Page 73 of Veiled

After about forty minutes of listening to the quiet sounds of the breeze and insects, I just couldn’t help but think myself into a frenzy. With a maddening tick in my jaw, I kicked the sheets off and went back to rearranging my books, so I can think. Fucking bullshit if you ask me. I didn’t fight the entire prophecy idea for several reasons- it wouldn’t make it less true, and the look in Kalen’s face pretty much sealed the deal. I had always been more powerful than most, and a lot of that was because of Kalen’s brutal training, but the connection I felt with nature did not need much prodding; it felt as if it was a part of me.

After all my books were put away, my drawers were organized, and my clothes and bathing suit were set out for tomorrow, it was already about two a.m. I was still restless though, my exhaustion forgotten in my sudden maddening urge to run and feel the earth under my feet, the wind in my hair and heart pumping. Without a second thought, I threw on my running shorts, trainers, and a sports bra, threw my hair up, and shot the guys a quick text to let them know where I was. Granted I didn't know if technology worked the same beyond this Veil thing, it didn't occur to me to ask, so I also left a note on my door, too.

I didn’t know the area well enough to really go exploring, but I couldn’t go wrong with maybe a quick run along the river; can’t really get lost doing that. I left through the back door of my room and warded it as I ran down the stairs. I stretched briefly, taking in the pool lit up by underwater lights as well as beautiful glowing floating lights all around. There were two mini waterfall grottos, and the entire pool was encased in light and dark stones on three sides. It was set up with a few lounge chairs and even some in-pool seating as well. From what I was able to see, it was fantastic! I couldn’t wait for later today.

I sighed and walked around the pool area and started to jog. I tried to empty my mind but, realistically, I had so many questions I needed to ask. What were my duties, what was expected of me? Because if there was one thing I wasn't going to be was a false queen with false idols and some forced expectations. I was a fighter; I learned from my father to play the part of phony politics. I would deal with pomp and circumstance, even if I didn't want to, but just as my father learned quickly, I was no one's pawn. Prophecy or not, if for one second they thought they could use me as one, I would take them all down with me. If my mates were harmed for any reason, I would make sure that every last one who did us harm was bleeding and begging for mercy. That thought fueled my anger and I ran faster, my arms pumping and my legs working on overdrive.

The wind whipped past, hair flying as I picked up speed - if anything I was punishing the wind instead of clearing my mind. With a sigh, I slowed down and walked closer to the shore, deciding to sit down and take off my shoes and dip my toes in the water. As I did that, I heard a sound of someone approaching behind me, I sighed and ignored them, dipping my toes in the surprisingly warm water. If anyone was really going to hurt me here, they would not have been silly enough to let themselves be heard, and as I breathed in the air around me, I felt no sense of malintent.

I wrapped my arms loosely around my knees. The breeze played with the tendrils of my hair and whistled a song in my ears. It felt as if my recent connection opened more within me than I realized, and I felt a pang of sadness. How amazing it would have been to grow up and always feel as if I was carried by the beauty, and sometimes devastating power, that came from nature. It was certainly one of the questions I had for Kalen; why not just bring me home? I truly feel that destiny would have eventually brought my boys, and Remi. However, I guess that is the interesting thing about destiny- you could never truly understand it. The power would probably drive you mad. I had enough to worry about now to throw in a mystical power.

I sighed and listened to the breeze, compelled to sing with the melody whispering around me. Well, I guess if Disney princesses can break into song and dance, I might as well embrace my inner Tinker and sing too.

“Tis there the fairy-court is holden,

Hush-a-by baby, babe not mine,

And there flow beor and ale so olden,

Hush-a-by baby, babe not mine,

And there are combs of honey golden,

Hush-a-by baby, babe not mine,

And there lie men in bonds enfolden,

Hush-a-by baby, babe not mine.

Shoheen sho, ulolo,

Shoheen sho, strange baby O!

Shoheen sho, ulolo,

You're not my own sweet baby O!

How many are there of fairest faces,

Hush-a-by baby, babe not mine,

Bright-eyed boys with manly graces,

Hush-a-by baby, babe not mine.

Gold-haired girls with curling tresses,

Hush-a-by baby, babe not mine,

And mothers who nurse - with sad caresses,

Hush-a-by baby, babe not mine,

Shoheen sho, ulolo,

Shoheen sho, strange baby O!

Shoheen sho, ulolo,

---