The Ice Queen - "Adapting" Ch. 8 (Patreon)

Neytiri

Learning the world I now live in has been a fascinating journey. My earlier reservations about Cassian allowing humanity to take over are much more at ease. I’ve learned the history, the language, the arts and sciences. A lot of things we didn’t know in the past have been revealed and, just as Cassian said, I have learned it fairly quickly.

I’ve also learned the language that Cassian and Caius were speaking in my presence. It’s called English and it is the most common language in this modern society. Our language in the past is considered dead as are our cultures. The English language is one of the most simple. It contains simple inflections and adopted words from other languages to make its own. There are also pauses between words, giving the language a slow delivery when spoken.

As for the history, the history of man is a sad one that seemed to spiral out of control with the disappearance of the last Ancients. Caius says we’ve all gone into hiding, content to live away from the world. I’ve lived this long because I am an ancient, but I never learned to cultivate my power so that I could hibernate for centuries. Cassian believes my body did it on its own, forcing me to adapt to something powerful that has somehow damaged me. My forced hibernation means any friends I gained in the past are gone, including Ismena who passed centuries ago. But according to Caius, her descendants live in the Ikniri village.

I’ve also learned Cassian’s place in this world. He owns an industry ranging from energy to technology. It was shocking when Caius showed me his picture on what is called a magazine. He’s a very popular public figure that the world believes is the seventh generation of his family. They do not know that he is the same man behind the scenes.

Humanity has also adopted some of our culture as their own. The symbols that are ingrained in our skin from maturation by the magic running through our veins have been adopted as “tattoos”. Humans use needles to color in designs on their own skin as well as coloring their hair and wearing something over their eyes called contacts. It sheds light on why Cassian is so adamant about us remaining on the island. The people that takes these types of things to the extreme are frowned upon in their society. Even Cassian is known as “eccentric” in this business world because of his eye color and tattoos. The world thinks he tattooed his skin and eyes for the sake of appearance and his “strange family tradition”. They have no idea all dragonborn are born with this ingrained in their DNA. Unfortunately, Cassian’s appearance over the centuries has also inspired humans to try it with their own eyes, although some go blind trying.

It’s taken a month, but I’ve learned all the basics to function in this society. Learning and living, however, are two different things. Cassian keeps his distance mostly but I see how he interacts with the world when he is near me. It comes as second nature to him. For me, however, it is overwhelming. Luckily Caius has kept his oath and has been by my side every step of the way. He’s been in charge of my lessons, teaching me everything I need to know and will continue to do so as I slowly integrate with this society.

My gaze shifts to the buildings in the distance. I finished my lessons an hour ago and decided to spend what time I had on the snow filled terrace. From this side of the house, I can see a train that wraps around the side of the mountain disappearing into a tunnel. The snow feels nice under my feet and the chill in the air feels great against my skin. Even though I haven’t had an episode recently, Cassian’s rule still holds. I cannot see the village for myself. But with it being this close, everyday feels like torture.

“Normal people usually find these temperatures unbearable without a coat.” Out of instinct, I tense at the sound of Cassian’s voice carrying over the area. I turn toward his voice to see him walking toward me with a coat in his hands. He’s wearing one himself, the extra layer adding to his intimidation. I haven’t seen him since breakfast this morning. He usually keeps his distance throughout the day. I look down at the light dress I found in my wardrobe as Cassian reaches me. He gently places the coat around my shoulders with an amused grin.

“I know you don’t need it, but most people do. So you should begin getting used to the feel,” he says. I nod my head, shifting my fingers to gently brush over the heavy material. It blocks out the cold and covers most of my body. But if I am ever to visit the world, I must adopt their ways.

“I know Caius usually gets you for lunch at this hour, but I needed him to go to the mainland for business,” he says, eyeing me carefully.

“The mainland?” I ask.

I’ve heard them frequently speak of this place, but never directly to me.

“It’s where the main businesses are.”

“How often do you go to the mainland?” I ask.

Cassian thinks about his response before answering.

“In the past, I would stay there months at a time. But in the recent months I’ve been working from the island,” he says. I almost ask why, but realize I already know the answer. It’s because of me. A light breeze surrounds us as I silently ponder what Cassian’s news means. Caius will be far away, leaving me alone with Cassian. I still don’t fully trust Cassian at this point. I don’t know if it’s the instinct or the trauma of my past, but my mind just won’t allow me to relax.

“How are you adjusting?” he asks. I look away from the village, focusing my attention on Cassian. He isn’t threatening at the moment. He has a small smile on his lips, allowing his dimple to barely peek through.

“It feels unreal at times. I can’t believe the world has come to this.” I look away from Cassian toward the village.

“But I’m glad you were here to protect them,” I say softly. I couldn’t imagine if my people were swept up in the world’s history. They more than likely would have gone extinct.

“Of course.”

Silence once again overcomes us, but I find myself breaking it.

“How long did it take for you to realize the path you chose was the wrong one?” I ask.

Cassian turns away from the edge of the terrace, his gaze focusing on me as he crosses his arms over his chest.

“Are you sure you want to hear the answer to that?” he asks, studying me. I timidly nod.

“It was a few years before I realized the path I chose was the wrong one. I had taken the continent by that point… and by that I mean destroyed. I had done everything, but make your people pay for what they did to mine.”

His expression softens as he studies me. He hesitates but reaches out to push my hair away from my face, the heat from his palm seeping into my cheek.

“I guess in my mind, your sacrifice was enough. But it didn’t satisfy me as I thought it would. And your words haunted me until I left that life behind.”

My gaze shifts to my abdomen and I bring my hands to the place Cassian’s sword once penetrated. It may be healed now, but the memory is fresh in my mind.

“You were so determined to get your revenge. Everything I was to you didn’t matter at that moment. You really hurt me, Cassian. In more ways than just physically. I don’t understand how I’m supposed to trust you,” I say honestly.

“I’m not asking you to. I know it will take time. And I know I messed up. Honestly, that you lived is a miracle that I don’t plan on questioning. I’m just glad you did, and it gave me an opportunity to try again.”

I turn away from the edge as well, making my way to the door with Cassian following closely behind.

“Has Caius left already?” I ask.

“He went to the village to pack since he will be gone for a few weeks.”

My footsteps stall at his words.

“The village?” I ask. Cassian nods.

“Caius lives there. Along with the other men who betrayed me.”

I sense the bitterness in his tone. After all this time, it’s still there. The night I met him at the bottom of the mountain, he was angry about their betrayal as well. And it doesn’t seem to have tapered off in the centuries that have passed.

“Cassian, I-”

“It’s nothing to stress yourself over. Come, let’s get you something to eat.”

~

After lunch, work pulls Cassian away, leaving me alone once again to roam the empty halls of the estate. There are new types of art on the walls and sculptures that give the estate a sophisticated feel. I make my way down the double staircase, pausing when I pass a mirror on the nearby wall.

It’s different, seeing myself in such a clear form. I step closer to the mirror, placing my hand against it. My reflection reaches towards me, and our fingers meet against the silver. My hair has gotten longer. It’s longer than Cassian’s, reaching my lower back. My eyes are stark blue. I’ve learned from the history books that humans with my phenotype rarely have eye my color, which is why it is so imperative I learn to blend in. I take in my arms, smiling at some symbols that have formed across my arms since I awakened my true power all those years ago.

We once held ceremonies for Ikniri that matured and gained new markings.

My gaze shifts back to my face. The symbol Cassian gave me glares back at me. I reach up, touching it. My entire life I never knew what it meant until my memories came back to me. Cassian marked me the day we met. When I ran from the village and injured myself.

I release a breath.

Cassian and I share a complicated past. I can see him vividly in my mind’s eye as he was. Cruel and unfeeling. And now that Caius won’t be around as a distraction, it will force me to face my past with Cassian.

“Neytiri?” I whip away from the mirror to see Caius coming from a door on the far hall. He has folders in his hands as he approaches.

“Cassian told me you’re leaving,” I say.

He gives me an apologetic smile.

“Maybe someday in the future you’ll be able to accompany me,” he says with a smile. His smile drops as he studies me, replaced with concern.

“Will you be okay while I’m gone? If you need me to stay, just say the word.”

For the first time, I see Caius in a different light. He lives to serve Cassian, and me but has he ever made a decision for himself? Or does he constantly want to live out this existence by our side, doing as we say? I’ve been using Caius as my shield from the moment I awoke, but I can no longer do that. I must face Cassian myself and learn to trust him on my own, not hide from him behind Caius.

“I’ll be fine. Enjoy the mainland,” I say.

Caius nods, pulling me in for a hug. I revel in the feeling. Caius has truly been my rock. And I will miss him during his time away. But I have to learn to stand on my own. I can’t avoid Cassian forever.

“I’ll bring you something back,” he says, pulling away.

I continue to watch him as he leaves the estate until the car he got in disappears up the road. I tense when I feel a strange tingle at the back of my mind. I recognize this feeling. It’s faint, but it’s there. It’s mine and Cassian’s blood oath.

I turn away from the door, and when I look to the balcony, I see Cassian. My blood runs cold at his expression. He’s looking out the large glass window as well, watching Caius disappear, his expression the one that I’m used to. That cold and unfeeling king that manipulated me and conquered the world. I watch him as he takes in a calming breath before stepping away from the window, moving out of my eyeline.

A shudder ripples up my spine from the presence he created without speaking a word. Cassian may have changed on the surface, but his true nature still lurks beneath.