Unveiled Secrets: The Promise of the Fae

Chapter 13 - You are a noble?

“She’s my betrothed.” Vince stated with a glare at the other prince. He might be his uncle...

Elise herself was stunned. How old is her son now for him to be…?

“You are a noble?” Elise asked, looking at Nate in a new light. She thought she’s an ordinary magical human. An enchantress.

Nate grinned. “A princess, my lady.” She bowed and Vince made her stand up straight quickly.

“The counsel told you to stop bowing.” He reminded her, a little exasperated.

Nate shrugged. “I won’t die if I bow.”

Vince sighed.

In this short amount of time, Elise could tell how deeply their relationship was and there was genuine affection between the two of them. They continued to walk.

“You knew I was queen, because Vince is your betrothed.” She suddenly realized.

“Well, I’ve seen your portrait in the palace long before we got engaged. I’m a companion to the prince, before I was a princess, my queen.” Nate randomly explained.

They stopped again at hearing these words.

“We should all sit down first before we talk.” Vince stated and they continued forward. Soon, they reached the dining hall. In the human world, it’s about to turn dark as it becomes night. It was still very bright in this place, though.

“How long before it turns dark, my queen? We should get back early. The king must be worried.”

Both of them noticed how the other three froze. They exchanged a glance, so did the other three.

“Day and night have stopped here. Ever since the dark fairy prince reigned the land, it is always day here and night in his. He tampered with time.” Elise explained as she passed some dishes to their guests.

“So, how did you two get here?” King Florian asked, giving a warning look at his son who was about to say something. This kid hasn’t matured yet and starts fights wherever he goes. He noticed his hostility towards the guests.

“We used the enchantment, my lord.” Nate replied as she studied a dish of green plants. She noticed something glittery in it. Is it edible?

“The same you used previously?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Can you tell us?” The king seemed unbothered as he pulled plates of various dishes towards him. Do they all glitter? Nate tried to look at each one.

Nate unconditionally trusts the queen. She took out the page from the book of enchantments. They deemed it’s safer not to bring the book. They have also memorized the enchantment, just in case they lose the paper in some event. She handed it to the queen.

The others leaned over to see, but after taking a glance at it, she handed it to them.

“You were able to bring Vincent along?” Elise asked, curious.

“I uttered it, too.” Vince explained, and his mother was surprised.

“You enchant?” It was not unheard of, but most people who can use enchantments are women.

“Yes.” Vince has learned not to be bothered by such questions. He likes his ability to do so.

“What do you know about enchantments, my lady? Our sources in the human world is limited.”

Elise turned to her, why did she not think this girl is special? Then, it came to her. Her clothing…

“Why do you wear…? Shouldn’t you be wearing dresses?” Her question sounded terribly like her own mother, and Nate smiled while exchanging a glance with Vince.

“She was my companion first, and I had her pretend as a boy. This is what she’s used to wearing. Recently, her parents who happened to be royals from another kingdom, visited us and recognized her. She remained to prefer wearing these clothes, keeping her hair short, and her name as Nate.” Vince methodically explained to his mother, who listened attentively to each detail.

“It’s not your real name?”

“It’s Natalia, my lady. Close to Nate, don’t you think?” Nate answered.

“I see. I’m sorry we were rude to you the first time you came.” She remembered how she was treated.

“It’s nothing. I can understand that you were merely cautious of a stranger. I was, too, which is why I didn’t announce it, then.”

King Florian thought the girl is wise, as he nodded. Although the things they were saying are supposed to be interesting, Erik find them boring as they do not concern him. He’s a little self-centered.

There was a pause, and Elise stood up. She walked around the table to sit beside her son.

“Time here has been tampered. How long was I gone?” She reached into his shoulder and held onto it. He was not more than seven years old when she disappeared and now, he’s as tall as she is.

“Over ten years, mother.”

Elise inhaled deeply. She has been gone too long. She already suspected it when they mentioned their betrothal earlier. She swallowed the lump in her throat before she continued as she caressed his face again, “Mother did not mean to leave. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to raise you. You’ve grown up so well despite my absence. Will you forgive me?” There are a lot of things she is sorry for. Seeing his mother’s tears and the despair in her eyes, Vince proceeded to assure her.

“It’s alright, mother. You’re here now. Will you come back with us?”

Aye, there’s the crux of the matter. She can’t. And her expression told Vincent. The shake of her head pierced the hope in his heart.

“Why not?”

“I was born a fae, and I was used as a changeling to the princess of the south. I lived as a human for thirty years before I returned to this place. The person responsible for the process made a promise on my behalf. I can only escape this dimension when the reign of the dark fairy is over.” Elise took a pause and reached for his hands, covering them with hers.

“I tried, you know. To go back. I wanted to return. I wanted to raise you, and care for you. I promised to be the support your father needed as he rules the kingdom. I love him. I wanted to go back, but I couldn’t.”