“I have to enchant a few wine bottles this morning and bottle some honey, so I need you to drop off the orders for me,” she said as she skillfully finished arranging my hair into an intricate crown braid. Her fingers danced like a spellbinder over the strands, and I couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.
The kitchen was always half-apothecary, half-hive. Bundles of drying herbs dangled from the rafters, their earthy perfume blending with the faint hum of bees that sometimes drifted in through the window. Glass jars of golden honey gleamed on the shelves beside vials of teas and tinctures.
“The prince will be coming into town today, so please keep your eyes peeled while you’re delivering these,” she added.
The thought of the prince brought no joy. I had no clear image of him, but I couldn’t shake the suspicion that he bore a striking resemblance to his odious father. I imagined a dark heart, piercing cold eyes, coal-black hair, and a spoiled brat—a reflection of the indulgent lifestyle they lived, feasting on delicacies while the rest of us scraped by.
I hurried to dress, pulling on my muted earth-toned tunic—the soft fabric blending seamlessly with the natural hues of the world around me. I slid into my well-worn black trousers, appreciating the myriad of pockets expertly sewn into them, perfect for stowing away my trusty dagger. I secured my bow and quiver of arrows over my shoulder; they were my constant companions.
With purpose in my stride, I made my way to the kitchen. I drank my tonic first, making sure I didn’t forget after the night Landen and I had. I grabbed a juicy peach and the bag of orders and steeled myself for the day.
I still planned on sneaking into the castle to save my father, but now the path ahead felt treacherous—I had no magic to aid me. The thought echoed in my mind, heavy with uncertainty.
Unless… I could become invisible.
I peered cautiously down the dimly lit hallway. Mother’s ritual was a lengthy one, and I took advantage of the moment to tiptoe toward the cabinet that housed hercollection of elixirs that she never sold—these were for emergencies for us. My fingers brushed against the cool glass vials as I scrummaged through them, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and fear.
Then, amid the neatly arranged remedies and jars of honey, I spotted it—the small, shimmering vial filled with a mesmerizing purple liquid that sparkled like stars trapped in a bottle. I knew exactly what this concoction could do. I had watched Mother brew her elixirs countless times, crushing herbs with her mortar, stirring honey into the mixture at just the right moment, whispering her incantations as the bees outside droned in harmony. I felt I could replicate her craft in my sleep if only I had her magic.
With a swift motion, I slipped the delicate vial into the warmth of my bra, the glass cool against my skin, and braced myself for the challenge ahead.
“Alright, Mother, I am heading out,” I called, attempting to keep my voice steady. “I won’t be back until later tonight... After I delivered the items, I was going to read by the cliffside, then have a drink with Landen, okay?”
My heart raced as I hoped she wouldn’t detect the lie woven into my words; Mages possessed an uncanny gift for empathy, able to read emotions like ink on a page.
She remained focused on her reflection in the mirror, her attention captured by her appearance. “Alright, darling, just please be careful! Don’t drink too much, it isn’t ladylike. And if you start feeling ANYTHING different about yourself, you come home immediately. Understood?”
I rolled my eyes, “Mmhmm, understood,” I replied, nodding vigorously.
“I’ll save you a seat!” Mother said. She told me this every time I left the house, like a little promise tucked into my pocket. It was her way of saying we’d find each other again, no matter where “later” turned out to be.
I smiled.
My chest felt tight with anticipation as I turned to leave.
After completing my rounds with the deliveries, I found myself meandering near the imposing castle gates. I slipped to the outer edge of the bustling market, where the shadows hugged the ground, providing me with a cloak of anonymity.
I extracted the small vial from my bra. Just as I raised it to my lips, the heavy castle gates swung open with a creak, revealing a majestic line of horses. Guards, clad in gleaming armor, perched atop their steeds, surveying the lively scene. Observing quietly from my hidden spot, I ensured I drew no unwarranted attention. That’s when he appeared—the prince. There was no mistaking his identity; he possessed an undeniable aura. He couldn’t have been more than my age, yet he exuded a commanding presence, tall and strikingly handsome. His long, royal blue cape had their house crest embedded on the chest, which was a menacing eye surrounded by thorns, representing surveillance and the King’s mistrust of all.
I put the cork back into the vial and placed it back into my bra. I watched the townsfolk swoon over the prince’s presence and rolled my eyes.
Please. Give me a break.
A warm smile graced his lips as he scanned the crowd, acknowledging the admiring gazes with a casual wave. His dark hair framed his face, distinctly different from his father’s, falling just above his brows and tapering shorter on the sides. An impulse surged within me—a longing to runmy fingers through those silken strands. I took a step out of the shadows to get a better look at him.
What in the divine world was happening to me?
I stood utterly transfixed, my heart racing, unable to tear my gaze away from him, captivated by the gentle charm of the prince. A warm feeling buzzed throughout my body.
The cool breeze loosened a few strands of my hair from my face and sent a shiver up my spine.“He’ll wear a guise, though not as he seems, together you’ll rise, fulfilling your dreams, for she is the Queen and the prophecy’s light, with him by her side, they’ll restore the light.”
I inhaled sharply, the weight of the moment crashing down on me like a ton of bricks—the prophecy. The goddess had spoken to me! And... about the prince? Surely, this couldn’t be a mere coincidence.
A rush of exhilaration threatened to bubble over, and I yearned to jump up and down, even if I had no idea what her words truly meant. But then, the prince shifted his gaze toward me, and his radiant smile faltered, sending a jolt of electricity through my veins.
I struggled to catch my breath.
His honey-brown eyes, warmed by the golden sunlight that beamed down upon him, seemed to hold a universe of secrets. He cocked his head slightly, curiosity flickering in those mesmerizing depths.
