A Royal Encounter

Elara was right. We needed to look normal if we were going to avoid trouble. Our robes and wands would give us away as witches and wizards, and that wasn’t something we could afford in the city.

I focused, pulling on the magic I knew so well. I whispered a spell I had discovered from ancient books. “Σπείρω, ἀναστροφή, καλλίνικος,” I muttered softly.

The air around us shifted, and soon, vines and leaves began swirling around us. They twisted together to form clothes—simple but strong and light. In just a few seconds, we were all dressed in new outfits that would blend in with the people of the capital.

Elara stared at me, her eyes wide. “Your magic is so handy,” she said, clearly impressed.

I smiled a little, pleased with how it turned out. But Magnus wasn’t too happy. He looked down at his new tunic and then at me, raising an eyebrow. “Do you expect me to wear that?” he asked, his voice full of disbelief.

I gave him a serious look. “Yes, or you want to walk around buck naked?”

Magnus frowned and tugged at the tunic, not at all thrilled about the change. “This isn’t my style,” he muttered, clearly uncomfortable.

Elara chuckled, shaking her head. “Don’t worry, Magnus. It’s only for now. At least you won’t freeze.”

Magnus let out a frustrated sigh. “Fine. But next time, I’m wearing my own clothes.” He looked like he was trying to adjust to the tunic, clearly not happy with the change.

“Stop being a baby,” I said, flicking him lightly on the arm. “We don’t have any money right now to buy new clothes.”

Magnus scowled, rubbing his arm where I flicked him. “I’ll survive,” he grumbled.

I couldn’t help but smile at their bickering, but I kept my attention on the road ahead.

***

As the sun began to set, I couldn’t help but notice the growing chill in the air. The road ahead seemed endless, and the night was quickly creeping in. Elara turned to me, her expression thoughtful.

“We should find somewhere to sleep before it gets too dark,” she suggested, her gaze scanning the thick trees around us. “It wouldn’t be wise to keep going like this.”

She was right. I didn’t want to risk traveling after dark, especially with the way things had been lately. A place to rest would make the journey more bearable.

“Good idea,” I said, already thinking ahead. “Let me take care of it.”

I closed my eyes for a moment, drawing in a deep breath. Earth magic was my specialty, and I felt the familiar surge of power rise within me as I focused on the task ahead. I could feel the land beneath my feet, the heartbeat of the earth, ready to respond to my will.

Whispering softly under my breath, I chanted the words that would shape the earth to my command. “Σπείρω, ἀναστροφή, καλλίνικος.” The air shifted, and the ground began to stir.

Within moments, the earth responded to my magic. Stone rose up, shaping itself into sturdy walls, the roof settling into place. A small cabin emerged from the earth, its structure strong and reliable—just what we needed for the night.

“There,” I said, stepping back to survey my work. “It’s not fancy, but it will keep us safe until morning.”

Elara, her eyes wide with amazement, stared at the cabin. "Valkyrie... this is incredible. You’re a genius!"

I couldn’t help but smile at her reaction. Elara was always expressive, but this time, she really seemed blown away. "Thanks," I said, trying to hide my pride. "It’s just earth magic. I’ve had plenty of practice."

Magnus, who hadn’t said a word through all of this, finally spoke up, his tone skeptical. “I still don’t understand how you make that look so easy.”

I didn’t bother responding right away. I knew Magnus was always a little gruff, especially when it came to magic that wasn’t his own. Instead, I gestured for them to follow me inside the cabin.

Elara was the first to step inside, already settling down near the fire pit I had created with a flick of my wrist. Magnus hesitated for a moment, then followed, clearly not thrilled about the whole situation but too tired to argue.

Inside, the cabin was simple—stone walls, a few beds made of stone, and a small fire crackling in the center. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was shelter, and that’s all we needed for the night.

I turned to Elara. “Get some rest. Tomorrow, we move on.”

She nodded, already curling up by the fire. Magnus, on the other hand, grumbled but found a spot on one of the stone beds.

“Fine. But I’m not making a habit of this,” he muttered, trying to adjust to the stone mattress.

I smiled despite myself. “Stop complaining, Magnus. It’s temporary.”

I was about to lie down next to Magnus when he suddenly stopped me. "You're going to lie down next to me?" His voice was a bit flustered, and I could tell by his stiff posture that he wasn’t quite comfortable with the idea.

I raised an eyebrow, deciding to tease him a little. “Do you want to lie down next to Elara instead?” I said, fully aware that he often seemed to be more at ease around her. I didn’t have any real intention behind the suggestion, but it was a bit fun to poke at him, considering how often he acted a little awkward around me.

Magnus stiffened even more. "I—uh...," he started, but I could tell he wasn’t exactly sure how to respond.

I smiled innocently, pretending not to notice the blush creeping up his neck. In my mind, it made perfect sense. Elara was always calm and composed, and he seemed to gravitate toward her. Maybe he just didn’t like me that way. After all, why would he?

I heard Elara giggling softly from the side. I couldn’t figure out why, but it was hard to ignore.

I closed my eyes, the exhaustion from the day finally catching up to me. As I drifted off into a deep sleep, I never could have known that it would be the last night I slept so peacefully.

***

"You—hurt an innocent child and are acting like you’ve suffered?!"

How did I find myself in this nightmare? Holding a bleeding child who’s barely half my size…

“How dare you, a lowly commoner, ruin my clothes! Not even your life could make amends!” the old nobleman screamed.

“Sis... it’s okay," the little girl said, her voice trembling, but the blood coming from her head told a different tale. The noble’s blow had been far too much for her tiny body.

Just as he raised his whip to strike me, I closed my eyes, bracing for the impact. But instead, I saw a familiar silhouette. His glowing blonde hair shimmered in the light, and his deep blue eyes locked onto mine. It was none other than Alexander, the crown prince of the Royal Capital.