My father told my mother to conceal me in his letter. They were protecting me from the human realm. I slumped back into my chair.
“Magic...” I repeated, thinking of his glittering light. “Does your magic protect others too?”
He exhaled. “I can’t conceal the way you look, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“No…I….” I didn’t know what to say.
“I have business to attend to in the village. Stay here and rest. I’ll be back to check on you later.” Lioran exited the cabin quickly.
Had I offended him? Maybe, you’re not supposed to ask about someone’s magic. There was so much I had to learn.
The view from the cabin window taunted me. I couldn’t bear to remain inside any longer. Each angle revealed more cabins as I descended the steps. Every home relied on the strength of the tree.
Fruits, vegetables, and vibrant herbs were all on display in a marketplace at the base of the tree—I had never seen so many in one place. Rows of farmlands were arranged on uneven ground—food grew freely here.
Cael told me there were still small patches of land used for the same in Bailoc, but it wasn’t enough to feed our people.
Lythira had everything it needed.
My life existed only within the palace. I had walked the village that shared our protection walls a handful of times, but I had never seen anything like this. Laughter and chatter sounded from the marketplace.
Guilt seized me—I condemned Bailoc the moment I stepped foot over the divide. Thalen would never supply resources to Bailoc when I left him on our wedding day.
“My lady, you should be resting. Are you okay? You look as if you might faint.” Neena braced me, her voice bringing me back to the present.
“I’m fine. Just needed some fresh air.” I shook my head and exhaled.
“If you’re looking for his highness, I just saw him in the stables.”
I froze. “His highness?”
“You’re looking for Prince Lioran, right dear?” She released her grip on me.
Prince Lioran—he was a prince of a kingdom that warred with mine.
We were raised to be enemies. He hadn’t told me. He stopped Fyn from even hinting at it.
“Yes, I am.”
He demanded the truth from me, but kept who he was a secret. Anger rippled through me. Did he hide it because of who we are—who we should be to each other? I kept my face still. Neena didn’t know what she just revealed.
“I’m not sure he will be happy to see you up. You should be resting.”
“I’ve never been one to sit and rest.” My meek voice quivered.
Neena bowed her head before slipping away into the market ahead.
Fyn nearly bowed to him. He mentioned Lioran’s father—the King of Nythrel. It’s why he said Lioran risked everything when he brought me here.
I froze on the steps, clutching the wood railing that wound around the massive oak.
My boots grazed the hay when I entered the stables moments later. Lioran was in the corner, brushing Veylar. With each step I took, the horses all turned to me, their eyes set on my every movement.
“You’re supposed to be resting,” he grumbled as he slid a brush through Veylar’s mane, bracing the stallion’s massive head in his hands.
“Neena told me where I could find you…Your Highness.” My chest constricted. Lioran’s back went rigid, his glare engulfed me.
Lioran inhaled.
