I sometimes dreamed of looking down at my own hands and seeing swirling tattoos printed there, like the ones on Esmeralda’s hands. But that was impossible–those sorts of tattoos were only imprinted by magic.After awakening one morning after another such dream, I decided to ask Esmeralda. I made my
FELIXThe news came bright and early on a Thursday morning.While flying above the southern border on a normal patrol, Albert had spotted a dark mass forming on the horizon and heading towards Fresonia: Charles’ army. They were only a few days’ march away, and approaching fast.It was time for war.
MILAI was once again left behind.After Felix and the armies left for the border, I went back up to our bed. My hope was to get a nap in, but I mostly just ended up sobbing. I had just sent my husband away to war–and I had no idea when or if he would even be returning.My world felt like it was cra
Felix turned, and to say that he looked surprised to see me was putting it mildly. I had never seen him in such a state of shock. For a moment, it even looked like he might cry.Albert quickly dismissed the other princes and they scurried away. I took a timid step towards Felix.“I know you wanted m
CHARLESThere was a small hill near the encampment we were staying in, large enough for me to see my army, but small enough that we couldn’t be seen by any approaching enemies. I climbed to the top of it shortly after we broke ground so that I could survey everything that I’d built.The army spanned
FELIXI awoke the morning of the battle with a loss of feeling in my left hand, as always, but for some reason, it was significantly less than usual. More stiffness than anything else.Next to me, Mila sat up in bed and reached for my hand. She started gently massaging it, as she always did to help
Mila popped her head out of the tent and started introducing herself to her guard.I smiled in relief. “Thank you, Albert.”He nodded solemnly. “I don’t want you to have any extra concern about her. It is already a difficult day for all of us.”I understood. We would each be fighting against brother
CHARLESI thought I would barely sleep that night, but I slept like a baby. My dreams were filled with blood and dragonfire, a heavy reminder of the day to come. But for some reason, the images of violence did not make me concerned, rather, I was even more excited for the day ahead.I woke to the so