I could feel her pull into my view through our draconic bond, something that happened on occasion, especially when Maria felt that things were off or she was bored. This time, it was due to my over protectiveness of her getting a bit too... well extreme.

“Now, tell me, why did you have to worry the princess like that?” My energy had shifted. I was angry, and I needed him to know that his behavior was not okay.

What are you doing Theo? I heard Maria ask me worriedly through the bond. I could feel her bite her bottom lip as she continued to watch the scene unfold before her.

I saw Bernard’s eyes widen in fear. His body shook and trembled and any words he tried to speak came out dry. My aura of fear enveloped him.

The aura of fear was something I only had used against criminals before. Bernard was not a criminal, but he had bothered the princess. Which in turn bothered me.

I wasn't intending for it to go too far, I just wanted to shake him. As I had feared that he may let it slip that the princess and I were in a relationship. As I was worried that he would tell her parents and get myself fired.

“I-” Bernard couldn’t speak. He was too afraid. So afraid that I could start to smell a bit of urine.

Damn it. I shook my head in disbelief as I started to pace back and forth in the barn. This wasn’t typically like me, I acted lawful not this. I’ll admit, on rare occasions I would lose control with how much force I’d had put into the use of my powers. I’d like to blame my draconic heritage on that but that can’t be the blame for everything.

Especially in this case, then again, he did cause Maria some distress. No. I shook my head in dismay. I can’t just blame everything on my heritage. Even if that is where these powers came from.

Regardless of that, my intention wasn’t to cause an overbearing sense of fear. I just wanted him to be terrified enough that he wouldn’t say anything to the King or Queen in regards to Maria and I’s relationship. If this knowledge were to get to them, I could potentially lose my job and that is something I did not want to happen.

As I continued my pace in the barn, I felt a burst of concern through the bond, Maria. Théoden, release him. Her voice was sharp and firm as her voice spoke authority as she was trying to order me to release him. This was something she rarely did, so I knew I had gone to far.

I’m sorry, I just wanted to- I began to apologize to her.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

However, she cut me off mid sentence, I know and I am fine Theo. Please just come back to the castle. Her voice was almost a plea at this point. I felt her worry grow and her own fear collide in the bond.

I took a deep breath and focused my emotional state, to a more positive one. In time, I dropped the aura of fear completely and switched to a more soothing approach.

I glanced over at Bernard who I saw slumped himself against the door of the horse’s pen. His stare burned deep as he looked at me with wide open eyes and raised eyebrows. His posture was rigid and his skin was fifty shades paler, if that was even possible.

Upon examining the situation I put myself into, I knew I had made him afraid. However, I did not know if he would run screaming to the King and Queen or keep silent. Regardless of the matter, my action had a consequence and that was terrifying the man to the point of urinating himself.

Do I regret that decision, yes. I knew I could just let him be and take the result of my action however, I did not want the man to be deathly afraid of me anytime I went near him. As I was in here I could tell he was scared.

“Bernard I-”

“Don’t say anything! Don’t do anything!” Bernard shouted at me as I tried to apologize for my actions.

“But I-” I tried to communicate one more time with him before making the decision I was going to hate doing.

“Not another damn word! What are you?” He questioned me as he attempted to move back against the door of the pen even more.

The regret I felt was overwhelming me at this point. I truly didn’t want to make him feel this way. But now, his behavior towards me has left me with no choice. I had to use the spell Alter recollection, to fix this memory. I hated doing this spell and rarely used it as I always had the thought that one’s memory should not be altered against their will. However, in certain cases, it was necessary.

I carefully walked over to him and bent down and whispered to him, “You will not remember this.” I released a bit of magical essence as I cast the spell Alter Recollection.

I shook my head in disbelief at my own actions. I know I try to be the best I can be, but even those who are destined for greatness have their faults. And this was one. Even if this side of me did not come out that often.

I felt Maria ease as we both watched Bernard return to normal. “Thank you again, Bernard.” I told him as I gave a kind smile and left.

Leaving the stable I felt a pull to go to the grand hall. It was a strong pull of emotions that was coming from Maria. I used our bond to siphon some of her emotions, pulling them into my own body. Allowing her to remain calm during her conversation with her mother. I typically had enough willpower to handle both her and my emotions combined and remain stable. However, I had to admit, sometimes it became too much even for me. Still, I would do it for her in a heartbeat every time.

I could sense it was an argument between her and her mother. However, due to the recent events my mind did not slip into her view point as I was still contemplating the mess I had just avoided.

As more of her emotions flooded into me, as things seemed to get a bit more heated with her and her mother, I hurried myself to the castle in hopes to aid in the situation.