Perhaps he wasn’t always such a harsh king. Maybe he could show some kindness. Or at least, thats what I would keep
telling myself.
Chapter 22
ORNELLA
Nicholas made it a habit that we would dine together every evening. During this time, he tested me on my new knowledge
of his kingdom and the way of the Obsidian Fae. Explaining how Crystal Fae had always believed them to be the
superior of the species, even when they lacked many of the qualities of an Obsidian.
We were all blessed with the ability to use magic. Obsidians were more open and free about using theirs. I was ashamed to
admit magic use was frowned upon back home. Only healers and seers would dare use their skills in public and even then, it
was still punishable. Or at least that’s what our laws stated. Father however never punished anyone who was gifted.
“Do you think I have any magic?” I asked one evening as we sat near the fountain. It had become our spot.
The air was crisp and fresh as the moon flowers began to bloom. He looked positively dazzling in the moonlight. I fiddled
with the hem of my sleeve, nervous about his answer. Nicholas paced a little back and forth as we chatted. It made me question
if something was possibly on his mind. I hadn’t asked at dinner, but I made the plan to ask him while we were outside—alone.
“I would like to say yes, but it is possibly a very small amount. Crystal Fae stopped using their magic hundreds of years
ago. It may be very faded by now, with the skills untapped and left to wither away.”
I sighed, a little disappointed. If I were able to use magic, I wouldn’t feel so exposed, vulnerable or different. I could tell
by the way his household staff looked at me—the way some treated me—was as if I were an imperfect match for their king.
And they would be right. I wasn’t.
“Is there something on your mind? You have been pacing back and forth since I sat down. Or am I so boring that you can’t
wait to get back?”
He stopped suddenly, realising his actions and shook his shoulders out a little, removing the tension.
“You could never be boring,” he said with a laugh.
He finally sat down, and took my fidgeting hand in his before placing a small kiss on my knuckles. Heat raced across my
face with a blush colouring my cheeks. These simple, affectionate gestures were his thing and something I was growing to
enjoy.
“My apologies if I seem a little distracted. I will try to pay more attention from now on,” he apologised with a wink.
I felt my heart thump in my chest as our eyes met. I’d laid awake the last few nights confused by my feelings. Feeling angry
at how easily Nicholas seemed to lie to me, then there was curiosity, where I wanted to know everything about him and our
history.