Chapter 10 #2
“Interestingly, the establishment of a common language significantly improved trade relations. In the past, conflicts and misunderstandings were common among planets, but with the adoption of a shared language, everyone gained access to trading opportunities. As a result, all planets can now enjoy essentials such as clean water, supplies, and a variety of foods. This also opens doors for villagers seeking better opportunities; they can now explore jobs across different planets. Many of the larger colonies have become melting pots, bustling with people from all walks of life, and in some areas, preserving elements of their original cultures.”
“And this is why, Raea, you’re destined to be an extraordinary queen one day,” Professor Darci praises, as her bobbed black hair dances with her movement.
The rest of History passes in a blur, and with the almost sick feeling I have over the constant confusion and intensity of my Bond—how it consumes virtually every thought—I decide to speak with Professor Becca.
After class, I reassure my friends with an enthusiastic smile that I’ll join them for our study group before dinner, then race toward Professor Becca’s office.
With a light knock, I hear her voice inviting me in. She looks up from her papers, and her warm smile instantly puts me at ease. Professor Becca is unique among the faculty since she has been in my shoes. The other professors here have all married for love.
“Hi, do you have a moment to talk?” My stomach flutters, and I notice my palms are slightly clammy as I take a seat in the plush chair facing her desk.
The color reminds me vividly of Anders’ eyes, bringing a torrent of emotions—confusion, frustration, hope.
Gods. I almost want to sob from how tired I feel.
I’m usually such a stable person, but now I feel like I’m losing my mind.
I use my shirt to fan myself. My body feels so dang hot.
I take a moment to look around the room. Natural light pours in through large windows, and a hearth blazing to my right casts a warm glow on the dark wood desk.
Behind Professor Becca, the bookshelves are packed with ancient tomes whose spines are worn from heavy use. As my gaze wanders, I spot a photo of her and what I assume is her husband, their smiles radiating undeniable love and joy.
Scattered among the books are trinkets collected from various corners of the kingdom—there’s a finely carved figurine that looks like it hails from Kao, a neighboring planet in my kingdom, and a crystal hand sculpture from the villages of Ateria that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting.
Each detail in her office tells me more about her, making the space feel both inviting and imbued with wisdom.
“What’s on your mind?” she inquires, leaning back in her chair, fingers steepled in thought, her Bond marking a direct contrast against her white blouse.
“I’ve been contemplating why royals aren’t free to choose their partners. It feels like my own emotions are slipping away from me as if this Bond is controlling every aspect of my life.” I close my eyes, fighting back the sting of tears I don’t understand.
“I can see why you’d feel that way.” She shifts in her seat and crosses her legs.
“Let’s unpack this feeling of being overwhelmed by the Bond.
It’s important to note that, at this stage, the Bond isn’t the source of your emotions.
” She pauses, allowing me to digest her words.
“Your feelings should be uniquely yours until an actual Bond forms. If you’re drawn to someone, it’s likely because you already feel a connection to them.
“While the gods play a significant role in the Bonding process, your own inclinations are also part of it. For instance, a Bond is likely to develop if you’re genuinely interested in a guy and he feels the same way.
However, the Bond might not even develop if you’re indifferent towards someone.
Could you share more about your feelings towards this person? ”
I hesitate, unsure of how much to divulge. What if Anders was right? What if we should keep this between us?
“I’m overwhelmed, honestly. It’s as if he’s all I can think about, and yet I don’t want to feel this way.
It’s just so overwhelming. When I’m around him, which seems to happen often, it’s hard to breathe, yet everything feels off without him,” I admit, looking down at my clothes, picking at an imaginary thread.
“It frustrates me, and I’m just exhausted. ”
She hums, a knowing look in her eyes that makes me question if she knows it’s Anders I’m talking about.
“Instead of resisting it, perhaps consider spending time with him to unravel what draws you to him. There might be so much more to discover about this man, and he may be the right fit for you. Destiny has a funny way of showing up when we least expect it.”
A gnawing discomfort grows in my stomach. Destiny is just a beautiful word for a cage. “But what if I don’t want this? It feels so...oppressive.” The familiar burn of unshed tears threatens to surface again.
“I understand it feels confusing, but this is where faith in the gods comes into play. It might seem odd, but a strong Bond is truly a blessing, Raea. A Bond like this indicates immense potential—you and he could harness great powers together.”
I’ve always viewed the gifts of power with a twinge of unease.
Power can feel like both a burden and a blessing.
I think of my father, who tires so easily when he has to protect new territories.
Healing abilities draw attention, and those who possess them are often sought after, especially when illnesses arise within our village or new royals are born.
It’s a hefty responsibility, and I’ve carried the weight of that expectation my entire life.
It’s not something that particularly excites me.
Professor Becca’s words linger, and maybe, just maybe, it’s time for me to embrace this journey and see where it leads. Should I let Anders in? Can we be friends, or possibly more? It’s thoughts like these that keep me up late at night.
“Raea, I completely understand that this feels really unfair. Let me share a little story that might resonate with you.” She rises, her heels clicking on the hardwood floors as she tucks her hands into her pockets.
“When I was around your age, I attended Coldwell Academy, and I felt a connection with so many men around me.
I had a huge crush on one particular guy, but I later discovered there was no Bond between us.
“As I reached my senior year, frustration built up inside me, similar to what you’re experiencing, and I started acting out.
I kissed that guy, and we became more involved.
However, as my graduation approached, things shifted, and it became clear he wasn’t the right person for me.
I still had feelings for him, but something just felt. ..off.
“During that time, my husband—with whom I knew I had a Bond—became my closest friend.
He supported me through some challenging moments, like when I lost my mother, and we shared late-night walks that cleared my mind.
Over time, I fell in love with him well before The Ceremony.
When Bonding day came, I silently prayed it would be him, and the gods answered my prayer.
“I often wonder if I would have experienced this love if I hadn’t taken the chance to truly get to know him.
I feel incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to love him before the Bond confirmed everything for us.
” She gently places her hand over mine with a warm smile.
“Sometimes, it’s all about taking that leap. ”
I nod, appreciating her perspective, but I still feel a bit lost. How could anyone feel what I do and think it’s a gift?
After thanking her for her time, I rise and make my way back to my room.
I need to meet my friends for our study group and possibly rethink exploring whatever it is between Anders and me.
“My father just messaged me and said he’s coming to visit this weekend,” Aolyn sighs, dropping back onto her bed. “I guess he’s coming for the AerBall game.”
Glancing up from my Cultural Anthropology assignment, I notice she’s already slipped into her cozy pajamas and started her nightly routine of searching The Link for the system’s juiciest gossip.
“Why don’t you sound happy about that?” I ask.
She blows out a breath, turning to face me with a slight frown. “Things at home are…complicated.” I’ve only met King Alexi once, and he never struck me as a friendly man. “My father…keep this between us?”
I nod and wait.
“Well, something is going on that he’s not telling us. He’s always tired, he’s angry, and over break, well…we had a lot of strange visitors to the palace, but they never dined with us. I don’t know, I just wish I knew how to help.”
“I can understand that,” I reply, letting my empathy shine through. She hums, and I realize there must be more she isn’t telling me. “How is your mother?” Queen Sava has a formidable presence, though she’s always been kind during our encounters. Plus, Aolyn absolutely adores her.
With her long black hair and pale complexion, Aolyn is almost a carbon copy of her mother. Queen Sava’s features are sharper, often set in a serious, no-nonsense expression that has the ability to make you feel tiny. She’s attended many of my mother’s events over the years.
Aolyn lights up as she shares stories about her mother and the ice sculptures they’ve been working on. Her mother is an ice wielder, so it makes sense that it would be a hobby. It’s an incredible power, but I can’t imagine living with that endless bone-chilling cold.
Their palace feels like a majestic fortress perched high in the Halgan Peaks, one of the tallest ranges on their beautiful capital planet, Cryos. Nestled against the mountain’s side, it experiences a fresh blanket of snow daily.
As we discuss the dynamics within her family and the fear surrounding the royal succession if Boyce doesn’t Bond, the conversation soon shifts to her love for AerBall. I know very little, but we exchange thoughts about our favorite pro players.
By the time I drift off to sleep, my mind is flooded with thoughts of AerBall and Anders—a playful, muddy smirk he might shoot me that would make me feel like I might mean something special to him.
Even in my sleep, there’s no escaping him.