There’s a strangeness about being in such an unfamiliar place. Yet somehow, I’m at peace. My new room has a view of the palace garden. Roses, lilies, sapphire daffodils, violent red orchids, and other various plants grow in abundance. A lot of them are plants that only magic users can recognize. Aside from the magnificent view, there’s never a moment I’m left worrying about anything. Myla, the servant assigned to me, always makes sure that my linens are changed daily, helps me pick from the large amount of clothes that had been pre-picked for me by the Queen herself and enchanted to keep from ruining by Kyre. He doesn’t come around much, except to make some type of medicine and tea for me and to check the progress of my health. There’s always a boy following closely behind him whose name I’ve never gotten, but he too often is here when Kyre is, or to deliver something. Despite it all I feel even lonelier than I had when I was with my family. Much of that time is spent staring out at the garden as I don’t have the courage to ask to go into it. My longing for it, however, is obvious to everyone who comes in.

“Staring at it won’t teleport you there. Unless you have access to magic of course. Since we all know you don’t I don’t see why you don’t go have a look around. It’s healthier than being in here all day. You’re not a prisoner here.”

“Kyre, will they ever come see me? My family?”

“They’ve had ample time to do so. The fact that they haven’t is stupid. They’re not restricted from doing such.”

“Maybe they’re busy.”

“I wouldn’t know. My job is here. Making sure the castle doesn’t fall apart and that you’re healthy as can be. I can’t speak on behalf of your family. But as I’ve said, you’re free to walk around and explore. Take Myla with you until you’re familiar with the place. I’m sure there’s something here you’ll find you like.”

I stare at the male before me with curiosity. Unlike everyone else who comes in to see me he keeps it strictly professional and distant. Almost as if my being here is a slight inconvenience to him. Somehow knowing that these are quite possibly his true emotions I feel at ease, not as if I have to tiptoe around anyone to find out what’s going on. Or better yet have it blow up in my face.

“Kyre, thank you…I know this is inconvenient for you.”

“It’s really not. My position just requires a lot more attention to detail than most realize. Keeping emotionally distant helps me. Magic itself requires focus, so I’ve learned that way to maintain a semblance of anything to keep distant. It helps in most situations.”

“Can anyone learn magic?”

“Not really. I mean normally you would have to be born into it. Very few normal human beings are capable of containing such power. It’s happened though that some manage to pull it off. Why?”

My eyes wander back out to the garden. Even flowers die over time. All things die, but that doesn’t stop them from living to their fullest. Why should I settle for dying quietly?

“Do you think it would be possible for me to learn magic?”

“In your current condition?”

“Yes.”

“It’s possible, but again your condition isn’t stable. There’s no telling what it could do to your health. And it takes years to get approval.”

“Can you teach me?”

“Me?”

“Please? There’s nothing else I’ve really wanted before, but I’ve always wanted to learn. Even if it's just small magic. I don’t want to die without doing at least something that I’ve dreamt of. I understand if you say no.”

“It’s not just something I can say yes to. I’ll think about it. For now, you should focus on becoming familiar with the castle. Don’t hesitate to spend time with either the king or queen. Both are very fond of you. Don’t just lie in bed. Part of being healthy includes getting around. Even if it’s just for a little bit.”

I nod quietly as he exits the room. For the time being I contemplate the idea of exploring the grounds. After all I have to be here for however long, I may as well look around. Slowly, I climb from the queen sized bed. The rest of the floor is tile except around the bed. Something about it being easier to clean dust out of the room. Despite the color being bright I do enjoy the feeling of walking across it with my bare feet. It’s cool against my skin. My legs move gently towards the closet. I swing the door open carefully, eyeing the various outfits. Despite having decadent elegance I can tell the queen picked each article of clothing with scrutinizing detail.

“Miss Runia, is everything okay?”

“Yes, I just want to…go in the garden.”

My own body tries to betray me. Knees weakening beneath me. Myla’s swift to grab me around the waist as my coughing fit causes me to double over. She sits me on the edge of the bed and then rushes out. Not even a moment later she returns with a washcloth.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“Master Kyre is fixing up your medicine, but I don’t see why you can’t wait for it in the garden. Plus that black mare has been looking for you. Anything, in particular, you want to wear?”

“N-not really. Just something comfortable and that won’t stain.”

“You worry too much. All of your clothes and bedding have been protected against staining. Let’s see if I can’t find a really light dress for you.”

Her fingers skim through the closet before settling on a pastel yellow gown. Watching her closely I notice that there aren’t too many layers to it. All of my old clothes were either heavy fabric or layered to keep blood from soaking through. She sets the material beside me and goes to the dresser. A pair of underwear and bra are pulled from the top drawer. Once everything is laid out she helps me into the bathroom. Instinctively, I turn the hot water on at the sink. Myla hands me a small soap in the shape and scent of a rose along with the wash cloth. Thanks to her I’ve learned not to scrub frantically. No, it’s best to gently wash the blood off in a circular slow motion when it’s dried to my skin. Since it hasn’t stuck to my skin I just have to gently wipe it away and set the clothe aside with the other dirty laundry to be cleaned.

“Are there any snacks you’d like for Tarris to make?”

“Nothing in particular. Whatever he makes will be fine.”

“Alright then, let’s get you dressed and outside.”

“Ryveille, that potion shouldn’t explode. Pay attention to what you’re doing.”

“R-right. Master Kyre?”

“What?”

“Would it be alright if I spent time with Miss Runia. I-I know she’s sickly, but I’m sure she gets lonely sitting in her room like that.”

“You already don’t focus on what you’re learning. Do you really need to distract yourself further?”

“But I wouldn’t be distracted.”

“The answer is no, Ryveille. Focus on your studies.”

“Please?”

“I said no! Don’t destroy the room while I’m out.”

I don’t so much as glance at him as I exit the study, but that doesn’t stop me from hearing him grumble. For someone stuck as my apprentice and not doing well he’s bold. I should have dropped him a long time ago. It’s a miracle he even has the capability to use any type of magic. Instead of saying anything to him I put a spell on the entryway to prevent him from leaving unless he absolutely needs to. With that done I go straight to the kitchen to check on a specific herb I’ve been growing. An herb most useful for the medicinal tea I make for Runia. Tarris is already running the oven, flames dancing over charcoal wood. The smile on his face tells me that whatever he’s making is for the new princess. Since her arrival, he’s been enjoying himself. Shaking my head I go over to check on the herb.

“Myla told me to let you know Runia will be out in the garden for the day. Also, she wanted to know if you could let the mare out. The black one.”

“Obviously, I doubt they’d want my horse or any other. As soon as I’m done here I’ll let him out. I need to make her medicine and take it out. Anything else?”

“Not that I’m aware of. The king and queen should be back soon. They went to retrieve a couple of guests.”

“I told them not to worry about getting them. Runia isn’t even ready for guests yet. Nothing I can do about it now.”

Grabbing what I need from the herb I head back to the study where thankfully Ryveille hasn’t destroyed the place. I remove the spell gaining his attention.

“Come with me.”

“Is something wrong?”

“No, c’mon.”

He moves slowly at first until I roll my eyes. The stone tile echoes as we maneuver through a string of halls and out to the stables. With a flick of my wrist the stable door for the dark mare opens. Cautiously, he steps out, dark eyes settling on me and then the entry behind me. Smirking, I exit out and start for the garden. There’s no need to look back to see if the beast follows. Its hooves tap against the stone pathway. A pathway with not a single crack in it. A reminder amongst the natural wildlife that humans exist. Ryveille looks around with curiosity. Mainly because I never let him out here for anything. It doesn’t take long for me to find Myla and Runia. Instead of under the gazebo, they’re sat amongst some daisies.

“Seems the two of you are enjoying yourselves.”

“Miss Runia rather likes the garden.”

“Good to hear. She’ll have to be changed. The king and queen are having guests. I’ll leave Ryveille to assist you. Please don’t leave her on her own for any reason.”

“Of course. Her medicine?”

“I have it.”

Amethyst eyes dart over to me.

“I refuse.”

“It was your idea. You’re taking the medication. If you’d let me give it to you as tea, you’d be fine.”

I ignore her agitated face as I tie the herbs together.

“I don’t want to.”

“You’re not going to win this. Either you do this willingly or I can make you. Mage’s can be spiteful.”