Our Family
Xenia
Yesterday’s birthday celebration for the kids’ 18th took a lot of energy. I sit across from Isadora.
“I’ve got no answers, Your Majesty,” she says, bowing her head slightly, as she does every time she calls me that. It’s her way of apologizing, even though I’ve asked her not to.
“Something must be causing it,” I reply, and she nods, smiling at me softly.
“I have no idea. We’ve tried using your magic more, and it continues to grow. We tried ignoring it, stopping all use, and it still grows.” She sits, looking worried, and I don’t blame her.
Neither Darius nor Kellan will be happy with this answer. There’s no solution—it’s just another unknown.
“Binding your magic also didn’t work,” she adds, smiling softly at me.
About a year ago, my magic began to change and grow. The stronger it gets, the more it worries me. I touch something, and things happen.
We hadn’t noticed it until I picked up a dead plant, and somehow, it blossomed and came to life in my hands. I wasn’t even trying to do anything—just taking it to the compost.
“So?” Darius and Kellan walk in and sit beside me.
“I’m sorry, but nothing works. I’ve tried binding her magic. We’ve tried ignoring it, not using it for a month, even overusing it. Nothing is working,” she says, bowing her head slightly. “I know this isn’t the answer you had hoped for. I apologize,” she whispers.
“It’s fine, Isadora; thank you for trying. We’ll just stop her from touching anyone,” Kellan smirks, and I groan.
“You could wear gloves—be Elsa!” he cheers, making me laugh.
“We tried gloves, but they don’t work,” Isadora laughs slightly.
“The film gave us the idea, Kellan,” I say, and he nods.
“I’ll go do my usual training with the children,” Isadora says, standing. She bows and excuses herself.
“Maybe there’s just one spell you need to do that will stop it?” Darius suggests, but I shake my head.
“Maybe she just needs to get pregnant again,” Kellan grins.
“Don’t even think about it—that’s not happening. They’re sixteen; we’re not starting over again!” I complain, and he laughs. “Besides, in a few years, you’ll have little ones around. We all know that Storm is eager to become a mum.” I smirk, watching their eyes widen.
“Don’t do that!” Darius glares at me.
“Then don’t joke about me having another baby,” I say, standing up.
“Try not to touch people today, okay?” Darius asks, and I shrug.
“I’m feeling mischievous, Darius. I might just run down the hall and swipe my hand across everyone to see what happens,” I smirk, and he groans.
Kellan sits, howling with laughter. I’m not foolish—I won’t actually do it. Once every few months, we open the castle and allow people to come in and make requests.
Bottom of Form
Today is that day. Darius and Kellan wanted to cancel it because my magic has been acting up, but I refused. People need this, and it’s a quick way to help those in need.
“The kids won’t be joining us today,” Darius says as we walk through.
“I’m good with that,” I reply as we enter the room. I take my place between them and look around. Each month, I’m amazed by the number of people who come here seeking help.
Some people travel from far away, needing assistance with their packs and other matters. Sometimes, a section of our soldiers is sent to aid an alpha who needs help.
I watch as each person approaches, already aware they’ve been instructed not to touch me. Where many would usually bow and shake my hand, today they keep their distance. Even the children, who usually run up for hugs, stay back.
I turn to Darius, already suspecting the reason.
“I told William to make sure everyone knew not to touch you. You’ve been unwell, so they’re keeping their distance,” he explains, and I nod.
He couldn’t tell them the truth, so, of course, he came up with a plausible excuse. An hour later, I’ve settled into it, and, as always, Kellan looks bored with the proceedings.
Despite his boredom, he stays with us, never complaining. His expression reminds me of when he went on that date with Lyra—vacant and just waiting for an escape.
I nudge him. “Look a bit more alive, and I might actually come find you tonight,” I joke with a wink, and he grins, sitting up. That got his attention.
I turn back and freeze. Even after sixteen years, I recognize her.
“I’m sure you were banned,” Darius growls, and my hand instinctively reaches for his.
“I have no choice! I’m sorry, please.” She looks up at him with pleading eyes. “It’s not about me, I promise; it’s Quinn. Please don’t punish him for my actions while he was a child!” she begs, and I nod.
“What is it that you require?” I ask.
“Are you joking?” Kellan turns to me. “She doesn’t deserve to even ask! Leave, Bailey, now!” he snaps.
“Kellan, we can hear what she wants,” I say. He sighs loudly but nods.
“I...” She stops, glancing around uncertainly.
“We’re going to take a break, Yori,” I say, standing up.
“Darling, consider this,” Darius says, looking at me.
“She said it’s for Quinn. The child shouldn’t be punished for his mother’s mistakes,” I remind him. He nods, and we lead the way to a quieter room. Bailey follows behind, her head lowered. I wonder how much of this is genuine and how much might be a lie or game.
Still, turning her away when it’s for Quinn feels wrong. The child shouldn’t suffer for her actions. Whatever she needs help with, we can at least try to assist her.
