King of Legend - Addi

"Please, Jayson, " Alise begged. "Trust me."

I looked down at my half sister. Her eyes were wide with terror and hope, her clothes were torn, leaves were hanging half-heartedly in her hair. I'd never seen perfect Alise look like such a wreck. 

"Come in," I said.

She looked both ways and darted inside. 

I closed the door behind her and locked it tightly. 

In the living room, she had already started pulling the curtains closed. I felt self-conscious about Alise being in my house. She'd always seemed so... Perfect. And rich. And my shabby apartment seemed so tiny and insignificant. 

"What's wrong?" I asked finally, breaking the silence. 

She sank into one of my faded armchairs. 

"It's a long story. The short version is, I found this." She reached into her bag and drew out a book. It was thick, with a faded leather cover. The title was etched into it and dyed blood red. I leaned forward to read it. 
"The Amber Seal," I whispered. "But, that's..."
"The illegal book that the former King wrote," Alise said matter-of-factly.

I recoiled from the book, as though I had been stung.
"The former king of Legend," I pointed out. "No one really believes he was the real king."
"Then why is the journal illegal? Why does the emperor work so hard to extinguish any mention of him? Jayson, he is the real king. Trust me, the journal says everything."
"It's a fairytale, Alise. The king wasn't real and if he was, he's long dead. And I'd rather not die for treason, so please stop," My voice was sharper than I meant it to be. 
"But-" she started. 
I reached for the book, fully intending to throw it into the fire. She clutched it to her chest. 
"If you won't help me, I'll leave. I only thought you would want to overthrow the Emperor, you hate him so."
I was silent as Alise tucked the book back into her bag. She smoothed down her ragged skirt and marched toward the door. 
"Aren't you going to stay?" I asked, startled.
She turned back to me. "No, Jayson. I have work to do. Good-bye, brother."
Part of me wondered if I should explain, confide in her the truth. No, Sevan's men were watching me already. 
"Farewell, sister. Be safe."
That is the last I ever see of Alise Eryndaughter.

Ehhh. That was rough. Ah, well. 

Round 4 ;) - Jamie

So, I suppose it could work like this? At least for now. If over a week has passed and all the posts have been soapboxed, then anyone feel free to begin the next round. And each round may then last anywhere from one week to over a month... *nods* We can just roll with this and see how it goes... nu? We're all busy.

Oh... Addi and Josh... would you two mind adding your names to your freewrites? Seems to have been forgotten. Thanks. ;)

And would someone like to set us up with a new poll?

So, for the prompt!

I recoiled from the book, as though I had been stung.

Have fun! =D