Page 1 of Shattered Heir
Prologue
“Teddy, what do we do now?” Ora only used his nickname when she was incredibly upset.
Teddy, or “Theodore” as Ora usually called him, looked carefully at his companion while she paced back and forth, her fingers tapping against her side as she mumbled to herself. Her long, wavy, white-blond hair trailed down her back, ending at her waist.
“I’m not sure; give me a moment,” Theodore answered.
“I’m certain all will be well. I mean, this has to be part of what must happen in order to heal our realm.” She sighed and turned toward him as he stood there in his dark brown robes. Over time, his smirk had become less grating on her, and his voice no longer made her wish to silence him. While, perhaps, ridiculous, he was actually more than that, so much more than he appeared. He was even more than what Draken, who had cursed him, ever thought he could have been.But that will be a tale for another day.
So many years spent together, and he was ever loyal. Ora could trust him with absolutely anything. She had never imaginedsuch a thing could have been possible, hundreds of years earlier when she was mostly irritated and annoyed by him. She sat down upon a small log in a huff, needing him more than she wanted to admit.
“Ora—you are even more lovely when you worry, but I wish you wouldn’t worry.”
“Theodore—I’m not in the mood,” she said, closing her eyes.
“Not in the mood? For me? Why, that is nonsense.” Theodore walked over to Ora, sat down right beside her, and touched her forehead. She brushed his hand away, again with fake exasperation across her creased brow. He always wished that she wouldn’t take on so much. She had the kindest heart that Theodore had ever known. But she was burdened by many things.
“Let me check to make sure you are still with me here—and not ill,” Theodore said with a feigned seriousness.
“I already told you, Ancients do not get sick like humans.”
“Still—” he moved in closer–his face just in front of hers. “If I touch your forehead like this, I can tell better what ails you,” he whispered as he brushed his lips to her forehead.
“Theodore—” she warned. Her heart was not in it.
He pressed his lips to her brow again and determined she was well, before moving back.
“My wonderful Ora, you are not ill,” he said
“I know,” she sighed, rolling her eyes.
“Well then, beloved Ora, what is the matter? We both know I’m your favorite, so—explain yourself.”
Theodore sat down beside her upon the log.
“I know what you say is true. I know that things will be well in the end, but not being able to leave this realm to help Emma is challenging for me,” Ora said.
“Of course, it is. You love helping humans, and I love helping you. So it’s also difficult for me.”
“We should go to Embra, talk to the queen, and let her know.”
“Do you think that would be helpful?” Theodore asked.
“Their Crown Prince is returning, hopefully, soon—”
“He is also a soulless—perhaps, now is not the best time,”
“We need to make sure the portal is clear.” She paused. “The prophecy is true. I know it must be. Draken wouldn’t lie,” she huffed out.
“Ora, there is time. We must be patient. We will be required to assist, but now, we should wait,” he argued. “You have a hard time waiting, I know.”
“I must always have a task to do.”
“Your task could be making me the happiest Ancient in all the lands–” Theodore said.
“You already are. No one needs to makeyouhappy.”
“But I could also be happier—if you—”
