Legacy (The Biodome Chronicles) (34 page)

“Yes, My Lord. Thank you. ’Tis but a disagreement.” Oaklee refused to look at Coal as a heaviness filled her. “I appreciate your concern.”

“I shall act as older brother in Leaf’s absence. Do not hesitate to ask me for anything, Willow.” Skylar bowed and then walked back toward his seat, also gracing Ember with a slight bow as he passed, but not before providing Coal with a warning look.

In swift jerky movements, Coal stood and walked out of their apartment and Oaklee felt her body list, dizzy with sorrow. Should she have listened to him? A tear slipped out and trailed down her cheek, and she quickly made way for her seat, hoping she did not garner attention. She risked a glance at the group and saw that most had quieted and were trying to act natural, making her heart sink further.

Oaklee chided herself for not listening to Coal, allowing her pride and anger to dictate her actions. As a friend, she should have given him the opportunity to speak to her. What if he wished to apologize? If she was emotionally capable, Oaklee would seek him out tomorrow following The Exchange and grant him opportunity.

“He is not himself.” Oaklee listened to Rain as she sat beside her on the wooden chair, moving the tree pillow onto the floor. “Did you refuse him?”

“I am not yet sixteen, how could he make a pledge?”

“True, but the way he looks upon you says otherwise.”

“I am not interested in the Son of Fire as a husband. I am not interested in marrying at all.” Oaklee knew her words were shocking, and Rain provided a kind smile, reminiscent of Jeff’s expression when considering various arguments and ideas. The look on her face was so similar, it was remarkable, causing her to glance at the barrister across the room. Was there a possibility?

Rain placed a hand upon her arm. “Do I have your permission to show my interest with Coal?”

She glanced at Rain’s hand and then met her eyes, confused by her friend’s question. Why would
Rain need her permission? Was she being tested? Oaklee’s thoughts were muddled, and she could not properly discern. She knew that caring for her mother had consumed much of Rain’s free time, eliminating many social experiences. She looked forward to speaking with Rain, even the briefest of encounters. However, Rain was impossible at times, always exploring various angles before letting an idea or mission rest.

“Please do.” A quiet voice said to their right. Oaklee and Rain turned their heads and looked at Ember in surprise. Rain appeared ashamed momentarily, before finding a spark of confidence.

Ember continued. “Coal could benefit from a distraction.”

“I wish to be more than a distraction.”

“Of course you do. My brother is a worthy catch and would make a fine husband. Only, I am not sure Coal would receive your interest with serious consideration at present.” Ember ever-so-slightly lifted a brow.

“Perhaps I could convince him otherwise.”

“Perhaps, perhaps not. Please bear in mind that Coal was present when Joel passed away, and he needs time to emotionally heal as well. He looked upon him as a revered uncle.”

Rain nodded her head and lowered her eyes to the floor before returning to sit beside Norah, keeping a lowered profile.

Oaklee had new respect and a new fear of Ember, who was more in control than Oaklee realized. It made her wonder exactly how Ember functioned and remained so put together and kind, a mystery she was determined to solve. Oaklee knew she would self-implode if she approached life like her future sister-in-law. And she was right. Coal was acting on grief, and he was not himself this week. Were his obsessive needs justified? Did he wish to feel close to her in order to ease his own pain?

Ember gave her a small smile. “Vultures come in all shapes and sizes.”

“Indeed. Although, I do believe Rain is in earnest.”

“Oh, I think not. I believe she was attempting to needle information out of you, and had to win the argument at all cost.” She sat down and delicately nibbled on a piece of flatbread.

Sorrow gripped her heart tighter with Ember’s words. Although she considered the idea, Oaklee did not wish to believe her friend would behave in such an unfeeling way. Would Rain act so manipulatively on such a week and on such a night? Oaklee refrained from making further comment, studying her future sister-in-law instead, contemplating her words and insight.

The sound of footsteps outside before the entry redirected her thoughts and she looked past the gathering and toward the door. Was Coal returning? Or her brother? She readjusted her position on the chair and clasped her hands in her lap, lightly nibbling the inside of her bottom lip.

Leaf opened the door and allowed Connor to enter first. Both bore tense expressions, but did not appear offended with one another. She slowly let out a breath as the room grew quiet in anticipation, each person quickly settling upon a seat. Her brother joined Connor in the center of the room, Leaf’s head lowered and his jaw muscles working as he ground his teeth. She grew anxious as she watched her brother struggle, his normally steadfast demeanor vanishing. What did he fear? Connor looked at Ember and beckoned her to join them in the center. With ease, she rose from the chair and kept her chin regally high as she stood next to her father, Leaf on his other side.

“It is with great joy that I announce the engagement of my daughter Ember to Leaf.” Connor took his daughter’s hand and placed it inside Leaf’s, kissing the top of their joined fingers, symbolizing his blessing.

A hush fell over the entire room as each person stared wide-eyed, and then they roared with excitement. Skylar looked up at Ember, the hurt in his eyes evident before glaring at Leaf, and Oaklee thought she would grow sick. Would Leaf lose his friend as well? Was this Connor’s condition? Or did Leaf ask for the Fire Element’s blessing during their private moment?

“Congratulations.” Skylar stood and offered his hand to Leaf, gripping his forearm in a brotherly fashion.

Oaklee held her breath, realizing the Son of Wind was putting on a chivalrous show for the room, but his eyes reflected daggers. Leaf responded by clenching his jaw again, also aware of his friend’s behavior. Timothy’s usually jovial features became pensive and offense flashed across his eyes.

“Does Leaf hold the Earth Element nobility title?” She could not help her question, burning to know, and also hoping to provide a distraction. The room grew quiet once more.

“Willow, let us enjoy the gathering, eh?” Leaf gave her a quick smile, communicating distracted weariness, and then chanced a look at Skylar as the young man walked toward the door and out into the night. Her brother’s features fell as he stared at his friend’s back and then regained his composure, kindly turning toward Ember.

With a cheery tone Oaklee knew was fake, Leaf asked, “I am famished. Will you join me, My Lady?” Ember gave a slow nod while allowing Leaf to guide her toward the banquet table set up in their apartment.

Oaklee furrowed her brows at his response, taken aback by his dismissal. Was he also putting on a show or was he patronizing her? This evening had taken its toll on her heart and she felt anger flush through her body, her mind momentarily forgetting there was an audience. She walked over to the table and placed her trencher forcefully upon the wood, creating a loud clang. The awkward atmosphere became charged and everyone turned her direction, but she only saw her brother.

“My name is
Oaklee
, and I am not a child. What are you not telling me, Leaf?”

Oaklee and Leaf stared at each other for a few heartbeats, and then her brother began casting irritated and anxious glances around the room. She should feel shame for her actions, but instead she felt vindicated. He was keeping a secret from her, and the idea of change made her insides wish to scream.

“He is making an important decision, Willow. Give him time. He shall share when ready.” Connor stepped into their conversation and Leaf appeared relieved. “Fellow Nobles, let us give the Watsons a quiet evening to enjoy together. This family has endured many changes this week, with more to come.”

Everyone vacated with trenchers in hand after quiet wishes of good night. Ember was the last to leave, holding back with a questioning look in her eyes
. Leaf kissed her on the cheek, whispering into her ear, and then walked her to the door and gave his farewell.

Oaklee kept her eyes on Leaf’s face, refusing to back down. She felt Laurel lean into her, wrapping arms around her waist in a hug. Oaklee placed her hand on her sister’s shoulder in acknowledgment, but stood in unflinching resolve to be included in Leaf’s decision. She was always the last to find out anything or be considered.

Leaf said through gritted teeth, “It is always about how you feel,
Willow.
”

“It is Oaklee, and it is about
us
, our
family
.”

“Indeed. You fear that I have forgotten that responsibility? Remember my promise?”

“The very one you broke Wednesday afternoon?”

He shouted,
“Pardon?” in surprised outrage. “Have you completely lost your senses? I do believe it was you who encouraged me to leave. You were convinced it was the right decision as both father and Jeff said so. How does that label me a villain? I did not kill father. I did not force Coal to fall in love with you. I did not scribe that memo for Hanley Nichols. I did not ruin your life. Stop punishing me!”

Leaf grabbed a wooden cup in his reach and hurled it across the room with a pent up growl. It hit the wall, chipping off a small chunk. Laurel jumped and squeaked in fear, watching her brother transform. Oaklee pulled her tighter against her side to become a comforting shield for her sister. Still worked up, Leaf threw over a chair before storming out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him. Oaklee and Laurel watched the doorway too stunned to move. After a few moments, they began to relax when it burst open, and Leaf marched back in, pointing his finger at her.

“You crossed your heart,” he said, coming closer. “You vowed to trust me. Where is your sense of honor?”

“I did,” she agreed. “You chose not to fight the nomination after telling me that if you left, Laurel and I would leave with you. Where is
your
sense of honor?”

Leaf’s face turned red and then he spat, “Why did you not simply ask me? I would have answered all your questions and reassured your fears. Instead, you chose to continually disrespect me in front of the Nobles and before the community with your behavior.”

“Do not turn this into a lesson on how I should behave like a lady, Leaf Watson!”

“No, it is far worse now, Willow Oak.” Leaf leaned in and whispered in her ear, “You are a princess and next in line to be Queen.”

Oaklee’s eyes widened, and her mouth fell open in horror. She had not thought of herself with such terms, but her brother was right. Leaf leaned back and resumed his position of defense, staring at her for several heartbeats to allow his words to sink deep into her heart.

In a low voice, he continued, “I am asking you again. Do you trust me?”

Oaklee looked away, considering his request. Laurel peered up at her with large eyes, dripping with tears. She had never seen her brother manifest such powerful emotions, and he was intimidating, as was the truth of her position within this community. No matter how strongly she felt justified in her anger, in her reasons for making demands, he always unraveled her to the point where she no longer had anything on which to hold. Her righteous indignation melted away as she considered his words. The whirlwind raging inside of her often found balance by his version of truth and seamless control of so many situations. As now, despite his actions that appeared otherwise.

With exasperation, she asked, “Why are you unable to share? What are you deciding on with Connor?”

“Why can you not have faith in me that if I walk into a room, and did not share, that it was for good reason? Perhaps I planned on sharing when we were alone.”

“Do you?”

“No.” He slowly drew the word out for added emphasis, leaning in with arms extended on the table, a threatening pose of a man ready to pounce if she challenged him further.

Laurel screamed,
“Stop fighting!” as she pulled away from her embrace. “I want father!”

Oaklee flinched and lowered her head. Tears streamed angrily down her sister’s petite face. The trust, which normally shone brightly in
Laurel’s amber-colored eyes, was replaced with fear.

“Oh, darling. I desperately want father as well.”
Oaklee knelt and opened her arms for Laurel, but her sister gave an anguished expression in response and then ran down the hallway to her room.

Leaf deflated instantly, and Oaklee regretted her war that had made their little sister feel so unsafe. Her brother stumbled over to a chair and dropped into it, resting his head in his hands, releasing a heavy sigh as he did so. Unsure of what to do, Oaklee stood and watched her brother immobilized by the lack of answers and directions. Their bodies were falling apart as moments and conversations stoked and billowed their emotions, maintaining a full flame. Feeling her golden tribute, she wondered at the pressure it felt as it decomposed.

Compassion replaced her anger, and she knelt before her brother, resting her head in his lap. His shoulders began to shake and Oaklee felt remorse as he began crying. She had been unfair to him, selfish and self-centered. He needed her support, not her opposition. How could she trust him to lead the community as the Earth Element and Aether, but not their family?