Chapter 27 - Can I go up?
1760 Words
Aaron lightly laughed at the queen’s persistence. She’d been pestering him with questions since he arrived. He searched his memories.
“Well, one time I heard her say that she’d appreciate having someone to pass the right to the throne to. I think it was her usual concern, given how she’d be future queen of the north.”
Well, the queen already knows as much. Still, “Nothing else?”
Aaron shook his head.
Queen Natasha allowed him to enjoy his meal in peace, talking to Hannah instead about Alec and Corrine. This is to inform Aaron as well about his new companions without directly stuffing him with information. He listened closely, especially when the queen turns to him.
Hannah watched on. His actions seem elegant. During meal, that is. What’s his story? She’s curious of it. After Nate and Aaron went back to the north, she’d been debating with herself on whether to approach him or not. At that point, she’s already sure that they’ll see each other again. But what would she do then? With her younger body, she does have more energy. She’s feeling hyper at times but she had to hold herself back. A few times, she stunned a number of students with how bubbly she acted.
She could be young, can she not? This trip to the north would serve her purpose. If she can show Aaron… what is she even thinking? Is it so wrong to want to experience being loved back? Is it so wrong to want to experience being treasured and cared for? She has a chance with him and she’s taking it.
In her musing, Aaron noticed her stare. Her expression looked a little lost and it suited her features. When she came back to the present, she noticed him turning his head away. Was he looking at her? She hoped so.
Aaron was escorted to a guest room he previously occupied. He slept well into the afternoon. When he came out and walked the gardens, Hannah saw him from a tower. Why is she usually on a tower walkway? She likes the wind on her face and she feels at peace. Away from the others and seeing the tops of the trees.
When Aaron saw her, she waved with a small smile. It wouldn’t be good to shock him with a full-on smile, she thought. That little smile did surprise Aaron and thought he was only imagining things. When she put down her arm after waving, he waved back. He thought for a moment. He had been to the garden before, but he hadn’t had a chance to go up a tower walkway yet.
“Can I go up?” He spoke a little louder, but he’s not sure if she heard him.
Hannah was surprised to hear him talking to her, but yes, she didn’t catch what he’s saying.
“What?” She shouted back, louder than his. Aaron couldn’t help grinning.
“Can I go up?” He gestured at her while shouting.
“Oh…” Hannah did hear him clearly this time and the smile returned to her face.
“Yes. Come up.” She replied. Who knew who else heard them? When she saw him looking around, before looking at her again, she pointed towards a corner staircase.
Although he did practice controlling himself, there are some people around so he can’t use his ability. He quickly ran towards the staircase and up the tower. It’s almost sunset. He wanted to watch it from up there. He rarely had a chance to do so.
He was breathing heavily when he reached the top. He forgot to physically train himself in the last month or so. He’d have to remember to include it again on his routine when they return. He huffed as he walked closer to Lady Hannah.
“Drop the Lady. I’m currently as young as you.”
Aaron was clearly startled by her statement. What?
Hannah sighed. What a way to expose herself. Now he might not want to spend time with her anymore.
“I can read minds. Sometimes. When I…” It’s a bit frustrating to explain.
“I can control when to use it or not.” She decided to be honest. She looked away as she did so.
“I see…” He managed to say, staring at her side profile.
“Did you turn it off already?” He asked, standing next to her. About two feet of distance between them.
“Yes.” She chanced a glance at him, feeling the dread. Would he hate her for it?
“So, you have two abilities? I thought it’s rare to have more than one.”
So, he knows she has another. “It is, but not unheard of. Some abilities manifest later in life.”
“You mean there’s a possibility I could have another?” Now, this topic interests him.
“Yes. Technically, if you have another it’s already within you. It’s just dormant and waiting to be manifested.”
“Any chance I’ll know if I do?”
Hannah’s lip turned up, “Yes, when it manifests.”
Aaron had such a sense of humor. He openly laughed at her reply.
She’s surprised at his reaction. She thought he’d get annoyed. Yes, she was trying to. His rejection would be easier to accept if she knows she annoys him. Well, what did she know?
“I know you’re… you know. Older. But do you get annoyed at us younger people who are most likely immature? I won’t claim to be mature. Sometimes I still act childish. I would hate to offend you or something.”
“You won’t offend me.” The words were out before she could think it through.
She cleared her throat, hoping he didn’t notice. “It is what’s natural for us in this age. Even I still act immaturely at times.” Would he buy her explanation?
“I see. Well, you look cute.”
Okay, maybe she’s not the only one getting flustered.
“I mean, you look younger than I do. You’re beautiful.” Maybe a compliment would curve her anger? He hoped, not that he’s lying. She is beautiful.
If anything, his compliment is making her blush. Hopefully, the wind would cool her cheeks and he wouldn’t notice.
“Thank you?” She replied and that made him relax. Maybe his impression of her wasn’t right. She doesn’t act… mightily or haughtily.
He took a deep breath as he surveyed the skies. It now has an orange hue on it.
“Do you watch sunset often?”
“I often come here, but not to watch the sunset.”
“Why then?”
“The wind and the land.” She inhaled deeply. He did, too. When he turned around to see the surroundings, the rest of the castle is to their backs. On the right is a field with mountains beyond while the rest is surrounded by forests.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” He went back to his original position. Actually, the sun is no longer in the horizon, but its remaining glow casts colors onto the clouds and the sky.
“It is.” She looked down, not wanting to see it. Was she being unreasonable? It is with a sunset backdrop that she was cursed. Was it her fault when a guy liked her? She didn’t reciprocate his feelings, so why was she the one who took the brunt of the enchantress’ anger? That dumb fae.
The minute way she hung her head didn’t escape Aaron’s notice. After all, there were only two of them up here. He glanced at the sky again. He was about to ask why she isn’t looking at it when he saw the different expressions that crossed her gentle face. He moved forward, looking back so he can watch her better. He decidedly leaned against the concrete railing.
“You don’t like it.” He softly stated.
When she lifted her head up, he could almost see the tears in her eyes. She blinked them away, not letting one escape. He frowned.
“I’m sorry.”
She almost smiled at his apology. “It’s not…” He knew anyway, that it’s not his fault.
She moved forward, standing next to him, and watched the skies.
“It is beautiful.” No matter what happened in the past, she should focus on the present now. She should appreciate the things that do look wonderful.
When he didn’t change his position, she asked, “You’re not going to watch it?”
After watching her some more, he turned around.
He was tempted to ask if it’s because of bad memories. He shouldn’t. Given her background, it could be.
During dinner, Alec and Corrine were introduced to him. Rarely do they get invited to dine with the royals. Alec, who’s usually a chatterbox, was uncharacteristically silent as he ate. He feels he’s going to have indigestion. One wrong move and the king might order his execution. It scared him.
Corrine was more composed. Her behavior is refined and she’s more mature than Alec.
Hannah would admit that her decision to choose them weren’t solely based on their individual abilities or behavior but rather the way they seamlessly coordinate with one another in a battle.
Aaron only listened and answered a few of their questions. His majesty, King Aries, already briefed them with the relevant information. He’s not going to question Hannah’s recommendation and of course, the king’s approval. He’s going to trust them to make a good judgment. After all, it is mostly to help their daughter, Nate. Natalia.
He’s slowly getting used to hearing her actual name. The queen would sometimes refer to her that way. My Natalia. Our Natalia.
“You will depart early tomorrow. The books have been secured in the carriage. Do well and send our regards to King Edward and his people.” King Aries reminded before they left the hall.
They bowed before retreating to their respective quarters.
“Man, I almost couldn’t breathe.” Alec finally chattered. Then, he went on about how delicious the food is.
“I would’ve enjoyed it more if I wasn’t so scared of the king.” He lamented.
“Alec…” Corrine was trying to rein him in.
He skipped to Aaron, “Hey, would we dine with the royals when we go to the north?”
“No.” He quickly answered making Alec’s expression drop.
“But the food the kitchen provides are all excellent.” Ever since he started training for his magic, he was allowed to get his meals from the royal kitchen. Most days, he does. Some days, he’d rather dine with Philip and his siblings. He was also given his own room at the palace, but he rarely sleeps there. It was cozier at Philip’s place.
Alec perked up again. Corrine rolled her eyes. They do get excellent meals as well. Though, of course, not as sumptuous as the dinner they just had. Alec’s main concern is actually the taste. As long as it’s delicious, he would be comforted even if he’s sent far away from the northeast.
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