Page 93 of Scars and Burns

She turns her head towards him, smiling, to say, “Mmmm, yes it was nice to have another worthy opponent.”

“Who won?” asks Prince Proteus.

Quiet, fellow. Following in whatever path his parents have put him on with no objections. He does seem pleased with Princess Saphrina but why wouldn’t he be. She is beautiful and kindhearted. She would make a lovely wife to anyone. She wants to be loved so desperately. She is willing to love anyone. If shown the slightest in return. Prince Proteus would be welcoming to her in his kingdom. They would be satisfied with one another.

Though, Saphrina said they were both born under the light of a full moon. Meaning their fates are intertwined. How serious that is I cannot say. It could be because they are both rulers. Or could mean something greater for the war to come.

I clear my throat. Readjusting myself to answer his question, “Well -”

“I did.” Dinalia cuts me off.

Giving me a look that says ‘try to deny it’.

The whole room freezes. No one is willing to acknowledge whatshe just said. Most likely out of disbelief or fear of me.

“You should have been there. They were both incredible but Dinalia literally slid right out from under him.” Saphrina chimes in, breaking the silence.

I smile at myself again. Trust me if she was truly under me she would not have slid away. Nor would she have wanted to.

“That’s wonderful, Dinalia.”Queen Ayla says.

“Yes, it’s a rare thing to beat Prince Aeron. I’ve heard no one has come close in years. Sparring or otherwise.” King Charon adds.

I can’t take my eyes off her. Remembering our dual. The way our bodies moved together.

Perfectly.

Harmoniously.

“You should be very proud, King Elio. No one has gotten the upper hand on me in years, not even my Father. She moves and fights like no one I have ever seen before. A rare talent.” I say.

Our eyes are locked on one another.

I mean the words I say. She is a rare talent. More than that. Her Mother was right. She is a rare star whose light cannot be matched.

Her entire body softens. As if she believes the words I’ve just spoken.

“Yes, I am very proud. She has always been a quick study. Putting everything she has into the lessons I have provided her with.” King Elio says.

Neither of our eyes have faltered. Unable to look away from each other. I could stare into her eyes all day, everyday, for the rest of my life. If it meant I was even an inch closer to unraveling her secrets and seeing the truest parts of her soul.

She looks away and my heart nearly rips out of its chest. Not wanting her to leave. Needing to feel her presence here with me, now and always.

“Yes, I am very grateful. I would not be where I am today withoutKing Elio’s generosity. Providing me with my fighting master, Christopher.” She says, complimenting him. Boosting his ego. She’s had years of practice. Learning the intricacies of court.

Probably knows more about how to handle and maneuver around King Elio’s temperament better than anyone else.

“And Princess Saphrina, do you have the same fighting master?” King Charon asks.

A hesitant laugh escapes her lips, “I do but I’ve never been very good. Christopher has tried but it’s just not a talent I possess.”

“And magic?” Queen Ayla asks.

“Dinalia is actually my magic master.” Saphrina replies.

Interesting. So, Dinalia is skilled and trusted enough to train Saphrina. I haven’t been witness to Dinalia’s magic abilities very much. Not other than her blast of magic when she was standing over her Mother’s body and when she was barreling towards me. Threatening my life when she thought I had done it.

But with our Goddess marks being the exact same I can only guess how powerful she is. My magic is formidable in itself.

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