Standing on the balcony overlooking Thysa, I couldn’t believe the day I’d be leaving had finally come. Six months had passed since I arrived, and they flew by before I knew it. Just thinking about everything that happened to me still blew my mind.
Magic found its way into my life, and I got to train with one of the strongest people in the known world. I’ve made friends with the Royal Family of Thysa, a feat only a few from Eleron could boast. Not to mention the bond I formed with Alice, the Princess of Thysa herself.
We traveled together, had fun, shared our pasts, trained, ate, trusted, and even accidentally shared her bed for one night, a tale I planned to keep secret until the day I died. I knew from the start that leaving would suck as I’d grown too used to spending time with her.
Admittedly, Alice was my first true friend, despite all the ‘friendships’ back home. While I was friendly with the commoners, I couldn’t imagine sharing as much, let alone trusting them with my life the same way I did with Alice. But then again, I didn’t exactly have a crush on them either.
Yeah, a crush I tried denying at first but had to accept for what it was.
Whenever she was near me, I’d throw a glance in secret or close my eyes to sense her. I’d listen to everything Alice had to say, afraid of missing out on a single detail. Her gentle touch and soft-spoken voice burned into my mind, and there were even days I pretended to sleep in so she’d storm into my room.
Maybe it was more than a simple crush. My stomach certainly thought so.
However, no matter how I felt, I knew I couldn’t act upon it. Our lives were too different, and even longevity stood in our way. The story of an adopted son having eyes for an elven princess sure sounded romantic, but I wasn’t living in one of the novels I enjoyed reading as a kid. Besides, I kept asking myself if she would’ve even said yes to my confession after so long.
Lost in my thoughts and with Mana Sense inactive, I didn’t even hear Alice sneak into my room.
“Guess who?” She said, covering my eyes with her small hands.
“Hmm. . . I’ll have to think about this one,” I joked, stroking my chin. “Who do I know that has such soft hands?”
“I’m sure you know many,” she didn’t hesitate to tease back.
“None that could compare to the Princess of Thysa.” I reached for her hands, pulling them away before turning in place. “Your Highness.”
Her pink cheeks told me everything I needed to know as she pulled her hands back, tracing her thumb across her palm as if testing my words.
It was always a good day when greeted with Alice’s shy smile.
“Enjoying the view?” she asked, stepping next to me and leaning against the marble balustrade.
“Quite.” I turned, resting my arm while overlooking the beautiful city of Thysa, blooming with life as spring arrived. “To merely say it’s colorful would be insulting to its beauty.”
“You should see it during summer.” She chuckled, throwing a glance at me while pushing her golden hair behind the ear.
“I’d love to.”
“I’m sure we could squeeze it between lectures,” she said, turning around toward my bedroom. “Don’t you agree?”
“Trying to get me to skip school already?” I smirked, gazing into her eyes.
“Would you say yes if I admitted it?”
“Guess we’ll find out.” I giggled,
There was a moment of silence between us, but even then, things never got awkward.
“So. . .” she mumbled, turning around and pushing herself up to sit on top of the balustrade, making my heart skip a beat as I imagined her falling backward. “Did you pack up?”
“Huh?” I sighed before looking toward the bag on my bag. “Yeah. Though, I never imagined I’d be leaving with so many clothes when I arrived. You sure it’s okay for me to take it?”
“Do you think Grandma left you a choice? Besides, who else would wear it?” She giggled, swinging her feet back and forth as they hovered above the ground.
“Guess you have a point.” I smiled and sat next to her. “Though, after wearing the clothes she made, I feel like I’ve been spoiled too much.”
“I’ll make sure to tell her that.”
“Don’t!” I raised my voice, knowing she’d just make more.
Alice couldn’t resist laughing, nudging me gently.
“Hey,” she whispered, reaching for her pocket.
“Hmm?”
“This is for you.” She took my hand and put something in my palm before closing it.
Inside my palm was a tiny leather pouch stuffed with a piece of carved wood.
“A charm?”
“Took a while to make, but somehow I pulled it off. It’s supposed to bring you good luck.” Holding my hand out, she caught me staring at the gift. “You don’t like it, do you?”
“What? No, no.” I looked up at her with a beaming smile. “I love it. Thank you.”
Clenching it in my hand, I pulled the charm to my chest, touched that she put effort into making me something.
“Well. . . as long as you like it, then I’m happy,” she mumbled, sounding a bit flustered.
“I’m sorry that I didn’t get you anything.” My voice dropped along with my gaze.
“Hmph. Guess you’ll just have to get me something nice for my birthday,” Alice teased, pushing herself off and walking toward the room.
“I wouldn’t dare otherwise,” I said, taking her words seriously.
Initially I was sad I’d miss her birthday, but after learning school started earlier, it just so happened we’d get to spend it together. Her first year away from home.
“Please don’t stress over it. . .” She sighed, knowing how I took things too far at times. “Anyway, I’ll wait downstairs so you can finish up here.”
“I’ll be down soon,” I said, following behind her.
“No need to rush,” she said, giving me a wink before stepping out.
Exhaling slowly, I sat down on the bed next to my bag.
“I’ll miss this place,” I mumbled under my breath before hearing a knock on my door. “Who is it?”
Before answering, the door opened, and I heard Elwyn’s voice. “Got a second?”
“Of course.” I smiled, wondering what he wanted.
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Standing by the Palace Gates with Alice and her parents, it was time to say our goodbyes. They were the first nobles I hoped to introduce to my mother one day. Elwyn and Sylphena Kelthyra represented everything I believed true nobility should strive to become, a family ruling with love and compassion, adored by their people.
Then the thought of one day bringing Penelope and Ellie to Thysa became enticing, and I was certain Ellie would have been blown away and left in utter awe by the fairytale city.
“I wish Lady Asia were here so I could thank her one last time,” I expressed my gratitude for the woman that healed me.
“We’ll be sure to pass it on,” Sylphena said with a warm smile. “It was truly a pleasure having you stay with us, Alexander.”
“Thank you so much for everything.” I deeply bowed for the first time in a long time. “It has been an honor learning from you.”
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“On that note, my dear student,” Elwyn said, taking a step closer before pulling out a sealed envelope. “I want you to have this.”
“What is it?” I asked with a look of surprise, taking it from him.
“A letter of recommendation for the Grand Academy of Nuia,” he explained, grabbing hold of my shoulder. “Do me proud when you get there, and make sure to watch over my troublemaker while you’re at it.”
“Dad. . .” Alice sighed through a smile.
“I will.” I smiled as he tapped me on the shoulder proudly.
“Alice,” Sylphena called out to her. “I think you had something you wanted to give him.”
“Hope it’s not another gift. . .” I mumbled, knowing the guilt would kill me.
“It is. . . but not for you.” Alice smirked, handing me a small jewelry box. “It’s for your sister’s birthday.”
I took it and lowered my gaze, avoiding looking at them as their thoughtfulness warmed my heart.
“Thank you,” I whispered, opening it up to see a gleaming blue sapphire necklace with a platinum chain. “It’s. . . stunning.”
Even my mother’s most prized jewels weren’t on par.
“I hope she likes it since I chose it based on what you told me you planned to get her.” Alice leaned over the box, looking at it once again. “We took it a step further and enchanted it with a protection charm.”
“Isn’t this a bit much?” I chuckled before looking back at them. If it were for me, I’d likely refused; however, since it was for Penelope, I was inclined to accept. “Thank you. I’m sure she’ll love it.”
In fact, I believed there couldn’t have been a better gift.
“Alexander, once again, it has truly been a pleasure,” Sylphena said, gracing me with her smile. “Express our warm greetings to your parents, and may the world treat you kindly.”
“Make sure to work hard, or my little monster over here will surpass you in no time.”
“For her to surpass me, I’d need to be ahead first,” I joked, getting a chuckle out of him. “But I’ll make sure to do right by your teachings.”
“Good. . . and don’t be a stranger, okay?”
“Thank you again. For everything.” I bowed again. “I’ll make sure to visit.”
“Come on,” Alice said, walking past me. “I’ll walk you to the city gates.”
“Sure,” I smirked, waving her parents goodbye.
Alice and I walked shoulder to shoulder through the streets of Thysa one last time before my departure. We stayed quiet the entire time, and I was impressed with how well she held up.
When we finally walked up to the city gates and saw my guide in the distance, I turned to her and said, “Well. . . I guess this is goodbye for now, Alice.”
She nodded, facing away from me before suddenly turning and embracing me tightly. Her arms wrapped around my neck, and she buried her face into my shoulder. Smilingly, I hugged her back with my eyes closed.
Time passed, and she refused to let go while we silently stood, ignorant of the world around us.
“Alice,” I whispered into her ear, tightening my hold. “I’ll miss you.”
She didn’t immediately respond, but her wobbly voice reached me, “I’ll miss you too. . .”
Alice broke away from the hug, turning her back to me.
“We’ll meet again soon,” I said, taking a deep breath, trying to hold it in.
She sighed, turning around with a charming smile, letting me see her amethyst eyes once more before leaving.
“Yeah, so you better train hard because next time, I’ll show you the true Kelthyra’s swordsmanship.”
“I can’t wait.” I nodded.
“But you better beat me one day.” She chuckled. “Because everyone likes a strong hero.”
“I’ll be sure to do so, Princess.” Alice brought a smile to my face. “Goodbye, Alice.”
“Goodbye, Alexander.” She called me by my name for the first time in a while before we finally went our separate ways.
“Are you ready to depart?” asked the guide.
“Yes.” I looked back at Thysa, seeing Alice still watching from afar. My hand traced along my shoulder, touching the wet spots Alice left behind. “Take me home.”
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ORIST:
“Thank you for seeing me,” said the Queen, sitting behind her desk with her penetrating gaze, watching my every move.
Despite working for her, Queen Sylphena hadn’t lowered her guard once. She was truly worthy of her reputation, even among us dark elves that hid among the shadows.
“Your wish is my command,” I said, faking a smile.
I was getting tired of being her lapdog.
“The six months are up, and with that, your job is done.” She leaned forward. “Thank you for helping keep their spies in check and gathering information for me.”
“To think they wouldn’t make a single move in months. You really frightened them.” I chuckled, impressed by how menacing she could be as her words, let alone threats, mustn’t be ignored. “They crawled back into their holes, hoping to ride out the storm, but. . . what will you do with them? You can’t let rodents run around forever.”
“Couldn’t have said it better.” She paused briefly, looking down while tapping the table with her nail. “However, it’s not time to act just yet. I’ll let the mistrust sow deeper among them.”
“Terrifying.” I chuckled, crossing my arms. “So. . . Want me to stay longer?”
My hopes were answered.
“No.” She said, standing up and walking around the table. “You’ve done your part, and don’t worry. I’ll make sure you’re properly rewarded for everything you’ve done until now.”
“Remember, two more favors left after this.” I made sure to sound firm.
“A deal is a deal,” she smiled sweetly, deadly as she was beautiful. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I want to visit my daughter and make sure she’s okay.”
“Wait, were you not there when he teleported?” I tilted my head in confusion.
“We didn’t teleport him.” She looked back at me. “We assigned a guide who’ll take him to the outskirts of the forest to meet up with a mage from Eleron. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
She walked over to the door and opened it for me.
“Farewell, Your Majesty,” I bowed, leaving her office.
Once the door behind me closed, I immediately cast invisibility on myself, refusing to be seen by anyone in the Palace since the day I arrived.
Left in utter disbelief, I walked outside and thanked the gods who blessed me with another chance.
Empowering myself with mana, I hastily made my way toward Alexander, planning to reach him before he met up with the mage. He miraculously survived the last time I set a trap for him by awakening his gift, but there was no escaping now.
It had been a long time since a target awakened such hunger within me. Snuffing the life of a human with the potential to one day bring catastrophe to the elven world was my top priority. Luckily I avoided suspicion thanks to those pesky elders that foolishly plotted against the Royal Family.
King Elwyn must have gone mad when he decided to train the boy, a human who was bound to turn on us eventually.
It didn’t take me long to spot Alexander in the distance as he walked alongside his guide, and after confirming the mage wasn’t in sight, I was quick to ready my blades. Coating my weapon with poison, I charged toward him, ready to deliver a quick killing blow.
His powers were unique, but as long as I was outside Mana Sense’s range, I had the initiative and could easily end him.
“Blade Arts–” I started chanting, empowering my weapons with mana as invisibility faded, but before I could cast, I slammed into an invisible barrier. “What the?”
I was confused as I realized I couldn’t walk through, and it seemed as if Alexander and his escort couldn’t hear me either. The huge dome around me then became darker, dimming the light within as a familiar voice echoed behind me.
“Orist,” King Elwyn said, appearing out of thin air as invisibility cloaking him faded. With one hand resting on the hilt of the sword strapped to his belt, King Elwyn’s petrifying gaze fell on me. “It has been a while.”
“But how?” I didn’t even bother denying what I had attempted, knowing it wasn’t going to pass. “Don’t tell me. . .”
“That’s right. My wife had a message for you.” He slowly walked toward me. “She said, consider your debt paid.”
“Why did we stop?” I heard Alexander’s voice, muffled by the barrier.
“We’re far enough now,” his guide spoke for the first time as I turned only to see him dispel his illusionary disguise. He wasn’t an elf, but a mage Alexander was supposed to meet. “Don’t worry about it.”
“So. . . You’re my father’s friend?”
“Call me Geron.” He grabbed Alexander’s shoulder. “Now, hold on. Greater Teleportation.”
I was a fool, and King Elwyn let me see it with my own eyes. It was disheartening knowing that Geron, one of the greatest mages in the world, had come to escort the boy personally.
Sylphena had me figured out from the start.
“Dagger Arts: Faded Step!” Taking the initiative, I teleported next to him, pulling my dagger to strike away at his vitals. “Dagger Arts: Trace!”
Empowered by mana, King Elwyn never had the chance to react on time as the tip of my blade pierced his skin.
“Gust.” I heard Elwyn’s disembodied voice.
My eyes went wide as I watched the Elwyn in front of me fade from existence, and before I could react, a wind blast struck me, sending me tumbling across the ground.
“Of course,” I grunted, getting up slowly with my weapon still in hand. “To think she’d use her gift to hide you from me.”
“Orist, ready yourself.” King Elwyn’s voice sent a chill down my spine as he casually appeared out of nowhere again, walking up while drawing his sword. “For I, King Elwyn Kelthyra, hereby sentence you to death for your crimes against the crown.”
“Hah. . . You got to be kidding me.”
“You tried killing my student twice, and. . .” He gritted his teeth, summoning forth an immense amount of mana, crushing the ground underneath him. “You dared harm my daughter!”
His malice evoked by rage, caused mana to flood the dome. It was so dense that I had difficulty breathing and had to shield myself using aura.
“I never intended–”
“Silence.” Infusing his voice with mana, he interrupted me. “I’ll make sure you know how helpless they felt that day.”
Chapter End.
Thank you for reading.