The Moon Calls

21

"I see..." King Frederic's expression was grim as Cassandra explained what happened in Old Corona – Varian couldn't get past a few words before he started sobbing and was now curled up in Queen Arianna's arms. "Well..." He sighed. "Quirin told me that, in the event of...of something happening to him, that he wants me to take in Varian as my son. It is only temporary, I hope, but he'll officially be a prince."

"There are two alchemists Quirin knows working on the problem." Cassandra assured him. "I'm sure it won't be too long."

"We can only hope." King Frederic looked over at Varian and Arianna. "I will have guards assigned to guard the house, so nothing is taken in his...absence. Let us hope these alchemists succeed in rescuing Quirin, and in destroying the black rocks."

--

"Gonna be frank," Hugo said, looking up at the man encased in amber, "I have no idea where to start."

"I don't know that Ulla would, either." Donella sighed. "But, we're already here, there are guards at the door, his son is being distracted..." She walked over to the worktable and looked over the alchemy tools. "I remember these..." She smiled fondly for a moment before her expression hardened and she tightened her gloves. "Let's get to work."

"Yes, ma'am." Hugo agreed, walking over to join her.

--

Varian had mixed feelings about his new...title. On the one hand, he was practically a prince anyway, so there wasn't much difference. On the other, it was a bitter and constant reminder of the fact that his father was encased in amber from his efforts to get rid of the black rocks. Still, it was what his father wanted, so this was how it was.

In the aftermath of the storm, people were still picking up the pieces - literally. It'd broken off pieces of roofs and walls. At least the storm was going away, he considered. It was a pretty warm day today, too, so Rapunzel was able to go around barefoot as she liked, so that eased some of her stress.

Today, she was working on a mural for a new art gallery that was opening up, which would display works from everyone in Corona. As a result, everyone in the city was painting – or trying to.

Varian cursed as another solution exploded, glass vial pieces scattering everywhere. He sighed and started to clean it up, frowning. Someone cleared their throat and he looked over to see Queen Arianna standing in the doorway. "Aunt Arianna." He disposed of the pieces and turned to her, setting the broom to the side.

"Having some trouble?" She asked.

"I can't focus." He admitted. "I should be in Old Corona with Hugo and Donella, trying to solve the problem with the black rocks, not...not here in Corona Capital."

"You know why you cannot go there, Varian." Queen Arianna walked over and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "It is too dangerous for you to go near Her black rocks." She moved her hand up to gently cup his cheek. "Vari—oh." She sighed as his streak started to glow.

"I'm not...mad. Frustrated, but not mad. This is just...it's just a thing. I think nearly dying in the money cart and being saved by Her broke it." Varian glanced away. "That...or there's something magical going on right now, like with the blizzard."

"Well, since you're uncertain about that right now, and you can't focus, why don't you come and try painting something?" Queen Arianna suggested. "I've seen your drawings, I bet you could make something really good."

"Drawings and paintings are entirely different things. Pencils don't drip." He shook his head with a smile. "But..." He sighed and looked at Ruddiger, who nuzzled his leg. "I guess I can try something."