Ⅰ

...「𝚠𝚎𝚕𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎」...

"I want you to present yourself to the queen since I couldn't," Sorin said. He placed another red petal of papaver poppy in his flask before sealing it and place it in his bag. I narrow my brows.

Just days ago, he would tell me I'm still not fit for this kind of duty; of facing people, mending them, doing magic tricks. But here we are, him telling me to meet the royal queen of Santra.

I beam, I couldn't convince him before, but if only I know that the queen was the answer for me to go out there, I might have already gone out earlier.

Sorin chortled, adjusting his maroon scarf before setting his blue orbs on my green ones. "Don't look so excited about it. You will only be visiting there for a week to aid milady."

"A week is enough!" I stated, inching my hooked fingers to my chest. "But when will you be back?"

He paused right in front of the back door, he was beyond ready than I imagined. He got his boots on with tight bonds ensuring it, his bag draping massively on his strong shoulders.

Who knows what's inside of that bag, he would never tell anyone like how he wouldn't respond to most of my questions.

"That is what I couldn't tell," was his last words before giving me his half-hearted smile and fade through the quiet night.

...ꕥ...

The market narrowed the path towards the palace gates as people started to crowd. Vendors yelling, offering whatever they are selling just at the time when the sun hits the terrain.

I tighten my grip on the strap of my bag that is hovering on my drooping shoulders, crossing through numerous people.

Some would crash my shoulder carelessly, they would excuse themselves before running off.

Even though I am excited to do charms and magic as I desire, people do terrify me. Especially of what their spirit and aura smell and look like. Their color was the most complicated thing that I couldn't master. Yet shape-shifting is my best.

As midday struck, the wide gates of castle Santra greeted me. Tall trees surrounding me. If the gates are tall and wide, the standing castle after it almost reached the clouds. As my steps neared the secured gates, putting the guards in alert just as they noticed my presence.

"Halt!" One said, hitting the butt end of his staff on the soil. On the other tip, a sharp dagger shimmers in a warning. I stopped on my tracks, removing the scarf that covers my face, exposing my profile.

"State your business in the palace!" He shouted, still standing on his ground so as the other one, watching me cautiously.

"Valloma Aurlestynn. Apprentice of Sorin Aurlestynn, here to answer the call of queen Yeona Atelier of Santra."

Before the guards could claim, a voice roared from inside the gates. Two figures approached us, their heels clicking. "Let her in."

With a simple command, the guards rushed to the gates, opening them slowly as I can see the characters more clearly now. With the smile on her face, she calls my name in the softest tone I've ever heard.

I walked towards the queen and her servant. "Your highness, you don't need to welcome me. Your headaches might get worse."

"Worry not, I am too thrilled to meet the apprentice of my dear friend coming to my palace," she chuckled. Her ash blonde hair swaying as she turns her back on me, "You are so much more mature than the last time I saw you."

As we walk, the words echoed in my head. "Pardon me?"

Once again, we halt, facing each other. She narrows her brows, smiling forcefully, as she searched my face for something. Probably thinking before speaking her thoughts.

"Ah," she said, clasping her hands as she looks down on her skirt, "I almost forgot. You do not remember me."

I pursed my lips, also looking down on my boots. At this point, I wished I only shut up, before making the walk to the castle awkward. The following walk to the castle was long, quiet. I wanted to speak, but my lips are zipped shut.

When the castle doors opened, welcoming me with polished marble floors and bright chandeliers, leaving me in awe.

"Orna will lead you to your chambers and will be with you in your need, this castle is full of wonders, Ms. Aurlestynn. I cannot afford of you getting lost through these walls," was she said, the sound of her heels echoed in the hallways. I watch her getting escorted by a guard until she turned a right.

"Follow me, Ms. Aurlestynn," Orna guided, walking towards the stairs that are twelve feet tall.

"Please, call me Val," I suggested, smiling at her as we march to my chamber.

...𖠌...

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