Forced into Fantasy

Chapter 23 - Enemies

Adomis;

I can't see straight. For some reason my arms keep bumping into walls and corners as I pace in somewhat of a dazed state through the castle corridors.

He called her the 'Moon Princess'...

But that can't be.

It just can't!

Not her!

I can feel my heart thudding at an accelerated rate as my thick boots stomp along the stone floor, one foot after another.

'clump', 'clump', 'clump'

I finally step out into the cool outside breeze through an open balcony, filling my lungs with a desperate breath of fresh air. I make my way across to the edge of the railing and rest my elbows down against it.

My entire body feels numb, as if an arrow lit with raging fire could hit me right now and I wouldn't feel a thing. Not a single sensation of pain...

'Did she know who she was?'

'Has she perhaps known all along with the hidden intention of seducing me? Of making me feel something for her?'

I brush aside the though as my stomach begins to stir. The thought is making me feel physically ill. Betrayed, that's how I feel right now. As if my heart has been pulled from my chest and crushed within her very hand.

Ivy... why?

-

Ivy;

Zarkin and I finally enter his chamber located in the high tower of the castle and I look around with a new-found interest in the Mage and what he does.

Strange objects are displayed everywhere, with endless bound books lined up along the shelves and strewn across desks carelessly. There are several glowing lights surrounding the outside walls of the room which I decide to closely inspect, just out of curiosity.

Stepping up to one of them I lift my hand and reach out to try and touch the glowing light. My finger is within mere inches when I hear Zarkin clearing his throat behind me.

I turn to face him, a little startled and half embarrassed.

"May I see it?" he asks me.

"See what?"

"Your marking Ivy. May I see it?" he reiterates.

"Oh..."

Upon realising what he had meant I nod and turn back around to face the glowing light once again.

I feel his hand grasping at my hair gently. He pulls it across to the side, then drapes it over my left shoulder to reveal my bare back and shoulders to him.

It is only then that I realise the style of dress I am currently wearing and that it may be a bit of a problem. It covers most of the tattoo. I silently prey that he does not need to see any more of it as I stand still waiting for him to finish.

"Um, forgive me Miss Ivy..." his expression shows obvious embarrassment as he speaks again.

"Would you... perhaps... lower your dress?"

"What?"

I immediately frown and turn to face him, but he quickly lifts his hands up in a form of surrender as he tries to explain and calm my fears.