The Challenger

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 2

"Wipe my memory?" He raised an eyebrow more cockily than before, "You can do that?" Astrid was surprised by his sudden confidence, tilting her head at him while he watched, eyes following the movement. "Do you need me to prove it?"

 "No," He smirked, "I don't think that's necessary." 

Then stay quiet and pretend that I am adamant on wiping your mind. I am trying to help you, but if you'd rather rot in one of our prison cells for the rest of your mortal life, be my guest.

Thankfully, Ky trained his face before she said, "I think that it is the necessary precaution to take in order to keep our kingdom safe." Even though she secretly hoped that humans would be as aware of them as Fae were of mortals.

"I agree," Counselor Vera nodded with a mysterious glimmer in her eyes. "This is why I think clearer borders are necessary." Counselor Vintra spoke up.

"We've already addressed that," Astrid stated calmly, "And now we're figuring out a way to prevent mortals from contacting immortals, not pit ourselves against each other." 

"Clearer borders will not create the divisions you assume."

"Maybe not, but we will eventually no longer be considered a union if we continue to highlight our differences instead of similarities."

"That's enough speaking of this in front of the human." King Elias interrupted their argument and Astrid could feel Ky tense up beside her.

"Am I allowed to perform the memory wipe, then?" Princess Astrid asked and her father eyed Ky. "Of course."

Immediately, she turned to the mortal before placing both fingers to each temple.

I'm going to pretend to put you to sleep. I'll quiet your brain so no one can sense you are awake but be patient.

His thoughts drifted into her mind.

Are you sure it'll be easy for you to lie?

It's a risk I'm willing to take.

She could see the clear confusion rising in his mind.

I-I'm trying to help you. Just don't make it difficult.

Thank you.

His voice was so quiet that she could barely hear it so she continued to run slow circles over his temples before stopping. Her brain seemed to follow this thin line of telepathy and it felt like she was swimming through harsh waters as she searched through his brain. And then, a gold light appeared.

As she moved closer to the ball of light, Astrid knew she had to reach it in order to quiet Ky's mind. After reaching the glimmering sphere, she pushed it way, way down.

What are you doing?

His tone was gruff and concerned.

Hiding your lucidity. You'll feel a bit disoriented but it will come back to you. None of the other fae in this room will be able to sense your thoughts.

Can they hear us now?

No. Fae can't hear thoughts unless they have the ability to enter into someone's mind. They can only sense it. Especially humans. We can only sense a little...hum in the air when someone's lucid.

Would I be able to sense thoughts?

Astrid paused. She'd never thought of that.

Well...I'm not sure. I'd test it out if you were a prisoner. Maybe I should rethink my offer.

Her voice had a bit of a teasing tone.

I'd like to stay. You seem like an...interesting person.

Is that a compliment?

She almost wanted to laugh. Who was this man? She almost wanted to enter into his private thoughts but thought better of it. They were none of her business and as a fae, she automatically had more leverage on him. Leverage that made her feel guilty.

It's definitely a compliment.

His tone was deep and confident like he always had the chance to speak to a telepathic female fae. Ignoring him, she pushed the golden light a bit farther until she could no longer see it's glow.

I'm going to back away now, stay upright but keep your eyes close.

Mhm

He was already starting to drift but she was glad that Ky's memory wasn't wiped.

She didn't know whether she did it because some cynical part of her wanted humanity to know about fae, or whether she couldn't bear the fact that Ky would forget his short, dangerous time in Melodee.

Most of all, however, was Astrid's desperation to know more about these mortals. She knew it was dangerous and selfish, and possibly insane but she didn't care.

Pulling back, Astrid opened her eyes to see the bright courtroom, looking the same as when she'd left it. "He's wiped completely?" "Every last inch." Astrid nodded assuringly before King Elias said, "Caspian, Draco, lead him downstairs." "Downstairs?" Counselor Vera's eyebrows were furrowed in disgust.

"Yes Counselor Vera, downstairs. Right where he belongs." "But I wiped his memory." Astrid walked up to the King's throne, glaring at her father. "Yes, but I'd rather not take any risks. And," He grinned, "We can use him for insight into the mortal realm."

"K-king Elias, don't you think this is a little harsh?" Counselor Hoster winced and King Elias paused. "Hoster, I have never been more sure of anything in my entire life," Then he paused, "And don't bother trying to question my decisions ever again. Court adjourned."

With the lift of his hand, the golden pews disappeared along with the throne that he'd just gotten up from.

"King Elias," Astrid spoke anyway in a hard voice, "I will not allow you to place this man in one of the prison cells. You yourself agreed to let me make the final decision on his fate and I already performed the memory wipe."

The room was suddenly silent and cold. "Need I remind you that I am still King, Princess. I make the final decision no matter what anyone else says."

"But-" And then her lips closed shut. He was forcing her to stay quiet with a simple spell.

The counselors watched in horror as Caspian and Draco led Ky to The Cells while Astrid transmitted, I'm sorry.

I'll be fine. Ky's groggy voice echoed through her mind.

Still unable to speak, Astrid turned back to her father, the horrible, wicked man, before he said, "That will be all. I will see everyone next month."