Rae Jace leaned back against a rock after those words left his lips. He had his eyes focused on the sky and I could see a familiar gleam of mischief in them.I turned away from him, focusing on my surroundings. It was peaceful—until Jace decided to ruin it. “Have you ever gone swimming in the morning? You know… butt naked?” he asked suddenly, tilting his head at me. “Swimming yes, naked in a lake when the sun is up that is a no!” I pointed out and Jace shook his head.“You’re about to find out how fun that is!” Jace stood heading in the direction of the lake.I shot him a look. “A king isn’t supposed to do that.” He let out a loud laugh, shaking his head. “You’ve got it all wrong. A king is meant to do whatever he wants.” And with that, he pulled his shirt over his head, dropped his pants, and, without a second thought, dove into the water. The splash sent ripples across the lake, droplets of water catching the sunlight like diamonds. “Jace!” I yelped, taking a step back.
RaeThe morning sun poured through the kitchen windows as Anna and I busied ourselves with breakfast. The scent of freshly baked bread filled the air, and so did the sizzle of eggs on the stove. I cracked another egg into the pan, focusing on my task when Jace sauntered in. “What are you two up to?” he asked, leaning against the counter with a smug grin. “Making breakfast,” I replied without looking up. Jace hummed. “For me, I assume?” Anna and I exchanged a glance before I smirked. “Nope. You’re not included.” Jace’s brows shot up. “Oh, really?” “Yep, that’s a little punishment for what you did yesterday.” I pointed out.“You are acting like I did the worst thing,” Jace said slowly. “You made me act like a frog.”I rolled my eyes. “I was trying to take you back to your kingship roots. You know in fairytales all kings were somewhat related to frogs.”Jace furrowed his brows. I was about to speak when he dipped his hand into the bag of flour sitting on the counter and thre
RaeThe evening air welcomed me as I stepped out of the car. I had agreed to Jace’s demands. Not one of my best choices but it wasn’t like I had any choice other than to agree.I could still hear Anna’s voice in my head.“You need this Rae.” She said knowing fully well that I didn’t need it or could she sense that a part of me craved to be reunited with Von.I know I sound crazy. But I knew Anna couldn’t sense that. She couldn’t possibly see through all my fake acts and false hesitations.Anyway after Anna, had told me how much I needed to go Jace didn’t hesitate to show me how much of a pest he could be. “Come on Rae!” He said hovering above me, as he waited for my reply.“Listen to Anna!” He added. Just like that, I agreed but little did neither of them know that I did it for myself and not because they pressured me.“Are you okay?” Jace’s voice caught my attention and I looked at him.“Yeah.” My reply was simple and Jace seemed satisfied with it. My eyes lingered on him and I
RaeThe anticipation in the air could be felt like a heavy wind. Every nerve in my body was taut, bracing for whoever—was lurking in the darkness. Jace and I held our breaths, waiting for a figure to emerge from the shadows. But when the rustling finally gave way to a small form stepping into the dim glow of Jace’s lamp, we were both dumbfounded when we looked closer. It was a rabbit. Jace let out an exaggerated groan. “You must be bullshitting me.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, look at this furry little guy,” I said, stepping out of our hiding spot. The rabbit twitched its nose, its small, quivering body frozen in fear. Slowly, I crouched down and picked it up, cradling it gently in my arms. Its fur was soft beneath my fingers, its tiny heart pounding against my palms. Jace just grunted, rubbing a hand down his face. “All that tension, and it’s just a damn rabbit.” “Don’t say that,” I called out. “Animals have feelings.”Jace moved closer to the creature and it thre
RaeI had made the biggest mistake of my life. There was no taking this back. No undoing what had just happened. The weight of my actions pressed down on me, nearly suffocating me. Anna was going to hate me. And Von… I could feel him. Even in his absence, I could feel those hollow eyes on me, cold and unforgiving.It had just been four months since his death, and I was allowing another person to get his way with me.I was a horrible person.Jace’s breath was still warm against my lips as he pulled away. The world around us stood still, the wind whispering through the trees, and rustling the leaves made me feel Von’s eyes on me even more.My hands trembled as I took a step back. “This is wrong,” I said, in a low tone. My voice felt distant like it wasn’t mine. Jace shook his head. “No, it’s not.” He reached for me, but I stepped further away. His eyes, filled with longing, locked onto mine. “I like you, Rae. I have for a while. I just… I didn’t say anything because I knew you we
Rae"Anna, please listen to me!" I begged as I continued running after her. My chest tightened with every step she took away from me, and I could feel my heart pounding against my ribs. She didn’t stop, didn’t even slow down, until finally, after what felt like forever, she halted in the middle of the corridor. I hesitated, unsure if I should speak or if she'd turn and walk away again. But then she did something worse—she turned to face me. Her eyes burned with anger, betrayal, and something else… something that made me feel even smaller. "I saw this coming," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I knew he was falling for you. I saw the way he acted, the way he looked at you. That’s why I have been so moody these few days, just that realization hurt so deeply, and now after hearing the both of you kissed I feel broken.”“ I never thought you'd accept him, Rae." She added.I opened my mouth to protest, but she shook her head sharply. “You knew I loved him. How could you? How co
Rae“What do you want to say?”Jace appeared taken aback by my words and at first, he didn’t say a thing. He remained quiet and I could feel my patience slipping away."Speak up!" I said , cutting through the silence.Jace sighed, and that little gesture made me stare at him with an arched brow. "I want to apologize," he finally said. I scoffed. "You’ve already said that before." "And I want you to forgive me that’s why I’m saying it again," he insisted. “Forgiveness is not in the books right now!” I informed him.“It’s been weeks Rae, are you not tired of punishing me.” He asked I could hear a crack in his tone.“I’m not punishing you!” I responded sharply.“Then accept my apology!” His voice remained as it was cracked."If that's all you have to say, then there's no need for me to stay and listen." I turned away, prepared to walk off. "Wait—Rae, please," Jace said, with a much urgency in his voice. "I need a friend right now." Those words didn’t stop me at first. I continu
Rae“You know I haven’t stepped into the throne room since that incident happened,” I told Jace as we stepped into the throne room the following day.“Why?” He asked staring at me with a curious gaze.“I just feel guilty. You know like I betrayed Von, sometimes I could feel his eyes staring down at me.” I responded and Jace stopped walking, he folded the piece of paper in his hand and his attention was placed on me.“If you feel uncomfortable we always go somewhere else.” He told me. “No, it’s fine,” I said slowly. “It’s not like the guilt would end up disappearing if we leave. It’s always going to be there hovering over me, that’s why I have prevented myself from going to study. I guess I just have to leave with it.”He sighed. “This is all my fault.” “Self-blaming would not erase what happened,” I said and Jace furrowed his brows.“I wish you had slapped me you know!” He added and I shook my head.“Hey, it’s not too late to do that!” Jace moved closer and I was about to place my
RaeI stood in front of the mirror, my hand hovering gently over my stomach. My skin was stretched, round, and tight.I rubbed my hands round my stomach and I smiled, but the smile didn’t last. It had been four months since Von had left. Four months since I had last seen him. I never got to say goodbye. The thought still ached deep inside me. I wished I had listened to Anna, wished I had stopped him or at least spoken to him before he left, but I didn’t. I let my emotions take over and eat my mind.Behind me, a voice broke the silence. “Are you okay?” Anna’s voice was soft. I turned to face her and nodded slowly. “I’m fine… I was just thinking. The baby’s almost here.” She stepped closer, worry written all over her face. “Are you scared?” I hesitated before answering. “I’m worried. Not for myself… for the baby.” Anna furrowed her brow. “Why? The baby will be born into a better world—once Von returns with the artifact.” “That’s what scares me,” I whispered. “What if they
Von The distance between Rae and me grew day by day. And I didn’t try to close it. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I understood why it was happening. This was too much for her to process—there was too much pain involved. She needed space, and I wasn’t going to force my presence into a storm she hadn’t calmed yet.So I kept to myself, locking the emotions away and burying my mind in strategy. Every hour was spent thinking, reading old texts, flipping through scrolls.I was searching for any solid thread that could lead to the artifact the seer spoke of. I wanted to be sure that it was real and just something that was made up, when I finally found an old book that documented old artifact I was happy. So it exited. As I closed that book, I made my decision. I was going to find it. And I wasn’t going alone.Landon was coming with me.The idea settled like steel in my bones. I dragged myself out of bed, the morning chilly air biting at my skin as I stood before the mirror and
Von I was torn between two options—go after Rae or deal with the information that the guard just delivered to me.My feet itched to chase her down the servants’ quarters, and to make her feel better… but duty pulled me in the other direction.Roy was already a few steps ahead, and I followed him down the corridor, my gaze still locked on the hallway Rae had disappeared into.“He told you he found a witch?” I asked, my voice sharp.Roy nodded without looking back. “Yes, Your Majesty. Said he found her near the valley.”“And you believe that nonsense?” I pressed, picking up my pace.“What do you mean?” Roy glanced back at me.“Do you really think he found a real witch? Or is this just some random old woman he picked up to fool us again?” My tone was filled with suspicion.Roy hesitated. “I… I don’t know. He seemed sure of her. That’s all I can say.”I didn’t push him further. I clenched my jaw and kept walking, letting silence carry the weight of my thoughts. Landon was a snake—one wh
Rae I stared at Anna in disbelief, my lips parted but no words coming out. I couldn’t believe what I just heard. I felt like I was in a nightmare. I managed to pull myself out of the haze staring back at Anna. “You’re saying… I have to die to save the kingdom?” My voice cracked as I spoke, and my legs felt unsteady beneath me.Anna gave a slow nod, her eyes filled with sadness.“I don’t understand,” I said, forcing myself to stand. “Why me? How am I the reason for the curse?”“I don’t know, Rae,” she replied gently. “But Von might. He’s been keeping everything to himself. I think he knows more than he’s saying.”I shook my head. “This can’t be real. I refuse to believe it.”My heart pounded in my chest. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. The walls were closing in. A thousand thoughts ran through my mind, crashing into each other. I didn’t want to cry, but tears burned behind my eyes anyway.Anna stepped closer. “Please calm down. Landon’s looking for a witch. He believes there might b
RaeThe dim light crept into view, it was blurry and soft at first, like a distant memory trying to settle into focus. My head felt heavy, and my body… foreign. I blinked a few times, trying to ground myself in the space around me. Everything was unfamiliar. I was disoriented. My arms ached, and when I looked down, I noticed wires—tubes—stripped across my body. I couldn’t tell if they were for healing or restraint.Then suddenly I heard soft sobs which broke through my haze.I turned my head, and my eyes landed on Anna. She was hunched over in a chair across the room, her shoulders trembling. Her voice cracked as she muttered to herself, “I think I’ve made a mistake… I shouldn’t have let him go…”What was she talking about? And why was she crying?“Anna…” My voice came out hoarse, it was low and if she wasn’t sitting close by. I was sure she wouldn’t have heard it.Anna’s head jerked up after those words left my lips. Her eyes widened like she’d seen a ghost. “Rae?” she gasped. T
VonThe moment, I saw Landon move I halted my steps, trying to figure out where he was heading. He directed his horse towards the side of the river while he rested on one of the stones. He was facing me now, but because of the trees I was well hidden and I couldn’t be easily detected. I kept watching, waiting for the opportunity when he would finally turn his back. Eventually, he did, and just as I was about to launch myself at him, my horse let out a sharp, loud snort.Landon jerked his head up and during that moment his eyes found mine. I wondered if he had seen me, but the moment I saw him reach for his horse I got the answer to my question.Landon pulled his horse out of the river in one fast move, climbed onto the saddle, and kicked hard. The animal responded instantly, racing through the shallow water, splashing and tearing through the trees.“Landon!” I growled, then yanked my reins.I mounted quickly and dug my heels in. My horse moved forward, its hooves digging into the t
VonI stared at Anna with a coldness that could freeze fire. My eyes locked onto hers, searching for answers, for some kind of remorse, but all I saw was silence. Her lips stayed pressed together, and it was clear she wasn’t planning on explaining anything anytime soon.My anger ignited. It roared up from my chest like a beast unchained. I hit her against the cage once again.“You dare remain silent?” I growled through clenched teeth. “You set him free and you stand here with your mouth shut like it means nothing?”Her gaze flicked to mine, and finally, she spoke in a soft tone. “Even if I explain things to you… you’ll never understand.”I scoffed, tightening my grip. “Did he promise you something? Huh? Is that it? Did Landon feed you some sweet little story?”“No,” she snapped back. “He didn’t promise me anything.”I let out a humorless laugh. “Then why? What in the hell made you think this was a good idea?”She yanked her arm out of my grasp. “Because he said he wants to help this c
Von The night had arrived.I sat in my chambers, wide awake. My sword rested beside me on the table, a sharp glint catching the flicker of torchlight from the wall. I hadn't slept, not even for a second. My instincts told me tonight would be the night they'd try it—the traitors among my guards. Anna’s warning had been clear, and my men were ready. My loyal guards were stationed throughout the palace, hiding in shadows, crouched in corners, armed to the teeth.I paced slowly across the room, boots echoing faintly against the stone floor. Then—just as I paused—came the sound. A low grunt. Then another. It started outside my door. The fight had begun.I moved quickly into the shadows, pressing my back against the cold wall. I could hear the scuffle grow louder. Then came footsteps rushing toward my chamber. Someone was coming for me.I didn’t move.I waited.The door creaked open. I saw the silhouette step in, sword drawn. He didn’t see me. He thought I’d be asleep.He took three step
Von The room was quiet except for the steady ticking of the clock on the wall. I had taken my position at the edge of the bed, my hands resting on my knees, the weight of everything pulling at my chest. Anna stood by the door, her brows furrowed, her lips pressed in a tight line. “Are you going to speak or not ?” I asked, my voice hoarse from lack of rest.She stepped closer, looking over her shoulder like she was afraid someone might be listening. “I don’t know if you are ready to hear this.”I sighed. Nothing else would surprise me, for the past few weeks I had watched my life go for bad to worse to wise. I knew nothing she would say would make a difference in my life.“Just say it, Anna!” I tried to keep my voice neutral trying not to lose my cool.“They’re plotting to kill you, Your Majesty.” Anna finally said.My eyes narrowed. “What do you mean by that?”“I overheard the guards talking with a few locals,” she said, her voice low. “They’re working together. They want to overt