A Traveler's Curse

Chapter 33- Camp

Caspian, Sin, and I race towards the stables, leaving a trail of frozen bodies in our wake. As we sprint through Everbay Castle, I take the lead, guiding my companions through the unfamiliar layout.

Swiftly, we arrive at the stables and mount three horses. The morning air is crisp and refreshing against my skin as the sun shines brightly overhead. Our destination, Lakespire Castle, is a long journey ahead. If we're fortunate, we might reach it by late evening, but chances are we'll need to camp nearby and enter the castle the following day. I yearn to see my mother and brother, to share with them the truth of Kieran's actions and the reasons for my departure. My side of the story deserves to be heard.

But there's another reason I'm eager to reach the castle. I long to reunite with my ladies, Sila, Caitir, and Keana, and offer them the choice to accompany us on our journey to the past.

Once we finally distance ourselves from Everbay Castle, we ease the horses into a gentle walk. The three of us ride side by side on the main trail, with me positioned in the middle.

"Princess?" Caspian repeats, his gaze fixed on me.

"Yes, it's true. I am the Princess of Lakespire. My name is Kyla Aslan Viena," I confess, aware that Caspian won't let it go.

"I knew you had royal blood from the moment I saw your Time Magic. And Viena? Does that mean you fought against your own ancestors for the sake of my crown?" Caspian asks, astonishment lacing his words.

"No, Caspian. I fought against my ancestors because it was the right thing to do. Their massacre of the Astralites was unjust, and I wanted to prevent that tragedy," I explain, my thoughts drifting to Eirian, Orion, and the innocent newborn baby, Elaria.

"Whatever your reasons, thank you. It couldn't have been easy to warn me about your family and risk changing such a huge part of history."

"Honestly, I don't have any fucking idea how any of this works. I'm just trying to do the right thing." I say and we continue to ride in silence for a while.

"There lies a river up ahead, my friends," I announce to the boys. They nod in agreement, and together we veer off the trail towards a tranquil river nestled beside an open grassy meadow.

After dismounting, we allow our horses to graze on the lush grass while I settle down on the verdant ground. With a quick rummage through my backpack, I discover the jerky and bread that Dysis had packed for me.

Caspian and Sin are engrossed in their own modest meals while I relish the soothing melodies of the flowing river and the gentle caress of the breeze through the trees. Leaning back, I close my eyes, feeling the sun's warmth on my face.

Curiosity finally gets the better of Sin as he queries, "Why exactly are we venturing towards Lakespire Castle?"

A soft sigh escapes my lips as I respond, "To elucidate the transgressions committed by Kieran against Rowan and my newborn child. Additionally, I hope to persuade my closest companions from childhood to accompany us on our journey back in time."

Sin's voice drips with intrigue as he questions, "How many individuals can you transport?"

I ponder for a moment before replying, "I cannot provide a precise answer, for the knowledge surrounding Time Magic is limited. However, it seems that as long as they are physically touching me, I can bring along as many people as can fit within that criteria."

Caspian interjects with enthusiasm, "Just you wait until you witness her first voyage through time. It is truly awe-inspiring."

We enjoy another hour of respite before mounting our horses once again, determined to cover as much ground as possible before nightfall. The hours pass by as we ride, laughter and jovial banter filling the air. Sin and Caspian engage in playful teasing, sharing amusing anecdotes about one another without mercy. The sheer hilarity of it all nearly causes me to lose my balance and tumble from my steed.

As the sun begins to set, we veer off the main trail and discover a clearing amidst the woods where we can pitch our tents. Each of us has our own tent, compact in appearance from the outside but surprisingly spacious within.

As Sin builds a fire, Caspian and I busy ourselves with the horses, grooming their coats and picking their hooves clean.

"Why didn't you ever disclose your royal heritage?" Caspian queries me with a hint of intrigue, smoothing the horse's flank as he finishes his brushing.

"Reveal my status as a princess to the family who stole your throne? It didn't seem like the most tactful thing to do upon my arrival. According to the history I've been taught, you and Celestia are the 'evil' Frostbane twins, you could have sentenced me to death." I reply, completing my own horse's grooming.

"We would never have done that." He protests.

"That wasn't something I was aware of when we first crossed paths. I understand it now, but I didn't then." I clarify.

"Let's not keep any more secrets, alright? Not just because I am your king but because I'd like to consider us friends as well." He requests, his gaze meeting mine.

"No more secrets, you have my word," I assure him. We join Sin at the fire, feasting on some bird meat that Sin had shot down, and some fruit packed in our bags.

"We should reach our destination by dawn," I inform them. "It's been five years, I wonder how much has changed..."

"If they are truly your family, it won't matter." Sin comforts me.

"But what if they've been fed false tales by Kieran all these years? What if they truly believe them?"

"They won't," Sin states with conviction. "I haven't known you for long but I know you're a person of integrity who fights for justice. Your family will recognize that too."

"I hope you're right," I reply, prodding the fire with a stick and watching the embers dance.

"I'm off to sleep, see you both at sunrise." Caspian announces, rising from his place next to me and retiring to his tent, leaving me in the company of Sin.

"So, you're really a princess?" Sin inquires, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

"Born and bred," I respond with a smile. "Though I'd hardly consider myself a conventional princess."

"I've grown up around Celestia, unconventional princesses are always more interesting," he retorts, his dimples deepening with his smile.

"And nontraditional ladies, given your sister," I jest.

"Are you envious of her rapport with Caspian?" His question throws me off guard.

"No, of course not, why would I be?"

"You don't appear to be fond of her," he confesses.

"She accused me of being the King's mistress the first time we met!" I argue, feeling the need to vindicate myself.

"I know you're not, but that doesn't mean there's no emotional bond between you two."

"Caspian helped me through a particularly dark phase in my life, as did Celestia, even if she doesn't recollect it. He's a dear friend who has a special place in my heart because of that. But as I've told you, the man I loved is no more."

"And the woman I loved is gone too. The past is irreversible. I've been with numerous women since Lyla's passing, but none of them stir me the way you do," Sin says, his dark eyes penetrating mine.

I must concede, Sin is an attractive man. His tall, muscular frame, dark hair, sun-kissed skin, and captivating dimples are undeniably appealing. His short black beard and penetrating eyes that seem to pierce my soul just add to his allure. Perhaps, if I hadn't fallen for Rowan, I could see myself being drawn to him. But after everything I've been through, I'm not ready to risk my heart again.

"Sin... I hold you in high regard. You're a good man, and yes, you're attractive—"

"Attractive?" He interjects, raising an eyebrow.

I roll my eyes at him, but carry on. "But I'm not prepared to move on. I don't know if I ever will be. It's only been seven months for me, not even a year. I need time. And I wouldn't expect you to wait for me."

"But I will, if there's even the slightest chance you might reciprocate my feelings in the future," he says, his voice grave.

"I can't make any promises, that's the issue," I respond, rising to retire to my tent for some much-needed rest.