Chapter 45 #2
"When I had first discovered that I had some inkling of power.
I used it to release all the pent-up anger from being called powerless and second to my sibling in every way.
And once I acknowledged that my power drained even quicker than expected, proving that my power was little to none, I physically started to destroy everything. "
I put the food into my mouth and chewed silently. "I’m sorry, that must have been hard," I spoke softly.
The prince let out a snort that he made annoyingly sound good. "Why would you be? It gave my mother a reason to re-decorate."
"No—I meant. It must have been hard for you to adapt to being called all those horrible things.
Being an heir to a kingdom puts high expectations and when you don't meet them... All I’m saying is that it must have been hard.
" I was rambling but I genuinely could imagine it.
Being royalty, having fae blood and not having the kind of power your kingdom may need.
The prince studied me and then nodded. He looked satisfied when I took another bite of the meal in front of me.
"My whole life wasn't an entire misery. My mother was.
.. perfect. She would never stand for it when my sister would make it her mission to prove what a disgrace I was to the fae lineage.
My father would always comfort my sister when she would go running to him after my mother gave her a mouthful.
They'd light things on fire as bonding." The prince scoffed then took a sip of his wine.
Hearing him express this made him look so.
.. human. It made me wonder what had changed between him treating me like his warrior and nothing more compared to now confiding in me. Was he doing this just to distract me?
"Your mother sounds lovely," I whispered.
He remained silent and I nearly pitied him.
The Queen of Apollo was known for her kindness and spirituality.
She had died of a broken heart and had also taken whatever remaining kindness existed in the Kingdom of Light.
"Will your sister be joining the dinner?
" I asked, genuinely curious and wondering who the second last seat was meant for.
The prince was about to answer when Izlana's voice cut in. "As the prince's bodyguard, shouldn't you at least know the current affairs of Apollo? Everyone knows that Princess Aideena is trying to conquer and rule over Duvessa."
Seething anger sparked in me from the news.
I couldn't help but retort. "Apologies, my lady, during our travels there was not enough time for tea parties to discuss current affairs, I had been too busy protecting the prince.
" The shadow beasts inside me bucked and growled, not for her questioning my knowledge. No... for an entirely different reason.
Inanov laughed into his cup and caught himself before Izlana could throw him a glare.
Adrion smiled to himself, fortunately not taking offence to my harsh response to his betrothed.
Izlana looked at me, anger and challenge pouring from her eyes.
Before she could open her mouth to throw whatever perfect snide remark was owed to me—I felt it.
No.
The entire dining hall had felt it.
The ground shuddered in power. So much power that it had a scent.
A scent that had me reeling back in my mind and had my shadows becoming quiet.
The glass of water on the table swished with force of the power nearing.
The room vibrated and I had hoped it looked as if my body moved with the vibration because I was trembling.
My very soul was cowered and shrinking into itself.
Everyone had quietened and rose from their seats.
Looking up the dais to a shining bright light that wasn't just light—it was him. With power so strong, that it made him look like pure sunlight. There he was. The King of Apollo. Solaire Gideon. Descendant of Brander Apollo Gideon. His sleek shoulder length blonde hair and perfect skin glistened. His glorious golden spiked crown looked like a mere accessory to his aura that dripped off him like rainwater. His eyes glowed crimson red, almost darker than his son’s.
He looked like the god of war. Bred for battle and killing.
To provide no mercy to those who have wronged him.
He assessed his court. The noble folk got to their knees, and we followed with them.
I dared a closer look, but it was a mistake. He was already looking at me.
I flinched on the inside yet on the outside, I was frozen.
He stared at me. Taking me in, sizing me as his opponent.
Apprehensive, calculating and... nonchalant.
I was a mere ant in his presence. Nothing compared to the likes of him.
His face was cruel and beautiful and horrifying.
An incredibly long magnificent sword was at his side.
A cracked sapphire embedded into its hilt.
The little girl in my mind stirred awake and I did my best to numb her thoughts away.
"Rise." The voice echoed in power and touched everyone in the room.
Being in the same room as the king was like reliving every horrible experience I had ever lived come back to haunt my very soul.
And I truly wondered if I was simply a fool to think I could ever come out of this alive.