A Royal Revelation

The sounds of swords clashing against each other is what drew my attention. 

It was midday, and I was taking a stroll through town. Some farmers had their posts set up for the market, with fresh fruits on display. I was conversing with one of them when I heard the sounds of metal clashing with metal. 

It wasn’t unusual for people, knights and villagers alike, to spar at random hours of the day - whether that be friendly or not. So it was of no surprise that anyone didn’t seem in the slightest concerned. But what took me by surprise was the spell that was uttered. 

The King and Queen had deliberately banned any and all use of magic. They feared that it would be used to overthrow the throne. Therefore, the use of magic was punishable by death. There had been many cases of townspeople being wrongly accused of such practices, and even they were sentenced to death.

I looked around me, putting notice to how not a single person seemed to catch onto the spell that was said. Purchasing a bushel of fresh fruits, I hastily made my way to the alley where the sounds of metal clashing against each other continued. 

I took cover behind a barrel, being mindful as to not let myself be seen.  Settling down into a comfortable position, I noticed that one of the men was strikingly familiar. It wasn’t until I saw the unmistakable symbol of the Royals glistening on his collar that I realized who it was.

It was the prince. 

My eyes widened as I saw him reach into his pocket, sprinkling a golden mist onto his opponent. I heard a blinding spell be said, and the poor swordsman stumbled backwards into a wall, left hand coming up to his eyes. The prince moved forward now, right in front of my view. He looked to be smiling, content to have won the sword fight.

“Alright, alright, I yield!”

The prince swung his sword around, placing it back into its sheath. 

“Ha, I knew you’d withdraw!”

“Well if it wasn’t for you throwing that damned mist into my face I wouldn’t have!” The swordsman gestured with his free hand to the prince, who was rolling his eyes. 

“Calm down, Cailean. It was just a blinding spell, it wasn’t like I poisoned you. Besides, it should go away within the hour.” 

He leaned down and helped his beaten opponent back to his feet. Wanting to get a better look, I moved my body to the side, unknowingly knocking over the bushel of fruits I had purchased earlier. A bright red apple rolled out from my hiding spot, stopping right in between the two men.

They looked at each other with frightened faces, while I stared at the fruit that lay between them. 

Both men looked at one another, then back down at the apple. 

“Who’s there?” 

I stayed hidden, hoping that neither of the two would question further. However, I had failed to notice that the basket that held my fruits was somewhat visible to them, and the royal moved closer. From my hidden position I was chest level with him, looking right at his purple tunic. 

At this point my heart was beating in my ears. My hopes of going unseen were crushed when the barrel I was hiding behind was moved to the side, exposing me to the sun. Both men stumbled backward, shocked looks taking over their features. Feeling exposed, I stumbled quickly for an apology. 

“Your highness, I sincerely apologize. I heard a spell being spoken and I wanted to come investigate. I never anticipated to spy on you.” 

By this point I was rambling, my hands moving along with my words. His Highness stopped me, putting his hand up. He still looked a little shaken. 

“It’s alright. But I must ask, do you practice yourself?”

It took me by surprise, knowing that the prince was asking me such a question. I’ve just met him, but I felt obligated to answer truthfully knowing that he himself is involved in such practices. 

“Yes, I do. I’m in fact in charge of recruiting members for a society that practices in silence. I’ve traveled to many cities searching for people willing to join.” The blonde, whom I can only assume was his opponent just moments ago, visibly became interested. 

“A secret society, you say?”

“Yes. My family has been a part of this community for generations. My parents are the leading members, and they have assigned me to find anyone who shows any interest. Lately our numbers  have been dwindling. Our members are starting to not be as…discrete, with their practices.”

The blonde was about to reply, but was stopped by the prince.

“Don’t even think about it, Cailean.” 

“Oh come on, Kenrick. It’s the perfect opportunity! You can practice your magic behind closed doors, and not have to worry about your parents.”

Prince Kenrick looked over at his friend. During the entirety of our conversation I haven’t taken notice of the prince’s appearance, nor his friend’s. Prince Kenrick was fair looking. A brunette with a middle part that makes him look authoritative. Stone gray eyes that could kill with just a glance. His physique matched his intimidating aura.  With his tall and well kept figure, you couldn’t mistake him for anyone else but a royal. He probably spent most of his time sparring. 

The blonde, however, didn’t seem as intimidating and authoritative as the prince did. He was still tall, and his physique was the same as Kenrick’s, but his face held softer features. Kenrick’s face was somehow intimidating, given how the sharpness of his jaw was more defined, while Cailean’s was more childish. He had blue eyes that were friendly and inviting. While in his presence I felt he could make me laugh at just about anything.

“It’s a skeptical decision. I know nothing about this so-called-secret society,” the prince looked at me then, “or what’s their motive.”

“Your Highness, I can assure you-“ A gloved hand interrupted me. 

“Seriously, Kenrick? Won’t you at least think about it? Think about the opportunities! You’ll finally have the chance to practice outside of your bedroom. With people who know what they’re doing.”

I could tell that Prince Kenrick was starting to get annoyed, but to my surprise he agreed.

“Fine, if it would ease your mind to have me think about it, then I will.”

I smiled, reaching into my bag for a certain vile I carried with me. “Great! I’ve been working on a certain recipe that’s supposed to improve the way we communicate. I carry it around with me always just in case I stumble upon something that could be added to the formula.” I could vaguely see both men look down at me with confusion. 

Once my fingers found what they were looking for, I held up a small vile that contained a gray liquid.

Cailean was the one that spoke, “What is that?”

“It’s a potion. I’ve been gathering items to enhance it, but I believe it’s been finally perfected. Although there’s always room for improvement.”

“What does it do?”

“It allows you to send a message to someone without having to write a letter. Drop a little into a body of water - be that a bathtub, a cauldron, or a puddle - wait for it to swirl, and send your message.”

It was Kenrick’s turn to speak up, “How do you know if it worked? How would you even get my message?”

“It, uh, hasn’t been tested for communication between two people. I’ve only ever used it to give myself personal messages.”

Kenrick wasn’t amused, as he questioned me with a raised brow. “You don’t know if it’ll work, is what you’re saying.”

“Yes, I suppose I am.” 

Cailean grabbed the vile from my hand, “Well then I suppose that we’ll be the ones to test that for you. When should we come into contact?”

I locked eyes with Kenrick, “When you have made a decision.”

Still holding eye contact, the prince asked for my name.

“Thena, Your Highness. My name is Thena.”

Kenrick outstretched his hand, to which I gladly accepted. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Thena.”