Princess of Sky

“Take it off!” I shouted, leaping to my feet and trying to move my arm. My attempts were in vain, and I probably looked very comical.

“I, uh, I,” the boy stuttered. I glared down at him. My father, on the other hand, was the one who found all this very amusing.

“Serina,” he laughed, “calm down.”

“Calm down? Calm down?” I shouted. I could feel my cheeks changing to an unsavory shade of beet, but I was too furious to care. “He painted a hex on me.” Why in the name of Sky would Steffen do that? Because my father had asked him to demonstrate his wonderful ability? I wanted to see what Steffen could do too, but I had no idea he would use me as the example.

Steffen had the good sense to look abashed. He stared at the floor between his feet as if by not looking at me, he could hide from my rage. How wrong he was. My wrist tingled and I turned my attention to the golden mark on it. Steffen had taken my arm in his hand and drawn an intricate symbol on it with his finger. As his finger passed along my skin a trail of gold appeared. A shiver ran up my spin at I gazed at the mark.

    “Don’t worry, Your Highness,” Steffen said. He seemed to think it was safe to speak. I looked down at him through narrowed lids. “You’ll be able to move your arm in about three hours.” His voice came out reassuring, but it did nothing to reassure me. I had no trust for a seventeen-year-old boy who delighted in paralyzing princesses’ arms. 

    “Three hours,” I practically snarled. Steffen ducked his head again. “How dare you use me as your guinea pig.” My voice was low and dangerous. It was the same voice that had gotten me sword lessons with the Captain of the Guard. “And how dare you allow him to do such a thing?” I cried, rounding on my father. At that point I was so choked by anger I couldn’t get anymore words out so I did as any sixteen-year-old girl would do in this situation. I marched from the room slammed the door behind me.

    I stared down at the golden mark on my arm. My dress had three quarter length sleeves, which left my wrists bare and vulnerable. The mark winked innocently up at me and I scowled. When Steffen had first taken my hand in his, a rush of confusion and, I had to admit, excitement had run its course through my body. Then he had painted the hex. 

    I leaned back against the door and listened to the conversation taking place on the other side.

    “Allow me to apologize for Serina’s behavior,” my father said. 

    “There is no need to apologize, Your Majesty. I completely understand. Not many people take kindly to my, uh, abilities.” I heard Steffen say. Who would take kindly when you go around paralyzing people? I thought viciously.

    “I wonder could you have immobilized her mouth?” The king laughed like he was the funniest man in the world. I squared my jaw. If Steffen touched me again he would find out that my mouth was the least of his worries. 

    “I can also perform other spells, not just hexes,” Steffen said. Trying to suck up to my father? Well, you’d better watch out. 

    “Yes, so I’ve heard. May I offer you a place at court to perform your art?” My father had turned diplomat now. Steffen would be an important asset at court, but I could sense Steffen’s hesitation. Say no. Say no.

    “I would like my abilities to remain secret between you and your daughter. But I would love a place at court.” No!

    “You will be paid well and the real reason for your being here will remain confidential.” I blew a lock of hair out of my face and stomped off. Had I really expected him to refuse? No, I hadn’t, but I had still hoped he would. After what he had done to me, the last place he should want to be was here.