Unveiled Secrets: The Promise of the Fae

Chapter 21 - It is my curse

Yes. If there’s one thing he didn’t like about his father, it was the strict way he follows and implements the rules. He couldn’t imagine what his future would’ve been like if Nate didn’t turn out to be a princess. Their agreement upon learning that fact was immediate, and his father also used it to his advantage. Although at that point, he couldn’t be bothered with anything else. He was simply elated to know they could be together. He suddenly misses her.

Elise noticed the changes in his expression. His current one is that of a lovesick person.

“Do you miss her already? How many days has it been?”

“Four days.” He replied without thought.

“I am glad things worked out well for you. It wouldn’t be proper if you resent your father, or if you started going against him.” Elise paused before sighing.

“But at the same time, I think he should consider your happiness as well. You are our only child. Regardless of the rules, the king’s word is above them. If he gave you permission, it can be done.”

He was genuinely startled by his mother’s supportive words. Maybe she is more of a romanticist than his father.

But he shook his head, “I’m sure it’s more political than personal. An alliance with another kingdom would’ve provided us with certain benefits.”

“And you are willing to make that sacrifice?” Such a direct question.

“I hoped I have been there to advise you.” Her tone suddenly softened.

“You would’ve lived a very unhappy life if you make such a choice. Even if you are a future ruler of a kingdom, you are still a person with a life outside the responsibility for the throne. Your father and I were lucky, and now… you and Nate. To rule with someone you love on your side, there is no greater happiness. No matter what problem arises in the kingdom, you have each other.”

Vince couldn’t help chuckling. “Her parents said something similar. Thank you, mother.”

He reached out to hold her hand, but Elise would rather give him a huge and tight hug.

“You are a good lad. A proper prince. You will be a great ruler one day.”

Her words meant a lot to him.

Elise took a long sigh. “If I had been with you as you grow up, I would have given you the affection you needed. I doubt your father would have cuddled you, hugged you, or kissed you.”

Just imagining it had Vince laughing hard. “No, he didn’t.”

“He would’ve trained you hard, without consolation and allowance for mistake. He would’ve scolded you a lot. That’s what he’s supposed to do. It should’ve been my role to appease you, tell you your father was only trying to make you tough and strong, and not to take it to heart… I should’ve been there to take care of you. Ensure you have everything you needed. Made the palace a home, providing you with warmth. You could’ve asked me what I think when you first liked someone. You could’ve asked me to side with you when you have disagreements with your father.” Elise could see it in her head, a pity it wasn’t what happened in reality. She has so much to make up for.

On his part, Vince could also imagine it. He’s used to his father’s upbringing, but he can’t deny he would’ve appreciated some affection. Truly, growing up with both parents is still ideal. They balance each other out.

As Elise pens a light reply, they kept the conversation going. They talked about his childhood, his training, the missions he joined, his relationship with his father…

Elise mentioned some of the things Vince shared in her letter. Despite her absence, Edward did well in raising him. He deserves the credit.

There’s nothing much she could share about her life in this place. She had never felt like she belongs here. She always longs for the human world.

Hannah took Nate around the library, pushing books after books into her arms. Mostly, their titles are about potions and artifacts. Magic is not limited to abilities and enchantments. Nate is only realizing that now. It was a while before she decided to use her magic to transfer the books to a table as she continues to trail after Hannah.

“No one knows how old you are?” She’s still curious about her. A very mysterious woman who actually knows the origin of the dark fae prince.

Setting aside her earlier question, she suddenly thought of something else, “Did the fae prince come to the human world? Or did the enchantress go to the fae world?”

“Both things happened.” Hannah serenely replied, reaching out a hand to another book.

“Start with these. Later I will show you a forbidden book. You will need a deeper understanding of these subjects if I am to teach you properly.”

“Why can’t we start with the forbidden book?” She finds them fascinating, although dark.

“They can easily corrupt when you’re unprepared, when your ideals are not yet firm. When you are still confused with your right and wrong, you will be a danger if presented with such powers.”

Nate absorbed her statement. She’s not wrong. The power they provide are tempting. They could easily be abused and should they fall into the wrong hands… the consequences could be disastrous.

Ariella… they hadn’t known anything about what happened to her. Nate momentarily thought of her.

Hannah left her to her own devices after giving her an introduction. She spent most of her time reading the books Hannah gave her. She almost forgot Aaron. When dinner came, she saw him again and she apologized for leaving him alone.

After dinner, they walked through the indoor garden. Nate stared at him, contemplating how much information she can share. Would he join them when they explore the fae world? She would admit that she hadn’t made many friends. Since she came back to the north, she’d been busy learning magic. Vince was busier than her and most of his “friends” would be the knights. Oh, wait. Brothers.

But given the condition to enter the fae… they only have Aaron and Pyro as of the moment. Unless she can befriend a few from the northeast…

Aaron was starting to feel uncomfortable because of her stare. He’d made sure to keep a certain distance from her. He didn’t want anyone to misunderstand his closeness to her.

Nate withdrew her gaze as she decided. Aaron breathed a sigh of relief as they rounded the garden, going back to the main hall. Nate started telling him some relevant information. He can only listen intently. He was surprised to know the reason for the halt in their training. Nate realized that everyone finds it extremely surprising. Well, it is.

“We might have to stay for a few more days. There are a lot of books to read and I am only allowed to bring back as many as ten. Would you like to join me in the library?”

“Everything’s about magic? That would be fascinating.” He’d seen the books they use, but since they have no use for him, he didn’t bother. He was, however, allowed to read up on the history and some general information on magic. There was one book with a large section on object manipulation. It helped him understand his own abilities.

The following morning, Nate brought Aaron to the library after seeking permission from her father. It amazed him, but Nate was more concerned about reading. She’d have to trust Aaron to do his share. Vince already trusts him anyway.

“We won’t have the time to read everything, so we’ll divide it up. When we go back to the north, you have to be able to share to the others whatever you read in this place.” She tried to be strategic about it. Aaron only nodded to let her know he understands. It makes him excited.

Nate already chose which books they’re going to carry home. She asked Hannah which ones are the most complicated and hard to understand. She almost saw a disapprovingly look from the older woman. Nate put her foot down. She can’t stay for too long and read them all. The lady relented with a grunt.

Normally, food won’t be allowed inside but the king gave instructions to serve them lunch and snacks so they won’t be bothered coming out.

Aaron took the task seriously. They have their heads buried in books when Hannah showed up.

She was walking towards them when she noticed the boy. When Aaron leaned back in his seat, she had a good view of his face. And her damned heart skipped a beat. Her own curse was activated. It has been a while.

The two people inside looked up because of the white light that enveloped her. Nate squinted. This isn’t the same lights that transport her to the fae dimension. They both stood up, not understanding what’s happening. All they know is that there’s a person standing a few feet away from them.

When the light disappeared, a young girl was there with them.

“Who are you?” Nate demanded. She frowned when she realized she looks a little like Lady Hannah.

“It is me.” Hannah answered, her eyes widening at how her voice changed. It sounded… young. She must look young again. Her gaze trained on the boy. Who is this?

“Who?” Nate repeated.

“I am Hannah.”

“What?” The shock was evident in the way she exclaimed and look. Aaron doesn’t know what’s happening so he just stood there, looking at Nate and the woman. Hannah, huh? She’s…

“Who is this?” Hannah asked. She must know who this person is.

“But… what…? What happened?” Nate still couldn’t grasp what occurred.

“It is my curse.” She has no choice but to explain. The reason she was able to live so long is because of her curse. Every time she meets someone she remotely likes, she would turn back to her younger self. Growing old with the others until she meets another. She has learned enough not to let herself go.

After a long silence in which Nate tried to calm herself, she managed to introduce her companion.

“This is Aaron, from the north. He has magic and he accompanied me here.”

“I see.” Her eyes constricted. He would be the first one with magic. All the others were ordinary men. But he’s young. No doubt the way she looks right now must reflect his age.

“This is Lady Hannah. She’s part of the counsel. She was mentoring me yesterday and she chose all these books.” Nate introduced her to Aaron, then.

He bowed, “Pleasure to meet you, Lady Hannah.” He’s still clueless as to what happened. Hannah courteously nodded to acknowledge his greeting.

“Does my father know…?” She roughly gestured towards her new appearance.

Hannah inhaled deeply before moving towards a mirror’s substitute. She won’t be surprised, but she’d like to know what they’re seeing.

“I shall see your father now. I have some explaining to do.” She reluctantly decided. As she’s mostly staying in the castle and haven’t been interacting with ordinary people in the last decade or so, it shouldn’t pose a great problem. Every servant and residents in the palace are acquainted with magic. She simply had to explain her condition. She’d like to see the counsel question her age. She’s older than every single one of them.

“I see…”

Nate remained standing and staring at the exit long after Hannah left. Aaron already sat down.

“Why do you look so surprised?” He asked as he thumbed through the book he’s reading. Where was he? What page?

“She… she was an older woman yesterday. She looked older than my father.”

That piqued Aaron’s interest. “You mean… that young girl? She can’t be older than us.”

“I know… that’s why I’m surprised.” She sat down, having no energy to continue reading after experiencing that kind of shock.