Chapter 19 - She can read minds
1797 Words
The messenger arrived at the northeast over a day ahead of the princess. The king and queen were perplexed. They weren’t expecting her to visit so soon. What could have prompted her to do so? Queen Natasha was nervous. They took some time before they have decided to let her know. Is she upset of the news?
“Don’t fret. Natalia must have her own reasons. Maybe she misses us.”
At his last statement, Queen Natasha gave her husband a side-eye. Would Nate be someone to miss them? She’s more likely to miss Vince. The messenger didn’t say much, only that the princess is on her way. Nothing else. They don’t even know if Vince is with her.
She took a deep breath as she caresses her stomach. The physician said it could very well be two months since she conceived. She was excited and nervous at the same time. How long has it been? Nate is almost seventeen now. In a few years, her daughter might be starting her own family as well. It could make her uncomfortable, yes.
King Aries walked up to her and embraced her around the waist.
“Nate is reasonable. Let’s wait for her to arrive.” There was much love in his eyes. For his wife and for their unborn child. Before meeting Natalia, they have been trying for years. They do have a responsibility to provide an heir to the throne, after all. That is, until they found Natalia. Given the gap in age, Natalia is sure to inherit the kingdom. Even if this child is born as a boy, he might not be able to be at par with Natalia’s experience and wisdom.
The travel did tire her. Maybe if she rode a horse, it might have been a better experience. But guarding her would’ve been a challenge.
The couple was quickly informed of her arrival. Queen Natasha was hesitant, but seeing her smile at them, she breathed easily. She welcomed her daughter into her arms.
“You didn’t have to come immediately.” She couldn’t help telling her.
Nate’s expression turned serious. “I have to come. King Edward… uhm, we’re doing some things at the north and you might have some answers for us.”
Queen Natasha turned to her husband.
“I see. Is it urgent?” King Aries didn’t even have the time to welcome her.
“Yes. Very.” She affirmed.
Aaron cleared his throat. It has been awkward for him.
“This is…?” King Aries frowned at him.
He quickly bowed and greeted their majesties.
“This is Aaron. He’s a friend. Vince couldn’t come, so he asked him to accompany me.”
“I see.” King Aries instructed a servant to show Aaron to his quarters.
“I shall meet you at the dining hall later.” Nate told him. He bowed again at the royalties.
“What is your concern?” King Aries asked as they started to walk towards the library. It doesn’t look like she’s concerned about her mother’s pregnancy.
“Fairies. The fae dimension. I went there through an enchantment. And then, Vince and I went together. We met his mother there.”
There was a hint of excitement in her voice and the couple exchanged a glance. That would be… good news.
“Is that so? How is that the case?” It was a while before they arrived at the entrance to the guarded library.
“Apparently, she was born a fae and she was used as a changeling to the princess of the south.”
“That…” King Aries paused. That is unprecedented. What would the people make of it? Especially the kingdom from the south. He decided to stay clear of it for now, and let King Edward make the decisions. After all, she is his queen and wife. Regardless of her previous position as princess of the south, her current position is that of a queen.
“Right. I was too preoccupied. Vince is supposed to go to the fae world yesterday. I wonder how long he would have stayed there.” She looked at her mother’s stomach and they stopped walking upon noticing her gaze on it.
“Natalia…” The queen started, but then she was startled when Nate suddenly showed an excited expression.
“Congratulations on your pregnancy.” She gave her mother another hug. Upon pulling back, she stared some more into her stomach.
“You are not bothered…?” The queen tentatively asked, holding onto her daughter’s arm as they continued to walk. They go through doors upon doors.
“Not at all. It is good news. I am not looking forward to ruling two kingdoms.”
Her statement is a bit… should they be happy about it?
“It is a time of peace. I’m sure father will rule for a long time. This kid would have enough time to learn.” She glanced at her mother’s stomach again.
“Well, I’m glad you’re not upset about the prospect of having a sibling. I worried myself for no reason.” Queen Natasha wasn’t keeping things secret from her daughter. They rarely have time to be together, so she must ensure they maintain their closeness.
“Tell us about your visits to the fae.” King Aries requested as they sat around a table in the center of the room. Or at least, Nate thought it was the center of the library.
She calmly told them everything she knew. Then, she hesitated. Here’s the crux of the problem.
“I…” She’s not sure if her father would be angry at her. Well, she hadn’t seen him angry with her before. But she couldn’t be sure. After all, the book was forbidden.
Her parents noticed her discomfort. Upon taking a deep breath, Queen Natasha took her hand and encouraged her to continue with a smile. That smile made it more difficult for her.
Well, it’s inevitable. She started straight into her father’s eyes.
“I used an enchantment from a forbidden book.” She meekly stated.
The expression on the king’s face wasn’t anything she expected. She could tell he’s holding himself back from exploding. She hung her head and looked down. The queen reached for her husband’s hand to calm him down. Didn’t work. The king stood up and started pacing the room.
“Which enchantment?” His tone was tightly measured. Nate’s heart skipped a beat from fear. This would be the first time she witnessed him being like this. She suddenly felt cold.
“I… It’s…” She tried to calm herself. She didn’t realize…
“Tell him.” Her mother encouraged, encasing her hand in hers.
“It’s the one that allows a non-magic person to have an affinity for magic.”
King Aries stared at her, before asking, “And to whom did you use this?”
“To… Vince…”, upon saying it, King Aries let out a sigh.
“…and King Edward.”
Her father’s expression changed when she finished. He looked angry.
“Did he demand it from you?” He’s concerned that it would be abused. After all, it is forbidden. For a king to ask of it…
“No. I… I volunteered the information. When Vince and I went together to the fae, we tried to take him with us. But he wasn’t able to. The fae said their world can only be accessed by people with magic, so….”
“Is it necessary for him to go?” The king still looks angry.
“Queen Elise cannot return.” She reminded him.
King Aries had to recall the information she provided earlier. The prophecy. The promise. The dark fae prince.
“It would be easier to have him come with us. He did tell me to tell you, that’s why I’m here. By the time I left, he still hasn’t manifested any magic.”
King Aries strode towards the exit and barked an order. He was calling for someone.
“The books are forbidden for a reason. How did you manage to read them?” He’s still not calm, that much is clear. He remained standing. Queen Natasha deemed she must coax him so she went over.
Nate didn’t answer, but showed them her hand.
“Right.” The queen understood. Their daughter has many abilities.
“I only meant to use it on Vince. We’re keeping it a secret. We know how dangerous it could get. There is no information on the consequences as well. But… King Edward is trustworthy.” She hoped her reasoning is enough to appease her father.
What King Aries is most concerned about is how powerful the north could get if King Edward is to have magic. They have hidden their magical people for a reason. They kept nurturing their abilities for a reason. To remain prepared against any enemy. Although they have forged a relationship with the royals from the north, one must remain wary and on guard.
“He hasn’t seen his wife in ten years…” She added weakly. In a way, she did pity the king. His expression when they handed him the queen’s letter… Also, it was King Edward who advised her to tell her parents.
There was silence between them.
“You’ve called for me, my lord?” A woman with long white hair stood by the door. She seems old, but there remains a trace of beauty in her face.
“This is Hannah. We consider her the most powerful among every magic person in the castle.” The king introduced and Nate stood, bowing to her. Everyone else in the room froze at her action.
“Habits.” She quickly covered her mistake.
“Nice to meet you, my lady.” She greeted the newcomer. Hannah only regarded her with a nod before turning to his majesty.
“Have a seat.” The couple returned to their seats as Hannah joined them.
“Hannah can erase anyone’s memory. She cleaned up the mess after the attack of the enchantresses. That is how we’ve kept our secrets secret, even from our own people.”
Nate’s eyes widened as she turned to her. What a powerful ability.
“What do you plan to do, father?” She fidgeted in her seat. He won’t be erasing her memory, would he?
“No one knows how long Hannah has been at the castle. She wouldn’t even tell me. If you have any questions about the fae, she could have the answers for you.”
Nate marveled further. Hannah, realizing her purpose, turned to the princess they barely know. But at least, she did protect the kingdom. As the prophecy said.
“What is it you ask?” She finally directed a question.
Nate glanced at her parents. “I can tell her anything?” She wanted to be sure.
King Aries nodded, so she exhaled. Since he called her after learning she used a forbidden enchantment, she decided to start from there…
“I have used a forbidden enchantment. The book says it could have consequences, but did not say what it could be specifically.”
“What is this enchantment?”
She proceeded to answer the same way she did earlier.
Hannah was silent as she regarded the princess again.
“You used it twice.” That part Nate didn’t mention so she was immensely surprised. She glanced at his father.
“She can also read minds.” He answered her questioning look. She let out a huge breath. He could’ve said that much earlier.
- Writer
