Chapter 3 - You have magic?
1088 Words
They met Philip on their way to the castle. He looked curious as he watched the three of them go. The royals are on either side of Aaron, seemingly escorting him. Or were they holding him up? He looked a bit pale. He only shrugged as he continued on his way home. He’s tired and hungry.
“Don’t speak for now. It’s only known to palace personnel. Ordinary people don’t know yet. Speaking of which, are knights-in-training aware of the situation?” Nate stated before asking Vince the last sentence.
“Not yet. They have to be knighted first before those sensitive matters are discussed to them.” Technically, he’s the only knighted knight who remains in training. That also allows him to join missions when necessary. As for the others still in training, they’re mostly given tasks that are easy to accomplish.
They quieted as they walked the hallways. They meant to bring him to the throne room but the king wasn’t there.
“He must be in his chambers already. It is past dinner time.” Vince reasoned.
“Would you go and tell him? We can’t barge in his chambers.” Nate hasn’t done it herself, but she did accompany Vince before when he rushed to talk to his father. That seems like a long time ago.
“Alright. I’ll go.” He turned and exited the room, while Aaron and Nate remained. She took out the coin again.
“Come on. Try it again.”
His eyes still widened as she made it float in front of him again. He picked the coin and held it. He tried to do as she asked, but he couldn’t seem to do it this time. Nate only watched, giving him time. She knew how hard it is without actual practice.
“How old were you when you discovered you can do… what can you do? Manipulate objects?”
“Just move objects. I was thirteen.” As he answered, the coin moved upwards. And it didn’t come down. He held that position in his mind.
He was rattled again when the doors opened and in came the king, the prince and a couple of guards. He hid his hands behind him and the coin dropped to the floor. It made such a noise that everyone's attention was drawn to it. He should’ve taken the time to ask Nate what’s going to happen now.
When the door closed, Nate retrieved the coin with her own enchantment.
Aaron watched as it landed on her hand. Is she openly using magic?
“You have magic?” The king sized him up. He recognized him.
He doesn’t know how to respond to him.
“Yes, my king.” Nate did it for him.
“Show me.” King Edward commanded, keeping his eye on him. He recalled that he is originally his subject and remains to be one.
Nate handed him the coin again. This time, handing it over to him using her own hand. He stretched his arm and she put it gently on his palm.
“I don’t think he can do it when he’s nervous. Don’t stare at him too much, my lord.”
He stilled at hearing her converse with the king.
“Is that so?” The king did avert his gaze upon her suggestion. Aaron felt like he could breath properly again. Being under his majesty’s scrutiny made his chest tighten in fear.
“Will he be joining us as we train, my lord?” Nate continued, seemingly unconcerned as Aaron tries to control the coin again. Vince was watching him from the corner of his eye. When he was able to make it float, Vince exclaimed with “Look.”
It’s clear to him that Aaron has no control over his ability yet, and he was afraid his father won’t be able to witness it tonight. He would’ve disturbed his rest for nothing.
“Can you move it higher?” The King watched the coin. Aaron managed to move it higher in the air. King Edward surveyed Vince and Nate. He was a little suspicious that these kids… well, they aren’t that immature to try and trick him.
“Left.” He ordered. This time he watched the boy’s expression. His hand moved to the left and he quickly glanced at the coin to see if it moved. Hmm, he couldn’t tell.
“Put it on my hand.” He extended his hand in front of him.
The coin quickly dropped on the floor. Aaron was startled by the command. On his hand? Isn’t he afraid I might mess up?
“My lord…” He tried to protest. A glance at the prince told him he should obey. He exhaled deeply before trying again. It took a minute for him to move the coin up from the ground. Slowly, using both hands, he directed it towards his majesty’s open palm.
He even took a step forward as he pushed the coin towards his highness. When it was a few inches above his palm, he let it drop. He breathed heavily afterwards.
“Was it too taxing?” Nate frowned, seeing the beads of sweat on his face.
“It’s his first time. Of course, it’s taxing.” Vince replied.
King Edward looked at him and Aaron bowed in front of him.
“You will practice with Nate and Vincent at the recreation hall. For three hours before lunch. Every day. A member of the counsel will brief you tomorrow morning.”
“Yes, my lord.” He managed to reply, glancing at the king.
“You shall keep this a secret. And you shall not use it for evil. Otherwise, the punishment is execution.”
“I understand, your highness.” Just hearing the word execution made him tremble a little.
“In exchange for sparing your life, you shall serve the throne.”
“Yes, my king.” He’s ready to agree to anything to remain living.
“Should we make him a companion to the prince? He’ll probably spend a lot of time with us.” Nate voiced out as she contemplates on it. It would be much easier to explain to people why he’s usually with them and spending a lot of time inside the palace.
“We can’t make everyone companion to the prince, can we?” The king asked.
“Only for the first few. If we gather more people with magic, we can copy what father did.”
King Edward nodded in agreement. They’re still new to this.
Aaron listened but couldn't understand the situation.
“Know that you will be under observation and strict monitoring for the next few weeks. Just to ensure you abide by the rules that the counsel will discuss to you tomorrow.” The king warned before going. He bowed. He noticed that Nate bowed, too, and Vince is wearing an annoyed expression.
“When will you stop bowing to him?”
“It’s a show of respect for my king.”
- Writer
