The Realms

19.Mine

As she walked through the portal and back in the familiar place, her horse looked up and stopped feeding. She could feel it's excitement like a bubble of warmth in her chest and she gasped.

She could feel it's emotions like they were her own. She wondered if she could feel people's feelings too.

Due to the circumstances, as the goddess had said with a smirk, she couldn't keep her normal self so here she was, in white robes with a blue hue and in her right hand, her magical sign, a sword.

Her hair was purple with an hint of white which looked grey due to the purple contrast. She didn't want to know what her eyes looked like.

*****
The council stood in a circle at the hidden chambers at the library staring at an object in the middle.

Sir Oslo had summoned them when the Guardian lantern had lit up. He had smiled back then because he knew what was going on.

They were mesmerized.

"We have to tell our people," the queen said unable to hide her happiness.

"who is she?" the king wondered out loud.

Sir Oslo wanted to tell them but smiled mischievously. Let it be a surprise he decided.

Word was send that the guardian lantern was alight and she was back. She would fight for them.

*****
The council sat at the hall with the Queen and the King, they continued discussing amongst themselves of who could possibly be the Her.

Kai sat up from the floor and shivered. It was cold despite being an afternoon. He felt drowsy as if he had drowned a gallon of wine the previous night. Then it all came crashing down to him like a icy bucket of water. Palin. Iris.

He stoop up before staggering out of the room he now felt disgusted to be in.

He had to inform his father the King about her. He felt the shame. He had literally put his whole kingdom in danger. He winced at the thought as he entered the hall and found the group. They seemed happy and he wondered why.

"Oh son, you can't imagine what happened," the King said gesturing him to take his seat.

"The Guardian lantern lit up not long ago," his mother the queen said.

Before he could process what was happening, the energy in the room seemed to change.

They felt safe, warm and relaxed. She was here.

Kai looked up when he felt her presence. His bracelet glowed but this time not a warm brown glow but a blueish - white.

She walked in. Her eyes fixated on him. He felt overwhelmed. His heart skipped a few beats and he forgot to breath for a moment. She was stunning.

"I can't breath," he gasped. His whole body throbbed. He felt all sorts of things.

"Iris!?" they all choruses in owe.

Her hair blew from the soft breeze squeezing through the open windows. The outer layer of her dress danced to the rhythm too. Her right hand held the sword.

She looked magical. A warrior and a queen for her people.

In her magical form, she still felt like her former self but  more powerful and grounded. She felt magic pulsing through her veins like it was a normal thing.

Her destined lover stood at the far end with a comical look on his face. She smiled. He looked stunned.

Seeing her reaction Kai felt so Fluffy he thought he was going to float any time. The council knew better and gave them space.

Iris walked up to him. He stood up  and momentarily closed his eyes as if to confirm the reality from a dream.

She touched his face lightly with her index finger and his eyes flew open to meet her purple ones.

He felt safe under her eyes. She looked even more powerful than before almost intimidating. He felt a wave of protection like if she was there, he was invincible, untouchable.

And surprisingly he felt loved yet owned. He was hers, he smiled at the thought.

If he wasn't in love before, he was now. This time he could have sworn minus the magical bond.

Iris searched Kai's eyes. He could feel his emotions but he didn't know how genuine they were as it is, temporary attraction was not impossible and was always considered real until during the fight and boom they aren't.

She had to do it. She tagged at her right wrist and the bracelet fell on the floor with a little thud. Kai followed the fall and looked up at her face, she looked at him almost vulnerable and nodded.

"is it.... Is it necessary, iris,?"  he whispered her name pleadingly. She affirmed before looking away.
She knew how delicate the moment was. Even if the love he felt for her was due to the bond, going to the battle already aware was good enough. She would be more careful not to be hurt to an extent of needing to feed on his unreal emotions to replenish her magic core.

His bracelet hit the floor and he looked up.

"I love you." he whispered as if afraid the words would melt away if he said them louder. Iris swallowed the lump building up in her throat and took the few steps remaining steps towards her destined lover.

Her hands cupped his face and she smiled tearfully before he brought his hands up to hold them round her waist. He pulled her into a full teddy bear hug. He closed his eyes and savored the moment.

Iris felt complete. Her heart lulled back to normal and she sighed a sign of relief.

They were going to fight and win for their people.

****