Unveiled Secrets: The Promise of the Fae

Chapter 23 - Try it on someone else

She reached out a hand and let it caress the spines of the books they pass by. Where were they? She serenely looked around. There is a book here that would be helpful to him. She would pause sometimes and Aaron could only watch her. He’d toured the whole place yesterday and wasn’t as fascinated as before. Knowing he won’t be able to read everything, his excitement died down fast enough.

After a while of walking further, Hannah pointed to a book.

“Get it for me.” She requested and he complied, reaching out for it. He grunted as he realized it’s a heavy book. He had to use both hands to safely bring it down. Hannah wasn’t pretentious. She laid it on the floor and they both crouched.

“Shouldn’t we bring it to the table?” Aaron asked, realizing their heads were close to each other as they lean from each side of the book.

“I’m not sure if this is the one you need.” She flipped through the pages without looking at him.

His heart swelled at her words. The one he needs. So, there is a book for him. He grinned as he waited.

After going through it, Hannah declared, “Not this one. Please put it back.” Then, she stood to continue walking by the shelves. Such a heavy book, it was harder to put it back in that height. He chuckled as he ended up using his ability. He’s more controlled when moving objects. He had enough practice in that area. Hannah heard him and glanced back. He looked charming from this side.

Her stare makes him conscious, like she’s judging him. Or maybe not. He shook his head to rid those thoughts away. After a while, Hannah pointed to another one that is located at the topmost shelf.

“The green one?” He wanted to confirm.

“The big blue one next to it.”

“On the right?”

“Yes.” It’s obvious the one on the left is the same size as the green one. Well, she can’t really blame him. Also… is he talking informally to her? She’ll let it slide.

Carefully, Aaron moved it down. When he reached for it, he was surprised by how light it was. She giggled at his reaction. That is what surprised her.

“Some have a little magic on them.” She managed to say with a straight face as she took the book from him. Just like earlier, she browsed it quickly. Aaron thought they might take a while, but she stopped at a certain section.

“Start from here. You’ll know where it ends.” She passed the open book to him.

“Thank you.”

“Go ahead. I still have something to check.” Hannah looked around. She’s starting to think her curse was made with a little potion. When it comes to manipulating feelings, love potion was the most effective. Maybe a tinge of it was used on her?

Some who use enchantments chose to live apart from others as they strive to create their own enchantments. It is more like experiments. There’s trial and error. Accidents could happen. Sometimes it could be fatal. House on fire. Glasses exploding. In rare times, self-combustion. Enchantresses are rare, and yet… they become even rarer with how they chose to live.

Aaron slightly bowed before leaving, his head already on the book. She watched as he bumped into a corner. When she read his mind earlier, she realized he knew about her age and he’s keeping a distance out of respect. Right. She has that effect on most people.

Vince lost track of time. He probably spent hours talking to his mother and having meals together. She took him around the castle, flying over the towers. It was both exhilarating and terrifying. It was a bit awkward as they couldn’t figure out how she’ll carry him. In the end, they used a blanket to wrap around his body which she could carry. She couldn’t bear taking hold of his cloak when Erik suggested it. Vince glared when he mentioned that’s how he carried the other human.

“He is thoughtless. Don’t mind him.” Her mother explained. In human terms, he’s equivalent to a teenager. More immature than one. Most of the time, he’s outside the palace.

When he returned to the human world, he’s surprised to learn almost five days have passed.

“Where’s Nate?” He quickly asked while passing the letters her mother made.

“She’d sent word that they’ll be on their way tomorrow.” King Edward gladly received them. There are two.

“You’re supposed to return after three days. I was getting worried.”

“I lost track of time. I’m sorry, father.” He admitted.

“Actually, have we mentioned that time is not running in there? If one’s not conscious of it, one would really forget how long it has been. So, I have been there for five hours at most?”

“It would seem so, if Nate’s initial observation was correct.”

“I will rest first, my lord.”

“Have dinner first. You missed it.”

“Yes, father.” He slowly walked backwards, before instructing a servant to send food to his quarters. Why is Nate taking too long? Did something happen?

The next day, he slept well until mid-day. He realized he drained too much of his energy.

Hannah’s lecture were mostly reminders. Why certain things cannot be done, why they are forbidden, and what the possible effects are when they are used. She tried hard not to get distracted. Both Nate and Aaron were eager listeners. They have to be guided well. Every one is susceptible to greed, for power. To control. It is a matter of overcoming the greed for the benefit of others, putting the welfare of others above personal gain. She wouldn’t say she hadn’t been tempted countless times.

The forbidden books and its kind must be protected; hence, Nate wouldn’t be able to borrow even one for personal reading.

As they watched the carriage go, Hannah spoke to the king.

“You know they need help. When she returns, I might have to go with her.” Yes, sometimes she disposes the formality. The king can only imagine how many royals she had served before him. He respects her in that regard and have extended courtesy to dispose formality. But only in private. As is common with people close to royalties.

“Choose some students who can go with you. You know what they need, I’ll leave it to you.”

“But we only have one enchantress. Two, if you count the prince of the north. They can’t bring many people to that dimension. The use of enchantment is directly tied to their energies.”

The king audibly sighed. Queen Natasha moved close to him. They were only able to talk to Nate about her pregnancy for a few minutes. It would seem she’s not bothered, and she had more important things to focus on. The queen was able to relax when that truth became apparent. Nate doesn’t care at all, or more accurately, she wouldn’t care and would adapt to any situation that arises. If there be a sibling in the future, she can work on it, adjust to it. She did express that she would appreciate it if someone else ascends to the throne, if they agree to her. They, as her parents, are ready to be supportive. Their daughter is very much supportive of whatever they do, so…

“Help as much as you can. See which abilities would be most helpful to them. I do not know if I should wish for more enchantresses…”

“Let’s not.” Hannah quickly stopped that thought. No matter how powerful they are, enchantresses are unpredictable. Most are easily swayed to switch sides, from good to bad, and back, and so on. Normally depending on their experiences. From her knowledge, they got their bad reputation because of one enchantress. Funny how that enchantress is the same one who cursed the dark fae. But of course, before her, there were others who already used their abilities to their advantage, sometimes swindling ordinary, unsuspecting residents.

While Nate is traveling back to the north, King Edward has been agitated. The longer he waits for some sort of magic to manifest in him, the more he feels nervous. What if it didn’t work? Does that mean he can’t see his wife? How would he be able to help her if he can’t personally go there? Well, he could, but it would be next to impossible. The time, the effort… for everything to be effective, he had to personally oversee a plan. Once the days of waiting reached two weeks, he became frustrated. He tries to control his emotions, as he always did, but this time is harder. Ten years…

Nate and Vince sat down with the counsel for a regular meeting. From Vince’s observation, his father is pre-occupied. He had an inkling what he could be thinking at this moment. The king handed him a letter last night, for safekeeping, until he delivers it to his mother. Last night, King Edward tried not to feel disappointed. He gave his son the letter, trying to normalize it. If he can’t go with them the next time they go on an adventure to the land of fae…

A few minutes later, there were gasps and a commotion. That was the time King Edward’s presence of mind returned to him. Everyone else is now standing and retreating near the walls. He frowns as he discovers the mist forming around them. He immediately stood up and drew his sword. What enemy is this? Magic?

“Vince…” He ordered.

“Got it.” Vince used enchantments to create a bubble protection on Nate and his father. Nate did his, even though they can actually use it on themselves. The concentration on using it on others is much better.

“Vincent!” King Edward barked as his surrounding became foggy.

“What…?” Nate asked as they stared at the king. The mist is on him. Or… from him?

Vince retracted the enchantment and King Edward was released from his bubble.

“What happened?” He asked, and as he did the mist spread around the room. It was starting to feel chilly. It’s cold.

“I think…” Vince gulped.

“It’s you, my king… you’re the source of this magic.” With Nate’s tone suddenly taking an upturn, becoming excited as she looked at all the mist… There were even more gasps from the elders, and then they were all talking at once.

“Silence.” The king immediately ordered as he looked around, Nate’s statement in his mind. Is it really?

“Father…” Vince stepped forward to get a closer look at the king. It doesn’t look the mist is coming straight from him.

“Try it again.” Nate suggested and his majesty agreed with a nod. When they did, he was again enveloped with that white mist. Ever increasing until the bubble was almost white and filled, in which case Vince released him.

“Try it on someone else.” The King suggested, looking at the others.

“Elder Quin…”

Vince complied. The elder was a little nervous.

“It’s only a bubble protection. If anyone tries to strike you down, they won’t be able to hurt you.” Nate explained quickly, pitying the old man.

His bubble remained clear and at one point, they could distinguish the mist circling around him.

“How do I control this, then?” King Edward asked upon confirming that he could very well be the source. He was glad and a little excited, if he’s honest. But at the same time, he can’t be walking around with this mist coming from him.

“It feels chilly, my lord.” Someone commented and the others agreed, wrapping their cloaks closer to their bodies.

“The meeting is dismissed. I shall call for another soon. You may all leave.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“May I say this is great news, your highness. You have magic!” Someone congratulated him, and there was a faint smile at the corner of his lips. Yes, he’d been waiting, too.

He grunted his acknowledgement while the others say their good byes, congratulations and some reminders.

“Well, now…” Nate watched as the last of them exited the room. “I must say, I don’t think we could practice with you in the room, my lord. Maybe Pyro, he could withstand any coldness.”

Vince finally let out his laughter. He’d been wanting to whoop in excitement.

“This is great, father. You can definitely come with us next time.”

“Tomorrow morning. Be sure to rest well.” The king’s instruction was sudden, but not surprising. Nate and Vince exchanged a glance. They can understand.

“Agreed, your highness.”

“Should I return your letter?” Vince teased.

“No. Keep it with you for now.” Just in case, he won’t get his hopes up just yet. Even if he has magic, they haven’t tried taking anyone else to that dimension. He and Nate are both users of enchantments. He is not.

“But we really have to figure out how to extinguish all these mists, though.”

Nate has a good point.

“Shall we open the windows?” Vince suggested.

“Should we?” Nate turned to the king.

He ignored it, “Your natural ability, how do you control it?” He directly asked instead.

“Oh, that? Relax. Concentrate. I imagine in my head what I wanted to happen. No unnecessary thoughts or distractions.” She tried to properly explain. Finally, she sat down again noticing that Vince already did. The king remained standing, though.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The mist thinned, but they’re still there.

“It’s working, father.” Vince whispered, not wanting to distract him but wanting him to know it’s making a difference.