CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

As I stood over the bubbling pots and pans, the scent of herbs and spices filling the air, I couldn't shake the weight of my identity as a dark one. The power that surged through me, while awe-inspiring, only seemed to deepen the chasm between myself and those around me.

Despite my royal lineage, I was an anomaly in the eyes of my family and the kingdom of Aegalia. Their fear and loathing of my dark powers cast a shadow over every interaction, reminding me of my status as an outcast, despite my princely title.

As the Feast of Enchantment approached, the anticipation in the air was palpable. My brother Casper, the golden child of the kingdom, would once again take center stage, his charisma and charm captivating all who crossed his path. Meanwhile, I would remain relegated to the sidelines, a mere footnote in the grandeur of the event.

But beneath the facade of celebration, I sensed a tension simmering within the palace walls. The king and his council whispered in hushed tones, their gazes lingering on me with a mixture of distrust and apprehension. What machinations were they plotting, and where did I fit into their plans?

The feeling of impending doom gnawed at my insides, a nagging voice in the back of my mind that refused to be silenced. Were they scheming to undermine me, to strip me of what little semblance of power and dignity I possessed? Or was there something even darker lurking beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed upon the unsuspecting kingdom?

As I continued to prepare dinner, my hands moving mechanically as my thoughts churned with uncertainty, the flames of the hearth casting flickering shadows across the room, I reflected on the journey that had brought me to this moment. Despite the fear and distrust that clouded the perceptions of those around me, I alone understood the true depths of my power.

It had taken years of solitary practice, drawing upon the ancient wisdom whispered to me by the spirits of the forest. In the depths of the wilderness, I had found solace and guidance, learning the secrets of incantations and spells long forgotten by the world.

With each word spoken and each gesture made, I had forged a connection to the primal forces that pulsed through the earth itself. Through trial and error, I had honed my abilities, mastering the darkness that dwelled within me and bending it to my will.

But as I stirred the pot, a sense of solemnity washed over me. If others were to truly comprehend the extent of my power, I wondered what will happen then. Would they recoil in fear, their minds unable to comprehend the depths of the abyss that lay within me? Or would they bow before me, recognizing the strength and mastery that I had achieved?

Such thoughts weighed heavy on my mind, but ultimately, I knew that I could live with my darkness. It was a part of me, woven into the very fabric of my being, and I had come to accept it as a source of strength rather than a curse.

As I carefully placed the final dish on the table, the enticing aroma of the meal filled the room, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and warmth. Hmm, this all looks good, and the aroma is divine, complimented Eve, a smile playing on her lips as she settled into her seat across from mine.

Midway through our meal, Eve's words broke the comfortable silence, her speech slightly muffled by the food in her mouth. That reminds me, I didn't know you've been the one cooking, she remarked, her tone filled with curiosity. Martha said she stopped bringing you food when you were ten, and that you told her to stop bringing you food.

A soft chuckle escaped my lips at Eve's revelation, a sense of amusement twinkling in my eyes. Ah, Martha certainly has a good memory, I replied, nodding in agreement. Yes, I've been cooking for myself for quite some time now. It's just something I've grown accustomed to.

As Eve and I continued to enjoy our meal, her mention of Martha brought forth a flood of memories. You know, I began, a nostalgic tone coloring my voice, Martha's cooking was always something special to me. She was the only one who showed me kindness when others shunned me for my heritage as a dark one.

I paused, a flicker of sadness crossing my features as I recounted the past. But when I turned ten, I realized that relying on Martha to bring me food wasn't sustainable. My heritage as a dark one would forever be shunned and unaccepted by many in our kingdom. I couldn't rely on her kindness indefinitely.

Taking a moment to compose myself, I continued, So, I made the decision to start cooking for myself. It wasn't easy at first, navigating the kitchen and learning to prepare meals, but I adapted. With the help of my ability to communicate with the animals in the forest, I could hunt and gather ingredients.

A small smile touched my lips as I reflected on the journey of self-sufficiency I had embarked upon. Over time, I grew accustomed to taking care of myself, I concluded.

Cleon, i don't know what to say.

I'm alright Eve and it's all in the past. Enough about me though, tell me how did your day go? I inquired, curious about how she had spent her time, especially since she had expressed interest in sleeping in earlier.

It was wonderful Cleon, earlier on i really wanted to just come back home and sleep on my bed after the ordeal we went through, however Cedric said they were going to the market and that i am welcomed to join them.

So i went with Cedric alongside Martha and two other girls. The market was everything i imagined and more since it was my first time.

The aromas, dancers, wares everything was delightful. After Martha and the others finished buying what they wanted, we went to a tavern and ordered food and drinks. I am exhausted but i'm glad i went with them.

Hmmmm, i'm happy to know you enjoyed your day. So did you get anything, like a keepsakecharm or something?

No.

You mean you saw lots of wonderful things like you said and did not get anything for yourself?

Well, i did see things i liked but the thing is i don't have any money.

Hmmmm i apologise then.

What for?

You are my responsibility now and i should be the one taking care of your finances.

That's alright Cleon, Everyone working in the palace gets paid their wages at the end of each mooncycle. I just started working so definitely at the end of this mooncycle i will get my pay.

Hmmmmmm, was all i said in reply to Eve's words as we both sat in comfortable silence and finished our food.