SÓLMÁNUÐUR DAY OF TYR

Thunder rumbled outside and the heavy shower had not ceased since the moment I woke up. It was not that long the last time it rained. The Sun Month had begun and many were expecting a drought during this season but there had been a downpour since early morning.

The unpleasant weather made the sky darker with each passing minute which matched Cindra's obscurity after I narrated the events last night.

"That sick bastard should rot in hell," she seethed. "I thought my disappointment in him will not stoop low anymore but he managed to get lower with his atrocious acts. Maybe even the devil himself will not accept him in hell. Just how---"

"By the by, how is Sullien, Cindra?" I inserted before she had a sequence of grievances.

"He is slowly getting well but he was not able to awaken in the meantime."

"Is it bad?" My voice hid a slight tremble after what she said. Sullien and I didn't meet that often but when we did, he was extremely helpful to me. I cleared my throat, easing myself to ignore the guilt crawling to my heart.

"No. It is quite normal when he exhausts his powers. My son belonged to one of the special Amicas, along with Reichen, where their abilities are considered both limited and restricted. Though not as rare as you with two magic, and, to top it off you both have limited and restricted. For them, it is a combination where magic affects themselves and their surroundings but they can get drained faster than an average Amica."

I refilled her cup as she explained while I pondered over the new information.

"Does that mean they don't need to awaken to use their magic unlike all the restricted types are?"

"No. They had to awaken maximize the potential of their magic and could leave lasting effects like the restricted type by using a medium but they also enjoy the benefits of limited types where they can use an ability without awakening. The main difference for them is the application of magic. Let's say, I can do portals for me and others but I could never go to another place without a door while Sullien can move his body in space and can also move objects and people along with him."

My head inclined. "You said Reichen is the same but I only saw him controlling his weapons and puppets, what is his limit ability then?"

"You can ask the man yourself," replied Cindra, her eyes directing behind me.

I turned and saw Reichen exiting his room. Seriously. He had the lightest steps I had known.

"Good morning," I greeted.

"Morning. Sorry, I slept late and didn't notice the time. Have you eaten?"

"It's fine. I prepared breakfast and left some tea for you."

He tousled his black hair that curled up from the humid weather. "Thanks. I'll cook lunch later. Did Night come back?"

"Yes. He's asleep," I answered and frowned when he casually walked to the dining area. "Aren't you going to greet Cindra?"

"She's a house guest that had been coming unsolicited several times so why bother doing a formal greeting for her at this point?" he countered.

I bit back a sigh. He just woke up but he was already on his quest to irk Cindra. I glanced back at Cindra who didn't retaliate and was looking weirdly at us instead.

"Cindra?"

She cleared her throat. "As I was saying you can ask that brat."

"Ask me what?"

"How does your magic affects yourself?" I questioned, full of curiosity. I was always interested to learn about others' magic.

"Like this."

He was gliding the floor with ease. He was floating inches from the ground as he reached us.

"You can fly?"

"The proper term would be 'levitate'. I can control my body to ascend but I could not pass more than a two-story building, similar to Sullien who could not transport after two levels," he elucidated.

"If you have noticed, even with our senses, we could not easily detect him. Hiding the presence could be learned but he had an advantage since he thought himself how to walk midair but doesn't appear like so. He always has the most peculiar ideas," enlightened Cindra.

"That is enough demonstration. What brought you here, Cindra?" Reichen probed.

"Oh, that's right. Since you have confirmed that the orphanage was not involved, I'll put them under the Pheles' sponsorship. And also..." Cindra put two invitations on the table. "Willow invited you two to her birthday celebration this evening."

"I can't come," we both answered simultaneously.

"I have no expectation with Reichen since he'll never leave this place if he had a choice but, dear, you have no excuse. You are out of the palace so you should enjoy yourself more."

"I am enjoying it but I cannot go. Yves and Willow are betrothed so Father will probably be there."

"You can put on a disguise. You've been doing missions a lot lately. It doesn't mean that you're out of the palace, you're not a lady anymore. You are of royal blood and you should revel in this kind of event like your mother hoped."

Cindra truly knew how to persuade me. If she mentioned Mother, there was no way I could say no.

"Nonetheless, there was no one I can disguise with," I negated.

I had not been in physical contact with anyone besides them. I had several people in mind but they were nobles and might attend, there were some commoners too but it was not an option since it was a royal ball and only those in the high society could come.

"Don't worry. I got it all covered." She squinted back at Reichen. "Since you won't be coming, I'll be taking her to our mansion."

"If that's what she wants. You can go ahead," Reichen gave his consent.

I nodded and Cindra got up from her seat.

"Here." She handed me a bronze key. "It'll lead you to the drawing-room. I'll be waiting there."

Cindra proceeded to the door and left first since she was the only one who could pass into her portal while I needed the key to access it.

I turned to Reichen. "Are you truly not going?"

"It's the only time we have been apart since you came here. Don't tell me you're gonna miss me, Ace?"

"Of course not!" I defied his statement with strong indignations.

Goddamnit! Why could he not talk properly without saying embarrassing comments?

"I'm jesting, Ace. It's always fun to tease you when you have such a short fuse."

That's only because it was him. If it was anyone else, I could be as patient as a saint. But he was different. 

Reichen was a stone that always sent ripples in my tranquility, unlike Father who was like a storm that caused waves to crash into my soul. I would always welcome an unexpected ripple than a brewing storm. However, a bounded lake would never have an option but wait for its fate.

"You're out of it again. What are you thinking about looking like that?" His voice snapped me out of my trance as his fingers pressed the middle of my brows, softening them from the wrinkles that formed.

"Looking what?"

"Like you have given up on something. Are you worrying about King Enmir? He might know your magic but he'll not recognize which one you are in the crowd."

"You're overthinking. I was not thinking about him," I lied.

"If that's what you want me to believe then be it. Anyhow, there might be nobles in Deliora that were invited and I might be recognized so I have to pass."

"Then, I'll see you in the evening. Please tell Night but don't fight with him too much, understand? I don't want to come back to a ruined house," I stated after I inserted the key.

His only response was a chuckle before pushing me towards the door.

***

The rainfall had never stopped till the evening. The party had commenced and I was trailing behind Cindra as we waited for Willow's entrance.

Cindra's niece-in-law, Lady Pheles, had left to visit another kingdom so I took her form. She was popular among the ladies because of her adventurous streak and clever personality but those same traits were not appealing to men in their circles.

They preferred women who acted docile and affable or those who had tantalizing beauty and unmatched appearance like my sister who was crowded with men.

Goodness. Erodessas's engagement had been widespread and she dared to be with other men without her fiancée and was even surrounded by them. In spite of that, no one dared to lecture a royal from Ezriel.

I pranced around. Normally, Lian would be by her side but I could not find her no matter how many times I roamed the hall.

Not a second after, the chandeliers dimmed and the light focused on the entrance. The royal family stood on the landing of the staircase and descended on the burgundy carpeted floor that was their national color. Every time they passed the knights on the side, a flag was raised with their family crest of roses and a quill that had the humble statement of their dogma embroidered, 'For the people, by the people'.

Willow and her parents received the nobles and royal visitors in accordance. They reached our position and we automatically bowed.

"Greetings, your highnesses. We wish the princess an everlasting blessing from the Goddess," greeted Cindra and I repeated her speech.

"Thank you, Duchess Pheles and Lady Pheles. I am grateful for your blessing," replied Willow and proceeded to the other nobles.

While Willow was doing her errand as the celebrant, people began to bask in the festivities. The royal musicians accommodated the dancing enthusiasts while for people like me who loved to eat than socialize, I simply stood there at the buffet table since Cindra left to meet her acquaintances.

I was told to relish the party but I could not see fondness in this kind of event. I was not on a mission and was not implored to socialize so it was better to stay put.

"Alliandra," somebody called Lady Pheles's name.

I wheeled to see Willow.

"Gracious! You surely look like her. I'm so glad you were able to come. Cindra told me and I'm so happy to have you here," said Willow as she grabbed my hands in excitement.

"Happy birthday, Willow," I wished her well again and gave her hands a small squeeze. "Anyway, I have not seen Yves. Shouldn't he be here as your partner? It's almost time for your first dance but why is he not showing up."

With that said, Willow avoided her eyes as she erupted with a bunch of 'ums' and could not answer.

"What happened? I thought you were starting getting along that you don't even attend the previous meetings."

"Um. He's busy and he already told me he could not come."

I was starting to be skeptical since only Erodessa was here. Even Father had not visited. He seldom appeared in events but for Yves to not come at his betrothed's party was unusual. I was not sure about his feelings but Yves was a person who did his duties perfectly.

"Anyway, did you know that..."

***

Willow succeeded in evading the topic as she filled me with her enthusiastic gossip but I was distracted after seeing the newly entered guest.

"Oh, you must feel awkward with King Freed here. You know I could not do anything with the invitation. Nevertheless, it's rare he brought his trusted knight. You heard it, right? Many were speculating that they were related and how Knight Reid looked more like a royal than King Freed."

That was my presumption as well before Reichen unveiled the truth. He had mentioned only a few were aware of the pupas so anyone would think it was preposterous thought for the king and his loyal knight to be one, even for someone who knew magic.

In this world, no one would give up their power as a noble,  much more a royal, to be a mere knight and lower themselves to others. A fact I had witnessed time and time again. The one with the higher authority would always have the last laugh.

***

The time passed as I accompanied Willow throughout the party as she mesmerized her guests with her lively chat which I was also doing the same as I had to converse with all the ladies who were approaching us.

"You've been staring at Knight Reid for some time now," Willow noted when it was the two of us again.

"I'm not," I denied but my eyes still traveled towards him.

King Freed had gone somewhere and Reid was the only one left in the ball. He stood in the sides, away from everyone's view but my sight had been unconsciously fixed to where he was. Wait.

I counted my breaths as my eyes widened from the realization. I didn't know when it started but when Reichen was within proximity I was always painfully aware of his presence especially when he had no intention to hide it. I must have been so accustomed to him beside me which was not a great idea.

I had not forgotten my goal. After this was over, I would find myself a decent cottage in Solaris and live by myself to forget all this craziness and start a new life.

"Don't tell me you like Knight Reid that was why you refused King Freed?" Willow prodded as her brows scrunched together. "I even thought Reichen was a great love rival despite his unknown identity. Ah. How I pity Xenon."

"What about him?" It was a random mention of Xenon who I hadn't heard for a while.

I did not have to worry about him that much because, for all I knew, Father favored him. Maybe even more than his children seeing how useful Xenon was to him. Xenon was punished the last time but if it was another knight, they would have lost their head.

"Goodness gracious. How can you be so dense? Xenon clearly likes you. No man will be that protective of you just because of his duty."

"That's nonsense, Willow," I rejected the idea.

Xenon and I understand each other on levels that were different from others. The prospect had come to mind but I did not entertain that thought. We were better off as friends. We were both damaged souls that could not repair each other. Two broken people could never patch their wounds together without opening another one.

***

After a while, I excused myself and headed off to the balcony. I had to pretend as Lady Pheles which meant I had to be rowdy in front of them but this kind of act exhausted me. My social skills were not on par with most ladies here that was why I always requested those who were considered as wallflowers or those who did not talk much when I masqueraded as a noble lady.

The rain had eventually died down and the balustrades were sprinkled with dots of water as I rested my back on it, watching the moonless sky ahead and surrounding myself with peace.

However, it did not last long when a screech erupted in the silence. The balcony was far away and muted the music but the scream of surprise was close.

I went nearer to the balcony door to hear the commotion. I tried to sense the people behind the door and there were six people in proximity. Although, the other two were from a different locations.

"How dare you stain my dress!" I could not mistake the voice of Erodessa.

"I-I beg your mercy, your highness!" a woman pleaded.

"Cut your own hands if you truly are sorry."

"P-p-princess..."

"It was an accident, Erodessa. You can leave now."

I tried to remember who the male one was and Prince Asher came to mind.

"No, she won't! Why are you defending that maidservant than your fiancée?" Erodessa's voice rose even higher.

"Of course not but you are being unreasonable again."

"Hah! Me? Unreasonable? Whose fault do you think all of this was? You came late and you are even speaking up for a mere bitch!"

"Fine. I apologize. You already sprained your ankle and the maidservant only came to help. Have a seat for now. You won't relieve the pain if you remained standing."

"That was herbal water and I reek now. Do you think I could return to the hall?"

I listened intently as freezing air seeped into my skin due to my shoulders that were exposed from the tightfitting bodice. How I wanted to put the blossomed skirt all over me to minimize the coldness.

My body shivered but I was pulled in an embrace. My whole body froze as I was wrapped in an embrace.

I didn't even notice anything! I twisted to see who dared but he instantly covered my mouth.

"Shh," Reichen, who was using Reid's body, shushed.

I pulled his hand from me but he made me lean closer as he draped his arms on my shoulders causing no gaps between us. It didn't offer any slightness of warmth which might be the only indication that it was a puppet but for some weird reason, a tingle of comfort made way in my heart. Much weirder was the fact that I let him do what he wanted as we eavesdropped when the first thing I should do was push him off with the nonexistent distance between us. It would lead to a great misunderstanding if someone saw us like this.

"Then we'll go home," proposed Prince Asher.

"I don't want to. You arrived when the party's almost over and you wanted to go back when you're not even here for half an hour!"

"Please don't be stubborn and sit down, Erodessa."

"I won't until she is punished. I want her hands cut off."

I winced. Erodessa never changed. I could never imagine what it felt like to have a curse killing her every single night but it should never be an excuse for her behavior. 

A long hush passed between them before Prince Asher spoke. "Alright. Take the woman out of here. She will have her penalty later. Come and sit here, Erodessa."

I could not almost recognize Prince Asher on how he was so compliant to Erodessa's caprices from the shrewd character he had when he visited Ezriel. But, what surprised me more was the genuine concern intertwined as he talked.

Regardless, the main point was the decision they had made. I was about to step out but Reichen prevented me.

"Have you calmed down now? I'll take you back." I still could not believe the soft tone of Prince Asher's voice.

There was no response but their footfalls gradually disappeared.

"Why did you stop me? That maid's hands would be cut off for a paltry reason."

"Don't worry. Asher will let her go. He's not the type to be irrational."

"How sure are you?"

"Asher had been firing a lot of servants these days due to Princess Erodessa. They were all bound for punishment for having offended her but he let them go secretly."

It appeared like I had mistaken his character. At least Prince Asher knew how to take care of Erodessa's temper.

"I thought you can't come," I shifted the subject.

"As Reichen, yes, but as Reid or Freed I could."

"But nobles were the only ones who could attend. Why did you even bring two of your puppets?"

"Reid's identity is from a baron house. As I've said he is convenient since if I use Freed, I'm sure we'll garner a lot of unwanted attention," he explained.

"You should have told me at least."

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, right? Besides  I thought you would have guessed it. You know I can't leave you unaided. You might make another fall for you and leave me hanging."

Seriously, he even had the time to flirt. To top that, it was always during the most spontaneous moments but even before I could retort his body plummeted to the floor.

"What are you up to now?"

I tapped his cheek but he remained motionless.

"Reid?"

Maybe because he was a puppet but there were no signs of life on his face and that worried me.

"Wake up, you bastard. This is not the mood to be playing tricks."

"We need to go."

A man arrived out of nowhere. He was moving with a speed that he had Reid's body over his shoulders in a matter of seconds.

"Who are you and what are you doing?" My senses spiked up, hindering his path.

I was face to face with him and to my utter surprise, I was met with winter blue eyes.

Yves? No. He looked similar but he appeared more mature and his eyes were rounder and more defined.

"I'll answer you later, Princess. First, we need to leave."

I could not pinpoint the voice. It sounded like a regular one and I could not differentiate it. That was when I realized something as I noticed the tendrils of hair that framed my face. 

It was the color of gold when I arrived here but it had become a combination of red and orange. I quickly touched my face. I remembered that Lady Pheles had a crooked nose due to a minor accident but mine was perfectly fine. 

I was back in my original appearance.

"How can this be? I did not dispel yet," I muttered absently.

"The Goddess is weakening and so are the Amicas. You need to escape now," the man informed.

He walked ahead and I had no choice but to follow. Reid was a puppet but it was important to Reichen. I could not leave it to an unknown stranger.

We hurried into the hallways. The man strode like he memorized the whole palace. It was darker in these areas where the only light source was the wall lamps so we had remained unnoticed. If someone saw us with an unconscious man, I could only imagine the rumors that were bound to happen.

In any case, if not for him, I would have been in a separate scandal if I asked for help and people knew I was alone with a knight and the worse was my disguise wore off.

We turned to a corridor with a full-size mirror decorating the wall. My feet came to an abrupt stop as my lips parted at my reflection. It was dark and the fog had entered the empty path from the weather but I was not blind.

I drew nearer and I saw a likeness that I hadn't seen for so long. It felt like decades when it was just several years since the last time I saw forest green irises staring back at me.

I stood there, shell-shocked, looking like a stranger without my violet eyes until another pair of green orbs emerged from behind. One that had loath embedded whenever she saw me. I did not even sense her, which truly meant I lost my magic just like the time at Tetrae Lands.

"You. I thought I was incorrect but I know it is you, monster," Erodossa's voice echoed but I refused to turn back.

I thought she left already since she sprained her ankle but she was doing fine chasing after me as I ignored her.

"You monster! How dare you run away! This is all your fault! Everything is your fault! Y---"

"Enough." The man who walked ahead of me returned to face Erodessa.

"You..." Erodessa's voice faded and I spun towards them but her attention was focused on the man. "How..."

"Let's go," said the man and grabbed my hand. Erdoessa became immobile while I was wholly confused by her reaction.

***

A carriage bearing the insignia of the Dukedom of Pheles awaited us. We used a portal earlier so I did not expect to see one.

"Thank goodness, you found them!" exclaimed Cindra when the door opened.

The man dropped Reid's body on the opposite side as I sat beside Cindra. The violet tint in her eyes had been gone and was replaced by the hues of an azure blue.

"What is happening, Cindra? Why did our eyes return like this?"

"We lose the color when our magic is weakened. That only means something severe happened to Lady Mhilrim. Everything should be stopped before it's too late. If something untoward had come upon her, we don't have any more means to fight back." It was the man who answered when he refused to even talk to me when we were alone earlier.

"I know but you should go with us," said Cindra.

"I can't. She had seen me and I have to explain everything. She is the only way I can meet him. Aside from Lady Mhilrim, we must also prioritize Princess Carline's safety at the moment."

"I understand. You need to return safely,"

"Yes."

He was scanning his eyes on me before reaching out and patting my head which reminded me of a familiar gesture.

"Take care and don't worry too much," he uttered before he disappeared to the night.

The servant closed the door but I was still staring in the same direction.

"Who was he, Cindra?"

There was no reply but a conclusion had formed in my mind.

How can that be? Even I found it incredulous just thinking about the identity of that person. There was no way he was alive but if he was, then, why would he appear now?

***

Note: Hello cutiefries! Do you have any guesses? I'm sure you do since it's plenty obvious xD