Nova decided the best course of action would be to return to the Astrals’ living quarters and pack what she would need. A quick flip through the journal King Alaric had given her made it obvious that she would be away for a while. It would have been much easier if she could pinpoint exactly where to find the mysterious man, but there was no rhyme or reason to his appearances. One day he was seen in Briarwood Hollow, a town in the Far East; the next day he was seen in the Eldergloom Woods, a forest in the South. Whoever this man was, she figured it would be best to start investigating where he was last seen— Quartzvein.
Quartzvein was the area dedicated to crystal farming. Luminae thrived because of the great emphasis placed on mining natural crystals found in this cavernous region. So much so, that the Kings of the ancient era decided to build the main palace with pure crystals mined from Quartzvein, a signal of the kingdom’s pride in its advanced crystal-mining industry.
Nova would have to wait a few hours for her flimsy portal to recharge before she could begin her search. It would have been much easier to use the official portal of the Astrals located in the east wing of the Palace, but given the secretive nature of the task, the mini-portal that left no trace behind would have to do. She thanked herself for purchasing it on impulse a few months ago because she knew the King would insist she set on a voyage instead. As arduous as voyaging would be, it was the safest bet when concealing her destination from other Astrals and scholars who could easily access the official portal’s usage history.
As Nova exited the palace and made her way through the royal gardens, her mind raced. She was thrilled to have been chosen- it meant the King had noticed her dedication and spirit. Astral Walkers were responsible for protecting Luminae, they traveled through space and time and visited many other realms to ensure the kingdom’s safety. Anything that showed even the slightest threat to Luminae was eliminated by an Astral on the spot. Countless beings had been erased this way over the centuries, ensuring no external threat breached Luminae’s defenses. The fact that this mysterious man had successfully concealed himself from detection spoke volumes of his power. Lost in thought about his capabilities, Nova was abruptly jolted back to reality by a jarring voice.
“Watch where you’re going!” Nova’s head snapped up just in time to avoid a collision that would have launched her into oblivion. She ducked swiftly as the heavy machinery zoomed overhead.
“Watch where you’re flying that thing is more like it!” she shouted, her fist raised defiantly, aimed at the back of the head of someone with unnaturally white hair. It could be only one person.
She lowered her fist and narrowed her eyes as the machinery performed an extravagant U-turn and came to a stop right in front of her.
“Hey, Nova.”
“Hello, Prince.” Nova clutched the journal she was carrying close to her chest as she eyed the automotive. It seemed to be the brand-new model made for efficient travel through Luminae for non-Astrals. It sure would have been great to be born into royalty and have everything handed to you.
“You don’t have to address me so formally. We’re friends, aren’t we?”
“In your dreams, Prince. Best believe we wouldn’t even be having this conversation if you weren’t oh so important.”
The prince seemed taken aback by her comment. “Ouch!” He held his hands to his chest as if someone had shot him with an arrow, his face in a grimace. “I have been pierced through the heart by the sharpness of your words.”
“What are you going to do, execute me?”
“No, but I might make you eat boiled squash for dinner.”
“Let me see you try.”
“You know very well I won’t even have to try. A snap of my fingers and you’ll be forced to eat boiled squash for the rest of eternity.”
“Of course, how could I forget? Now if you’re done, I have work to do.” Nova turned around and began walking away.
“Wait! I swear I have something important I need to tell you.”
Nova sighed and turned to face him. “Make it quick.”
“It’s about that journal you’re holding like your life depends on it.”
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“What about it?”
The Prince pulled out a similar journal from one of the machinery’s compartments. “I believe you talked to my dad already.”
Nova’s face fell. “I did talk to your dad, but what does that have to do with you?” She dreaded what she was about to hear next.
The Prince gave her a mischievous look, his lips curling in excitement. “I’m supposed to work with you on this, silly!”
It was like she was falling into an endless abyss. How could she be working with the Prince of all people, especially on a task as uncertain and dangerous as this one? Hadn’t the king seemed so reluctant to send even her on this special task, how could he tell the Prince to go along?
“What?”
“You heard me. Father wants me to join you. In fact, he made it abundantly clear that he chose the best available astral to ensure my safety. So it means that you’re joining me, not the other way around.”
Nova did not know what to say. It felt like she was part of a cruel joke, the only audience being the luscious flowers blooming in the gardens.
The Prince looked at her with enthusiasm. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”
“What should I say?”
“I don’t know, maybe something like, ‘Thank you, Prince Theron, I will forever be grateful to you. Because of you, I am part of this historic task that will engrave my name in the history books for the later generations to read about.’”
Nova looked at him incredulously. “I was chosen because the King believes in my abilities.”
“Yes, your abilities to protect me! Do you really think the King is not going to seize an opportunity to paint me, his successor, in a good light? He's the reason we were able to deal with the Netherplague so swiftly, and he expects me to do something equally impressive, maybe even better than what he did. The public favors a heroic King, Nova, and soon it will be my turn.”
“You cannot be serious. King Alaric wasn't very 'swift' in preparing the antidote.”
“Yes, he was. You should be grateful! The population would be half of what it is now if it weren’t for him. I mean, who knows if you’d even be here if...” Theron stopped talking. He had gotten ahead of himself.
Nova could not believe what she'd heard. She knew he could be rude, but she did not expect his vile mouth to form such a nasty string of words, especially when he was aware of her past. She fought to keep her tears back and pretended to put her journal in her bag, praying he wouldn’t see that he had hurt her.
“Nova, I—”
“You’ve said enough, Prince.”
“I’m sorry. Please, just look at me.”
Nova raised her head, and he could see the sparkling pools in her eyes threatening to spill.
“Prince Theron, I will accompany you on this task, as the King has ordered. So please, just leave me alone for now.”
“I told him not to tell you.”
“Told whom not to tell me what?”
“Father. I wanted you to hear it from me. I did not want you to give up on this opportunity after hearing my name.”
“It would have been better if the King had told me. At least then, I would have gotten some time to prepare for it mentally. I don’t know what importance you think you hold in my eyes, but I wouldn’t let go of an opportunity that could set me up for life for an insensitive brat like you. Besides, I have little say in such matters; I cannot defy the King.”
Prince Theron seemed to visibly recoil at her words, but she did not care. Her tears had turned into anger for a few seconds before settling into indifference.
“Meet me right here at midnight. Be sure to prepare everything you will need. I cannot determine how long this will take us, but someone like you who is used to luxury and comfort must have a lot to pack.”
Nova spun around and walked away, leaving the prince behind her. She wondered if he’d noticed the tears or the hurt in her voice that she fought so hard to conceal. Well, it didn’t matter now. She had a task to do and a snobby prince to take care of while he piggybacked on her imminent success. She did not have much time to think about this interaction, she needed to get to her quarters and start packing immediately.
So that is what she did. She walked, almost jogged to her quarters. She may have ridiculed the prince about being used to a life of luxury and comfort, but she knew she was being a hypocrite. Astral walkers were cherished in the kingdom and provided with the best amenities. Their quarters looked like a mini castle itself; not as lavish as the Crystal Palace, but enough for people to wonder what it was like inside.
Nova kept going and did not stop till she finally reached her chamber on the second floor. A touch on the door, and it instantly opened, sensing her arrival. Inside, her spacious room with large windows was adorned with curtains and drapes in her favorite colors. Touches of lavender here, and hints of periwinkle there, all harmonized by gold highlights and delicate embroidery.
In the middle sat her favorite piece of furniture she owned— the bed. It was quite huge, enough for her to roll around on and not immediately run out of space. The plush cushions and feathery blankets made it impossible for her to get up in the mornings, but now as she looked at it, she felt a sense of sadness. It would be a while before she gets to sleep in such luxury again. Who knew what kind of quarters she’d have to sleep in from tomorrow? She could not afford to be too extravagant; lest others got wary. Secrecy was of utmost importance, and it would be a treat to see the Prince struggle for once in his life. She was already fantasizing about how his face would contort when he realized what he’d gotten himself into. Perhaps this assignment would turn out better than she had initially thought.