The Tower of Legends

Heartfelt laughter and idle gossip flitted around Zella as maids readied her for the upcoming party. Unmoving, she sat in front of an extravagant vanity as the women fawned over her. Each of them determined to ensure her makeup, hair, outfit, and accessories were flawless. On such an important day, nothing could afford to go wrong.

The object of their focus sat quietly as they chatted away. She tried to restrict her laughter as they ran soft brushes over her rich brown skin, applying glowing makeup. Once their work was done, she eyed herself in the mirror and tried to recognize the person she saw. After hours of work, she was finally the perfect image of a princess. Despite her status, she rarely dressed so elegantly; often too busy with her studies to be pampered as such.

“You look wonderful, princess,” her assistant, Evelyn, looked over her shoulder. “Now, for the final touch.” She reached for a dark oak box on the vanity. The older woman lifted the lid, revealing a gleaming silver tiara.

Zella lowered her head, allowing the maid to place the accessory. The royal heirloom fit perfectly into her dark curls. Along with the tiara, her hair was decorated with a myriad of sparkling jewels.

Finally crowned, she stood and admired the gown they dressed her in. Her plump form was adorned in a complex midnight blue and sterling silver gown: a reflection of the royal family’s colors. As expected, the future queen was a vision of beauty.

To settle her nerves, she took a calming breath. Unfortunately, her nearly suffocating dress didn’t help. The last time she donned such formal wear was four years ago, on her eighteenth birthday, when she came of marrying age. She received hundreds of gifts that day, all from potential suitors hoping to become king. Most of them were forgotten, save for the one draped over her neck. The heavy jewel encrusted necklace was a gift given to her by her potential fiancé; to signify his love for her. Were it not for her mother, she would have given it away long ago.

A knock at the door drew the room’s attention. “Highness,” Avery, her guard, called.

“Enter.”

Her maids quieted as the knight entered. He gave a sharp bow before meeting her eyes. “Princess Khari and Princess Alcina are here for you.”

“Thank you, Avery. Please see them in.”

His eyes lingered on her form for a second longer before he turned back to the entrance. A moment later, her wonderful sisters walked in. Her lovely and lethal older sister Khari walked alongside Alcina, their graceful and clever younger sister. Like Zella, the pair was dressed in formal attire, albeit a lot less extravagant. They couldn’t outshine their sister on her own birthday after all.

Evelyn pulled up a thin tablet to review their schedule. “You three have a few minutes before we must leave. I’ll knock when we have to go.”

With the sisters inside, the maids dropped into practiced curtsies before leaving the royals alone.

“You look stunning, Zell,” Khari said as the door closed. She reached out and examined the dress’s detailed sleeve. “The tailor did an excellent job.”

“We even saw the dress you wore for the shoot. I wasn’t expecting this one to be even better.” Alcina gestured with a hand on her hip, her curls falling over her shoulder. “Just try not to ruin her hard work by losing your lunch,” she said with a mischievous grin.

“I’ll be fine,” Zella didn’t know who she was trying to convince, her sisters, or herself. “Besides, I’m sure you’ll be just as nervous when you join the Trials.”

“That won’t be for another fifteen years. I’ll be plenty prepared by then.”

“It will fly by soon enough,” Khari lightly shoved the youngest before placing a hand on Zella’s shoulder. “For now, we have to get to your celebration.”

The dread she once ignored came back at full force. She wrung her hands together, looking between her sisters. “I wish our dads were here.”

The joyous atmosphere was dampened by an air of melancholy. “Mom says they’re still too busy. Even if they hurried through their work, they wouldn’t make it back on time,” Alcina sighed.

“I know. They called me this morning to wish me luck, but they won’t be back for another month at the least.”

“Then we can celebrate your return and victory by the time they’re back,” Khari’s confidence was unsettling, but equally infectious.

“Before any of that, I have to announce my participation.”

“Then we should get going already,” Alcina looped their arms and led her to the door.

“Perfect timing,” Evelyn lowered her hand as the door opened. “Shall we leave, highness?”

The royal nodded and folded her hands in front of her as she walked. The siblings walked in step while their handmaidens trailed behind them. Zella’s guards: Avery and William, headed the group while her sisters’ guards flanked them. Altogether, the entourage numbered in the twenties.

Despite the castle halls’ familiarity, they seemed particularly daunting on such an important day. The ceiling stretched above her head and the polished floors reflected her tailored image. As they always did. The only difference she noted was the line of guards marking their path to the ballroom. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. She asked her mother to keep the celebration simple, but the woman loved an elaborate ceremony. Nevertheless, she couldn’t deny her growing excitement.

Her steps slowed as they approached the grand doors leading to the ballroom. Even through the thick panels, she could hear her introduction on the other side.

“Daughter of our gracious Majesty Queen Sena! Her Highness, Crown princess of Elysia, Zella Myrios!”

As the herald shouted her name, her guards pulled open the double doors. The heavy wood creaked open, alerting the guests of her entrance. She held her head high and wore her perfected mask. Nerves forgotten; she entered the room with a flurry of grace. Her eyes were fixed forward as she made her way through the sea of bodies. The festive room was filled with nobles and her mother’s court. The band rested at the far corner while tables of food were scattered throughout.

Upon her entrance, the party guests bowed their heads. Even from a position of respect, the princess could feel their sting of judgment. Lords and Ladies eyed their future queen with skepticism, but made a path for her, nonetheless.

The parted isle led straight to her mother’s throne, where the intimidating woman sat. Her heart thudded away as she walked, and her hands were clasped so tight her nails dug into her skin.

Finally in front of the queen, she dropped into a curtsy alongside her sisters before she straightened her posture.

Silence washed over the room as the queen took them in. The seconds ticked agonizingly slowly, allowing Zella to be crushed by the eyes on her. The court was unnerving, but her mother was another matter. The woman was only five steps above them, but she might as well have been on a mountain. She was the great queen Sena. The same woman who led an entire army and ended a war all while pregnant with Khari. She was one of the greatest leaders Elysia had ever seen, and certainly one of the strongest. With amazing control over magic, it was impossible to best her in battle. Rightfully so, the woman was a legend.

Seated on a grand throne decorated in blues and silvers, the queen gazed out over her subjects. She wore a shining crown on her thick curls with stings of crystals falling throughout, the jewelry swaying as she moved. Ever the warrior, her gown was a mixture of fabric and armor, with the royal family sword strapped to her hip. It was Zella’s day, but she couldn’t help feeling so small in her mother’s grand presence.

As the queen stood, the crowd bowed once more, this time much lower. Each princess made their way to the woman’s side. Zella stood on her right, followed by Khari, then Alcina.

“We have come together today in celebration of my daughter’s twenty-second birthday,” she paused as the room broke out in applause and cheers. “But that is not all we’ll celebrate.”

Confused looks spread across the room. “Seeing as she is of age, my heir, Zella, will be participating in the upcoming Legend Trials.”

Gasps and whispers flooded the grand hall. There were too many voices to make out the particulars, but she knew exactly what they were saying.

“But she’s too weak!”

“How could she with no magic?”

“Is she trying to get herself killed?”

“She’ll only dishonor Elysia!”

How the nobility felt about her was no secret. She was the powerless princess, nothing at all like her sisters. She was too weak to lead them, even if the citizens of Elysia didn’t feel the same.

“Silence,” the queen commanded over all the noise. After her order, not even a breath could be heard in the vast room. “Just as Khari did fifteen years before, I know Zella will bring great pride to our Kingdom. The day after tomorrow, she departs for Origo Island. Therefore, we shall celebrate tonight!”

They may not have supported her leaving for the Trials, but the crowd wasn’t about to forgo a party. Cheers and laughter filled the room once again, replacing the doubtful whispers. Queen Sena raised a palm and a moment later the band resumed playing. Light and jovial music washed over them and summoned gliding bodies to the dance floor.

“Have any of you seen Belle?” Khari asked as their mother rested on the throne.

Sena and Zella shook their heads, but Alcina was able to answer. “I think she wanted to check in on little Malou before joining us.”

The oldest sister nodded. “She has been fussy lately. She cries whenever I’m not with her.”

“That just means you should spend more time with her,” their mother smiled, a twinkle in her eye as she thought of memories past. “Cina was the same when she was little. She didn’t want to be around anyone else.” The daughter in question looked away, her cheeks heating.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Khari chuckled as she moved down the stairs. “I’ll be back soon. Happy birthday, Zell,” she offered before weaving through the crowd.

“I’m going to see who wants to dance,” Alcina followed her sisters retreating form. As soon as she stepped away, a wave of potential suitors approached her. She certainly had enough options to choose from.

Zella remained where she stood, her body rigid. She looked out at the dancing guests, overcome by a torrent of thoughts. Most of them to do with the Trials.

“You won’t enjoy the party?”

She glanced at the woman only to return her gaze to the carefree guests. “It’s a bit hard too when we’re not all here.”

Her mother sighed. “I wish your fathers were here too. But they would want you to enjoy your party.”

“I just wanted to see them before I left.”

The queen attempted to respond, hoping to comfort her, but was interrupted by Cina’s sudden reappearance.

“Zell!” She grabbed her older sister’s hand. “Just as I was about to move onto the dance floor, I overheard Thomas Kane speaking with his friends. He said he wanted to dance with you! Get out here already!”

The princess had no choice but to be dragged away by her sister. She laughed at the girl’s antics and offered their mother a quick wave goodbye. Despite her former hesitation, the party was...fun. She shared a few dances with the sons of noble families, but none that had an actual chance with the future queen. Her favorite part of the night had to be when Khari finally came back with her wife Bellerose. Several of the guests served under Khari and she loved hearing any embarrassing stories they had of her sister. They even got her mother to share a few war stories of her own, quite a rare sight.

She thanked the gods for the loud festivities when her stomach released a fierce growl. After offering polite goodbyes, she split away from the group. The guests parted for the princess, allowing her to move through the crowd with ease. She slowed when an unmistakable voice called her name.

Her steps carried her faster as soon as she heard it. If the man was in earshot, then he was close, too close. Ignoring his call, she rushed to one the farthest tables, her goal being to find someone to talk to. She prayed Alcina was finally off the dance floor and willing to keep her company.

Unsure if she successfully left him behind, she gave a subtle glance back, only to see the top of his head approaching. She quickly turned back, intent on avoiding him, only to run into a solid chest. For all Zella’s training, the stranger was able to completely knock her off balance. She stepped back to right herself, only for the edge of her skirt to be caught under her heel. The world slowed; to her, the moment seemed to last forever as she watched the swaying bodies across the room. There was only one thought in her mind: she, the crown princess of Elysia, future queen of the nation, was going to fall on her ass and make an absolute fool of herself.

That was, until a strong arm wrapped around her waist, stopping her descent. Zella could barely breathe as her savior held her closer. Tightening his hold, he surprisingly lifted her without an ounce of effort. Steady on her feet, she tilted her head up and took him in. But even with a better look, she didn’t recognize him. It wouldn’t be possible to forget someone like him. He stood over a foot taller than her, in a sharp suit that hugged his muscular form. His obsidian hair pushed back, save for the few strands that fell to his brow. With his narrow brown eyes and olive toned skin, he stood out against the crowd of Elysians. He must have been a Belluan diplomat she never met, but… he seemed too young.

“Princess!” Her guard, Avery, rushed to her side. “Are you alright?” He eyed the man pressed against her; focused solely on the arm that had yet to let her go. “Get your hands off her,” he hissed as he reached for the sword on his hip.

The stranger didn’t flinch, even after a direct threat from the Elysian royal guard. The tension steadily rose, and she was the only one that could put an end to it. Zella held her hand up. “I’m fine Avery. He was just helping me after I rudely bumped into him,” she looked up at the mysterious man. “I’m sorry. I should have been paying better attention.”

He offered a nod and withdrew his arm. She looked away trying to curb her disappointment. How was it that she only just met him, yet he made her feel so secure? Her sisters would chide her for being so trusting of a total stranger.

Just as he turned to leave, she felt that familiar pair of eyes on her. If she didn’t do something soon, she would be stuck with a man that only saw her as a pawn, and not a queen. At least the man in front of her was quiet.

“Wait,” she reached out to stop him. He eyed the hand on his bicep, and as if she had been burned by fire, she withdrew it immediately. “Would you like to dance?” She cast a sharp glance over her shoulder.

Whether it was because she was a princess, or the obvious desperation in her eyes, he agreed by taking her hand. Just as the object of her avoidance grew close, the stranger led her out to the dance floor.

The court’s stares caused a wave of regret to wash over her. She was their next queen; she couldn’t dance with just anyone. She could only guess what kinds of gossip her actions would stir up.

With a new song beginning, his hand found her waist once more. His silent disposition led her to believe he would keep his distance. She was wrong; left breathless as he stepped in close. Her cheeks burned at their proximity, if they were any closer, he would be able to feel her erratic heartbeat.

It wasn’t as if she had never danced with an eligible man before, but there was something indescribable about him. She may have been lost in his gaze, but that didn’t stop the quiet judgment in the back of her mind. How must she look to the rest of the room? The Elysian princess dancing with someone she assumed to be a Belluan diplomat. Decades ago, the sight would have been inconceivable.

She followed his lead and prayed she was as graceful as the other dancers around them. She wasn’t the best dancer, but she never had any complaints, a streak she would like to continue. Despite her nerves, she was having fun. It was nice to have a partner that didn’t overwhelm her with questions or flattery. If only her suitors acted the same.

“Thank you,” she looked up at him after a twirl. “For catching me.”

After a stretch of silence, he responded. “You were going to fall.”

Her eyes widened at his deep voice. “But you didn’t have to help me. Nearly everyone here would have been happy to see me fall. So, thank you,” she smiled.

A look she couldn’t place crossed his features before he looked away. They danced for a while longer before he spoke again. “You…wanted to get away from that man. Why?”

She stammered with her words, stunned that he struck up a conversation. “You noticed that?” She hoped her actions had been more obscure.

Yet again, he responded with a simple nod. After he spun her once more, she answered. “He’s just someone I don’t like talking to. Not anymore.”

Her stranger left it at that and kept her moving. She didn’t know if he accepted her answer or if he no longer wanted to talk. She assumed it was the latter.

By the song’s end, she only found herself with more questions. She had never met him, but then again there was a large portion of the party guests she was unacquainted with. It wasn’t odd for her to encounter strangers at such large parties. But he stood out and she could tell he wasn’t connected to anyone there. His presence was a mystery and only served to pique her interest.

As the surrounding dancers dissipated, he let her go, her body now cold without his presence. “He’s been waiting for you,” he looked behind her.

She spun around locking eyes with Roman, standing at the edge of the dance floor. Much like her stranger, he stood out against the shades of brown with his pale skin. It would have been impossible for her to miss him. Unfortunately, she could avoid him no longer. “Before you go, what’s,” she turned back to the stranger, only to find he had vanished. “Your name?” She whispered to herself.

She searched the crowd to no avail; he was nowhere to be found. If anyone knew who he was, it was Alcina, the charismatic social butterfly that she was.

Incapable of prolonging the inevitable, she walked across the dance floor. With steps as heavy as lead, she made her way to him. “Hello, Roman,” she greeted with a wide smile that didn’t meet her eyes.

Roman Barrett, her would-be-betrothed, was set to become the next Lord of House Barrett. There were several discussions that revolved around their potential engagement, but her mother never gave his family a concrete answer. But with her dwindling marriage prospects, the union was becoming more and more likely.

“Have you been here all night? I didn’t see you during the announcement,” she lied.

“I called for you earlier, but I suppose you didn’t hear me,” he smiled back.

“I apologize. When Khari’s platoon is invited, things can get pretty wild. But have you been enjoying yourself otherwise?”

He leaned forward, taking her hand in his. “I was actually hoping we could talk.”

She discreetly backed away; words caught in her throat. She floundered to think of what to say that wouldn’t give away her true feelings. She didn’t hate Roman, but she certainly didn’t love him. The two had been friends since they were children, but she could never fully trust him. With their positions, it was hard to believe he had any real feelings for her, and not just using her to become king.

“Is it important?” her voice a tad higher as she quirked an eyebrow.

He glanced around. “Is it possible we could go somewhere quieter to talk?”

“Roman,” she brushed a stand of hair behind her ear. “What would people say if they saw us leave together? You know how the court loves to gossip,” she flashed a bashful look to convince him.

“That didn’t seem to bother you when you danced with that Belluan.”

She winced at the venom in his tone, even if he did share it with several Elysians. It was simply another reason she couldn’t marry him. Roman still considered Bellua the enemy, despite the war between the two nations having ended before they were even born.

“Dancing, and being alone together, are two different things,” she frowned.

“People will talk more about the fact that you danced with someone other than your betrothed.”

“There have only been talks of engagement. Nothing is set in stone.”

“You’re right, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be seen talking to one another.”

He wasn’t about to let this go. With a sigh, Zella finally agreed to his plea. “No one will be in the hall. Follow me.”

The princess led him out to the hall. She kept walking until they reached a corner. Beyond it was a stretch of space kept alight by the mana lanterns in the walls. The left side of the hall was made of large windows that showcased Elysia. The cloudless night allowed the soft moonlight to stream through the glass. She looked out at her lively kingdom. The capital was in a state of celebration as bars and shops remained open, all for her birthday.

For a moment, she forgot about her present company, until Roman spoke up behind her. “You can’t enter the Trials.”

She turned, glancing up at his pale face. “Why is that?”

Under the moonlight, his cerulean eyes showcased his confusion. “You really need to ask? Zella, the trials are far too dangerous for someone without magic.”

“Non-mages participate in the Trials all the time.”

“True, but we both know the odds of those people winning the trials. Let alone surviving.”

“The Queen believes I can win.” She turned away, the sight of him only fueled the growing anger in her chest.

He stepped around her, ignoring her need for distance, and blocking her beautiful view with his chest. “She’s your mother! Of course, she told you that.”

Her words, and cold stare, froze the hall. “Are you doubting the queen’s word?”

He panicked at the accusation. “Not at all!” he stammered. “I just don’t want you to get hurt. No one else will tell you, but I will, you’re not strong enough for the Legend Trials.”

“I’m not helpless, Roman!”

She nearly missed it, but he did roll his eyes. “I know your mother and Khari have been training you. But that won’t help you in the tower. And what of the other participants? They won’t hesitate to hurt you if it means their success!”

“What exactly are you trying to say, Roman?”

He stepped closer to her. “You’re going to be queen one day, but that won’t happen if you die in an attempt to prove something you’re not!”

By the end of his lecture, his hands held her biceps tight enough to bruise, as if he could shake some sense into her. She glanced up into his desperate eyes. Her mind flitted with all that she wanted to say as her blood boiled. He had no right to interfere with her decisions. Roman thought himself so important simply because there was a possibility of their union.

The longer his words echoed in her head, the quicker a warmth blossomed under her skin. She needed to calm down, before she said, or did anything worthy of regret.

“Let me go Roman. Or I will call for the guards.”

His hands were off her in an instant once he remembered who he was yelling at. With his weight gone, she readjusted herself. She brushed off her skirt, righted her sleeves, and reached up to ensure her tiara hadn’t come loose. Back to a state of perfection, she turned on her heels and made her way back to the party.

“We should head back now. Wouldn’t want anyone to misunderstand our absence,” she said over her shoulder.

“Please Zella. At least think it over. There are a lot of people who are worried you won’t come back.”

His words slowed her steps. Exasperation clear in her gaze and tone. “Worried? About me? Really? Most of those nobles are wishing, praying, I don’t return,” she pointed down the hall. “With me out of the way, Alcina would be next in line, and at least she’s powerful enough to rule. My family’s opinions are all the only ones I care about. Unlike yours,” she spat.

She spun around once more. He called after her once more, but nothing was about to the princess. As she walked, she couldn’t stand the thought of returning to the party. Her conversation with Roman left her seething and she couldn’t stand to bring down the joyous mood. Instead, she moved through the castle halls, alone, her heels clicking against the marble floors. Her mother would be angry that she left her own party without a word, but she couldn’t find it in herself to care.

Back in her chambers, she threw off Roman’s necklace, the jewelry crashing to the ground. Throughout his lecture, the accessory began to feel as tight as a collar. Even without the necklace on, the suffocation didn’t cease. She removed her flashy gown; the heavy fabric fell to the floor in a crumpled pile. Finally able to breathe normally, she stepped out of the cloth pile and sat in front of her vanity. She reached up and carefully removed the delicate tiara. After she placed it back in its ceremonial box, she untied her curls, letting them fall over her shoulders. Her scalp slightly ached as she removed the jewels and metal rings sprinkled throughout. As complicated as the style was, she already missed the beauty of it. After removing her makeup, she walked to her closet.

Bare skin exposed to the air; she sorted through the seemingly endless amount of clothes. As she sorted through the racks, she couldn’t help but remember that man’s arms around her. The memory brought a warmth to her cheeks, the cold room doing nothing to help. She quickly dressed before her mind could wander to more inappropriate places.

With her ceremonial outfit discarded, she dressed in something she could breathe in. She tucked her sleeveless shirt into a pair of dark trousers. To combat the cold, she threw on a dark coat and knee-high lace boots.

Finally dressed, she walked through her closet until she reached the back. She pushed aside the rack of clothes and pressed against the wall. The panel gave in, revealing an emergency exit to a maze of underground tunnels. Warm in her palm, a fire mana orb lit the dark path in front of her. With the route memorized, she made her way through the familiar caves.

Her steps carried her until she finally reached the outside world. The passage led to a clearing in the forest surrounding the capital. The space was cloaked with several layers of illusion and barrier magic. Only someone who knew of its existence would be able to find it.

Up the ladder and back on the surface, she made her way to the large shed in the center. She slid the large doors open and stepped inside. There, she found an airship. It was simple in design, meant to be inconspicuous, but still guaranteed safety.

Rather than let it collect dust, Zella climbed aboard. She placed a hand on the controls at the center of the dashboard. Recognizing her genetic signature, the engine hummed to life as the wind mana orbs powered up. Wasting no time, she gracefully piloted the ship out of the shed and shot into the sky.

Wind whipped through her loose curls as she soared, and forest life drifted beneath her. She easily avoided the nearby villages and towns, staying out of sight. She craved somewhere new, unfamiliar.

After nearly an hour of flying, she came across a collection of cliffs down south known as Carnelian Gorge. The terrain garnered its name from its red and orange color. The harsh environment was near inhabitable, with the lack of freshwater and infertile land. Along with the crumbling and shifting terrain, no Elysian was willing to even visit the landmark.

She left the airship floating just at the forest’s edge. She jumped down, her knees tingling from the force of the fall. Steady, she stood up straight and looked around. The abundance of trees and foliage thinned as the dry earth kept vegetation from growing. Her steps were slow as she took in the land. The closest town was miles away and there wasn’t a soul to be found, except for her.

She walked until she reached the opening of the canyon; the cliffs stretched far above her head. Her boots splashed in shallow water that couldn’t even reach her ankles. As she followed the stream, Roman’s words replayed in her head. They shouldn’t hold any weight, but when half the kingdom shared his sentiment, they were near impossible to ignore. She thought of her brilliant sisters. They expected greatness from her, while the world saw her as the weak Princess of Elysia: unable to use magic, while her sisters were gifted with incredible power.

Far enough from the ship, Zella looked up at the star filled sky. The bright lights twinkled above her, and for a moment, the air stilled with a sense of calm. The animals and insects nearby fell silent, as if nature itself could sense the tense energy that rapidly formed.

Losing the last remnant of control, and channeling all the pain in her heart, the princess dropped to the ground and screamed with all her might. Frustration, anger, sadness, anxiety, hatred. She dispelled it all with the air in her lungs, and with it a devastating wave of magic dubbed: Divine Intervention.

The very force of her power sent cracks through the ground and canyon walls. Dirt and droplets of water swirled around her as she took her anger out onto the land. The ground beneath her trembled, rocked by an earthquake of Zella’s design. A storm formed above her, blanketing the gorgeous night sky. There was no rain, but thunder roared, and lightning illuminated the sky. The destructive force sent boulders plummeting to the ground. The gorge was collapsing around her, but her magic kept her safe. A defensive field of her power created a dome around her, and anything caught within turned to dust, the pressure alone enough to disintegrate stone.

Her cries were drowned out as the gorge was blown away. Lightning bolts struck around her, scorching the earth black. The dust that filtered through the air clogged her throat and dried out her once tearful eyes. Her screams quieted as she coughed and hiccupped. Her throat sore, she eyed the level of destruction she wrought. If she kept going, the nearest village would feel tremors eventually.

She stood in the whirlpool of magic. It was a struggle, but eventually she soothed her emotions and tempered her power. The clouds overhead dissipated, the ground stilled, and the wind became a gentle breeze.

Barely back in control, the world calmed down once again. With a sigh, she wiped at her tears and looked back up at the clear sky.

Catharsis washed over her, and with it a smile graced her features. For the first time all day, she was at peace. With each day that passed, she could feel the overwhelming magic that tried to claw to the surface, begging to be let out. As such, it was a power that needed to be hidden, contained. Ever since she discovered her power, her mother worried for her safety. The moment she showed an aptitude for magic, the queen knew if their enemies found out about her abilities, they would surely try to steal her away. To prevent this, her parents agreed it would be best to keep her magic hidden from the world. She was young and defenseless; as such Zella played along. She would be the helpless princess. The weakest sister. The useless daughter.

Within the perfect circle her magic created, she looked at the destroyed area. “Sorry,” she said to the land. “That must have taken a long time to create.” The last time she offered a similar apology was when she was fifteen and almost leveled a forest. A town stood there now, so it wasn’t for nothing.

The path back to her ship was blocked by large boulders. A low curse passed her lips as she climbed over the rocks. If she had better control over her magic, she would have been able to float above the rocks with ease. Unfortunately, she could never quite grasp how wind magic worked.

She hopped from rock to rock and soon enough, her airship was in sight. She jumped off the final boulder and dusted off her clothes. She couldn’t wait to go home and take a much-needed shower.

The airship’s ladder was low enough to the ground that she could jump up and grab the lower rung. She lifted herself up and onto the ship’s deck. Before she switched it on, she paused. Something prickled at the back of her mind, but she couldn’t place it. Whatever it was must have not been important enough for her to place. With a shrug, she flew the airship up and left the clearing behind.