Page 83 of Omega Sanctuary

No more legendary than me seeing spirit creatures, I supposed.

"He needs to be nearby to make that happen." Aalina patted my shoulder again. "His father, the king, is quite the tyrant, so I don't imagine spending time at the Sanctuary will be a great burden for the prince."

I doubted that. He didn't seem happy to be near me while I practiced.

That was too bad. I wasn't going to get anywhere if I couldn't learn the basics, and if he had to sit around and stare at the ocean for me to do that, that was his problem, not mine.

Itied the last piece of my robe together and stared at my reflection in the mirror.

I checked for anything out of place. My mantle was straight and crisp, the gold and red standing out on my pale skin. The gold half crown was perfectly centered on the top of my head, not too far forward or back.

I knelt on the ground and took a deep breath. Father wanted an update, and I couldn't disappoint him.

I touched the smoky glass and waited.

My legs started to fall asleep, and my hands shot up pins and needles. I didn't dare move, in case that was when Father activated his own glass.

I was sure I had my royal uniform perfect this time, and had news about a new omega with much power. He would be pleased.

The smoky blankness on the mirror resolved into a face resembling my own. For a moment it was like looking into the future.

Everyone said I looked so much like my father it was uncanny.

It only took until I was seven for them to mutter that's where the similarities ended.

"Status report." Father barked. "You've left your duties to go gallivanting off to the Sanctuary."

I cleared my throat. "There's a new omega."

Father glared. "Omegas just want to be queen. What's the real reason they want you there?"

Sweat beaded across my brow. "Well...she..."

"What?" Father snapped.

"The omega is different. Powerful."

Before Father could scoff at that, I kept talking.

"They want my abilities so she can train properly. I don't think the Sanctuary found her when she was first showing her designation."

Father paused at that. “Those crusty old ladies act like they control the world. Stay close, and alert."

I hid my sigh.

"Report back if anything changes. And Nikolaidis?"

My heart lifted. Father was finally going to see how hard I worked for our family.

"Don't speak to me with your uniform in such a disarray again."

I locked my feelings inside. "Of course, Father. I apologize."

Father's face disappeared. I rolled to my side, careful not to tear my silk robes. I had done my duty to my country, my father.

So why did it feel so much like betrayal?

It didn't matter. There was no room in my heart for weakness.

---