Recap to the previous chapters: One, Two, Three, Four and Five.
Meera was sure that it was the Queen from the book she had just read. But before the lady could come closer, another figure approached.
‘This is not the right time to disturb Meera,’ the other said. It sounded very much like Headmistress Elysian.
‘Rin,’ said the Queen. ‘The right time will never come.’
‘Not now. Let us leave.’
Meera’s heart began palpitating very fast as she hid under the blanket. She knew there was something she needed to know and it was somehow connected to the Queen. She didn’t want them to leave. No, she didn’t. All this mystery and hidden conversations were eating her up. She needed to know. Now!
‘We must let her recover from today’s injuries. It’s a good thing she didn’t break any bones,’ said the other again.
Meera could hear footsteps walking away. Headmistress Elysian had convinced the Queen to leave.
Don’t go, Meera pleaded in her mind. Don’t go now.
Suddenly the footsteps stopped. A dead silence prevailed in the room.
‘Rin, this cannot wait,’ the Queen said. ‘I will not hear any more.’
‘As you wish,’ said the other.
Meera was glad they had stopped, but as the footsteps approached her, she felt a fang of fear crawl up her body. Anything could be headed towards her. It could throw everything into chaos or it could bring everything into order. She knew she could trust Headmistress Elysian, she would do everything to protect Meera.
‘Meera, I know you’re awake,’ said Headmistress Elysian.
Meera slowly popped her head out of the blanket. She didn’t know what to say next. It could have been anything. The Queen was looking at her. She looked much older than the illustrations in the book, and much more terrifying. Her eyes were sunken and dark, like she hadn’t slept for ages.