“We now wrestle with key questions such as: How did the empire coexist alongside the gods? What caused a decline in technological progress? How did our ancestors flourish without trade from other planets? What kind of magic did they have, and was it gifted or were they born with it? There are so many questions awaiting answers,” she prompts, surveying the room with an inviting expression. “Now, let’s open the floor to questions.”
I find myself drifting off, my thoughts wandering toward Anders. It’s been two long weeks since that night by the river, and my heart is still torn. I struggle to move past what happened between us, but it’s even harder to admit how willing I am to jump. Then he winked at me as if I had been lying about just talking. It felt intimate and infuriating all at once. It took days to reassure Kellan that nothing inappropriate took place, and it stung to feel that hint of distrust from my best friend.
The way Anders spoke to me today, whispering things in my ear, only added fuel to my frustration. His words are tantalizing, a promiseof what would happen if I let him in. He’s so maddeningly arrogant yet incredibly enchanting, leaving me feeling drawn to him while simultaneously exasperated by his every word and action.
“Have all the trade agreements always been in the common language, or have they been drafted in various languages across the system?” Aada’s question sparks my interest, and I eagerly raise my hand, ready to move on from my incessant thoughts.
“Raea, care to share your insights?” Professor Darci asks. I nod as I sit up a little straighter.
“According to our earliest records, each planet once had its own unique language—many even had multiple dialects. However, during the era of the Ryverian Empire, when hyperjump technology enabled us to traverse our system and great distances, they unified the systems with what was then known as Kaelish. It was primarily spoken by the elite, but a law was enacted requiring every child to learn it as the common language.
“Over time, Kaelish became the common tongue across the planets, gradually overshadowing many of the older tongues that eventually faded with each generation. Yet, if you journey to the remotest corners of our system, you may encounter small villages where dialects akin to those of their ancestors are still spoken. Fortunately, we have recorded many of these original tongues in our digital archives. Sadly, many cultures have been lost in accepting Kaelish and our ability to travel.”
It’s a bittersweet reality. While I recognize the necessity of unification, it saddens me to think of all the cultures that have been lost. It makes me ponder what else we may have sacrificed along the way.
“And what lies beyond that loss?” Professor Darci prompts, crossing her arms gracefully over her navy blue jacket worn over black fitted trousers and a black blouse.
“Interestingly, the establishment of a common language significantly improved trade relations. In the past, conflicts and misunderstandings were common among planets, but with the adoption of a shared language, everyone gained access to trading opportunities. As a result, all planets can now enjoy essentials such as clean water,supplies, and a variety of foods. This also opens doors for villagers seeking better opportunities; they can now explore jobs across different planets. Many of the larger colonies have become melting pots, bustling with people from all walks of life, and in some areas, preserving elements of their original cultures.”
“And this is why, Raea, you’re destined to be an extraordinary queen one day,” Professor Darci praises, as her bobbed black hair dances with her movement.
The rest of History passes in a blur, and with the almost sick feeling I have over the constant confusion and intensity of my Bond—how it consumes virtually every thought—I decide to speak with Professor Becca.
After class, I reassure my friends with an enthusiastic smile that I’ll join them for our study group before dinner, then race toward Professor Becca’s office.
With a light knock, I hear her voice inviting me in. She looks up from her papers, and her warm smile instantly puts me at ease. Professor Becca is unique among the faculty since she has been in my shoes. The other professors here have all married for love.
“Hi, do you have a moment to talk?” My stomach flutters, and I notice my palms are slightly clammy as I take a seat in the plush chair facing her desk. The color reminds me vividly of Anders’ eyes, bringing a torrent of emotions—confusion, frustration, hope.Gods.I almost want to sob from how tired I feel. I’m usually such a stable person, but now I feel like I’m losing my mind. I use my shirt to fan myself. My body feels so dang hot.
I take a moment to look around the room. Natural light pours in through large windows, and a hearth blazing to my right casts a warm glow on the dark wood desk.
Behind Professor Becca, the bookshelves are packed with ancient tomes whose spines are worn from heavy use. As my gaze wanders, I spot a photo of her and what I assume is her husband, their smiles radiating undeniable love and joy.
Scattered among the books are trinkets collected from various corners of the kingdom—there’s a finely carved figurine that looks likeit hails from Kao, a neighboring planet in my kingdom, and a crystal hand sculpture from the villages of Ateria that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. Each detail in her office tells me more about her, making the space feel both inviting and imbued with wisdom.
“What’s on your mind?” she inquires, leaning back in her chair, fingers steepled in thought, her Bond marking a direct contrast against her white blouse.
“I’ve been contemplating why royals aren’t free to choose their partners. It feels like my own emotions are slipping away from me as if this Bond is controlling every aspect of my life.” I close my eyes, fighting back the sting of tears I don’t understand.
“I can see why you’d feel that way.” She shifts in her seat and crosses her legs. “Let’s unpack this feeling of being overwhelmed by the Bond. It’s important to note that, at this stage, the Bond isn’t the source of your emotions.” She pauses, allowing me to digest her words. “Your feelings should be uniquely yours until an actual Bond forms. If you’re drawn to someone, it’s likely because you already feel a connection to them.
“While the gods play a significant role in the Bonding process, your own inclinations are also part of it. For instance, a Bond is likely to develop if you’re genuinely interested in a guy and he feels the same way. However, the Bond might not even develop if you’re indifferent towards someone. Could you share more about your feelings towards this person?”
I hesitate, unsure of how much to divulge. What if Anders was right? What if we should keep this between us?
“I’m overwhelmed, honestly. It’s as if he’s all I can think about, and yet I don’t want to feel this way. It’s just so overwhelming. When I’m around him, which seems to happen often, it’s hard to breathe, yet everything feels off without him,” I admit, looking down at my clothes, picking at an imaginary thread. “It frustrates me, and I’m just exhausted.”
She hums, a knowing look in her eyes that makes me question if she knows it’s Anders I’m talking about. “Instead of resisting it, perhaps consider spending time with him to unravel what draws youto him. There might be so much more to discover about this man, and he may be the right fit for you. Destiny has a funny way of showing up when we least expect it.”
A gnawing discomfort grows in my stomach. Destiny is just a beautiful word for a cage. “But what if I don’t want this? It feels so...oppressive.” The familiar burn of unshed tears threatens to surface again.
“I understand it feels confusing, but this is where faith in the gods comes into play. It might seem odd, but a strong Bond is truly a blessing, Raea. A Bond like this indicates immense potential—you and he could harness great powers together.”
I’ve always viewed the gifts of power with a twinge of unease. Power can feel like both a burden and a blessing. I think of my father, who tires so easily when he has to protect new territories. Healing abilities draw attention, and those who possess them are often sought after, especially when illnesses arise within our village or new royals are born. It’s a hefty responsibility, and I’ve carried the weight of that expectation my entire life. It’s not something that particularly excites me.
Professor Becca’s words linger, and maybe, just maybe, it’s time for me to embrace this journey and see where it leads.Should I let Anders in? Can we be friends, or possibly more?It’s thoughts like these that keep me up late at night.
“Raea, I completely understand that this feels really unfair. Let me share a little story that might resonate with you.” She rises, her heels clicking on the hardwood floors as she tucks her hands into her pockets. “When I was around your age, I attended Coldwell Academy, and I felt a connection with so many men around me. I had a huge crush on one particular guy, but I later discovered there was no Bond between us.
