Bolin
Three volumes waited beside me this morning, and I thumbed through the pages. A subtle hint of vanilla from the binding paste wafted to my senses. This top one told the Astralind’s ancient chronicles, from the oldest tribes to the first kings. The text beneath it contained the stories of the middle monarchs as the realm grew in power and secured trade routes between north and south. The third, a small book, explained the political formation of our current regime and how the inner workings of the king, nobles, and high priestesses of Saint Thomas collaborated to form a system of governance that benefitted all the citizenry.
The knob to our study clicked, and I glanced up, expecting Stella. Instead, Prince Fernando filled the doorway. Heat seeped into my blood as I took in his wandering gaze. He hadn’t come here for me.
“Good morning, Your Highness,” I said, clenching my jaw after the words.
“Mr Guo,” he responded, dipping his chin.
I closed the history volume and interlaced my hands over it. “Can I help you?”
“Where is Stella?”
My spine stiffened. “Not here.”
His nostrils flared. “Obviously.”
We stared each other down. Did my disdain show on my expression? He frowned, which made me assume it did.
“Does your intended need her?” I asked.
His brow furrowed, and he withdrew from the doorframe. “No, she doesn’t.”
He shut the door, releasing me from his stifling presence. Stella arrived a moment later, breathless and flushed.
“Sorry I’m late,” she huffed. “I helped one maid chase a bunny out of the hall.” She stifled a laugh behind her hand. “The poor animal was terrified until it escaped through the entryway.”
The tension in my shoulders melted. “Well, now that you’re thoroughly awake, shall we dive into some history before we work on Celestia?”
“Yes!” she gasped, taking a seat opposite me. “Tell me.”
Stella
History made me think harder than I expected. My head swirled with countless names, years, and details. I didn’t realize it would be more difficult than acquiring a new language. Learning vocabulary words is easy when you use them over and over in conversation.
But ten tribal titles and their evolution into three clans? And the rulers of each, plus their timelines? I nearly tore my hair out when Bolin mentioned that this was just the start of Astralind’s western side.
I strolled the garden, ruminating over my first history lesson.
“Be patient with yourself,” Bolin suggested before I took a break. “Once you understand the foundation of civilization, building what happened next makes more sense.”
I stopped before the hanging vines and breathed, reminding myself that I could do this. Believing in this mission provided a reason to live beyond the drudgery of serving a king who took me for granted. It soothed my aching heart. I may never remember my family, but I can improve the future for my descendants.
I didn’t notice the frail girl until I bumped into her. She yelped and fell into the greenery.
“Oh!” I bent over and grasped her elbow, lifting her back to standing. “I’m so sorry! Are you alright?”
She righted herself; her pale cheeks flushing pink. “Yes. I’m fine.”
Her gentle voice held a strong northern accent. My throat constricted. “Are you Princess Diedre?”
“Yes.”
My eyes roved over her immature body as she beat the dust out of her skirt. She appeared younger without the cosmetics. Her lips pursed when she realized I was surveying her.
“I’m older than I look,” she murmured in her whispery tone.
I met her sky blue irises and my mouth twitched. Her frown and the little creases on her forehead were endearing, even if she just lied through her teeth. I nodded, pretending to believe her.
“I’m Stella, the king’s healer,” I said.
Her chin dropped. “You’re a …” she gulped.
“Clumsy? Yes. Have healing magic? Also yes.” I hope my attempt at humor made her feel more comfortable. Not everyone liked individuals like me.
She looked away, the sinews of her neck stretching beneath the taut skin, and I worried that knocking her over and exposing my ability frightened her. I noticed her slender, almost appearing malnourished, form.
“I help people live," I said softly. “My abilities can’t hurt anyone.”
A subdued hum sounded in her throat. “That’s good.”
The history lesson receded into the depths of my mind as concern for this girl filled me. I might be livid with Prince Fernando for taking advantage of her, but it wasn’t her fault. And I didn’t want her afraid of me. Perhaps making her feel safer, or cared for, would help.
“Are you hungry?” I asked.
Her gaze flit back to me, and her neck released its tension. “Maybe a little …”
I motioned for her to follow me and spoke in a warm tone. “Come with me, then. The cooks love to fatten up women like us. They’ll have some biscuits for sure.”
A shy smile lit her features, and she followed me into the villa.
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