Page 111 of Scars and Burns

Does she believe it to be real?

Is she willing to let me go?

I look over to her but she doesn’t meet my eyes. I’m pulling on the thread that connects us. Knowing she feels it too.

She pitches forward ever so slightly. But unless you were watching her as intently as I am no one would notice. Her jaws clenches. I see the muscles twisting as she tries to keep it together. Her hands ball into fists in her lap.

I need to go to her. To wrap her in my arms and reassure her that everything is going to be alright.

My estrella, do not fret. I am truly only yours.

So brave and strong. So filled withlife.

My gaze returns to Saphrina as Prince Proteus begins to speak.

His tenor voice fills the room. Gentle and endearing, as he says, “I’d like to start by thanking everyone for coming to celebrate my betrothal to the lovely Princess Saphrina. This marriage has long been in the making between our kingdoms and I am proud to take part in the peace that is to follow. However, this is not just a matter of state but a matter of the heart. Although Princess Saphrina and I have only known each other a short time. I see she is as magnificent as the stories say. Her beauty and grace follow the liking of the lateQueen Freya. Her pure soul and kind heart filling my own. And with that, I am proud to gift her a star.”

The whole room gasps all at once. Stars are rare gifts indeed. Not to be given out sparingly. Although they are without numbers in our sky they hold tremendous power. It is said that each star in the sky is a life that has passed on. And if you hold enough power of your own, you may take that life for yourself. Giving someone the rare ability to give life in return. To bring the light in one’s soul back from the darkness of death.

It doesn’t matter which life or how far gone they are. If you have the light of a star it can bring someone back. Depending on the rarity of the star and its brightness. It can be used more than once. To bring back multiple lives. However, once the light of the star goes out that’s it.

I stare at the two of them. Saphrina rips her eyes away from mine and looks up at Prince Proteus. Shock on her face.

She probably wasn’t expecting such a grand gift since this was after all an arranged marriage.

I return my gaze to Dinalia. The same blank expression has returned to her face. Trying to once again distance herself from the world.

Clenching my own fist under the table. My whole body is tense but trying to keep my exterior calm. What I see next almost has me flying out of my seat. Hands ready to latch onto his throat and watch the life bleed from his eyes.

King Elio has placed a hand on the leg of my estrella.

It’s as if I was watching it in slow motion. His hand leaving his chin and slowly lowering it onto her leg. I can see it now. His thumb caressing her outer thigh. His other fingers gripping the inner side. His hand is right where mine were earlier. So close to her.

Too close.

I see the shock in her eyes. She snaps her head towards him. Almost breaking her own neck. Flinching at the touch. Glancing down at his hand. Disgust is evident in her body language. Though she keeps her face neutral.

If he continues to touch her, gets even slightly closer to her, this world is going to burn and not for the better.

48

Dinalia

Ican feel his eyes on me, as usual. Staring straight ahead, I can’t look at him. Not while knowing what Saphrina has planned.

Saphrina and Prince Proteus have yet to arrive. They are meant to make a grand entrance since tonight is to be the night he presents her with a gift for their betrothal. I’m sure it will be a prized stallion or an estate.

King Elio sits beside me. Although, we have not spoken since we sat down, I see him glancing over to me every so often out of the corner of my eye.

I’m trying to keep a blank expression on my face the best I can. Not looking towards King Elio and certainly not giving anything away of what has transpired between Aeron and I.

I’m wearing one of my new dresses. It’s black with silver embellishment. The neckline is not just high enough to cover my Goddess mark but it comes all the way up to my neck with a tight fitting collar. Buttons line the back and there is a jeweled belt around my waist. Accentuating it even more.

Finally, Saphrina and Prince Proteus enter. The room grows quiet as they take their seats. But not long after sitting Prince Proteusstands. Ready to present his gift.

The air is still. Everyone seems to be on edge. Anxious for the gift. Prince Proteus raises a glass to the room, saying, “I’d like to start by thanking everyone for coming to celebrate my betrothal to the lovely Princess Saphrina. This marriage has long been in the making between our kingdoms and I am proud to take part in the peace that is to follow. However, this is not just a matter of state but a matter of the heart. Although, Princess Saphrina and I have only known each other a short time I see she is as magnificent as the stories say. Her beauty and grace follow the liking of the late Queen Freya. Her pure soul and kind heart filling my own. And with that I am proud to gift her a star.”

The entire room gasps. Even my eyes gawk a bit. A star is a very rare gift. Only given by those with extreme power.

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