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The Child of Ice She placed the medical text on her lap for a moment. The young gardener below was busy hacking a growths of weeds with a blade. She leaned back against the window sill, watching his flowing movements.
“He is handsome, isn’t he?” A young girl bounced down beside her. “Go away, Phoebe,” Camilla ordered, picking up her book and ignoring the question. “You can’t fool me that easily, Cami,” the girl cried triumphantly. She eyed the title of the book Cami was reading. “‘Medicine through Antiquity: Medical Practices to the 20th Century’? Well, if you can put that down to spy on men, you may join the human race yet.” “No one asked you,” Cami retorted coolly. “Besides, I plan to become a doctor someday.” “Why?! Who needs a doctor nowadays?” “There are still freak accidents and viruses.” Cami turned a page in the thick book with exaggeration. “Okay, I can take a hint,” Phoebe said. “Besides, some of the stewards are much cuter.” “Goodbye, Phoebe.” Cami’s tone ordered the girl to leave. “Bye, Cami. Tell me if you would like to met him or any other guy.” “That won’t be necessary.” Phoebe shrugged in indifference. “See you later, then.” Cami watched the girl leaving before returning to her book. Yet, she couldn’t concentrate on the text. Sighing, she closed the book and leaned her head against the window. “Maybe Mother’s right,” she murmured. “Maybe I should get out more.” Her mother was always warning her about spending too much time alone studying. She constantly suggesting that Cami enjoy the outdoors, commenting on how nicely a tan would contrast with her light blue hair. Cami closed her eyes. “Why don’t they understand I am not like that?” she wondered aloud. Rei’s daughter, Phoebe, was not her choice of companionship. She needed someone who could carry on a serious, thought provoking conversation. “I wish Elara and Leda were here,” she muttered. Sighing, she resumed her reading. “Cami?” a voice called. “In here,” Cami replied without looking from the book. “There you are,” her mother said, entering the room, followed by her husband. “What are you reading?” Cami showed the cover to her mother. “Medical history. That does bring back some memories.” She paused, studying her daughter. “You know it’s a beautiful day outside, Cami.” “Ami,” Greg chided. “I don’t want her studying too much,” Ami replied, looking at her daughter with concern. “It’s okay,” Cami said. “I plan to try the archery range this afternoon.” Ami smiled. “Good. Are you sure you are okay while we are at the conference?” Cami nodded. “I know the palace very well now, Mother.” “Ami, we need to go,” Greg said. “We are going to be late.” Ami gave her daughter a brief kiss, followed by Greg. “Have a good afternoon, Cami. We will try to see you at dinner.” “We don’t know how late we will be, but we will try our best,” Greg explained. “Okay. I’ll see you when you are finish. Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad.” “See you later, sweetie.” Greg waved. “Bye, Cami.” Then her parents were gone. Cami looked at the medical volume and then to the sunny afternoon. The outdoors win, Cami thought, placing the book on her bed. Reaching under the bed, she retrieved her bow and quiver of arrows. “Time for some practice,” she said aloud. With one last glance at the medical volume, Cami left her room, closing the door behind her. She couldn’t wait to get to the archery range. |
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