Dae Bong watched the girl go and heaved a sigh. This whole affair had started to irritate him. He knew what was coming next and was in no mood to deal with it. He sat quietly and waited for the inevitable to come when he felt the shift in the air and flare of magic.
He glanced to his left and sighed “must we do this every time Ahilda?”
“You tell me, Your Highness, how is it that every witch or wizard of my line falls into your trap and gets ensnared. You are not that attractive after all, if You ask my opinion, I fail to see the charm.”
He smirked a little and turned to face the shimmering shadow, speaking in a calm, controlled voice “I assure you it was just a chance meeting. I have no interest in any of your daughters or granddaughter or whatever. Esme is merely a friend and Cahira is Cabir’s daughter. I am sure you can understand why I wanted to know her a little bit. I don’t see why you feel the need to warn me off your daughters every single time when I have absolutely no design on them.”
“You say one thing but history never lies, does it Your Highness. I think age is finally catching up to you because you seem to have forgotten what happened all those years ago in this exact room .” Ahilda’s voice cackled like a whip and echoed in the room.
“What happened with Siobhan was in no way my fault. But it seems you are hell-bent on blaming me thus there is nothing I can do or say to make you see reason." Dae's voice was clipped full of indignation.
“You say this but I remember you refusing Sin Seonghan’s request to help her. I fail to see the reason, other than any nefarious designs one might have, why anyone of Faes would refuse to help a fellow witch. I know what exactly lies below that innocent, angelic face of yours.” Ahilda’s voice was full of sarcasm and deep dislike.
“I grow weary of this constant argument of yours and I have no intention of entertaining it any further. This conversation is over.” Dae Bong waved his hands and the shadow disappeared. His mood had worsened even more. Ahilda always managed to get on his nerves and he failed to understand just why she had made a practice of visiting him with threats just for her daughters.
He absolutely had no interest in anyone let alone in the witch of her family given her connection to his past. Faes are known for their eternal love and deep feelings and he had already met his beloved. There was no way he was going to stray from his true love for any other Oni’es.
He sighed his frustration and retired to his room. Ahilda was not someone easily dismissed as he has done. He was sure tomorrow will bring more drama and fresh accusations and this time she will even have an audience from all 7 kingdoms. Just his luck.
166Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YtQHK4fWA
Cahira woke up early the next morning. Tucking a drunk Esme in was a revelation in itself and she was tired by the time she went to her room. Sukaya was sitting on her bed cross-legged and chanting “OM” repeatedly.
“Are you meditating?” She asked surprised.
Sukaya opened one eye and nodded. “This late at night? Did something happen?” Chaira asked worriedly.
Sukaya shook her head negatively and did a shoo gesture. Cahira shrugged and decided to go to sleep because whatever it was Kaya would tell her in the morning. She changed into comfy pajamas and hopped in her bed.
Sukaya was curled into a ball in the bed next to her snoring softly when Cahira woke up. She checked her phone and saw it was 4 in the morning. She decided to get up and get ready because the portal to the Magical realm was scheduled to be open at 6:30 am and Sukaya always took her sweet time to get ready.
She decided on a Rayon Kurta with floral embroidery and leggings which she accessorized with some oxidized jewelry. By the time both girls were ready and went down, it was 5:30 am. The dining hall was bustling with other people and pixies. A vast array of breakfast was laid out in the corner on a table and everyone was busy eating. Sukaya made a beeline to the table while she spotted Esme drowning herself in coffee and headed toward her.
“My dear Aunt, Good morning. It’s such a lovely morning isn’t it.” She chirped loudly.
“Shut up Riha, it’s too early and my head is banging like a drum.” Esme groaned.
“Is that why you have a vial of hangover potion? Where did you get it?” Cahira gestured to the potion Esme was gripping in her left hand.
“Yes it is and Yes It’s yours and Yes I borrowed it from your mother. Don’t ask how”.
“Borrowed it or stole it”?
“Well tomato thomato. Now finish your breakfast and tell Sukaya to go to the courtyard. A surprise is waiting for her.”
“Surprise!! Ooh, I love surprises. Where is it I want it first.” Sukaya excitedly peeked from Cahira’s back.
“Of course you do, as I said head to the courtyard under the yellow flower tree You will find someone waiting there.”
Sukaya waited for a heartbeat then deposited the croissants and coffee on the table and ran out of the room at a frightening speed. Cahira watched her go and then turned to Esme who just shrugged.
She picked up the croissants and headed outside to see Sukaya’s surprise visitor though she had an inkling of who it might be.
Outside, a few people were scattered here and there, sitting under different trees and enjoying their breakfast. She spotted Sukaya and Rohan hugging under the tree and decided to leave them be.
She looked around to find a seat and saw one on the furthest corner which was empty. She placed her breakfast on the side table and folded herself on the sofa tucking her feet in. She finally had a chance to do some thinking and have some me time. Her life had changed very dramatically in the past few days. A few days ago she would have never dreamt of sitting here let alone going to meet the Supreme Royal Family. Ahilda’s words were fresh in her mind but try as she may she could not find any reason or implication to think that the Fae Prince was dangerous or had any malicious intent. In fact, she was almost drawn to him and he felt like a long-lost friend.
“Miss, would you like some Coffee or tea?” She turned to see a pixie standing next to her and bowing slightly.
She smiled and was about to speak when someone else spoke from her side “She would like some Coffee I am sure. Can you also arrange for some scallion pancakes and Ginseng Tea to be delivered here?” The Prince strolled out and nonchalantly sat on the sofa next to her while smiling at the servant.
“You Highness Of course. I will return in a few minutes with your breakfast” He left in a flurry.
Cahira said nothing and silently observed the Prince sitting next to her. He was smartly dressed in a pair of Black Pants and a light blue shirt which screamed expensive. His hairs were once again slicked back and He was lounging on a comfortable chair while doing something on his phone. There was something intriguing about him that was pulling her to him. Yes, he was hot but this feeling she had now was something entirely else. He felt familiar, like family. “that’s absurd Cahira, how can a prince be related to you that too a Korean. Mum is Irish and father is Indian and there was no one in far away ancestory of hers who was a Korean". She knew this because she checked in her hallyu obsession days.
“I know I am irresistible but you don’t need to make it so obvious kkomoya” He teased in a light soft voice.
Ahh, that voice will be the death of me. It was an exotic mix of a Korean accent and something entirely seductive which turns her mind to mush every time She hears it.
“What no no.....I am, well......” she struggled to form a coherent sentence “What are you doing here?”
He laughed in a twinkling lyrical laugh “and Good morning to you too Dear. I obviously came to have some breakfast.”
Cahira felt a little embarrassed at her display of manners. She was not a rude person and her Indian upbringing always emphasized that anyone who was above her station, be in age or status was always deserving of Politeness and respect. Dae bong was staring at her and he caught her embarrassment
He smiled and said “Don’t fret it’s really ok. Let’s just enjoy the morning, I believe all the trainees are set to depart in a short time, yes?”
She nodded and again went back to observing him. He did not give any princely or royal vibe, He looked liked a businessman if anything.
“You don’t seem like a prince you know. I always thought Royals of any specie will be a pompous lot with Hi-fi fashionable clothes, jewelry and guards but here you are in a normal suit and well” she paused to look around pointedly and said, “where are your guards?” She didn’t know where this bravery was coming from. She was being awfully forward with the Prince but she just could not feel his status or importance. It felt like he was a long-lost friend whom she has known forever.
“Not everything is what it seems Kkomoya. The guards are present you just cannot see them. As for other things I don’t believe in frivolous show off. I am happy as it is and I don’t need my status as a royal to command any respect.”
“rightttttt....” She sarcastically remarked.
“Right your highness, I am sorry then for not kneeling to welcome you. I also don’t like frivolous show off. Hope you understand” She muttered sarcastically.
He laughed again “you don’t need to Kkomoya. The Devaduttas are like a family to me and your parents and aunt are one of my dear friends. Your grandmother, well let’s say we are amicable acquaintances, well most of the time.”
“My grandmother?” She stuttered, her heart stopping for a moment. No one was supposed to know who her grandmother is then how come he knows.
“Calm your racing heart Moya, Ahilda and I have a history so deep You cannot begin to fathom it. I know about you because Cabir was once my friend and your mother visited Alturia for Fae medicine after your accident. I believe your coven imports all its faerie ingredients from Alturia for making healers and elixirs.”
“Seriously!!! I did not know that. I mean I knew faerie ingredients must be coming from somewhere but I never imagined The royal kingdom of Alturia was our source.” She exclaimed but suddenly registered something.
“ You knew my father??? How??”she asked utterly surprised.
Dae Bong’s eyes furrowed a little “You don’t know?”
“What??” she asked feeling glum. Her father is one of the forbidden topics which her Mum never talked about neither did Esme or any other family relative. She only knew that he was involved in the accident with her and was still in a coma. She didn’t even know where he was and whenever she asked or forced the topic she always got a vague reply.
Thinking about her papa always brings tears to her eyes. She has had so many fights with her mum about meeting him but she just never budges and always says “when the time is right you will meet him”. Cahira was still waiting for the right time to arrive.
“What was my papa like? Can you please tell me?”
“Of course, Cabir was one of our finest warriors and.....” The prince stopped speaking and abruptly glanced to his left. Cahira tried to see what had captured his attention but there was nothing but trees. They were in the west corner of the courtyard and there was nothing but trees ahead which led to woods.
“Cahira get back, something is off here” He spoke urgently while getting up and waving his hand.
Immediately a greenish-blue shimmer in a shape of a dome appeared which went high up and seemed to stretch to cover the castle.
“What’s happening and what is that?” she exclaimed perplexed.
Dae turned to her and looked at her surprised, “you can see the shield? How”.
She was about to answer when suddenly a boom sounded and the shield burned red at a point few yards away. Everyone in the Courtyard sprang to attention at the sound and looked their way.
“Cahira get back inside, now. We are under attack.” Dae screamed at Cahira about to grab her when a massive explosion threw them in the air. Everything was silent for a second, air filled with a pungent smell, full of dust and the next second
many things happened simultaneously. A screech sounded and many Soldiers appeared out of thin air and surrounded Dae Bong. Cahira tried to stand up but another boom and a sort of explosion hit the shield blowing it into smithereens and making pieces of metal and furniture fly in different directions. Cahira was stuck with a piece of metal so hard that she was thrown a few feet farther into the ground. Red dots appeared in her vision and she was completely disoriented, the air knocked out of her.
There was a ringing sound in Cahira’s ear and she opened her eyes to see a cloud of dust settled around her. She was incoherent, unable to understand anything. The earth felt like it was trembling and shaking and it was hot, so hot getting hotter still. She tried to get up but she was unable to move, her body shutting down. There were screams, sounds of explosions, and clanking of swords all mixing into one. Her world was turning black rapidly and she struggled to stay awake trying once again to move her hands to her head which was throbbing wildly. Her fingers touched some liquid that was dripping down her head. She brought her hands down to check and saw blood. That was the last thing she remembered when she lost the fight and surrendered herself to darkness.
ns 15.158.61.54da2
