Dax

Even after only 5 days of remaining bedridden, I was ecstatic to be able to move on my own. Helios still gravitated to my side to steady me if I needed, but I ignored it and continued to strode down the hall with a bounce in my step.

Haelan followed behind with a lessened excitement, and I made a note to speak with him later and explain what he may have seen. Helios barged into my chamber after the healing process before I could talk to Haelan.

“It is wonderful to see you up and about again, your majesty.” Jade gushed as I entered the dining room. She and Maven had already settled into chairs around the table and it seemed as if they were getting along while left alone.

“It is wonderful to be up and about, I feel as I am a whole new man.” I stretched my arms out to show my range of movement and looked back to Haelan. “Thank you again.”

“You're welcome, highness.”

We all moved about the table and took our seats, mine being at the head of the table where I could speak with all my guests. Jade and Helios sat at either side of me and Haelan and Maven sat at either side of them.

Conversation flowed easily, as if the five of us had been lifelong friends. Haelan and Maven recounted stories of their travels including those of great peril along the roads and great triumph in those they had met. Jade, Helios, and I laughed gently as they quickly assured that we would have a place on the long list of individuals they had met.

"We once found ourselves caught in a raging storm on the coast of Apera with no shelter in sight and we naturally began worrying for our safety. But an older man had found us and offered safety with he and his wife." Maven recounted with a fondness in her voice. "They had the sweetest pup that had just been born days before we arrived and they promised to keep her until we returned to bring her with us on our trips."

Haelan gave a breathy laugh as if he had heard this story enough times to recount it himself just as Maven had.

"She was enamoured with that pup, I thought we would never leave."

We continued to listen to their gentle voices telling stories, even occasionally jumping in and adding our own commentary. It felt nice to be speaking to someone about ordinary topics, it helped to alleviate the anxiety surrounding Kai's invitation and the possibility of a treaty between our warring lands.

"If I may ask, highness, would you be too troubled to allow Maven and I to stay within your land for just a few days? It has been so long since we have felt comfortable enough to remain in one place for longer than a night, but Madeo seems to be the perfect place to reside in and gather our bearings once again." Haelan spoke nervously, seemingly afraid of my response.

Without hesitation I quickly responded.

"We would be delighted to have you. And please, when we are alone like this, call me Dax." I gave a reassuring smile. "I am indebted to you after all."

He and Maven both gave a thankful nod and we continued to swap stories into the night.

<>

The book in my lap was growing heavier the more I put off actually opening it and reading. I found myself more engrossed in the maps in front of me on the dark wooden desk.

I traced the border between Madeo and Grohera with a light finger, disturbing the small wooden pieces that had been gathered there with hasty hands, as if erasing the border all together. What would have happened if events had occurred differently? Would Kai and I still be close? Memories began to resurface and fear pooled in my stomach like liquid fire. What would have happened if I wasn't born a Magi? Would Bartram still have believed me to be a monster?

Chills ran across my tanned skin.

Perhaps he was right. What if all I was destined to become was a monster, an abomination?

I stared at the map with a growing anger. My chest heaved and my throat burned and I couldn't help but to fuel my hatred for Kai's father.

I balled my fists, but a gentle knock at the door halted my spiral.

"Co-Come in." I spoke shakilly.

I swiveled to face the entry and watched closely as Haelan entered. He looked disheveled and worried, and his hands wrapped themselves around each other in a tight hold. Something troubled him.

"I didn't expect to see you again tonight, is there something bothering you?" I questioned gently, doing my best to erase the emotion I was feeling only moments before. "Perhaps something is not to your liking here?"

He panicked for a moment.

"No that's not it at all, sire!" He practically yelled. "I simply wanted to speak with you for a moment, if you would allow it." He lowered his voice considerably after realizing how loud his initial statement had been.

"Of course, please have a seat." I gestured to another chair across the room, presumably left by Jade or Helios.

Haelan sat, but stayed quiet.

I allowed the silence remain for a few moments before speaking once again.

"Are you sure something is not to your liking? You seem troubled, Haelan."

He continued to twist his fingers, but finally gave an answer.

"I noticed something particular while healing you earlier in the evening and I couldn't quite piece together what I was feeling. But I believe I may have figured it out."

My heart sank and I was sure I looked visibly hysterical. He knew about Kai and our past. He possibly even pieced together the meaning behind my panic over the invitation. What would happen if word spread of this?

"Sire please do not trouble yourself! I meant no harm, all the kingdoms know of your secret, it's been public knowledge for years!" He scrambled to repair the damage to my stability but only made my spiraling thoughts worsen.

"F-For years?" I stammered. "How did it spread?"

"Your father made it clear that you were a magi from your childhood, I was under the impression that you allowed this to become public. I am deeply sorry for troubling you so. If you wish I will depart tonight along with Maven." Haelan looked downcast, but I stilled with shock.

A breath of relief escaped my lips and I visibly relaxed.

Kai and I would remain a secret, for the moment at least.

"You are fine, Haelan. It is common knowledge, and I apologize for frightening you. I was under the impression that you were going to speak of something else, but that does not matter now." I tried to speak soothingly to calm the both of us back into a state we could hold a civilized conversation in. "Please continue."

He looked as if he were about to pry on what I believed he had been talking about, but quickly shied away from the urge.

"Well, you are a magi and have been aware of that for years." He began with a shaky start. "You believe yourself to be much less powerful than others, but I felt something within you. Something dormant, yet scarily intense."

I found myself growing confused.

"Haelan, I believe you to be an honest man from what I've met of you, but this is outrageous. I am a man now, if I were to be any stronger, it would have developed long ago when I was young."

He deflated visibly.

"I was.." He paused as if attempting to find the words he sought, "concerned that you would be wary of my confession. I do not know how to explain what I am trying to tell you but I know, deep within me, that it is true."

Silence plagued him for a moment.

"Something is locked inside of you, Dax. It needs to be freed."