The God & The Shadow

Chapter 42

VERONICA

The sun shone brightly over the Kingdom of Verila. They all poured out into the street when the soldiers at the gate announced our return, well technically the Princes' and Lore's to be exact.

Wilton and Cassian waved gallantly to their people, their movements coordinated. When one looked to the left, the other followed. When one greeted, the other thanked.

How perfect they were to rule over the people who loved them with all their hearts even in the middle of war, I thought. If, with the littlest hope I had when I was younger, I befitted the role of a ruler, would I be like them?

"You'd make a fine Queen." Lore murmured behind me.

"Get out of my head." I replied, creating some distance between us by moving forward.

He quietly laughed at my pathetic attempt and smoothly pulled me closer to him with the arm he had around my waist. "It's not my fault you're thinking out loud."

"I'm guessing it's not your fault either that you annoy me."

"You wound me, love. Truly."

I gritted my teeth and bit back any retort. Instead, I opted to work on building my mental shields up. Now that I know my powers are more than just killing plants, or growing dead ones for that matter, I realized that I had yet to reach my complete potential.

The world darkened and all I could see were my walls, broken and unguarded.

Slowly, I built it back up. Brick by brick.

Withered vines with black roses grew on the walls, essentially protecting the fortress. How I was able to do it was beyond me, but it was something I welcomed.

"Good." Lore hummed from behind.

"I don't need your commentary."

"I know you don't." I opened my eyes and the large castle gates opened. "I just like watching you and expressing my thoughts."

"Well, don't." I told him, looking elsewhere to hide the flush of my cheeks.

A low laugh sounded from behind, and I wanted nothing more than to look back. After everything that happened just a few hours ago, I was afraid things between us would've been awkward.

Now, I couldn't believe how I even managed to associate the word 'awkward' with Lore. He made me comfortable the entire trip and even coaxed me into sleeping, even if it were just for a short while.

Sure, he occasionally teased me when I made a certain comment about being hungry. But that just made me enjoy his presence more, no matter how much I denied it.

Heavens below, I still couldn't believe we were... something. We confessed, even if it were established through cut-off sentences and threadbare words, and understood.

It was terrifying how we could look at each other in the eye and immediately understand. No, we didn't need to talk verbally or mentally. We just, looked.

"I probably shouldn't have made a comment earlier because now I want nothing more than to know what's going on in that mind of yours." Lore whispered when the horses started slowing at the palace's entrance.