His finger clutches around the chalice in front of him, “You are my happiness.” His jaw clenches as he holds himself from saying more.
This isn’t the first argument we’ve had about this, and everytime it just solidifies my decision.
“I’ve told you before, it’s not fair to either of us. I want love, a genuine love, and I want that for you too.” I run my hands down the pink fabric of my linen dress.
He nods his head with frustration, standing from the table. “Very well.” He says before he leaves the room.
four
Pitongi Moon of The Lunar Year 3301
The market is bustling today, with vendors and crafts, as children run through the streets and a happiness blooms inside of me. This is what I dreamed of when I leftMohasha, this beauty and love surrounding me daily.
I often walk these streets, the people waving as I pass. To them, I’m not just a leader but a friend. My long hair is braided over my shoulders with flowers woven in the locks, and I play with the silver ends. The blue skirt stirs the dirt at my sandaled feet, but I don’t mind.
As I walk along, the fragrant smell of pastries, fish, and sea salt waft through the air. Pastries are one of the best things the mortals have created. I can never quite stop my draw to them. The sugary cinnamon buns hold a special place in my heart. I heard there is a new shop that has them, so today I’ve decided to give them a try.
The stand is not huge, just a small area at the corner of a street, but my mouth waters at the smell floating from it. As I approach, I am already eyeing the huge buns that they have on the table when something else catches my eye. No, not something — someone.
He stands with his hands holding a tray, his eyes are a shade of blue that almost appear white, while his hair is a blue much darker than my own, appearing black in the shade. His tunic has the sleeves rolled up the elbows and I catch myself holding my breath.
Turning, he catches my gaze and smiles, and I know right then — that I’ve found what I was looking for. My twin drop. He almost drops the tray in his hands as his eyes take me in from head to toe, a blush crossing his face.
“Beautiful,” He mumbles under his breath, quickly putting the tray down and coming to me. “Can I help you with something,Talae?”
I want to roll my eyes, of course he knows who I am. Perhaps that was the reasoning for his response and not the twin drop bond between us. A sadness fills my heart unexpectedly. Quickly I remove the thought and give another gentle smile.
“I would like one of these sticky buns please, I heard your stand recently opened.” I take a step towards his table.
“Of course, I would be honored. However, it’s not my stand. It’s my mother’s.” He grabs a linen cloth and grabs for one of the sticky buns before handing it to me. “She always dreamed of having one, I just finally could build one for her.”
I take the sugary pastry from his hand. “That’s wonderful.” I take a bite of the sticky bun, enjoying how he watches me as I do. I lick my lips and try to hide the blush blooming on my cheeks. “What is your name?”
“Thesix, myTalea.”He bows slightly.
“Just call me, Drahenå.” I blurt. “I never was one for that title.”
“Drahenå.” He says the word as if it is an answer he’s always wanted. “Beautiful … just like you are.”
five
Shæmi Moon of the Lunar Year 3301
“Iwas expecting you many hours ago, Drahenå.” Atlas stands in the darkness of the hall outside of my room. His short hair seems ruffled, as if he’s ran his fingers through multiple times. He leans against the wall, blocking my path.
“I forget, am I supposed to tell you of my location at all moments? I don’t remember this being something we’ve ever discussed. I certainly don’t care what you are doing while you are not needed for ruling Antalis.” I snap, the happiness that hadfilled my heart just moments ago leeching away. Every day since we met, I’ve visited the shop so that I could visit Thesix. At first, it was just once in the morning, but now I have found myself outside of it more times than not, when I’m not needed in the throne room. Tonight, Thesix finally asked me for dinner, and we enjoyed a bounty prepared by him.
“Who is stealing your time so often these days?” Atlas’ pushes away from the wall. “You have often not been found swimming nor roaming the halls ofourcastle.”
His attitude, something that has slowly soured in the days of recent, seems off more than normal. Even his gait as he walks towards me reminds me of the one I try often not to think of.
“What I do, Atlas, or who I am with, is not your concern. I do not report to you.” I push away from him, and his hand snakes around my wrist, keeping me rooted.
“We are the rulers of Antalis. Both of us. We are equal, and I don’t understand why you fight this union so much. You are mine.”
Water slips from my fingers, tightening coils wrap around his wrist until he is forced to remove it. “Do not forget where you came from. While you were elected to theTingeposition, I was the one who created you. Now, go to your chambers.” I sniff. Sure enough, the smell of alcohol wafts off of him. “And sober up.”
I walk away from him and quickly enter my room, slamming the door behind me.
