Page 65 of Shattered Heir
“There is that much corruption on Terra?”
“No, I mean, I am not sure, now, but every once in a while, it happened. It’s always just better to be safe. Don’t overdo it. Too many emotions can draw out the negative ones, and once the negative emotions and feelings come out, and if your melody becomes weak, that is the perfect time for the corruptor to make his move.” He paused, I hoped, to change the topic of conversation away from training because, although I was recommitted, just talking about it made me feel tired. “How much did Mary tell you before getting me from the cave?” He asked.
“She told me enough, like you being a slave to me for my entire life.” I shoved his shoulder, and he feigned injury.
“I already told you, Em. That is not what it’s like for me, for any of us.”
“Okay, but it’s weird.”
“Kinda cool though, too, right? You have a knight all to yourself–and you really are a princess.”
“You know, I try not to dwell on that—makes me feel less insane and less out of control if I don’t.”
“Emma—”
“It's fine, I am fine. I know I will be fine, right?” I begged, more than I believed, that those words would be true. Stepping up the training would put me more at risk, and as the monster inside me seemed to be growing stronger daily, I wasn't sure that it was a great plan, but I couldn't worry just about myself when I needed to save Shad.
“Nothing will happen to you. I will stay near throughout the day so that you have someone paying attention to your melody.”
“But I have the crystal on. How would you even be able to tell? Also, aren’t you in charge of Shad?”
“Knight here, remember? I have my ways of keeping an eye on you; also I can be whatever you need. So if you need a corruption radar, I am your man. I can keep an eye on Shad, too.”
“This is so weird.”
“Yes, but it’s also amazing, right?”
“So far, very little is amazing. most of it is scary and complicated.” And the only part that was amazing?—was being with Shad, and that was taken from me.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“So what exactly are we looking for?” Ash asked from behind a rack of neon colored clothing.
“Not sure, just need something new,” I shrugged my shoulders, fingering the fabrics. I thought maybe finding something new would help with all the new changes in my life. Going back to my old life after finding out that I was Magical seemed impossible. I walked down another aisle.
Now, what would a princess wear?
“What about this?” Ash’s voice was behind me, and as I turned around, she held up a bright blue top with flowers dancing around the hem and neckline.
“Not exactly what I am going for.”
“Looks like you.” Ash scrunched her nose.
“True, but I don't want something that looks like what I used to wear,” I said, again turning to look through the clothing options. After I let my fingers look through every single item of clothing, I finally found what I was looking for. I pulled out the hanger and smiled. It was a grey top with a black rose in thecenter of it. The rose looked like it was sketched, and I liked the effect.
“Find something?” Ash looked at me, hopeful, standing behind a clothing rack. I noticed then that she had a full arm-load of clothing.
“Yes,” I said as I held up the top. I watched Ash’s reaction as I held it up. She smiled and looked at me with sadness in her eyes.
“It's beautiful, Emma.” She gave me a sad smile.
“What's wrong?” I asked, dropping my arm and raising the shirt up.
“It's just, I am so sorry about Shad. I know you loved him.”
“I do love him, not past tense, Ash.”
“Oh, yeah—sorry.” She tucked some hair behind her ear.
