Unveiled Secrets: The Promise of the Fae

Chapter 25 - He would understand

“The kingdom will need a ruler. If anything happens to me, you will claim the throne.” It is the rule of ascension. The current king and his heir cannot be put in danger at the same time, lest they both die and the kingdom be deprived of a king. There’s no one else worthy. The next of kin was a distant cousin of Vince. Or maybe their kin from the south kingdom.

Unfortunately, this seems like a family affair. They are doing this to get the Queen back to the human world. Seeing their determined faces, including Nate’s, Elise felt a squeezing sensation in her heart. Wasn’t this what she mentioned? The humans will need a reason to want to defeat the dark fae prince. She didn’t realize that she will be that reason. Her eyes watered as she realized she brought them all to danger.

They all turned to look at her when King Edward reached out to wipe her tears.

“You need not worry. I have faced great dangers. This won’t be the first time.”

“I can help, father. Our magic might be able to counter their magic.”

“Aye. There’s the rub.” Nate suddenly felt like they have a long way to go. They all turned to her.

“First things first, we must figure out the exact amount of time we can stay here every time we visit.”

A servant came in with the maps and King Florian laid them on the table.

“Can we bring these home for further study?” King Edward stood up to look at them immediately.

“Of course. They’re yours now.” King Florian did notice his determination. This is the man his daughter loved and married? From the small amount of time since he met him, he certainly approves.

Nate and Vince stood up as well to see the contents of the maps. King Florian proceeded to tell them the directions, starting from the castle they are in.

They are on the southwest part of the land.

“This is the dark lands?” Edward ran a hand at the part of the map that was shaded.

“Yes. This is what the land looked before the dark prince cursed the land and attacked other kingdoms. We do not know if they still look the same. The landscape might not have changed, but traps could’ve been laid everywhere.”

Nate noted the mountains and rivers. From what she heard from Hannah, it seems the fae believes a different story about the dark prince. But who knows which one is the truth anyway? She doesn’t know how Hannah knows. She hadn’t told the others yet. Maybe when they get back.

“These mountains hide the darkness. You can’t see them from this castle. If you pass over them, you will see a dark blanket from the ground up to the skies.”

“How dark is it? Like… super dark?” Nate asked, trying to picture it in her mind.

“Yes. As dark as when you close your eyes. I remember the night. As dark as nights.” King Florian replied with a wistful tone.

They miss the nights? Nate wondered.

Maybe she would, too, if there’s only sunlight all year-round. How do they manage to sleep? If time has been suspended, do clocks work here?

Before she can raise her questions, King Edward has one of his own.

“We have encountered fairies before. They are tiny. How is it that you are as big as us?” He reached a hand and tapped the top of Queen Elise’s head. She had a complicated look in her face as she thinks how to explain.

“Can you imagine if you come here and there’s the difference in size? This is how we normally are. When you came here, it was you whose size was reduced to fit ours. The fae world is tiny compared to the human world.”

“But make no mistake, the fae world is huge.” King Florian added, not wanting them to misunderstand the notion of fairies.

“Many have tried before, yes? Which paths have they walked?” King Edward’s focus is remarkable.

Nate sat down to watch. She’s sure they would have time later to study the maps again. Truly, the human in the prophecy couldn’t be her or Vince. They don’t even know how to plan an attack, or what questions to ask. When she turned to watch Vince, he has a determined expression on his face as he listened closely to the kings’ discussion. He would be king one day and he’s realizing now how much he still needs to learn. He hoped his father would relent and allow him to go with him. He stole a quick glance at Nate. If he goes, she would undoubtedly come with them. Aye, it will be a family outing. His mother’s suggestion wasn’t shot down by anyone, not even by his father. That much is already set in stone. Maybe his father wants her close. Or maybe it’s because she’s used to this world, she is the perfect candidate to serve as his guide.

He'd have to convince them, though, to let him and Nate join them. Nate showed him a grin. It’s not as if his father can come here without the two of them. Maybe he could bargain.

They’ve been learning more enchantments these last few weeks. Having heard about the dark lands, they both focused on the element of fire. Those twinkling fires would prove useful. Protective enchantments as well. Not to mention potions and artifacts. They read a lot on those subjects. Do they expect to meet fae on the way and be challenged? Who knows?

Nate’s mind drifted to another matter. She’s sure they would be inhaling the contents of the new books she brought soon. She’d have to travel again. A total of six days on the road. That would be six hours in the fae world.

They stayed for roughly four hours this time. Elise kept close to her husband, her arms wrapping on his left one, while they discuss. She had sat with him before, during strategic meetings, with the counsel and the knights. She can see his determined look and it would always make her admire him more.

When the lights surrounded them, signaling their return, the king and queen immediately turned to each other for a kiss. It was heart-warming to those who witnessed it. Nate was feeling fuzzy.

The three of them remained at the recreation hall. The king only sent a servant to inform members of the counsel that they are back.

“As much as we have these, they aren’t very helpful when we don’t know what to expect in the dark lands. How much danger would we face when we get there, what do we need more than swords and magic, would the danger be fatal…”

King Edward paced the room while the two of them listened.

“Nate might have to go back to the northeast. Again.” Vince reminded his father, not really looking forward to it.

“When you go, father and I might visit mother. When we return, you might be returning, too.” His eyes lit up at the realization.

“It would only feel like six to eight hours for me.”

Nate didn’t agree. “Yeah, for you. But it would be at least six days for me.”

The king stopped pacing to watch them banter.

It was a while before Nate recalled something, “What do we do with Aaron, my lord? Would he join us? Seeing as he’s the only other person who has magic in this kingdom.”

Her omission of Pyro is clear and understandable. No explanation needed.

Vince became excited again, leaping up from his chair. “Or we can send him to the northeast. He had already been there. Your parents know him. They would understand.”

Nate stared at him. Not a bad idea. Would Aaron agree, though? Oh, he might have no choice but to obey.

“I’ll have to phrase it properly when I ask him. Would we tell him that we expect him to join us in exploring the fae world?”

“Ask him. He has a strong sense of responsibility. He would agree.” The king noted, remembering the boy. He might’ve seemed cowardly when he ran in the opposite direction as they tried to face the mercenaries, but it was actually a good choice given his experience at the time. He needed to heal. And now that he has free reign to use his magic for good, he might have the confidence to help. He did swear to use his magic for the throne, although this one is personal to the king.

“He would understand.” Vince affirmed.

There is that, Naya thought. If her parents are too busy, Hannah would most likely assist Aaron on choosing new books. They seem awkward with each other. Maybe she shouldn’t have told him that she’s old. She’s definitely looking young. Nate noticed Hannah’s interest in Aaron, though minute and unnoticeable to most. Aaron himself was oblivious to it.

“You want me to go? Are you providing me with an introduction letter at least?” Aaron asked, bewildered at the royals’ request.

“Of course. I’ll write you one, too.” Vince assured him and Nate chuckled at the hilarity of his tone. He can only be this funny towards close friends. He couldn’t goof around the knights, though, despite being close. He had to maintain a respectable image with them.

Aaron’s lip curled up as well. In the days they’ve been gone, he tried to practice with Pyro at home. They had to be extra careful, though.

“Alright, I’ll go. But if they don’t believe me and I come back with nothing, don’t blame me.”

“Uh huh, you’ll be bringing back the books we borrowed last time. That should be enough to tell them that we did entrust those to you.” Nate rolled her eyes at him. He’s somewhat afraid to deal with new people, it seems. Especially new people with high ranks in society. What’s more? He’s starting to realize that he’s being surrounded by royals and nobles.

“Right. How soon do you want me to go?”

Vince looked at him, “Either tomorrow or the next day. Rest if you must. Or do you not find travelling exhausting?”

Aaron shrugged. He’s used to travelling. It doesn’t bother him as much as the others. Though Nate travelled for years, that was mostly on foot.

They spent the night with Philip and his siblings, or at least a few hours after dinner. Pyro could be seen holding one of his creations again.

“They’re nice during mid-day, when the sun’s too hot.” Selene noted as they watched Pyro.

The king couldn’t be bothered to “practice”, so to speak. He still has a lot of things to settle as king. Being away for a few days meant he has a lot to address at the moment. Of course, he doesn’t mind. He did see Elise, after all.

“You’re saying the king’s ability is a cold white mist?” Philip had to confirm what he heard.

“Yes. But the coverage is definitely larger than Pyro’s ice sculptures.” Vince had to point it out.

“So, it looks like Pyro’s mist? The ones around his sculptures?” Selene leaned over to see the mist closer. They have come to call Pyro’s creations as sculptures, with the way they resemble an object or animal. Nate smiled at her inquiry.

“Having these skills, do you guys actually feel special?” Philip was curious. It hasn’t been long since they executed a girl for having the ability to control fire. Was that a year ago already?

“I wouldn’t say special…” Vince mused.

“I still have to be careful outside.” Aaron added.

“It does give you a feeling of being special, though. Ability no other can. Or at least, not many others can.” Nate said her piece.