Chapter 227 - Breaking the Lore (1/2)
CHAPTER 12: Breaking the Lore
”Aw, dang it! Now, look what you've done!” Cam pushed away from Ales to follow Jos and Raven.
Ales's eyes widened in shock and confusion. His hand shot out to catch Cam's hand as she hurried away from him. ”Wait! You don't understand that thing you're chasing after is a beast, a monster, a cold-blooded killer! With any luck the palace guards will shoot it down-” Angry eyes met his.
”Don't speak about my friends like they are no more than animals!” Cam shouted as she pulled her hand away from him and turned toward the door again.
Ales darted forward to block the door. ”That thing is no better than an animal, worse even! Most animals only kill out of necessity. It kills for sport!” He tried his best to stand firm against her growing frustration. ”It's not safe, you must stay in here and allow the guards to do their jobs!”
Cam's eyes widened. ”You speak as if they will kill her for no reason except for her being here!”
Ales shrugged, ”More than likely, especially if they recognize it!”
Cam stomped her foot, clenching her fists by her sides. ”You jerk! How dare you say such things, you know nothing of her! Nothing of the things she has been through because of ignorant people just like you! I refuse to be the princess or, the gods forbid, a queen of such stupid people!” She narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth, baring them as she said. ”Now, get out of my way while I try to catch up with my friends!” When he refused to move, she pushed forcefully against him and even went as far as kicking him in the shin before he finally budged from the door. Taking the opportunity, Cam rushed from the room and caught up to Jos and Raven as they were halfway down the back staircase. ”Wait, guys!”
Jos instantly turned tear-filled eyes up to meet Cam's, but before she could respond Raven grabbed her tiny hand and jerked her farther down the stairs. ”Come on, these people will never change. They are all the same only ever seeing you through hate clouded lenses.”
Jos pulled away from Raven and ran up the steps tripping over the now oversized clothes as she went. Cam ran forward as well meeting her halfway. Jos wrapped her arms around Cam's waist as the princess threw her arms around Jos's neck and held tightly, tears streaming down both their cheeks. ”I don't care what everyone else thinks. I know you for you, and you are my best friend!” Cam sobbed matter-of-factly into Jos's shoulder.
Raven tapped her foot against the steps in irritation as she crossed her arms over her chest. ”That's all fine and dandy, princess... But what should your best friend here do in the meantime while everyone on the bloody island despises her? Your friendship isn't even enough to sway one mere boy, let alone an entire village.”
Cam couldn't think of a reply, instead, she only glared at the fairy knowing deep down she was right. If she couldn't change Ales's mind, then what chance did she have at changing the entire island's views of Jos? Her thoughts were interrupted when a familiar voice answered.
”What's to say their friendship hasn't changed the opinion of a boy?” Ales stood at the top of the stairs, his eyes trained on Jos and Cam. ”Does the mons- the girl really mean this much to you?”
Cam turned toward Ales but refused to release her grip on Jos. ”She does... And I'd thought as the only person on this island I care more for, you would understand and be supportive. She only came tonight because I want her to come to our coronation, and I wanted the two of you to finally meet and hopefully become friends as well.”
Ales let out a heavy sigh as he nodded. ”Come back to the study, the three of you... when you're ready... I'll wait there to hear you out this time without judgment...” He ran his gaze over the small child in Cam's arms. ”In return, if I'm to know the real you and hear your story, I would appreciate meeting the real you as well. Please come to the study in whatever... form you typically take on.” When Jos nodded shyly, he gave her a curt bow and turned back toward the hallway leading to his study.
Cam frowned toward his departing back, watching until it was gone from view. Letting out a heavy sigh as she released her grip on Jos, she said. ”Well, it's not exactly a warm welcome as I'd hoped for, but at least it's a bit of a step forward in the right direction.” She looked Jos over. ”What do you say we go to my room and get you changed into something more fitting?” Her gaze moved over to Raven. ”No offense.”
Raven arched a brow, her arms still crossed over her chest. ”None taken.” Nodding down to Jos, she added. ”It's just as weird for me seeing her in my clothes as it is for you.” She shrugged. ”Besides, maybe if she looks cuter your prince will be more accepting. In my experience that's the way of the world. Small, cute, frail things are always more sought after and treasured than strong things that can take care of themselves.”
Cam tilted her head. ”It seems like there's a very personal point you're trying to make here...”
Raven uncrossed her arms as she made her way up the steps. ”All I'm saying, princess, is if you want to be cherished by a man never appear stronger than they are... It's the simple way of the world...” Raven said bitterly as she walked past Cam and Jos.
Cam bunched up her brows as she followed Raven up the steps. ”That's not true. Male wolves want strong females. Females are the backbone of a pack. Without strong females, the pack would have no future, no generations to carry on the name.”
Raven turned at the top of the stairs as she stared skeptically down at Cam. ”If that is true then why are your females sold off as no better than breeding mares while only the males can be born to lead a pack? I don't see any females declared as alpha and able to rule alone among your people.”