Magic

He brushed my hair with his fingers and tucked them behind my ear. His hands trailed to the cuts and injuries that were on my face and caressed the ones on my legs.

"This is all due to my carelessness."

"You mean... we are now under attack?"

"No, that has been taken care of."

"I don't understand."

Honest to God, the percentage of me actually understanding the situation ever since knowing Wystan is close to none! Our communication radar is hit-and-miss. Either I am slowly becoming a person who is incapable of reading the room or something weird had always been encompassing him.

It frustrates me when again and again he managed to wiggle his way around from answering it. To be able to get a direct answer, a straightforward question needs to be asked. The thing is, would he even want to answer? We had chosen to be truthful and not be secretive but it seems to me, none of it applies to him. Of course, technically he did not lie. He just omits some words.

"Wystan, I would really appreciate it if you could share with me things that are going on. I mean, what good would it be to keep me in the dark?"

"It's not that I don't want to share..."

"But...?"

"I don't think you are ready for it."

I pursed my lips as I stared at the blonde man in front of me.

"Just because I'm not ready, does not mean I shouldn't know. Many people had random things thrown in their life. It's a matter of time of accepting it. So I hope you will always keep this in mind when you hesitate to share with me."

A short smirk carved on his face and his hands patted my mine.

"I'm sorry for underestimating your maturity."

"Sigh... Just because I'm raised a Princess, does not mean I'm ignorant. You really should not look down on us."

He gave an apologetic grin and kissed my hand. Tsk! This fool! I'm going to forgive him this one time.

"Go on then. I'm alllll ears," I said encouragingly as I folded my knees and sat upright to the back of the sofa, propping a pillow between my arms and body.

"Right. I'm sure you've heard about Hawthorne Empire closing its door to the rest of the World?"

"Yes, for five generations by now."

"More than five, actually. And there's a good reason behind it too. It might sound ridiculous to you and possibly blasphemous for others. Sigh... I don't know how to start."

"Then maybe you can start with who attacked last night."

Sheepishly, heavy with guilt he answered, "That was a week ago."

Say whaaaaaaaat?!!!!!!!

"What - What ever do you mean?"

"Yes, about that... You see," he sucked the air and ruffled his hair. I assumed he tried to buy some time to paraphrase or to word it carefully.

"Our Empire practised magic."

"Okay. I can accept that. That does sort of make sense with what I've been somewhat seeing on my first arrival."

"And... well... Thing is... The world is not aware of it but... There are magical creatures living with us."

"Uh-huh...?"

"So they were the one that found a vulnerable spot and managed to slip in that night."

"But you came back, right? I remember sensing you there in the room."

"Yes. That was indeed me."

"So why was it suddenly... weird?"

"Sigh... Magical creatures can't enter without an invitation. Especially when all living quarters in the Empire are protected and the security in our room is tighter than ever."

"Was it me? Did I somewhat waved at some magical being when I looked out?"

"No. There are enchantments on all the windows to prevent accidents like that from happening."

"Then...?"

"I was careless."

He looked so downcasted with his head hung low that I felt the need to give him a good warm hug.

"Oh, Wystan. Humans are allowed to make mistakes. Even Kings."

"Unfortunately, it went for you."

"But I'm fine. See?" I stood up and gave a body twirl.

His hand helplessly grabbed my arm and gave me a back hug.

"But you went through it. It must have been terrible for you."

"It didn't feel that long. Look, Wystan! I'm totally fine."

I tried to pull him off to prove that I was there. To prove that all is well now. But his strength was overpowering.

"But I almost lose you..."

"But you didn't."

"All because of that measly speck hiding inside my sleeve and took you away while I showered!"

"Wystan."

"I shouldn't have touched you! I should have burnt all my clothes before entering the room!"

"Wystan."

"I should have obliterated the lot when I had my chances!!"

"Wystan!"

"I'm not going to take any more chances but I can assure you, they will never dare to come near you ever again!"

His fists were clenched. His teeth ground against each other. His body was shaking with anger! None of my words was heard and all that I could do was rubbed his arms calm. When that did not work, I leaned forward and kissed them endlessly. Anything to dissipate his wrath.

When I felt his body loosened up, I took the opportunity to turn around and hugged him tightly. I rested my head on his neck and slowly made my way up with smooches.