Page 49 of Visions & Shadows

“Hey,” I say, tossing the towel onto the bed.

Her face instantly lights up with a friendly smile. “Peace be, PrincessAlchera. I’m Fleur.” She takes a step into the room. “I’ll be your aide.”

“Just call me Alchera,” I mutter.

“I brought some food and thought we could eat together. You must be starving.”

She has a beautiful, open smile, but I’d rather be alone. Instead of declining, I say, “Yeah, I can eat.”

Following her out of the bedroom, I make myself comfortable on one of the chairs. When she hands me a bowl of something that looks like pot roast, I murmur, “Thanks.”

I watch as she sits down, giving me a cautious smile before she takes a bite of her food.

Overcome with all the chaotic emotions and memories, I stare down at the bowl in my hand.

“Don’t you want to eat?” Fleur asks.

Letting out a sigh, I scoop up some of the food into my spoon and take a bite.

It tastes much better than it looks, and realizing how hungry I am, I focus on finishing everything in the bowl.

When I place the empty bowl on the coffee table, Fleur gives me a satisfied smile, then says, “You can ask me anything. I’m here to help you while you adapt, and I’ll answer any questions you might have.”

Her features soften, then she adds, “I’m hoping we can be friends.”

Friends. I don’t think so. The last one hurt me enough, thank you very much.

When I keep quiet, she asks, “Do you have any questions?”

I’ve had enough information today to last me a lifetime, but there’s a lot I still don’t know.

I lift my eyes to hers and say, “My memory is very spotty. Can you tell me about the people on Vaalbara?”

Her smile widens again, and she seems relieved that I asked a question.

“We’re called immortalis. Janak and Aster are our elders. They’re also the oldest. Do you remember your parents?”

“Vaguely.”

“They’re our monarchs. You’re a daughter of House Regales.” Shelooks excited as she asks, “Did you know Raighne’s father is King Eryon’s guardian?”

A frown forms on my forehead as I search my memory, and I remember glimpses of my father and his guardian. “I don’t remember much about them,” I admit.

“Griffith’s his name. He’s our strongest guardian, and he trained Raighne, so you’re in good hands.”

“So Raighne’s whole family guards mine?” I ask.

“Pretty much. It’s their destiny.”

I nod, then ask, “I had normal green eyes when I left.”

“Oh, they changed because your talents are coming into effect.”

“So not everyone has sparkly eyes?”

“No, not everyone.” She lets out a burst of laughter. “Most guardians have purple eyes when they initially bond with a charge. Their eyes change as their powers grow. Griffith’s eye color is similar to that of the lapis lazuli stone, but it just means he can heal the King.”

“Oh, that’s a nice power to have,” I mutter.

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