Captured Love

Chapter 25

I couldn't understand what just happened, he told me it wasn't safe to use magic to go back home. He told me even if I tried it would've been too painful, and I would've stopped of my own accord because trying to force it could kill me since I wouldn't have enough magic alone. I grit my teeth trying not to scream at the realization that this man had been lying to me. I just snapped my psyche or mental state completely destroyed at this betrayal of the only one who claimed to have ever truly loved me. The only one I ever decided to stay for, I had submitted myself to him yet how could he still not trust me. I was willing to sacrifice my old life for him, my family, friends, even my own body.

"Damn it! Why am I so stupid!" I screamed out in anguish gripping the grassy floor with my hands, wanting to take out my anger and pain on something. I sobbed my heart out writhing on the floor like a dying animal just waiting to be put out of my misery. I exhausted myself too much and fainted like that curled up on the forest floor.

I don't know how long I stayed curled up or how much time has passed. I didn't have any motivation for anything, I didn't know what to do or feel anymore, I was just an empty shell now at this point it was far worse than when I stayed in bed after getting my wings clipped like a helpless bird. This time it was as if he spiritually destroyed me and my soul was left to bleed out from the deception, so I just lay there in a slumber trying to find refuge in sleep. Eventually during one of my windows of being awake I took notice of something. Food was being left outside my little covered canopy. At first it was hard for me to perceive anything, but eventually I did especially since it was starting to pile up. It was the first interesting thing that brought me out of my hiding, wanting to know why food was being left at my feet I waited. A little girl around eight years old came during the early rays of morning. Stumbling along she held a bag full of berries as she made her way to the entrance of my area. Trying not to move I stayed still pretending to sleep like before. The way she tried to neatly organize the food made me smile. She was a cute chestnut-haired child with some light freckling.

'She's so cute.'

The positive feelings surprised me; it was the first time my mood had been lifted so quickly as if just her appearance had healed some of the open wound that my soul was carrying. I wasn't sure if I should continue to let her see me sleeping or awaken so I stayed quiet waiting to observe what she wanted. She simply left the food and picked some nearby wildflowers to place a small arrangement on display. She next clasped her little hands and made a prayer, the gesture seeming so odd considering I wasn't technically a god or some deity for her to be praying to.

Deciding to let my curiosity get the best of me I decided to speak with her.

"What are you doing?" I tried to soften my face as much as possible to not scare the child away. She jolted up surprise and maybe a little fear mixed in her expression.

"I'm sorry I was just wanting to pay my respects and leave an offering for you." 

"What do you mean, an offering?" I was perplexed what could've made this little girl think I was anything, but normal.

"I saw when you came, the forest glowed every night since you've arrived. You're the goddess who became queen to the King of our universe like they say in the stories." She stared at me in admiration which in turn freaked me out a bit considering I didn't consider myself a god though my new abilities could be comparable to one.

"What stories do you mean? Do you mind telling me about them if you do, I'll happily share this food with you."  The little girl beamed with delight but then hesitated. 

"Are you sure it's okay for me to be near you? I don't want to get in trouble and anger the king." She timidly hung her head as if already knowing I would deny her. 

"Of course it should be fine, I'm the one giving you permission, aren't I?" I raised a brow as if daring her to be opposed though in reality I wouldn't ever actually do anything if she chose to leave. 

"Okay!" She rushed me in excitement; the spontaneous action would've toppled us both had it not been for my powers.

"Here have some of these berries you brought me, and I'll eat some too while you tell me some fun stories" She nodded and took some.

"Did you like the flowers I got you too? They were my mother's favorite so I thought you might like them too." 

"Of course." I picked up a single one and put it in her hair. The little girl squealed so bubbly and sweet her personality reminded me of a certain someone. 

"Okay now start the stories or you'll end being here all night at this rate." I giggled along with her. Her laughter was infectious.