On one sunny day, Meran gave me the day off to relax for my body and mind since I've been making great progress with Lastif, what use of a weapon and adding in a bit of magic here and there. If I used too much, Meran would give me as a punishment to combat with a skilled warrior without using magic. He took extra precautions by placing an enchanted golden torc around my neck. Its weight alone couldn't be missed besides blocking my magic.
I sighed content while lying in the midst of the green field and sunbathed a bit, doing nothing. I barely recall when it was the last time I did nothing and being lazy, but it felt good along hearing the birds singing and a few bees buzzing from flower to flower. The air was slightly sweet with pollen from the grass and the sun warm, not blazing but warm.
Suddenly I heard a flock of birds fly off. I kept my eyes closed but sharpened my ears. Soon I heard very softly footsteps approaching in my direction. Is the King trying to get me again? Rapidly I dug my fingers into the earth, "féar a shealbhú." (grass hold) I whispered and imagined the tall grass holding tightly down both the King's feet, restricting him from moving.
Rapidly I sat up and turned around to see. "Meran!" I blinked, surprised and immediately reversed the spell. "Sorry, I thought you were someone else."
Meran grinned calmly. "That's alright. Glad to see you using your abilities well, even when you're not training." He stepped up closer. "And it confirms that you are now ready."
"Ready for what? I still have a lot to learn with swords, especially without magic."
"You are ready to move on, as in travelling from land to land and other worlds. Efnisien is drawing nearer as we speak, and Rudianos gave me the order to keep you safe at all cost besides teaching you how to fight and defend."
"But if Efnisien is so evil, shouldn't we best confront him as soon as possible instead of fleeing-"
"Don't underestimate him!" He hissed with narrowed eyebrows. He looked fierce, but I sensed concern in his amethyst eyes; he stepped closer, "He is the God of evil, and so are his intentions and goals. He stops at nothing to get what he wants. He even caused the outbreak of many wars, and I've fought in one of them. It was a massacre." He paused and faced the ground as if in shame. Meran's hands balled to fist and so hard that his knuckles turned white. With a sigh, he looked into my eyes. "Efnisien is after you because of your powers, and that is why we need to flee to win time for the others. Rudianos, Taranis, Celdecc and the others are trying to hold him off however they can. Still, this time he's stronger than expected and persistent. Not even the King of the Faeries can keep you safe here any longer with his strong spells."
I stared at him, speechless of what I learned and seeing a different side of Meran. The last few weeks, I saw Meran as the calm, content, and composed man and my teacher, but now he looks angered, concerned, and his voice was sharp.
"Do you understand why this must be done?" He nearly whispered.
Slowly I was able to nod.
"We are all doing this for you, to be safe." His glance softened, as did his voice.
I bit my lower lip and looked down at my feet as I felt my eyes welling with tears, trying to swallow them however I could. I felt ashamed, and it was a shocking reminder of why I am here.
"Hey," Meran lifted my chin, and our eyes met. "There's no need for shame; it's not your fault."
I wanted to speak, but I was at a loss for words. I didn't want him to see my tears of shame, so I held up my hands to my face and sobbed. From between my fingers, I saw him stepping closer and felt his arms around me, embracing me. Why am I crying like a child and feeling so ashamed about this, or am I taking myself too hard on all this?
After a long moment, he opened the embrace and smiled. "You're doing fine, and you will be fine. We will be leaving tomorrow at noon, and the King has announced to give a farewell feast in your honour. Soon he will be the least of your concern." He patted my shoulder with an assuring grin.
Tonight will be my last night here before I'll be travelling with Meran and his warriors. Where to they will be bringing me, I have no idea, and that made me a bit nervous, but I have faith in them. On the other hand, I am glad to get away from the King. Meran assured me to enjoy the day and pack for the journey; training will be caught up along the journey. As I was packing my things from my room, I spotted two child-size faeries observing me from the open door. One was violet with horns while the other was green like the King with red hair and wore a floral dress with small brown branches in its hair. As I looked over my shoulder to them, they vanished out of sight, but as soon I turned my back to them, they appeared at the corner of my eye. Although they were silent and did nothing, for now, I bet they were sent by the King for some purpose of his. An idea popped into my head, and I couldn't help smiling at the thought of it. I drew in a deep breath to compose myself and went on with my packing. After a while, the two faeries dared to step a little closer to me like shy children. Soon one sprinted to hide under my bed, and the other followed without hesitation. I heard a gleeful giggle briefly as they hid; oh, they have no idea. I tried to suppress my smirk as I pretended to pack and placed my saddlebag upon the bed. Acting as if my notebook slipped from my hand and knelt down to get it. Quick-witted, I looked under the bed, "boo!" I spooked them.
They screeched in terror and sprinted out of my room. The sharp and loud screech made me wince and regret a bit for having it done, but it still felt good doing the prank. It's none of the King's business what I'm doing, he knows I'm leaving, and he will never get me. What a spoiled man and one who can't take no for an answer. I don't want to know how his parents were, surely snobbish and filled with pride, not to mention mischievous like all the other faeries-
"You are filled with surprises, mhuire (lady) Ina. Usually, it takes a lot to frighten my people." Smirked the King as he stood at the open door. He wore a long cream coloured robe with a brown belt, a bit crude for a king to wear, in my opinion.
"Is that the only reason that brought you here?" I bit my tongue with regret as the words slipped out, knowing he will use that to get to me again.
"Would you be surprised if I said I came by to wish you the best of luck on your journey?" He stepped closer with a smirk and looked deeply into my eyes as if trying to read my mind.
"Would it make a difference?" I scoffed, annoyed.
Suddenly within a blink, he was standing right in front of me, far too close in my opinion. As I wanted to step back, my calves met the bed's wooden frame and landed softly. Before I knew what was happening, I found myself staring into his apple-green eyes and felt his breath brush against my face. He smiled as if fate was in his favour. His green hands were between my hands and shoulders as he towered me; his long red hair rested upon my chest. A cloud of his cologne met my nose; it was fresh and slightly sweet, like walking through a forest in spring. The King scoffed to my silent tensed reaction and stepped back but he gripped my hand and helped me off the bed and onto my feet. He hummed, "I thought as much." And walked out without another word or back glance.
I blinked confused, what was that all about? Usually, he would jump to any chance given to kissing me but not this time- Did he put a spell on me? Rapidly I sprinted over to the mirror and spoke the Gaelic words to cast the spell of showing me if I'm under a spell. There was a brief flash of white light on me that soon came as it went. Nothing? I blinked to be sure I'm seeing this correctly. What is the King up to this time? My stomach began to knot to the thought alone. I grew more nervous as the sun began to set and prepared for the feast he is throwing tonight, in my honour. Maybe I should wait and see what happens tonight. I dressed up in the dress I received on the first day I came here and braided my hair. Meran and his warriors were a sight for sore eyes, and hence relieved to see them as I entered the banquet. As I wanted to take my seat among them, Vinita suddenly flew in front of my nose with a broad smile. "Ina, Ina! Come with me; the King wants you to sit at his table." She giggled gleefully. I am aware that gesture is a great honour with such King but it didn't feel right down to my very bones. As I started to hesitate, Vinita began to pull at my sleeve towards the King's table. Meran watched how I was led to the table before I faced the King.429Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhW0dgQRxyc
"Ina, please take a seat and enjoy the evening. This is your last night here before you leave." He smiled and held up a glass cup filled with red wine before taking a sip.
I sat next to him on his left side. Does it mean sitting at the same table with him the same as in my world or can he choose to his heart's delight? I looked at him from the corner of my eye. He kept turning to me whenever he wasn't talking to anyone. I ignored him and decided to get some food on my plate and try to enjoy the evening with a sigh. My eyes soon wandered over to where Meran and his people sat, they laughed heartily, and two of them were already blushed from the wine. An urge grew in me to slip under the table and sneak over to them to laugh along. Meran's eyes and mine met. He gave a brief warm smile before Killa made him turn away from me.429Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHjYjMEWLT
Suddenly I felt something tickling at my ear that soon wandered down my neck. Rapidly I placed a hand to stop it turned to the King. He smiled broadly, revealing his white set of teeth as he withdrew his hand from me. I glared at him and shifted a bit further away from him to be out of reach.429Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWmg7PC6wH
"No need to play coy." He mused and moved from his high seat onto the same bench I was sitting on and slid closer. I bit my lower lip to avoid standing up and walking away. He is the King after all. Quickly I grabbed for my cup and took a long sip of the wine. It was a fine drop, nearly a waste to be drinking it so fast. I stopped and looked at the cup. "I allowed to bring up one of my finest wine for this occasion. Do you like it?" He took a sip from his cup.
"Yes, it's an excellent vintage." I forced a brief grin and took another sip of it.
Suddenly everything began to slightly spin and the noise became unclear as well as my sight. I blinked while shaking my head to rid of it.
"It's a special wine, Ina. I've added some herbs that will help you relax more and enjoy the night." The king whispered to my ear and kissed my neck. "While the night is still young."
A strange urge within me made me face him and give a kiss- What is wrong with me? I shook my head and tried to slide further away but the King halted me by placing a hand over mine. All I could see was his handsome face and those apple-green eyes. "You-"
"With your permission, your majesty, I will bring Lady Ina to her chamber. She is fatigued since it has been a long day for her, and she did some training, although I suggested her to rest." Stepped in Meran.
"Of course." The King smiled broadly.
Quickly Meran helped me to my feet and brought me away from the King but felt his glance following me. Before I knew I found myself walking beside Meran down the long hallway to my room, my walk was anything but normal. I was staggering like a drunkard and realized I couldn't think clearly. The strange urge for the King grew within me greater at every step.
"Are you alright?" Meran asked softly and cautiously. His voice is nearly music to my ears.
I giggled. "Why do you ask? I'm perfectly fine." Suddenly I lost my footing and exclaimed surprised like a drunk. I was expecting to feel the hard cold stone but found myself staring into Meran's concerned amethyst eyes.
"I think not, Ina." He gave sternly and swept me off my feet, carrying me in his arms to my room.
"What are you doing? Put me down! I can walk, you know!"
He placed me down at my door. "Thanks; I think I can take it from here." I sniggered while pulling forth my key.
"I think not," Meran remarked gravely and entered with me into my room. He closed the door and placed the key on my desk. "The King spiced the wine for his advantage over you. As you may have noticed you can't think clearly nor walk straight. You'll be following blindly the urge that will lead you to him. That is why I'll be staying here until the magic of the herbs has worn off."
I walked up to him and started to play with his long hair between my fingers while I looked into his eyes. "How thoughtful and kind of you, Meran." I went up on my toes to whisper to his ear. "How about we have some fun while waiting for the time to pass? My way of showing gratitude for you. What do you say?" I ran slowly a hand through his long soft hair.
Meran gently took my hand out of his hair, and his expression remained stern. "I'm doing this because I know you dislike the King." Suddenly I found myself lying on my bed. "You should get some rest." He sat on my chair with crossed legs.
I laughed, "oh, come on. Everyone deserves a second chance, and I'm sure there's more to the King than what he appears at first glance." I blinked. "Is it just me, or is it hot in here?" Without thinking, I started to pull up my long skirt. "I'm sure you have deliciously cool hands for this." I smiled at him.
Meran smirked but shook his head and looked away.
"What's the matter? Don't you like me? Because I like you very much."
He looked at me straight in the eyes. His large eyes are like large deep purple pools that I can submerge forever.
"There's no need to be bashful or shy. Come, sit next to me." I held out a hand to him and smiled.
"You don't know what you are doing, Ina." Meran gave coolly.
"What if I am? I would be happy if you sat beside me." I patted the spot beside me.
"I'm afraid I must decline your offer."
"I've always liked your honesty, Meran." I laid back as my head began to spin like a carousel. "Wee, everything is spinning!" I chided like a child and laughed. Rapidly I sat up. "Oh well, I'll come over to you because I like you very much, so much I think I love you." I got off from the bed and staggered towards him despite my head spinning on. The floor was rocking like a ship in a storm, and suddenly I lost footing. I was expecting to land on the cold hard stone floor, but I felt instead a cool hand holding the back of my head and found myself staring at Meran's concerned expression before everything turned dark.
ns 15.158.61.17da2
