even teased her from time to time however today, he only spoke to her when he needed to, had refused to glance her way and had long given up on travelling side by side with her .
What was it she said that made him this way?
Despite all the problems at hand, she wondered how she could still worry about such petty thing.
If he was ignoring her, she should ignore him. It was as simple as that but the rebellious part of her wanted to see him smile again, to see the look he gave her when he was lost in her eyes or the feel of him close.....
"Irina, I have something to say to you in private." She said, almost yelling as she tried to banish the stray thoughts coming up in her head.
Velaine turned to her then glanced at an annoyed Irina.
She had been that way since they had returned. Apparently, he should not have carried another woman in his arms. If only she knew how far he had almost gone with this woman.
He watched as she quickly finished her fruits and began to follow Aveedah who was still on her horse.
It must be about the lie she had accused him of.
He considered joining them but decided against it. If she wanted him there she would have said so and if he must know what transpired between them, he could ask Irina.
"Why did you lie?" Aveedah asked immediately she thought they were far enough but within the hearing orange of he, who she wishes to hear.
Irina was taken aback by the sudden accusation but managed to stammer out.
"Your highness, pardon me but I understand not what you are saying."
Aveedah chuckled a bit before she replied.
"Lies irritate me and when the liar claims innocence I can never seem to help my temper, so I am giving you a chance to undo the your mistake before I undo it for you."
"Your highness, there must be some sort of misunderstanding. I only say things the way I know them." She replied adamantly.
She is not one to be coerced into confessing, she had endured a lot before and could still do as much now.
"I see. But I believe there is a liar somewhere, It is either your king, you or your father. Oh, I meant your late father, Johnny Sicario." She could see the change in the woman's stance and the growing anger in her eyes.
She had asked for it.
"You see, I found a note by Johnny Sicario on monsters and it contradicts the gibberish you made me listen to yesterday and I trust my sources more than I trust you or your king. So enlighten me Irina, is it you on your own accord, you on your kings accord or your father who seems to have two contradicting notes?" Aveedah allowed her eyes dart to Velaine whom she knew could hear them. She wished she could see his face so she could decipher something from his reaction though she knew very well he would only smile mischievously.
As if having eyes at the back of his head, he turned to look at her and did exactly as she thought he would, then walked away, out of hearing range.
He must either be confident she will not betray him or is truly innocent.
"Your highness, my father is dead yet you are dishonoring his name." Irina stated, her tone angry.
Aveedah only shrugged nonchalantly.
"Your doing, not mine Irina."
"Mine will commence once Eric finishes his portion." Irina turned to see Eric carefully but quite in a hurry gulping down his fruits. If she was right, there was no more than a mango a half eaten orange and two persimmons. With the speed he was eating, it would take him less than five gulps.
"Once Eric is done eating, I would instruct him to arrest you for lying to Queen Aveedah Moorah Aarah. Of course I can not detain you in my kingdom but I will do more damage than detaining you would have done."
"I will make sure the name Johnny Sicario will no longer have the title legend before it but legendary liar. You claim you have your father's note and my source has one too which means he has two contradicting notes on the same topic. This certifies that he lied in one or was mistaken in it. However, my dear Irina, the world will see and hear only that which I wish it would and I will make sure you and whoever is related to him will not be able to walk on the surface of this earth without hiding your face. Fingers will be pointed at you, your family and your father,...." She stopped to chuckle wickedly.
"Your father will not be able to turn in his grave due to shame."
"Your highness..." Irina started, she was red with anger and her fist were clenched. She looked like she could tear whoever she caught apart but Aveedah did not bat an eyelash at her state.
She looked down at her and added.
"The orange is gone and one of the persimmon too. You do not have time Irina. The legendary sorcerer Johnny Sicario will soon become Johnny Sicario the legendary liar, How poetic."
Irina thought to argue, If she tried she might be able to give valid explanations as to the occurrence of the contradicting statements. she also considered screaming and throwing things but she knew she could not risk it. She have heard a lot about Aveedah and her temper. If....
She instinctively turned to see Eric eating the mango, his last fruit. Tears filled her eyes as she watched him gobble the mango. Her fate, her late father's, her late mother's and even the brother she hated all lied on that mango. She glanced at Velaine and he was not even looking in their direction.
He had heard their conversation, Aveedah had chosen a place within his hearing range yet he had walked out.
He was making sure she understood she was on her own, the decision was hers to make and he would not interfere just like he had told her this morning.
"You lied to me Irina." He had said immediately he had returned from hunting.
She stared at him in shock, the look on his face offered no chance for explanation and he seemed angry too.
"I did not mean to your highness, I hoped to tell you that same night but you were with her for quite a while and when you finally arrived, you dismissed me saying you did not wish to speak to anybody. And this morning you were gone by the time I was awake." Her voice was pleading and she was slowly moving closer to him, her eyes holding his.
"You are not a very good liar Irina. Your lie was evident immediately it fell from your mouth what is shocking is how I am accused of putting you to it." He raised a finger at her, stopping her from saying whatever she wanted to.
"Save your explanations, you will need it." He had said and walked out.
Nobody would save her if Aveedah decides to punish her and she will not be the only one to suffer.
Making a decision, she turned back and said, her voice quiet, her eyes baring defeat and anger.
"I did it on my own accord and I am willing to confess my sins."
"Your motive?" Aveedah asked, her eyes on Eric who was finally getting rid of the large mango seed.
She was quiet for a while before she replied.
" Revenge."