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“Uh...did I have it when I was younger?” I questioned, slightly embarrassed by my outspoken thought.
“Yes. Not as frequent, but you did openly state once that one of the Royals was ugly and in desperate need of a shower to rid his yucky smell.”
I groaned pinching my nose.Why me?
The King cleared his throat, reminding me of my question.
“Thanks for the compliment…I think. In regard to your previous statement, I disagree.” I looked towards him, standing my ground though his power gave me the urge to quiver in the corner.
When I’d met Winterlya, I knew she was powerful, but she’d kept her aura on lockdown, only a glimpse of it leaked out when she’d cast the spell to awaken Midnight. But with the King, he didn’t just let his energy leak, he purposely boasted it in waves. I don’t know if he did it on purpose or not, but I was struggled to keep my body from shivering.
He noticed my struggle, smiling before taking a step forward as a challenge – one I was ready to face even if it was a foolish act of defiance. I had spent too many cycles backing down; I made a vow to myself that I wouldn’t do that again, for anyone.
I bit my lip standing my ground, Midnight edged closer to my mind as we both gazed up at him. His eyes widened for a brief moment before he smiled.
“You aren’t an ordinary shifter are you, young one?”
“Of course not. Ordinary is boring. I’m unique and one of a kind,” I boasted, confidently.
A hearty, baritone laugh soared through the kitchen; my eyes widened, glancing at Violet who looked just as shocked by his sudden laughter.
“I can see why my son has an interest in you. You’re still the spunky, outspoken child from all those cycles ago. You still remind me of Arthur; though, your defiant nature must be from Catherine.” He chuckled before giving me a light smile as his aura retreated.
My tense shoulders relaxed, Midnight retreated from my mind. It was becoming stuffy with all this power.
“I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Alexander Carter, King of Minato and Ryder’s father. It’s a pleasure to meet you…” He introduced himself before trailing off.
“Makoto. Makoto Heart. Uh...my given name is Rosalina, but I like Mako better. The pleasure is all mine, your Majesty,” I said bowing.
“Rise Makoto. Bowing is so over-rated,” he replied, rolling his eyes.
“I told her that,” Violet commented.
“I’m going to ban everyone in Heila from bowing. It really is bothersome,” I agreed before we all laughed.
“What’s your opinion on emotions then, Makoto?” he proposed; his voice grew serious once more, but withheld his power.
“I think emotions make individuals stronger. I don’t see it as a weakness. Sure, there are different levels of emotion and depending upon the situation, they could be seen as a weakness. But, I don’t think that is enough for them to be considered a weakness altogether. It’s our emotions that drive us. It’s our emotions that motivate us to do good or battle evil. Or even to become evil. But, it’s those same emotions in some that give them the strength to get up and put on a crown and lead their people, who love them. It’s those same emotions that help a father teach a son how to become the best man he could possibly be. How to become a great ruler and follow in his footsteps, even if he has some really big shoes to fill. The Starlight gods gave us such feelings and those emotions to help us grow as individuals. I don’t think it should be frowned upon. To say that one man’s emotions shaped him to become evil and that is why emotions should be seen as a weakness, isn’t a valid reason. Or to say that one man’s emotions are what caused him to lose his life or the lives of others and that is why emotions should be seen as a weakness, isn’t a valid reason. Because then it would be the reason that someone could look at you and say that the love you feel for your wife, for your son, and for your people makes you a weak man. And that’s not what I see when I look at you. And it’s definitely not what I see when I look at your son. So, I disagree with your teachings and think your son would be a glorious king one day using the gift the Starlight gods have bestowed on him,” I lectured.
Ryder had explained to me his gift – his ability to sense the emotions of others, especially the other knights. I knew it was difficult for him to sort through and control the emotions that filtered through him on a daily basis.
I could tell that he struggled between controlling his own emotions and not allowing them to be affected by the others. But I didn’t care, I was here for him through the good and the bad and I would remain here for him for as long as the Starlight gods allowed.
We stood there in silence; my words lingered in the air. I was tempted to fidget in place, but fought the urge, needing to make my point clear.
I felt a pair of arms embrace me from behind, the intoxicating, rose scent greeted me as my back pressed against a firm, broad chest.
I looked up, those bright, purple eyes gazed down at me; those devilish lips giving off a prideful smile.
“I agree. Emotions can either push you to success or lead you to your downfall. It’s up to the individual to decide, the gods as their witnesses. I won’t think of such blessings as a hindrance anymore,” he whispered before his face lowered – his lips met mine as we kissed.
He pulled away, grinning from ear to ear.
“Sure, just make-out in front of your in-laws. You’re so good at first impressions,”Midnight praised, her dull, bored tone filled with sarcasm as my eyes widened, and my face burned.
I looked back at the King who appeared stunned and the Queen whose shoulders shook as she suppressed another laugh.
“I – um – dammit Ryder!” I cursed, turning in his embrace to slap his chest in embarrassment.
