《Magical Taboo》


 1

    I rush quickly to the bathroom in search of a towel, small cloth, anything that I can dampen to properly clean the blood from my face and hands. That¡¯s hard to do when I can¡¯t stop hacking up blood. My feet stumble over the stone floor before I manage to find cloth to dip in the bucket nearby to clean myself. It¡¯s just my luck that the one the King and his wife intend to stop by to see my parents, I¡¯m covered in my own blood.


    ¡°Runia!¡±


    Mother is calling me, but I can barely answer with the condition I¡¯m in. Still, I try my best until her form fills the entry way.


    ¡°There you are. Oh dear, let¡¯s get you cleaned up and in bed. I¡¯ll make you some tea and soup to ease your throat.¡±


    More than anything I want to protest, but I know that¡¯s a battle I won¡¯t win. She helps me to my feet. With her support I manage to get to my room without fail. The muscles in my body tense as I climb back into bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. I just wish we had the resources to get you medicine at least.¡±


    My head lowers. She always worries about me and a part of me hates that she has to. A quick once over of me before she exits tells me she¡®ll probably spend the day by my side.


    ¡°Ru?¡±


    I glance at the entryway. There stands my sister concern fills her eyes and dances in the air around her.


    ¡°Mayline, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not. Even your skin is paler. Are you cold? I can get you another blanket. I¡¯m sure Arvise won¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t mind what?¡±


    ¡°Let Ru use one of your extra blankets.¡±


    ¡°Ru, you cold?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡±


    ¡°Ru¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get it any way. You look cold. Plus I¡¯ve got plenty of blankets.¡±


    Arvise vanishes down the hall, amber tresses dance just above his shoulders as he moves. Mayline goes to the window and opens it, sunlight pours into the room almost bleaching her hair. It¡¯s the gasp that leaves her lips that draws attention.


    ¡°They¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°May, go, I¡¯ll be out in a minute. Hurry before mom has a fit.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Go on, I¡¯ll be right there.¡±


    Nodding her head she rushes out. Arvise takes time adding the extra blanket.


    ¡°You should go too.¡±


    ¡°I will after I make sure my sister is warm. And is aware that she¡¯s loved very much. I know how much you hate being trapped in bed. Especially with dad away at work for long periods of time. Mom doing household chores and MAy pitching in after school. It makes you lonely. So, I decided I¡¯ll stay home to look after you.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°No buts, Ru. It¡¯s my decision and I would much rather spend as much time as possible with my family. Especially, my sister.¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re family. Now rest up. I¡¯ll see if mom finished the tea for you.¡±


    He kisses the top of my head and follows the same path as May and our mother, sighing I turn my attention to the open window where I can see horses. One of which sticks its head in my window. The animal eyes me curiously, even looking around my room. Slowly, I force myself from the bed and go to the window. Instantly the horse lowers its head to allow me to touch it.


    ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure she thinks the same of you.¡±


    Startled, I spin around at the sound of the voice, almost losing my balance in the process. Both the king and his wife are watching me with awe.


    ¡°Y-your majesties, you didn¡¯t have to.¡±


    ¡°Now, what purpose would it serve to not even look in on the ill of my civilians?¡±


    A furious flush takes over my face.


    ¡°S-still¡­but thank you.¡±


    They both seem at ease. The Queen quietly walking in to explore the tiny space. Her gown drags across the floor and she doesn¡¯t so much as bat an eye. Her hands delicately pick up various decorations on my dresser before gently placing them back down.


    ¡°We were told your illness is terminal. At least if left untreated.¡±


    ¡°Yes,Ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Surprised she¡¯s lived this long. The rooms small and doesn¡¯t even look as though it¡¯s ever been dusted out. Makes one wonder if they¡¯re trying to speed up the process.¡±


    The Queen frowns bright brown eyes falling on a figure beside the King. Her hand falls to her hip, a single eyebrow raised on her mocha face.


    ¡°Darling, I don¡¯t think your pet is house trained. Maybe it is best if he returns to the castle.¡±


    ¡°Forgive me, my lady, it seems I¡¯ve spoken incorrectly. It was not meant to offend. I¡¯m merely pointing out my observation.¡±


    He appears unbothered by the Queen¡¯s words as he doesn¡¯t even bat an eyelash. Simply smiles and continues to observe. I¡¯m curious as to who he is,but before I can ask my coughing starts up again. Doing my best I go to my bed, gripping the side for support.


    ¡°May, bring a towel and some warm water please! Excuse me, your majesty. Ru,I¡¯ve brought you some tea.¡±


    Something is set on the small table beside the bed before I feel my brother helping me under the covers.


    ¡°Is she okay?¡±


    ¡°For the most part, yes. Some days are better than others. Then there are days like today where she forces herself to try and function without coughing. We do the best we can with what we have.¡±


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.May steps in the room quietly, both our parents behind her. She looks incredibly upset. Arvise barely glances at them, something in his demeanor changing entirely. Something is wrong and I¡¯m afraid to find out exactly what it is. Everyone is quiet, a heavy tension dancing angrily in the air. It¡¯s the look on the Queen¡¯s face along with my confusion that finally musters an answer out of anyone.


    ¡°Runia, what would you say to moving somewhere much healthier for you? Somewhere where the air is easier on your lungs.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit much to move all of us, just because of me.¡±


    ¡°It would only be you.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because according to father it¡¯s what¡¯s best for all of us. And in his words. You¡¯ve been too much of a burden.¡±


    The eyes of the male beside the king narrow to slits. It¡¯s the first expression I¡¯ve seen him make. Even the king and his wife look appalled that such a thing had been said. I¡¯ve not been touched but my skin burns as if I¡¯ve been slapped across the face. There¡¯s a part of me that can¡¯t comprehend what¡¯s going on. Confusion plays an endless game of tag with my thoughts.


    ¡°You said such a thing of a child you¡¯ve had for nearly her entire life? She¡¯s grown up around your children and yet you do not see her as one of your own.¡±


    ¡°They came before her. They are my priority, as much as I wish I could do more for her I cannot. Not at the risk of losing my own.¡±


    ¡°Then maybe you should have left her where you found her. If I am correct, you were warned that her condition was terminal.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t expected that she would live this long.¡±


    ¡°I think the decision should be left to her. After all it¡¯s her life. If I may, your best bet would be to not stay here. Especially at the risk of being uncomfortable. In your current state the stress would kill you in a matter of days.¡±


    ¡°Should¡¯ve left him in the castle. Although he makes a fair point. The tension from today isn¡¯t just going to go away and for your health it would be best to not stay here.¡±


    ¡°Where would I even go¡­as far as I know I¡¯m not eve from here.¡±


    ¡°Something has already been sorted out. The decision is up to you. I suggest you make up your mind before nightfall.¡±


    One by one they exit, excluding Arvise. Sad eyes bore into me, but I don¡¯t even want to look at him. His presence makes everything so much more painful. There¡¯s even a moment where he reaches out to grab my hand, but the simplicity of pulling it away says more than needs to be. His withdrawal steps fade behind the closed door. Not long after there¡¯s shouting. Considering everyone is shouting all at once at the top of their lungs, I can¡¯t make anything out. The open window pulls my attention back to it. Peace and quiet aren¡¯t far. With enough resolve I climb from the bed, walk to the window, and quietly climb out of it. My feet dangle briefly and then gently drop onto the sand. The path I walk takes me behind several little shops, through a dry patch of hilly grass, and out to the river. It¡¯s harder to breathe after maneuvering the hill, yet the view makes it so worthwhile. That and I can hear the gears in my brain slow down and process. Having been here since about four it never occurred to me that my presence was bothersome. Not after being here for so long.


    Wildflowers decorate the embankment, bluebells, daisies, tulips, lilacs, and even lavender. Parts of the river are shallow enough to walk through.clear water makes it possible to see all the fish that pass through the area to new destinations. A few cities over there¡¯s the ocean. It¡¯s the one place I¡¯ve wanted to visit, but there¡¯s never been a proper time. Frowning and with muddied feet, I step into the water. Silently wishing it would carry me away, or even drown me. Instead, I¡¯m pulled back by the collar of my top and dropped onto the ground. A horse huffing behind me. It gently nudges my shoulder with it¡¯s head, before lying beside me and resting its head in my lap. The sun dances on a black coat. One brown eye watches me intently. Everything beneath my fingers is soft, mane included. Somehow this animal takes away all my sadness away. That doesn¡¯t stop the flow from my eyes, the ache in my heart or even the urge to bury my face in its mane. It¡¯s not nightfall yet, but I¡¯m not ready to make a decision that could change my life forever.


    Subsiding emotions leave me coughing and struggling to breathe. Unable to even calm myself to stop the fit. Blood coats my hands as I move away from the gentle animal beside me. Soon enough it¡¯s all over my lap. Every bone in my body rattles like a child is shaking me for amusement. Throat and chest ache with a weight I¡¯ve never felt before. If screaming were possible id do that, but my eyes won¡¯t even remain open. Spinning, all at once, that¡¯s what it feels like it. The very bone meant to hold me in a sitting position can no longer withstand my weight. Finding myself lying in mud and flowers by running water. Oxygen is thinner no matter how hard I try. I won¡¯t survive at this rate. It¡¯s never been this bad. Why now? Am I finally dying?

 2

    The sun¡¯s almost down when the King and Queen finish their final visit. Iydric and his wife Umaeil do this as often as possible. They visit the people at least once every year. Some think it tedious, but it¡¯s rather the kindest gesture that they can provide for their citizens. Not only that, they enjoy doing this. It allows them to know their people better and make laws that help them. The two of them exit the small home their in both smiling with worry. Asking now would be problematic, so I quietly help them in to the carriage. Climbing on to Stryelle¡¯s back with ease afterwards. Hopefully the girl has made her decision. I can only have faith that she made the decision that¡¯s right for her. Despite what I think she¡¯s been with them long enough to not want to leave and may even choose to stay there. I follow along side the carriage. Stryelle¡¯s hooves kick up small bits of dust, something about the way she steps is off. As if she¡¯s aware of something being wrong. I gently run open fingers through her mane to calm her down and still she remains antsy. I frown slightly, confused about her behavior.


    ¡°You look bothered. Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, Stryelle is acting strange.¡±


    ¡°Do you want us to wait until she¡¯s calmed down?¡±


    ¡°No, my lord. Go ahead of me. I¡¯ll see if I can calm her down.¡±


    Both Iydric and Umaeil watch with worry as I pull on the reins to move my horse away from the main road and towards a small path leading to open field. Although she¡¯s never lashed out or even acted odd, I¡¯d much prefer she not do so in an area where there are innocent bystanders. At least in an open field she can run it out of her system. Her pace picks up as we enter the path. A small spell tells me she¡¯s anxious and panicked.


    ¡°Stryelle¡­¡±


    A river forms just beneath the hill she¡¯s decided to ascend and nearly throw me to the bottom of. I gain my composure after being tossed off of her back to get a closer look at the dark spot against the river¡¯s edge. Anger is not an emotion I carry. Yet what I¡¯m looking at spills hot lava into my veins, starts a fire in the pit of my stomach, and leaves my nerves stuck in a drought. Lying on the ground is Runia, her skin moonlit and nearly cold when I grab hold of her. Her pulse is so faint that a normal person would have buried her where she lay. Beside her a charcoal mare. Most animals do not approach me as this one has, trying to pry her from me.


    ¡°She¡¯ll die if I don¡¯t do something for her now. Is that what you want?¡±


    He huffs at me, continuing to pull her from me.


    ¡°She will die. Back off.¡±


    Ignoring the large black beast, I turn my attention to the girl in my lap. The first incantation I use draws the blood from her lungs. The second one I attempt to use backfires and instead my hand is left with a dark black and purple mark. Startled I look closer at it. A seal of some sort that I¡¯ve never seen before, it¡¯s color is the only thing telling me that the girl before me is indefinitely cursed. I turn my focus back to drawing the blood from her lungs, stopped by the same black spark whenever I try to speed up the process. The whole ordeal leaves me with multiple questions. The first being how an ordinary girl ended up cursed and for how long has she been so?


    Her shooting up after an hour gasping for air satisfies me. Watching her curiously I get to my feet.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky Stryelle likes you. You were near death when I arrived.¡±


    ¡°Th-thank you.¡±


    ¡°What on earth made you come out here? You¡¯re sick. Climbing hills is too much of a risk, with your body in such a condition.¡±


    ¡°I¡­I just wanted to be alone.¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s best you get back. C¡¯mon.¡±


    ¡°Do I have to go back?¡±


    Skittish, that¡¯s how she appears. As if she¡¯s done something she shouldn¡¯t have. It¡¯s enough to make anyone believe she had, however, with her illness, it¡¯s hard for her to do anything that would get her in trouble. Without bothering to answer her question, I hoist her over my shoulder and start back toward her home, where I can guarantee the King and Queen are. She doesn¡¯t try to fight me, but her silent complaint doesn¡¯t go unnoticed, neither does the Charcoal horse following me. He moves easily alongside Stryelle, ignoring her poignant indignation to him coming with us. The sun is entirely gone and the moon peeks from behind cotton clouds when we reach her home. There¡¯s loud arguing convincing her to squirm and fight to get free of me.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.¡°You mean to tell me None of you went to look for her?!¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t know she was. She¡¯s never done this before.¡±


    ¡°Did you think it wasn¡¯t possible for her to up and disappear? Did you think that considering the days events she¡¯d just stay where she was.¡±


    ¡°Iydric, my love, Kyre¡¯s found her.¡±


    The second the her feet touch the ground she tries to dart to which I simply grab her around the waist.


    ¡°Is she alright.¡±


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t have been if Stryelle hadn¡¯t been antsy and taken me to where she was. Her lings were filled with blood. Near death if you will.¡±


    ¡°Ru-¡±


    ¡°No! Just please, leave me alone.¡±


    Her body cripples from the coughing that ensues, leaving her limped over my arm. Two members of the family immediately panic, however the Queen stops them from approaching and comes to tend to her herself. Despite not having any children of her own she has a very motherly disposition that makes other queens stare oddly. Mainly as they dump their children on the hands of nannies and caretakers. Leaving them with out the proper maternal and paternal care needed for their development. It doesn¡¯t matter that the child is literally getting blood on her dress. As long as she¡¯s taken care of and being looked after is what¡¯s important.


    ¡°It is not my place to say so, but I think it¡¯s time she be removed from the home. At this point it is no longer a choice or decision. It is in the best interest of Runia. As a family the rest of you need to sort yourselves out. You¡¯re more than welcome to visit if the option is made available, but I think she needs actual space away from you.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t just take her.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not up for discussion at this point. You hadn¡¯t once checked on her in the time she asked you to let her be. She has a serious health condition. Who knows how long she¡¯s been out of the house. Kyre, if you could please gather some of her things. We¡¯ll be heading home¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t do this. She¡¯s our sister.¡±


    ¡°My decision is final. Besides, leaving her here would kill her. You can¡¯t even try to provide her with the right medical treatment and as Kyre pointed out earlier, her room is dust covered. No one takes the time to make sure her oxygen is dust free.¡±


    Assisting the Queen and Runia in the carriage is my first priority. After which I move quietly into the home, the two healthy children following close behind trying to stop me. As a spell-caster I can easily move them away from me. However, it¡¯s of no point as the moment I enter the room I cast a simple gathering spell on what little items the girl has. Disconcerted at the fact that even the number of clothes she is in possession of is so minute.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t right.¡±


    ¡°The way she¡¯s been living these past few years isn¡¯t right. If you truly care for your sister, you¡¯ll let her go where she can receive proper care and treatment. It¡¯s only fair.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s been here since she was three and look how well she¡¯s done.¡±


    ¡°And her health has neither improved nor worsened. There¡¯s more behind her illness than this. She needs proper treatment. She won¡¯t receive the necessary care if she stays here.¡±


    ¡°But she won¡¯t be happy. She needs us.¡±


    ¡°Or do you need her?¡±


    The room silences and I manage to secure her items in a cube for the time being. Their faces harden as they try to stop me from leaving. With a simple gesture I note the window behind me as another means of leaving forcing them to step aside. I can see the pain, but I have my priorities. It¡¯s not my place to console them. They¡¯ll have to learn to cope on their own. Her health was never a priority from the looks of it. Why care now? Surely, they have a reason for keeping her this way. The matter will have to be looked into but it¡¯s not my job to do such.

 3

    There¡¯s a strangeness about being in such an unfamiliar place. Yet somehow, I¡¯m at peace. My new room has a view of the palace garden. Roses, lilies, sapphire daffodils, violent red orchids, and other various plants grow in abundance. A lot of them are plants that only magic users can recognize. Aside from the magnificent view, there¡¯s never a moment I¡¯m left worrying about anything. Myla, the servant assigned to me, always makes sure that my linens are changed daily, helps me pick from the large amount of clothes that had been pre-picked for me by the Queen herself and enchanted to keep from ruining by Kyre. He doesn¡¯t come around much, except to make some type of medicine and tea for me and to check the progress of my health. There¡¯s always a boy following closely behind him whose name I¡¯ve never gotten, but he too often is here when Kyre is, or to deliver something. Despite it all I feel even lonelier than I had when I was with my family. Much of that time is spent staring out at the garden as I don¡¯t have the courage to ask to go into it. My longing for it, however, is obvious to everyone who comes in.


    ¡°Staring at it won¡¯t teleport you there. Unless you have access to magic of course. Since we all know you don¡¯t I don¡¯t see why you don¡¯t go have a look around. It¡¯s healthier than being in here all day. You¡¯re not a prisoner here.¡±


    ¡°Kyre, will they ever come see me? My family?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve had ample time to do so. The fact that they haven¡¯t is stupid. They¡¯re not restricted from doing such.¡±


    ¡°Maybe they¡¯re busy.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know. My job is here. Making sure the castle doesn¡¯t fall apart and that you¡¯re healthy as can be. I can¡¯t speak on behalf of your family. But as I¡¯ve said, you¡¯re free to walk around and explore. Take Myla with you until you¡¯re familiar with the place. I¡¯m sure there¡¯s something here you¡¯ll find you like.¡±


    I stare at the male before me with curiosity. Unlike everyone else who comes in to see me he keeps it strictly professional and distant. Almost as if my being here is a slight inconvenience to him. Somehow knowing that these are quite possibly his true emotions I feel at ease, not as if I have to tiptoe around anyone to find out what¡¯s going on. Or better yet have it blow up in my face.


    ¡°Kyre, thank you¡­I know this is inconvenient for you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really not. My position just requires a lot more attention to detail than most realize. Keeping emotionally distant helps me. Magic itself requires focus, so I¡¯ve learned that way to maintain a semblance of anything to keep distant. It helps in most situations.¡±


    ¡°Can anyone learn magic?¡±


    ¡°Not really. I mean normally you would have to be born into it. Very few normal human beings are capable of containing such power. It¡¯s happened though that some manage to pull it off. Why?¡±


    My eyes wander back out to the garden. Even flowers die over time. All things die, but that doesn¡¯t stop them from living to their fullest. Why should I settle for dying quietly?


    ¡°Do you think it would be possible for me to learn magic?¡±


    ¡°In your current condition?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s possible, but again your condition isn¡¯t stable. There¡¯s no telling what it could do to your health. And it takes years to get approval.¡±


    ¡°Can you teach me?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Please? There¡¯s nothing else I¡¯ve really wanted before, but I¡¯ve always wanted to learn. Even if it''s just small magic. I don¡¯t want to die without doing at least something that I¡¯ve dreamt of. I understand if you say no.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just something I can say yes to. I¡¯ll think about it. For now, you should focus on becoming familiar with the castle. Don¡¯t hesitate to spend time with either the king or queen. Both are very fond of you. Don¡¯t just lie in bed. Part of being healthy includes getting around. Even if it¡¯s just for a little bit.¡±


    I nod quietly as he exits the room. For the time being I contemplate the idea of exploring the grounds. After all I have to be here for however long, I may as well look around. Slowly, I climb from the queen sized bed. The rest of the floor is tile except around the bed. Something about it being easier to clean dust out of the room. Despite the color being bright I do enjoy the feeling of walking across it with my bare feet. It¡¯s cool against my skin. My legs move gently towards the closet. I swing the door open carefully, eyeing the various outfits. Despite having decadent elegance I can tell the queen picked each article of clothing with scrutinizing detail.


    ¡°Miss Runia, is everything okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I just want to¡­go in the garden.¡±


    My own body tries to betray me. Knees weakening beneath me. Myla¡¯s swift to grab me around the waist as my coughing fit causes me to double over. She sits me on the edge of the bed and then rushes out. Not even a moment later she returns with a washcloth.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.¡°Master Kyre is fixing up your medicine, but I don¡¯t see why you can¡¯t wait for it in the garden. Plus that black mare has been looking for you. Anything, in particular, you want to wear?¡±


    ¡°N-not really. Just something comfortable and that won¡¯t stain.¡±


    ¡°You worry too much. All of your clothes and bedding have been protected against staining. Let¡¯s see if I can¡¯t find a really light dress for you.¡±


    Her fingers skim through the closet before settling on a pastel yellow gown. Watching her closely I notice that there aren¡¯t too many layers to it. All of my old clothes were either heavy fabric or layered to keep blood from soaking through. She sets the material beside me and goes to the dresser. A pair of underwear and bra are pulled from the top drawer. Once everything is laid out she helps me into the bathroom. Instinctively, I turn the hot water on at the sink. Myla hands me a small soap in the shape and scent of a rose along with the wash cloth. Thanks to her I¡¯ve learned not to scrub frantically. No, it¡¯s best to gently wash the blood off in a circular slow motion when it¡¯s dried to my skin. Since it hasn¡¯t stuck to my skin I just have to gently wipe it away and set the clothe aside with the other dirty laundry to be cleaned.


    ¡°Are there any snacks you¡¯d like for Tarris to make?¡±


    ¡°Nothing in particular. Whatever he makes will be fine.¡±


    ¡°Alright then, let¡¯s get you dressed and outside.¡±


    ¡°Ryveille, that potion shouldn¡¯t explode. Pay attention to what you¡¯re doing.¡±


    ¡°R-right. Master Kyre?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Would it be alright if I spent time with Miss Runia. I-I know she¡¯s sickly, but I¡¯m sure she gets lonely sitting in her room like that.¡±


    ¡°You already don¡¯t focus on what you¡¯re learning. Do you really need to distract yourself further?¡±


    ¡°But I wouldn¡¯t be distracted.¡±


    ¡°The answer is no, Ryveille. Focus on your studies.¡±


    ¡°Please?¡±


    ¡°I said no! Don¡¯t destroy the room while I¡¯m out.¡±


    I don¡¯t so much as glance at him as I exit the study, but that doesn¡¯t stop me from hearing him grumble. For someone stuck as my apprentice and not doing well he¡¯s bold. I should have dropped him a long time ago. It¡¯s a miracle he even has the capability to use any type of magic. Instead of saying anything to him I put a spell on the entryway to prevent him from leaving unless he absolutely needs to. With that done I go straight to the kitchen to check on a specific herb I¡¯ve been growing. An herb most useful for the medicinal tea I make for Runia. Tarris is already running the oven, flames dancing over charcoal wood. The smile on his face tells me that whatever he¡¯s making is for the new princess. Since her arrival, he¡¯s been enjoying himself. Shaking my head I go over to check on the herb.


    ¡°Myla told me to let you know Runia will be out in the garden for the day. Also, she wanted to know if you could let the mare out. The black one.¡±


    ¡°Obviously, I doubt they¡¯d want my horse or any other. As soon as I¡¯m done here I¡¯ll let him out. I need to make her medicine and take it out. Anything else?¡±


    ¡°Not that I¡¯m aware of. The king and queen should be back soon. They went to retrieve a couple of guests.¡±


    ¡°I told them not to worry about getting them. Runia isn¡¯t even ready for guests yet. Nothing I can do about it now.¡±


    Grabbing what I need from the herb I head back to the study where thankfully Ryveille hasn¡¯t destroyed the place. I remove the spell gaining his attention.


    ¡°Come with me.¡±


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°No, c¡¯mon.¡±


    He moves slowly at first until I roll my eyes. The stone tile echoes as we maneuver through a string of halls and out to the stables. With a flick of my wrist the stable door for the dark mare opens. Cautiously, he steps out, dark eyes settling on me and then the entry behind me. Smirking, I exit out and start for the garden. There¡¯s no need to look back to see if the beast follows. Its hooves tap against the stone pathway. A pathway with not a single crack in it. A reminder amongst the natural wildlife that humans exist. Ryveille looks around with curiosity. Mainly because I never let him out here for anything. It doesn¡¯t take long for me to find Myla and Runia. Instead of under the gazebo, they¡¯re sat amongst some daisies.


    ¡°Seems the two of you are enjoying yourselves.¡±


    ¡°Miss Runia rather likes the garden.¡±


    ¡°Good to hear. She¡¯ll have to be changed. The king and queen are having guests. I¡¯ll leave Ryveille to assist you. Please don¡¯t leave her on her own for any reason.¡±


    ¡°Of course. Her medicine?¡±


    ¡°I have it.¡±


    Amethyst eyes dart over to me.


    ¡°I refuse.¡±


    ¡°It was your idea. You¡¯re taking the medication. If you¡¯d let me give it to you as tea, you¡¯d be fine.¡±


    I ignore her agitated face as I tie the herbs together.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to win this. Either you do this willingly or I can make you. Mage¡¯s can be spiteful.¡±