Asha exited the vault, lost in the fog of the future. The promises whispered to her in that magical room set her mind spinning with visions of wealth and power. The entrance closed with a muffled word from the king, and they were back in the throne room. She approached the wide balcony that overlooked the parade grounds below. Down there, she'd wrestled with the bull. She looked down at the abandoned sand pit, shaking her head in wonder of the situation she now found herself in. This entire sun-kissed city would be hers one day. How proud her mother would be! And her grandfather too! Of course he would have to come around to the idea, but he would soon learn the benefits of royal favor. Besides, he'd never met the king. How could he pass judgment on a monarch who has done nothing but rule with grace and duty? Honestly, could the man be all that bad if he was willing to give an inexperienced nobody a chance at the crown? She leaned against the decorative railing and breathed in the salt-tinged air.
"Well, now that all that's done," Magnifico brushed his hands of any residual stardust, "I shall fetch a servant to show you your lodgings."
The girl turned, "You want me to stay here?"
"Why yes...that is the standard procedure of an apprenticeship. What better way to learn than to be fully immersed in the lifestyle?"
"Ah," she gripped the balustrade tight, "I am...honored and delighted in your offer, but-"
"But?" his voice took on a sharp edge.
The girl swallowed, "My grandfather is very old and very ill. I would be devastated if I missed the time that I have left," Even if he despises me, she closed her eyes at the internal addendum. Gaining her strength again, she met the ruler's gaze, "You understand how important family is, your majesty."
Magnifico paused in his reply. His eyelids fluttering at the statement. The ring on his thumb felt red hot against his skin, he had to look down to make sure it hadn't caught fire, "Yes, I suppose that is important...isn't it?" He coughed, composure restored, his hands folded behind his back, "Very well, it would be cruel to deny such a request. As long as you arrive early...and I mean before dawn...everyday, then I will let you spend your evenings away from the castle."
Asha dropped into a deep bow, "Thank you so much your majesty I-"
His sturdy hand rested against her shoulder, "Rise Asha, you needn't bow before your equal."
Her back straightened; she eyed him on the way up.
"No need to be suspicious Señorita, we're all monarchs here," he gave her a wink, "now go collect that wild cousin of yours and enjoy the rest of your day. We'll start first thing tomorrow with your normal regimen."
"Yes-" Asha had to restrain herself from bowing, "I shall see you then, your majesty."
She was dismissed with a wave. She made a quick exit out of the throne room and stepped out of sight. There she fell against the wall and reveled in her excitement. Her hand covered her mouth to keep down the ecstatic giggles that shook her body. It was all too good to be true! How lucky she was to live on this beautiful island, ruled by such a virtuous and strong king! She had the wrestle every muscle in her body to keep from jumping. Once restrained, she started down the curving steps, stopping midway when she could see the entry hall...empty.
Where had that boy gone?!
Asha gathered her skirts and sprinted the rest of the way. Her head jerked around, turning to investigate the many hallways that spread around her.
"Sol," Asha hissed through gritted teeth, "Sol, where the heck are you?"
The sound of crashing pans pulled her from her frantic search. Startled at the cacophony, Asha swung around to see Dahlia crouched over the mess, picking it up piecemeal with a shaking hand. The girl forgot her original task and rushed over to help her friend. Crouching down she started to stack the hodgepodge assembly of pots and pans in her own arms.
YOU ARE READING
Of Stardust and Wishes (A Wish Rewrite)
Fanfiction"Salvē!" The golden specter repeated. She was in shock. That had to be it. All that tossing around in the water must have shaken her insides around enough to make her see things. She blinked a few times, but he was still there, looking even more con...
