Page 90 of Scars and Burns

“And your Mother taught you?” King Charon asks.

“Yes, she helped me develop it over the years.”

“And after she died did your magic stall?”

Shaking my head, I answer, “No, I further developed my magic thebest I could on my own. While assisting Saphrina to the best of my abilities.”

“That’s enough talk of magic.” King Elio cuts in. His voice booming and harsh. Clearly wanting to end the conversation before exposing the truth of Saphrina’s magic. “Saphrina, shouldn’t you and Dinalia be getting to the modiste. I’m sure it will take time to discuss and fashion all the gowns Dinalia will need for your upcoming wedding celebrations.”

“Uh, yes of course. Excuse us.” Saphrina says.

We both stand. Bowing our heads to the group and exiting the dining hall. Heading for my chambers so I can change into something more suitable.

40

Dinalia

Saphrina practically pulled me all the way to my chambers. Pushing me into my room and shutting the door.

“What is going on with you?” I ask, tone slightly concerned but more irritated if anything.

“I’m sorry for the abruptness but I have something very important to tell you.”

I stare at her. A blank expression on my face. “Okay, what is it?”

Her smile reaches ear to ear. She’s giddy. Like a little girl who just found out she’s getting a pony or something. “I feel a pull!”

My eyebrows shoot toward my hairline. I’m glad she feels a pull but I am also very surprised. Unique in her own way, mates are supposed to be incredibly rare. Only given by the Goddess to those of extraordinary power and purpose. Sure, Saphrina is the princess to the most powerful and wealthy realm but extraordinary power is not associated with her. Not with her lack of magical abilities and small Goddess mark.

I force a smile to my face, “Th-that’s great! I’m so glad more has developed between you and Prince Proteus.”

She shifts her eyes down. Turning and walking away from me.Looking into the fire that always burns in my room. “That’s the thing. I don’t feel a pull towards Prince Proteus. He’s kind and sweet and handsome and maybe in time there could be something but there’s just not.”

Interesting.

“Oh, then who do you feel a pull towards?”

She faces me. A closed smile on her face. Almost as if she is trying to contain her excitement.

“Aeron. I feel a pull towards Prince Aeron!”

I don’t bother to hide my shock.

One because she is betrothed to another and two because this is like a knife to the heart. Though there is no cause for it. At least there shouldn’t be.

I haven’t actually felt a thing in years. Just going through the motions of what is my life. But the truth is, there has always been something there for him. Something I can’t explain. A want. A longing. A need.

I didn’t want to admit it. Didn’t want to acknowledge it. Not after everything the Shadowlands have put me through. Forcing me to flee my home. Raiding the castle that led to my Mother’s death.

But after Saphrina revealed that he could be her mate, what little feelings I did have left shattered. My heart sinks into my stomach. My soul lost for all eternity. Falling further into the abyss. The blank empty hole that my mind has been wandering for years.

I thought he and I could have been bonded. Denying it to myself but something was there nonetheless. The heat that radiates my body when he is near. The way I can instantly feel his eyes on me. His eyes that I get lost in every time I see them. The way my breath hitches when he touches me. The fact that he is the only one who makes me feel warm and whole again. The few moments we’ve shared. Our unspoken communication. Our mind and bodies co-existing whenwe fought. Moving as one. I had never had any of this with another before. And if he is truly Saphrina’s mate then I must push it all aside.

Though the thought of seeing him with her. His hands and arms around her. Touching her the way I longed to be touched by him. Sends me into a frenzy.

A frenzy I can’t expose. Saphrina cannot know of any of this. None of what I feel can ever come to light.

I straighten out my face, “When did this pull begin?”

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