A Ward's Tale

Chapter 9

When I awake the next morning I am in my own bed. The night before feels like a dream until I realize that Reynold is not coming like he promised the evening before. I almost started crying again. He could be telling the King right now. I almost fear the door opening as I imagine knight after knight rushing into my room to restrain me for fear of my power.

I think about sneaking out and running away. I wouldn't be safe here anymore if they knew. They would consider me a danger, and I would spend the rest of my life in the cells. I shake my head pushing that thought away. King Charles loves me, thinks of me as one of his own. He would never throw me in the cells. But that doesn't stop me from feeling nervous.

I am about to get up and pack a get away bag when the door opens. I cringe and pull my covers higher in attempts to hide myself. It is just Gayle. My whole body relaxes at the sight of my old friend.

"Clarissa? How are you feeling this morning?" Gayle asks, coming to my bedside. "Your maids tell me you haven't left your bed and you jump in fear at the door opening."

"Have I been that obvious?" I laugh nervously. "I do not feel well. I fear something bad is going to happen."

"Something bad? But it is soon to be your wedding day! What could happen between then and now?" Gayle asks. He checks my temperature and tells me I should stay in bed again.

"I am actually surprised that Reynold is not here. I heard yesterday that he would not leave your side."

I cringe at his words. Guilt fills me for I have not told Gayle about my magic although he was there when Peter announced his reason for coming. I almost say something but then Reynold is announced.

"I will let you two be, for I believe there is something you need to work out alone." Gayle says standing and taking his leave as Reynold walks in. For a physician, Gayle is very wise. I would not be surprised if he already knew about my magic.

Reynold looks everywhere but at me as he walks over to my bedside. After Gayle is gone and we are alone I have to ask.

"Who have you told?" A pressure pushes down on my chest threatening to crush me. I wait to hear the King's name.

"No one." Reynold says. He still does not look me in the eyes as he sits down at the end of my bed.

"No one?" I ask in disbelief. The pressure disappears leaving me out of breath.

"Yes, no one. You are one of the King's favorite people. If I were to even suggest anything I could be beheaded, even if I could prove it. Anyways, I do love you. This is just something we need to push past. If that mage can help you control and repress it then I can allow that, just not every night. You need to keep your health up. I still want to marry you, Clarissa."

I am in such shock that I do not know how to form words. I just stare at him. I can't control myself and jump up at him. I wrap my arms around him as tears flow down my face again. This time of happiness.

This man, this wonderful man, is willing to give me a chance. Even though I have this magic inside of me. Even though he could have ruined me in one conversion with the King. Even though we have to keep this secret from our King, and if we are found out we could both hang. He is willing to risk his life...for me.

"Oh Reynold! Thank you! Thank you so much! Oh I love you so much!" I manage to say and give him a kiss.

He chuckles then gets me back into my bed. "Now, rest. All your worries are for naught."

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The time has come. Tomorrow I will wed Reynold Richardson. Ever since the night Reynold found out about my magic there has been a strangeness between us but he has allowed me to practice with Peter every other night and I have been getting better and better. I still wear my pendant. I feel safer and closer to my mother with it on. One day I will make it out to her village and learn more about her past, but for now I will marry Reynold and live here in the castle.