“Is it money you worry about?” Roz asked inquisitively.
“One of many worries, actually. What if we don’t want jobs at court, what if I want to work and pave the way myself?”
Airess knew deep in her heart she didn’t belong in Roz’s court. She had lived a life as someone else’s pet for far too long. Airess wanted to create a life for herself worth living, worth her mother’s memory. Only now, she realized she had the power within her to make her dreams come true. Perhaps her life would have looked different if she would have realized sooner the power she possessed. Now that she knew the truth, things would have to be different.
Yes, Airess would make a name for herself indeed.
“As I said, you can do as you wish. You can reside in the guest house free of charge until you find your way, or you can be a part of my court. You aren’t bound here, and if you wish to venture out and live on your own, then you are more than able to do so. You will find Rune is a country of many freedoms and possibilities.”
Airess sighed, physically relaxing at his words. They continued to walk onward as Airess said, “Well, then I look forward to the future here in Rune.”
“As do I.”
She looked out to the path beyond, the buildings from the city coming closer with each step. The warm wind rustled her hair, and when she looked at Roz, she noticed he was looking at her with an unreadable expression. Without thought, she blurted the very question that had been in the back of her mind.
“How does this Godling thing work? Are we immortal?”
Roz snorted. “Something like that.”
“What does that even mean?”
“Although your powers now are strong, they will only grow every time you access the Godspirit. Each time you become Spirited, your body begins to glow and your voice becomes distorted. Your power will grow until it reaches its full potential. I heard from Ismene you accessed it once before coming here. Impressive, considering your power was extremely muted from the ward.”
The Godspirit? Her mind whirled.
“What do you know about the Godspirit? Have you accessed it?”
Roz chuckled, rubbing the stubble on his chin. Airess had to admit, he was handsome. He had a genuine smile that lit up any space he came around, yet the comparison was null when she thought of Taryn. No one appealed to her like Taryn did, and Airess now knew why.
“You could compare the Godspirit to a possession, the only difference being you can learn to control the Spirit in time, and use it to your advantage. The Godspirit is the God themself channeling their power through you. I have only been Spirited once… when my father died,” Roz cleared his throat. “Have you even met your God yet?”
“No, I had no idea that was even possible,” Airess looked down to her sandals.Meetingher God? What else didn’t she know?
“There’s so much I have yet to learn. I have barely used my own power, but I feel it thrumming beneath my veins. I feel a calling to use it, but every time I do, I leave a path of destruction.”
For a moment, Roz was silent. “Sometimes I still feel that way too, but we were born for a reason. If the Gods Touched a child from all five Houses, then it can only mean the world is about to change. We are supposed to create balance, all five of us.”
All five of us.Herself. Taryn. Roz. Arzhel and… who could be the fifth?
Airess hadn’t realized her heart was pounding so loudly, but when Roz snapped his head to hers, she knew he heard it. His eyes softened, and he looked forward once more.
“Ah, worry not! All is unfolding as it is meant to be, it is only a matter of accepting it. Now, where are you headed? Anything I can help you with?”
Airess looked at him like he grew three heads. Wasn’t he a King? Didn’t he have more pressing duties than strolling around with her?
She sighed, internally wincing. She wasn’t ready to talk about Taryn. About the Bond. Or the fact that she had been aimlessly searching for him since he fled the temple.
“I was just going into the city for a stroll. No need to accompany me, I’m sure you have much better things to do as King.”
Roz studied her before nodding, another friendly smile gracing his face. He grabbed her hand and kissed the top of it. She was startled at the contact, but remained polite nonetheless. “Very well. I shall see you tomorrow. I’ll send some attendants to help you both get ready for the ball tomorrow.”
Airess gave her thanks as he mounted his horse and rode away. The civilians laughed and waved at him as he rode by. The familiarity between the commoners and King was jarring, to say the least. Melanth and Arzhel Lucien wouldn’t be caught dead anywhere other than the inner ring of the city.
A drizzle continued to fall steadily overhead, boosting Airess to move faster in her search for Taryn. Where was he? Why did he leave like that? It hurt her, and she hated to admit that to herself.
She checked the docks, scanning the area for any sign of him. She could feel him nearby, but he wasn’t here. Airess then tried countless shops, asking the folk if they had seen a Fae male with silver eyes nearby.
“Silver eyes?” an older male voice from behind cut in as she asked the cashier. Airess turned to the civilian. “Yes. Seen him near?” She grimaced, hoping he understood what she was trying to convey despite her lack of vocabulary.
