Page 98 of Scars and Burns

We are walking in a triangle. King Elio leading the way. I glance over to her. She’s looking straight ahead. Trying to mask her face.

“Yes, of course Father.”

“You will ride wherever you wish. Enjoying a picnic when you’ve reached your destination. There will also be another formal gathering this evening. Not so much a ball but there will be dancing for those who wish for it. Dinner shall be served of course. Dinalia you are also expected to attend. This will be a wonderful opportunity for you to wear one of your new dresses while meeting some more nobles for a possible marriage.”

Saphrina and I look over to each other. Optimism in her eyes. Worry in mine. I am still not sure I want to marry a nobleman. Whatsort of life would that be for me?

We’ve followed King Elio all the way to the stables. Where Prince Proteus is already waiting. Saphrina gives me a hug and then bows to King Elio. Leaving us as she makes her way over to Prince Proteus. I watch their exchange. Very formal. Very polite. Neither is overly excited. Both just doing what is expected of them for their realms.

Prince Proteus and I lock eyes just for a moment. There is something in them I did not see before. Something I can’t put my finger on. Something that contradicts the soft spoken, quiet young man that came to us yesterday. But his eyes. His eyes have changed color. I recall his eyes from the first time we met. They were a soft blueish gray and then yesterday they held more of a deep glacier blue to them. Not uncommon for eye color to adjust as we grow but not in a day. Now, his eyes are deeper in shade. A cerulean blue that did not use to be there.

King Elio then turns to me. Stepping a little closer than I am used to. “You may go about your daily routine, Lady Dinalia. I shall see you this evening for dinner.” Then he turns and walks away.

I watch him leave. Confused by his formality and dignity towards me.

Brushing it from my thoughts I head for the forest. It hasn’t even been a day since I was last there and it already feels like forever. Missing my place of refuge outside of the castle. I’ll probably wander around for a few hours then relax by the stream. Maybe I’ll get lucky and Lena will be close by.

Either way, it will be nice to be out of the castle. I need time to think. Figure out what my true feelings are towards Prince Aeron and process the fact that Saphrina believes him to be her mate.

How do I confront what is growing inside of me for him when I’ve barely had more than a few conversations with him. Whatever is between us shouldn’t be and I must put an end to it. For my sake andSaphrina’s.

I’m at the cliff’s edge. Dangling my feet over the ledge. Rubbing my tongue against the wound that Aeron gave me earlier today.

Over all the wounds I’ve received from others this is the only one I am pining over.

Then I feel it.

The warmth settling over my body.

How does he do that?

But more importantly, why is he here?

44

Aeron

Princess Saphrina is off with Prince Proteus on a romantic horseback ride and a picnic. No matter, there will be plenty of time when they return for dinner this evening to interact with her.

Instead I am wandering the castle again. I’d like to say it was aimless but it’s not. I’ve made my way back to Queen Freya’s garden. I crouch down and pick one of the flowers Dinalia has grown.

It is curious as to how this is the only thing she has ever been able to grow and yet she has never seen one nor has any known ties to the Shadowlands.

Standing, I twirl the flower between my fingers. Its beauty is just as mesmerizing as its creator.

Wondering where she is since Saphrina is off with Prince Proteus. Every time we are in a room together I can always feel her. Always sense where she is, the moment she enters.

Taking a chance I look inside myself. Closing my eyes, focusing on the constant pull I feel towards her. I feel her. She’s not in the castle. It doesn’t even feel like she is on the castle grounds. She feels far away. I open my eyes in realization. Feeling stupid for not knowing sooner.

She’s in the forest.

Surprise, surprise she is sitting on the cliff’s edge. Her usual spot. She’s alone per usual as well.

If she senses my presence she doesn’t show it. The same relaxed position, looking out at the view beyond.

I do not want there to be tension between us. Do not want to be at odds with her. Although we do have history I want to be on good terms. Regardless of what is to come. I don’t want to be first on her kill list when the world begins to burn.

Our sparring match was beyond words. She was incredible and I do not think my comments at breakfast did justice to how impressive I believe her to be.

---