Unveiled Secrets: The Promise of the Fae

Chapter 20 - Not a thing of the past

What surprised her more is Hannah chuckling at her thoughts. What a funny princess.

After settling down, Hannah told her what she knew. “There is not much I can say, except you actually shared your ability to them. You are their host. It is possible that the enchantment weakened your own affinity for magic. As magic continues to grow, you might not have been able to feel the difference.”

“So, King Edward could end up having the ability to enchant as well?” King Aries couldn’t help feeling bothered. After all, their magic has been his pride all these years. It is a secret that strengthens him and his kingdom. For another kingdom to have it… is somewhat unthinkable.

“He might. He might not. It is not something that can be controlled, as much as magic is unpredictable… choosing people to whom magic is granted. We might view it as random, but it never is. The prince you used it on is a testament to that.”

Right, if she hadn’t used it on Vince, he might not have been able to save her. She felt relieved. She turned the topic about fae.

“We haven’t tried it on someone with magic yet. They might have tried yesterday, but I do not know what the results were. Do you think it’s possible to bring the king to the world of fae?”

“As the fae said, if the king manifests magic then it would be possible.”

Nate was surprised yet again. She hadn’t mentioned anything about what the fae said. Can she pull an information from her head without her actually thinking of it currently?

“Yes.” Hannah answered her silent question, continuing to shock her. Her little heart might not be able to take it. Hannah chuckled again.

“Are you aware of the dark fae prince’s existence? King Florian said he has been trying to rule the whole of fae for decades now.”

Ah yes, the dark fae prince. How long has it been? Hannah wondered.

Her expression didn’t escape the royals’ notice.

“This particular fae has been cursed. What I know is that he deceived an enchantress. In her anger, the enchantress retaliated by cursing him. When he returned to the fae, the land was cursed along with him. He was tied to the land. That is how powerful the enchantress was. She was also the first known to use her abilities to harm another. Thus, the enchantresses’ bad reputation. Many followed her example, not allowing anyone to suppress them.”

Everyone listened closely. King Aries himself… just how old is this person? Hannah had served his father, the king before him. Who knew who else? He has asked her before, but she would only smile coldly. He has learned not to get on her bad side. His father warned him. Hannah would always be for the throne. Her power should not be viewed as a threat. If the throne turns its back on her, she would not hesitate to fight back. Her ability is only known to him, his wife, and the counsel. In fact, she is part of the counsel.

After a few minutes of silence, Nate spoke up again. Looking at her like a well of knowledge. Previous kings have looked at her that way.

“How can we defeat this fae?” That is the condition for the queen’s return. Or did it say the dark prince must die? If the land was cursed along with him, then maybe he must die in order to restore the land.

“That is not a thing of the past. I cannot tell you.”

Nate’s expression fell. “But you must know something. How did the enchantress curse him? I do not know anything about curses.”

With this question, Hannah turned to the king.

“Curses have been forbidden. They are destructive, not only to the person who is being cursed, but to the one who uttered it.” He explained to her daughter.

Alright, no curses. Nate concluded.

“Any suggestions? What enchantments would work on a cursed fae? Do enchantments work on them?”

“Yes, they would work on him. Unless he learned a way to protect himself, then it might not. Forbidden enchantments, potions, artifacts… these things you must not touch, but him he could. He might use them against you and your companions.”

Potions and artifacts? Nate’s expression twisted. Just how complicated would things get? She knows nothing about these things. She turned to his father, who gestured at everything around them. Is she supposed to find answers by herself? She’s… it’s too much.

“Do not be disheartened. You will find a way.” She is not a seer, but she wanted to cheer her up. She is right. There is much to do before they can conquer the dark fae.

Back at the north, King Edward failed yet again. He hasn’t felt any different, but the children did say it will take some time. Maybe he’s being impatient. The counsel did come to see it for themselves.

“He will return in three days.” He dismissed everyone afterwards. Nate is yet to return. Aaron is with him. Pyro… that kid. He decided to work on some documents in his study. Without the children, the hall eerily feels empty.

Vince grimaced at not seeing his father. This time, he appeared at the dining hall with no one around. He carefully pulled the doors open and a slew of guards turned to him. He cleared his throat.

“I am looking for my mother. Where can I find her?” The guards exchanged glances.

In a way, it seems Elise could feel when someone appears in their world. She hurried outside her room, towards the throne room. She found Vince on her way. She called to him. They smiled brightly at each other. Elise asked him to go with her to the study.

“Where is Nate?” She noticed her absence. She didn’t think her son would come alone.

“She has to visit her parents at the northeast.” He decided not to mention the failure earlier. Maybe next time they could finally bring his father to her.

“Father wrote this.” He quickly took the letter out as he remembers. Elise was both excited and apprehensive. What would he say in his letter?

“Can I look around?” The study is spacious. Vince thought he should allow her to read the letter on her own.

“Alright. Thank you.” She stated wistfully as she sits down in a chair, her fingers trembling a little.

The contents of the letter made her heart fill with happiness and anticipation. She didn’t know when she had started crying over it. They were definitely happy tears. He would welcome her back! He still loves her! He would find a way…

Vince could hear the suppressed sobs from his mother. He stood still, leaning against a window. He’s happy to see her and spend some time with her, but… he was too young when she disappeared. He didn’t have that many memories of her. Currently, they are somewhat formal with each other. She’s naturally affectionate towards him, but he’s a little awkward. After all, he’s no longer a little boy but a young man. He can understand that right now, she must’ve wanted to see his father more. They will find way.

Elise already penned another letter with more details, but she also wanted to write another as a direct reply to his. She searched the table for what she needed to do so, after wiping her tears away and sniffing loudly. She couldn’t be bothered to feel embarrassed. Clearly, Vince would understand. She saw him from a corner of her eye.

“Come here, let’s have a talk.” She called sweetly and Vince obeyed her. She composed herself. This is the child she gave birth to. Her son. He’s grown up so tall. She must ensure they build a good relationship.

“Do you resent me?” She inquired mildly. Just like with her husband, she couldn’t stop herself from asking if he hated her.

“No. I am glad to see you alive, mother.” Vince stared intently at her. Even with last time’s visit, he still couldn’t believe that he’s with her now. She’s alive!

She smiled at how easily he addresses her as mother. Her heart swelled with joy.

“You mentioned that Nate visited her parents. Have you met them?” They would be their in-laws in the future. If they are good people, Elise won’t mind.

“Yes. King and Queen at the northeast. Their land is smaller than the north’s, but they have magic as part of their strength. They have been secretly nurturing and protecting people with magic.”

“That… is dangerous.” As much as Elise would like to admire them, it is still a huge leap of faith.

“That’s why they’re keeping it a secret. The same is being done at the north. Although, there are only a handful of people with magic being monitored at the castle. Me and Nate. Then, there’s Aaron who’s almost the same age as us. Lastly is Pyro, who’s only five.”

Elise listened attentively at everything he has mentioned. Before she could forget, she handed him the prepared letter.

“I’m still writing a reply to this new letter, but in case you couldn’t wait for it, kindly deliver this one first.”

Vince accepted it and kept it securely in his purse.

“You haven’t been able to say much about your relationship with Nate. Is she someone you truly like?” She already noticed the closeness between them, but she wanted to be sure.

“Yes. I like her very much.” His ears turned red. Though he’d learned not to be bothered by what others say, when it comes to Nate, he still feels a little embarrassed. Sometimes.

Elise prompted him to tell her how they met. It was both surprising and unexpected.

“You didn’t like her instantly?” She was that way with Edward. Seeing him the first time, she knew she wanted him.

“No. She was an ordinary person at the time. Father even threatened her life should I choose to… insist on my feelings for her. I was relieved when we learned she was a princess.”

“It must’ve been hard on you. What were you thinking at the time? If she wasn’t a princess, what would you have done?”

Vince leaned back on the chair, his heart aching at the thought. He does remember his feelings of anxiety and helplessness back then.

“I thought I should take what I could, while I still have the time. Even if I refused to get married to someone else, I knew father would have demanded it. I have no doubt he would’ve used her to force me.”

Elise felt sad for his son. Her husband is too strict. She was fortunate to have been… a princess. If she wasn’t, maybe Edward wouldn’t have bothered looking at her.

“Did you resent your father over it? I would understand if you rebelled against him.”

Vince let out a sigh, “How could I?” His father is very firm in his decisions.