LOGINShare
Third Time’s a Charm
Last Updated:
2024-11-24 14:02:02Maerilee
I leave the throne room in a daze, still processing what’s just happened. I’m destined to strengthen the barrier, but that means I likely have four Ones. And here I’ve been worried that I don’t have a One at all. It’s all so overwhelming and hard to grasp.
On the one hand, I’m thrilled. The idea that I’m finally going to be able to do something to save Altinna, to protect our kingdom, is something I’ve longed for. But on the other hand, the reality of the situation is daunting.
River as one of my Ones? I think of my first impression of him when I saw him at the ball, his posture confident, his eyes glinting with his usual mix of arrogance and charm. I don’t know how to feel about him in general. The connection between us is undeniable, of course. I can’t pretend I didn’t feel that surge of power when he kissed me. But the thought of being bound to him, of our lives being intertwined in su
Related chapters
The One Sincerely Yours
BrookI can hardly believe what I’m hearing. For a moment, I just stand there, staring at Maerilee, waiting for the punchline. But the way she’s looking at me, with those wide, earnest eyes, makes my stomach twist. This has to be a joke. It has to be. But why would she do that? Why would she play with me like this?“You’re making fun of me,” I say, my voice hard and flat, even as my heart clenches painfully in my chest. “You’re just like the others, aren’t you? I should have known better.”The words taste bitter on my tongue, but I can’t stop them. I can’t bear the thought that she’s like everyone else who has ever dismissed me, ignored me, or used me as the butt of some cruel joke. I turn on my heel, already halfway down the hall before I even realize I’ve started walking. My pulse is pounding in my ears, a mix of anger and hurt driving me forward.How could I have been so stup
The One The Princess is Throwing a Ball
MaerileeThe dog treat trembles in my hand, faint pulses of magic swirling around it like threads of silver. I close my eyes, focusing on the barrier I’m trying to create. The energies stretch from my fingertips, encasing the treat in an invisible shield, or at least what I hope is an invisible shield. My breath slows as I concentrate, willing the magic to hold steady. A faint hum tickles the back of my mind. My magic is attempting to do what it’s supposed to but deep down, I can feel how weak it is, how flimsy the barrier must be.I open my eyes, my gaze flicking to my dog, Duchess, curled up in a ball on my bed. Her small body rises and falls softly as she sleeps, completely unaware of the challenge I’m facing.The barrier needs to be perfect. If I can’t even manage this, what hope do I have of fortifying the one protecting our kingdom?“Just focus, Maerilee,” I murmur to myself. My fingers flex, sending another ripple of energy through the shield. It looks solid enough, a faint shi
The One The Grand Entrance
MaerileeI stand in front of the mirror, assessing my reflection. The lavender gown clings perfectly to my frame, the soft fabric shimmering with every movement. It’s a beautiful dress, hand-sewn with threads of silver that match the pale glow of my hair, but all I can think about is how much I wish I didn’t have to wear it.I’m not looking forward to this grand spectacle to parade me around in front of foreign nobles, all in the hopes of finding my One. The thought alone makes me clench my fists, the material of my skirt crinkling under my hands. I smooth it out with a shaky breath.I can do this. I have to do this.The weight of expectation is heavy on my shoulders as I turn away from the mirror, heading toward the door where Akin waits. He’s dressed in formal attire, his expression as unreadable as ever."Are you ready?" he asks.I nod, though my heart is pounding in my chest. "As ready as I’ll ever be."He offers a slight smile but doesn’t say anything more. He guides me through t
The One A Swing and A Miss
MaerileeThe ballroom swirls with color and light, the soft hum of conversation mingling with the music that drifts through the air. I try to keep a pleasant expression on my face, to hide the gnawing frustration that’s slowly taking root inside me. My mother told me that she felt it instantly, that deep, magical pull when she found my father. One glance, one meeting of the eyes, and she knew. It was that simple. That certain.But I’ve been circling this room for what feels like an eternity, and I haven’t felt even the faintest hint of it.I smile and nod at yet another nobleman, some duke’s son whose name I can’t even remember now. He bows, his eyes bright with interest, but when our gazes meet—nothing. No spark, no sense of recognition, just an awkward silence before he steps away, clearly hoping to find an engaging conversation.I sigh, trying not to let the disappointment show. I move on, my eyes scanning the room, searching the faces of every man I pass. Maybe I’ve missed him. Ma
The One Quiet Conversations
MaerileeI move toward Brook, a smile on my lips as I approach. The grand ballroom is still buzzing with laughter and conversation, but all of that fades into the background as I focus on him. He’s leaning against a wall, arms crossed, his expression detached, almost like he’s observing everything from a distance, like he’s in the room but not really part of it.He glances up as I approach, his eyes meeting mine for a brief moment before darting to either side, as if to check if I’m actually heading toward him. The surprise in his gaze is subtle, but it’s there. He wasn’t expecting this. I can’t help but find it a little amusing. Did he really think I wouldn’t notice him, standing off to the side like that?“Brook,” I say, my voice light, as though we’re simply old friends catching up. “You’re hiding over here like you don’t want to be found.”I stop a few steps in front of him, my smile widening just a fraction. He straightens, uncrossing his arms, but he still looks a bit stiff, lik
The One Disaster Not Averted
MaerileeThe moment the wine splashes over River, soaking him head to toe in red, I almost can’t stop the grin that pulls at my lips. I catch myself before it fully forms, pressing my hand to my mouth in an attempt to look concerned. But inside, I’m more than a little pleased.River has spent the entire evening trying to undermine Brook, I can see that clearly. There’s an air about him, a kind of casual cruelty, like everything he touches should bend to his will. I’m not certain, but I suspect that the spill was his fault in the first place. Still, seeing him get a taste of his own mischief, even if it’s accidental, feels oddly satisfying.Brook stands there beside me, looking slightly startled by what he’s done, yet doesn’t seem the least bit guilty. If anything, he seems almost surprised it worked out the way it did.I turn to him, allowing my smile to show now that I know River can’t see me.“That was impressive,” I say, my voice soft but sincere. “Thank you for saving my dress. Yo
The One No Rest for the Weary
MaerileeThe rest of the ball seems to drag on forever. My earlier outburst and the whole ordeal with River leaves a sour taste in my mouth, and despite my best efforts to shake it off, I remain testy for the remainder of the evening. The Oceanans have excused themselves for the night, with King Alastair and Queen Lyria offering a brief, tight-lipped promise of a formal apology tomorrow. I can still see River’s embarrassed, red face in my mind, though the satisfaction I initially felt at calling him out has long since faded. Now, I just want the night to end.None of the other guests spark even the slightest interest in me. They all blend into one monotonous sea of faces, false pleasantries, and meaningless small talk. I try to keep up appearances, but my thoughts keep drifting elsewhere, particularly to Brook and Akin. Of all the people I’ve met in my life—nobles, commoners, visiting dignitaries—the only ones I’ve ever felt even a faint connection to have been those two. There’s some
The One Formal Apologies
MaerileeThe next morning, I sit straight-backed in my chair, positioned on the dais next to my mother and father. The throne room feels colder than usual, though that has more to do with the political atmosphere than the physical temperature.The sun is streaming through the tall windows, casting the room in golden light, but the tension in the room is palpable. My fingers rest on my lap, carefully clasped to avoid betraying any of the unease building in my chest. I’m supposed to be calm, poised. Queenly, as my mother would say.At my side mother radiates composure. Father sits on her other side, his expression one of polite anticipation, though I know him well enough to see the glint of amusement in his eyes. The situation isn’t lost on him, though he’d never show it openly. He wouldn’t say it out loud, but he found the entire situation with River and Brook amusing last night. In his mind, it’s just a bout of youthful indiscretion.Of course, that’s because he comes from Dearlish, w
Latest chapter
The One Sincerely Yours
BrookI can hardly believe what I’m hearing. For a moment, I just stand there, staring at Maerilee, waiting for the punchline. But the way she’s looking at me, with those wide, earnest eyes, makes my stomach twist. This has to be a joke. It has to be. But why would she do that? Why would she play with me like this?“You’re making fun of me,” I say, my voice hard and flat, even as my heart clenches painfully in my chest. “You’re just like the others, aren’t you? I should have known better.”The words taste bitter on my tongue, but I can’t stop them. I can’t bear the thought that she’s like everyone else who has ever dismissed me, ignored me, or used me as the butt of some cruel joke. I turn on my heel, already halfway down the hall before I even realize I’ve started walking. My pulse is pounding in my ears, a mix of anger and hurt driving me forward.How could I have been so stup
The One Third Time’s a Charm
MaerileeI leave the throne room in a daze, still processing what’s just happened. I’m destined to strengthen the barrier, but that means I likely have four Ones. And here I’ve been worried that I don’t have a One at all. It’s all so overwhelming and hard to grasp.On the one hand, I’m thrilled. The idea that I’m finally going to be able to do something to save Altinna, to protect our kingdom, is something I’ve longed for. But on the other hand, the reality of the situation is daunting.River as one of my Ones? I think of my first impression of him when I saw him at the ball, his posture confident, his eyes glinting with his usual mix of arrogance and charm. I don’t know how to feel about him in general. The connection between us is undeniable, of course. I can’t pretend I didn’t feel that surge of power when he kissed me. But the thought of being bound to him, of our lives being intertwined in su
The One Not So Unprecedented
MaerileeThe throne room is heavy with anticipation as we all sit before the council, the weight of the situation pressing down on me like a ton of bricks. My mother is seated beside me, her expression calm and composed, though I know her well enough to see the worry etched in the tightness around her eyes. My father has joined us, sitting on her other side and completely clueless as to why the meeting has been called. Across from us, River and his parents are seated with an air of restrained authority. Brook, as usual, trails silently along with them, his presence almost forgotten in the midst of everything. Next to me sits Akin, a steady presence in the whirlwind of uncertainty that surrounds us.The council members are gathered around the long table in the center of the room, their robes of office billowing slightly as they shift in their seats. There’s a murmur of conversation as they glance between one another, clearly unsure of how to proceed with the situa
The One Mother Knows Best?
MaerileeWe walk through the palace corridors in tense silence, River on one side of me and Akin on the other. The air between them is charged, both men radiating barely concealed frustration. I keep my head high, trying to focus on the task at hand. My mother will surely have the answer to this. She’ll know what to do.The weight of the situation presses down on my chest, and I can still feel the remnants of River’s kiss, the surge of power I don’t fully understand. But there’s no time to dwell on that. Not now.When we finally reach the throne room, I pause just outside the grand doors, the echo of raised voices reaching my ears. My mother’s voice, tight with anger, is unmistakable. I motion for Akin and River to stop, pressing my hand lightly against the door to listen. I can hear another voice too, one that sends a chill down my spine.Direken.He’s here, talking to my mother. No, not just talking, arguing. Heatedly.“We’ve waited long enough, Queen Kimalissa,” Direken snaps. His
The One Nothing Makes Sense
MaerileeI yank open the wardrobe, my hands trembling slightly as I sift through the dry clothes. I’m going to kill River for this. Duchess is still hiding under the bed. I grab a simple dress and some undergarments, my fingers brushing against the soft fabric as I pull them out, my heart racing with anxiety about what this could mean.Akin is standing beside me, quietly changing out of his soaked clothes. I glance at him, my chest tightening with a mixture of emotions I can’t quite name. I know what I felt with him, the certainty that settled in my bones when I woke up wrapped in his arms. But there’s obviously something deeper going on with River. My destroyed room is proof of that.Once I’m dressed, I march to the door, pulling it open just enough to slip through and quickly close it behind me. I hear Akin moving inside, the rustle of fabric as he finishes dressing. I hope he stays put. I need a moment to confront River alone, without
The One Mounting Frustration
MaerileeI throw myself onto my bed, face-first into the pillows, and scream as loudly as I can. My voice muffles into the fabric, but it doesn’t stop the frustration, the disbelief, the absolute rage building in me. My legs kick out violently, my fists pound into the bed, and I keep screaming until my throat feels raw and my chest is burning.River. River. How could this be happening? Of all the people in the world, of all the fae, it’s him? The arrogant, smug River? No. It’s impossible.He can’t be my One, he just can’t.I flip over, grabbing another pillow and pressing it to my face, screaming again. Hot tears burn at the corners of my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. I won’t cry over this. I can’t. But the anger swirling in my chest feels too big, too overwhelming.How could this happen to me?I roll over onto my back, staring up at the ceiling as if I might find answers in the intricate patt
The One Barriers
MaerileeMy pulse races as I storm out of the council meeting, the heavy doors slamming behind me. I don’t bother slowing down, my steps quick and sharp as I head toward the gardens. Stifling air presses in on me, the weight of Permiton’s words echoing in my mind. Who does he think he is anyway? Even if he is a seer, he’s new to the council. He had no right to interject his thoughts so soon.The moment I reach the gardens, the cool air and scent of blossoms offer a brief, fragile reprieve. My spot among the flowers, where I’ve sought solace more times than I can count, is just ahead. I quicken my pace, eager to be enveloped in the calming silence of nature, away from politics, away from expectations, away from everything.But when I round the final bend, I freeze.There, lounging in the middle of my sanctuary, is River of all people. Of course he is. Because my morning isn’t annoying enough. He’s leaning casually near t
The One Complications
MaerileeI wake up slowly, feeling a warmth that isn’t just from the morning sun filtering through the curtains. There’s a weight pressed against me, solid and comforting, and as I blink the sleep from my eyes, I realize Akin’s arm is draped across my waist, his naked body flush against mine. For a moment, I lie still, letting the contentment wash over me as I recall the events of last night. It’s a feeling I haven’t experienced before, this sense of peace, of belonging to someone completely. My heart flutters, and I wonder if maybe, just maybe, I’ve found what I’ve been searching for all along.Could it really be this simple? Could Akin be my One?It doesn’t make sense that it’s taken so long for us to find each other, though. I’ve seen Akin nearly every single day of my life. Why have I never felt that feeling of absolute certainty that my mother always described? Why have my powers not manifested unt
The One Wise Counsel
MaerileeNot an hour later, I watch as the council members file into the chamber, the tension from earlier still lingering in the air. I take my place beside my mother as she stands at the head of the long table. Father is seated next to her, his expression nearly unreadable to others, though I can still see the faint humor in his eyes.My gaze sweeps over the gathered advisors, familiar faces who have been part of the council for as long as I can remember. Then, a man I don’t recognize catches my eye. He’s tall, his presence quietly commanding, though he doesn’t seem to be trying to draw attention to himself. His hair is dark, falling just past his shoulders, and even from this distance, there’s something unsettling about his eyes. Who is he?Before I can ask, my mother speaks.“Before we begin,” she addresses them, her calm voice commanding the assembly. “We have a new member of the council I’d like to introduce.”I sit up straighter, curiosity piqued. I glance at the unfamiliar man
