PALACE - AERYS

Night had fallen, I wandered with Aidan in the long corridors of the palace. I made a small flame appear in the palm of my hand to help us find our way in the darkness. My power was quite useful whether in combat situations or in everyday life. Every inhabitant of the Kingdom of Aerys possess a magical gift when they turned eighteen. I was now a young woman of twenty, I had only had two short years to adapt to this power that was within me. Fire, as destructive as it is fascinating. When I was little, in the family home, I would sometimes sit cross-legged in front of the fireplace, gazing with interest at the dancing flames. I was like bewitched. I am convinced that it was not trivial if my power was linked to fire. 

No living person truly knew the origins of this magical ability that lay dormant within us before awakening at the required age. I will always remember being amazed when I made a spark fly from my hands. The awakening of this power was a new beginning for me, I finally felt lie I had become someone. It was possibly in this state of mind that I committed myself to serve the King as well as the Kingdom in which I have lived for so many years. What's better than working in the palace ? A lot of citizens only dream of one thing : to be closest to Power with a capital P. And who other than the King ans the royal family has the most power in this Kingdom, apart from the people who want seize the crown obviously ? No one. 

My attention was drawn to the huge portraits that were hung on all the walls around us. I felt like I was being watched by the paintings depicting members of the royal family for several generations. I turned my head to the side observing the impressive windows which looked out over the royal garden. The almost divine light of the moon which entered the confines of the room ans bathed the surroundings with its soft spark. I had the illusion of being in a dream. 

I looked around me carefully. I remained on the lookout for the slightest suspicious noise easily perceptible to our ears at such a late hour. The only sound I could make out was the sound of our boots against the polished, shiny parquet floor. 

I noticed that there was not a single trace of dust, the maintenance was done with great attention. I walked alongside Aidan, withdrawn into himself, as usual. He was probably trying to appear diligent in his work with the intention of not being reprimanded by our superior once our detailed report concerning our patrol had been given to him. Aidan broke the silence and I immediately came out of my introspection on the decorative choices of the palace. 

"Nothing. Nothing happens in this palace. I'm bored to death. Plus we are on surveillance at night, it's the worst time. We've been spending hours up and down those damn corridors of this palace. I'm starting to believe that they all look the same. It's a real made, you could almost get lost in it," Aidan complained. 

"Calm down a little, Aidan. Are you going to complain for much longer ? Stay focused on your mission as a royal guard or the Captain might yell at you." 

At my words, the young man grimaced, he was undoubtedly visualizing the scene and the possibility of what could happen to him petrified him. 

I observed him carefully while I illuminated him with the flame that I had created in order to better be able to contemplate his face in more detail, I took note of his stature. He towered over me by just a few centimeters. I was convinced that he must have been bullied give his build. His mid-length light brown hair with copper highlights fell over his emerald green eyes. He felt my heavy gaze that I gave him and he fixed his eyes on me in return, he looked at me from head to toe with a smirk. 

"Do you really think you're discreet ? Are you watching me ? I hope you enjoy the view. I must admit that you look pretty good yourself. I mean looking at you doesn't hurt my eyes," the young man sneered. 

"I thought you wouldn't notice me staring at you to be honest. I was wrong. Why would I be watching you ? Be careful, I fell like your ankles are swelling, I wouldn't want you to get hurt," I replied, pointing at his feet. "Stop complimenting me, it sounds weird coming from you since I can never take you seriously." 

"Spot on, Kiara. I might end up believing that your power is not bending fire but rather being able to read the minds of others." 

"I am quite satisfied with my power even if it is one of the most widespread power in the Kingdom. I would be too afraid to be able to read a person's mind, my opinion is that what we think should remain private." 

"I disagree with you. I would really like to know and be able to have knowledge of the thoughts of the people around me as well as their little secrets. We all have one, even you." Adrian said, pointing at me. 

"So, are you that interested in my beliefs ? You're a little bit curious. Luckily it's not your power either. No one would have privacy otherwise." I sighed dramatically. 

"I am outraged." 

I chuckled at his response. Aidan was definitely a case, but I could never get bored in his company. I knew that I should instead focus on our current mission but I recognized that the night was long after so many hours spent touring the palace. It was then that I grabbed my teammate's arm with my free hand forcing him to stop abruptly, he gave me an inquisitive look silently asking me to explain myself. I pointed at a figure at the end of the hallway. 

"So this is how the royal place guards ensure the security of the castle ? I'm disappointed." 

This voice ? I widened my eyes before turning pale, I tightened my grip on Aidan's arm who was looking at me out of the corner of his eye. I bowed respectfully, followed by my ally. 

"Your Majesty." 

I watched him as he approached our duo, he was not dressed in his usual formal attire given that it was the middle of the night. Prince Ethan in pyjamas. I never thought I'd see him in that outfit. I did my best to remain professional even though seeing the Prince in this accoutrements was definitely not on my list of things to see before I die. I will never be able to forget this vision that was offered to me. 

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