In retrospect, everyone in this world is born with mana in their bodies. Typically it's based on their heritage for how much mana a baby contains when born, but steps can be taken to build it. In Rekha, wielding mana is not mandatory, but it's heavily suggested that everyone have an understanding of the flow of mana and at least learn defensive techniques. Mana is also what has aided in all of the technological advancements here.

The royal family in Rekha is expected to build their mana to a high degree. That's not just because they're the authoritative figure here, but also because it's part of their duty to help protect all of Rekha. Luckily, it's not in their nature to depose those who have inefficient mana. Instead, they allocate them to more mundane jobs within the royal family before they're married into other respectable families.

Mages are on par with the royal family for the amount of mana they can build. They're the only beings allowed to have just as much, if not more, mana than the royals. They also typically work with regulars like engineers or doctors to advance technology and medicine. Even so, mages stay out of the limelight and keep hidden to shadows. They work behind the scenes rather than in front.But from what I've been told, it's also their job to help in times of war by wielding their magic on the battlefield. It's a very intricate web of command.

As for regular citizens, it's broken down before those in the military, those who are considered first responders, and those who live normal lives. It's expected that the imperial guard have a certain amount of mana and under them are the non-elite guards. Next are those such as doctors, police, etc. who are also expected to hold a certain amount of mana, but not as much as military personnel. Then normal citizens are those who aren't required to have as much mana, but who should still be able to understand it.

Long story short, Rekha is a place which is focused on magic and filled to the brim with it.

"Rekha has been low in criminal activity for a long time because of how we hold everyone accountable to learning certain spells for protection," Lussios says just as we pass over a cobblestone bridge that overlooks a sparkling river. "Even just one defensive spell is enough. That's why all little tots learn to build a small amount of mana before they become the age where they go to school."

Unlike Torbum, I like that Rekha is a bit more lax with their sense of patriarchy. To anyone's eyes, they would be able to spot the differences. Women here seem free, like they matter more for their thoughts than if they'll be able to bear a child. Couples walked together, even with some women leading rather than a man being the one to take the first steps.

While Torbum is still fixated on a man being the protector, Rekha has made it a priority that everyone be able to defend themselves. After Lussios' explanation, I've developed a deep appreciation for how their magic system works. Maybe I'm reaching here, but I think that if Torbum ever became averse to mana, women would be banned from it.

"Is it possible that even this little guy has mana?" I ask, glancing down at the child in my lap. If carseats exist in this world, unfortunately this vehicle came without one.

Lussios reaches over and rubs the baby's red head. "Yes, absolutely, and he'll be able to take all the time he wants to hone the art of magic. Only if he wants."

My pulse quickens and any thoughts I have seize. As our eyes meet, my heart races and my breath catches in my throat as I try to find the right words to say. So far, this man has only met my expectations time and time again, proving that he's one of a kind. He's more loving of this child than his own father which never stops to blow my mind.

The rest of our car ride is filled with comfortable silence. My gaze is directed out of the window as we roll past various shops: jewelry shops, clothing shops, antique shops, butcher shops. With a limited vision, I can still make out the smiling faces of patrons and the flurry of excited limbs as they move around each store.

A red pomegranate tree comes into view before a line of them pops ups. The greenery livens up the atmosphere even more, brightening the already happy environment. As we exit the city, more plants pop up with the addition of wildlife.

Despite the desert-like environment, the forestry is thriving as each tree in sight has vibrant green leaves. I can see the difference of four types of timber spread out in an uncoordinated pattern. Through the strands of branches, leaves, and hanging fruit, small critters climb the trunks and jump from tree to tree.

"What type of fruit is that?" I ask, my eyes glued to the red ones that look like pomegranates.

Lussios leans over me, eclipsing my whole body with his as he looks out the window. "Those are a fruit called Laranvenjo. When you cut it open, the inside is a vibrant orange color with many seeds, but by itself it's very poisonous. But once cooked, the flavor is immaculate and it makes for a beautiful garnish. Rekha has many fruits you would have never seen in Torbum. I'm excited for you to try them and any other delicacies we have here."

"I never got out much while in Torbum." My voice comes out quietly, a whisper that mixes with the drum of the car engine.

Chrysanthy was a pitiful woman who was controlled her whole life. Her family disliked her enough to belittle and ignore her. The one thing she enjoyed, school, was taken from her so she could get married to a man who only cheated on her. Further, he treated her like utter shit. Rightfully so, she was always locked up in whatever room she had. I mean, she had no friends to speak of so who would she go out with. The memories I have show only sad and lonely bedrooms.

The car grows silent once again, a heaviness settling in after my words. The further we get from the city, the more rural it becomes. The harsh sunlight settles down, softening as the sky visibly changes. The clear and cloudless atmosphere shifts into one where the puffs of white blend with the blue. Rumbling rocks become rolling hills covered in green that go on for miles and miles. The biosphere has completely changed in just a matter of minutes from desert to lush lands.

We turn down a road and trees sprout up and green becomes the only color I see. The drive lasts for another five minutes before the landscape opens up. The trees scatter out now before eventually being scarce. Replacing them are droves of colorful flowers that brighten the atmosphere of this road. Then another several minutes pass.

"I'm beginning to think you live outside," I tease, my head rolling over to look at the beautiful man next to me. "I think we've driven for an hour now."

The sound that comes from him is deep and throaty, quickening my heartbeat. "It's for the safety of us all. But we'll be coming up to the building soon, don't worry."

The child in my lap has fallen asleep. His tiny chest moves with each breath he takes. I hope he wakes up soon so we can experience these sights together, though we'll have a lifetime to do so.

A large gate appears before us where two men stand blocking it. Their trousers are navy colored with gold braiding on both legs. The jacket is red and decorated with the same gold braiding going in lines across the chest and hooked on brass buttons. They appear stiff, staring straight ahead, but ready for any action. In a way, they remind me of royal guards for the British royal family.

On either side of the gate there are tall concrete pillars every twelfth bar in the metal parts of the fence. Those are just as tall as the pillars and end in a pointy spike at the top, halting anyone who somehow makes it over. Though I can't imagine how anyone would be able to climb a thin pole.

The guards step again, each grabbing part of the gate and pulling it open. The diver nods before continuing forwards. There's another long road, but I can at least see the end of this one. And with the end comes a fortress of a palace.

The first landscape decoration that catches my eye is a large circular fountain. In this blazing heat, the water coming from it appears sparkling and almost refreshing. Around the fountain are hedges which also outline the road which opens into a looping driveway and pulls right up to stairs. The driver stops the vehicle and a flurry of people come from the castle. Their white uniforms are spotless, if that's even possible. If they had been cleaning recently, I can see no sides past the well done hair and clothing pressed to perfection.

The driver opens Lussios' door first. Without thinking, I reach for mine next only to find it locked. Before I know it, a new face is opening my door next and holding a hand out to help me from the vehicle. Looking down at the sleeping child, uncomfortableness rolls down my spine. Figurative claws form from my hands as the unknown person tries to grab the child from me.

"No, thank you," I mumble as I shimmy to the edge of the seat and push myself up. In my peripheral vision, I see Lussios talking to someone before he comes running over to me. "Thanks for the help."

He winces before smiling down at me and pressing a hand to the small of my back. "I apologize, there's a lot I needed to catch the staff up on. Let's go, we had a very long trip so I'm sure you want to sleep a bit. This little guy seems to be done for the next few hours." Lussios reaches down and brushes a finger against the child's cheek. "Any name possibilities?"

Before we begin our walk up the stairs, Lussios takes the baby from me. The child squirms a bit before his eyes pop open. I don't know if they have superstition here, but I'd say he just wrightfully jinxed us.

Patting Lussios' arm, I begin walking up the stairs. By the time we reach the top, my chest feels constricted, my legs hurt, and my pulse is racing. I need to take a moment to catch my breath. After so long of being confused to a swaying machine that just drifts through water with nowhere to go, my stamina has taken a huge drop.

"Even while sweating and panting, you're still very beautiful."

"Ha. Ha. I would love to see you bare a child with no type of medication then hop onto a boat for a couple of months and we'll see how you fare." Looking at his physique, I'd say it would take a lot more than that to ruin his perfect body.

Lussios laughs before he leads me in. The child in his arms lets out a little giggle as well, happy to see those around him bearing smiles.

Two people run up past up and pull open the large french doors. The reveal feels like a slow motion movie as they open to the center of a palace even bigger than the one in Torbum. Warm colors meet my eyes; brown picture frames, muted orange walls because of the cement, cream-colored vases that hold big leafed plants that look like birds of paradise.

"I would love to show you to your room, Chrys."

The nickname started around two weeks ago. Ever since, it has caused a fluttering in my stomach that I've never felt before.

"That sounds good. Then you can tell me exactly who you are."

*Have the last few chapters been better? Please let me know! I feel like something good is finally happening.*