A Touch of Magic

Chapter Thirty One

Chapter Thirty One

Night Cast

Age 20

I had settled into a quiet, simple life. Hazel and Mildred took the reins for the most part when it came to ruling the kingdom. My time was mostly spent with NightShade. She was my only constant companion.
The weeping willow tree had rotted and died just as my brief relationship with Mildred had. He seemed perfectly happy to love my sister now. I often wonder if what we had was real at all.
Has he ever really loved me? Or was he just playing games with my heart? Either way, I never brought myself to regret that night we'd spent together. Still, I longed for his touch. His lips against my neck. His whispers in my ear.
Instead, I watched him give all those things he claimed were meant for me, to my sister.
Hazel seemed happy. So happy, in fact, that she rarely sought my company. Whenever I would seek her out, she was always fawning over Mildred. Our conversation mainly consisted of one word questions and answers. That was about it.
Mildred hadn't spoken to me since the wedding. Solitude isn't a new concept for me. In fact. I'd often seek it out myself.
But this was a new kind of loneliness. The kind that haunts you with forgotten dreams and never ends "what if's".
It consumed me to the point that I hardly ever left my chambers. No one would be waiting for me anyway.
Today was one of the rare days I mustered up enough energy to actually take a walk. Winter was on the horizon, and little flakes were beginning to fall. It would have been rather beautiful, if not for my sour mood.
I let myself wander farther from the castle. The border of the neighboring kingdom came into view. Glamora was on the edge of Crystal Valley.
We had tried to trade with them in the past, but so far, we have been unsuccessful. The castle loomed over me in the distance.
Nearby, a white horse was carrying a handsome rider dressed in velvet. He wore a good crown placed atop his head. I recognized him from our previous attempts at trading.
His name was SteelHeart, and he was the King of Crystal Valley. His father had recently died in battle, crowning him king.
I curtsied as he rode past. He halted his horse and dismounted to face me. I rose.
"Queen Night Cast. What are you doing so far from your castle?"
I took his hand that he offered to me and shook it.
"I was simply taking a stroll, your majesty. I hope I haven't disturbed you."
He smiled.
"Quite the contrary. I was hoping to speak with you."
I nodded.
"I am aware of your kingdom's intentions to trade with us."
I smiled. Had he decided to accept?
"I believe I have something even greater to offer up."
He pulled out a small box from his pocket and bent down before me. My face flushed. I couldn't tell if it was fresh adoration or embarrassment. Inside the box was a small diamond ring.
"I'm sure this must come as a shock to you, but please let me explain."
He rose to his feet.
"I believe we both wish to see our kingdoms united. What better way to unite kingdoms than with a royal marriage?"
He took the ring in his fingers.
"I promise you. It's a deal you won't hear again."
My mind whizzed. I lifted my finger up as he slid the ring onto it.
"When were you thinking?"
I asked.
"I suppose I should accompany you back to your castle to discuss wedding plans."
I nodded. This day had gone much better than expected. I led him back towards the castle.
Hazel seemed to take notice of me once more once she discovered my engagement. Mildred promptly excused himself from the room. His apparent jealousy made me smile.
The wedding would be attended by both kingdoms. I made it my personal mission to make it even more grand than my sister's wedding.
When the day finally came, it was a uniting of our two kingdoms. Hazel did indeed have a far less grand wedding. That made it all the better.
It was only when SteelHeart brought me to bed that night that I knew I had made a terrible, terrible mistake.