Captured Love

Chapter 30

My body was trembling on its own as I quietly sobbed to myself once more. I was so tired of feeling like this. I didn't like that he still had this control over me. Lune nudged her way into my crumpled form. I smiled wearily patting her head feeling myself slowly being soothed by the action. 

"Thank you, Lune, it was just a bad dream." I smile wearily as the lie hangs in the air. 

My tears had stopped, and I swiped away at the detestable gold smudges. I used to be fascinated by the vivid color but now could only ever see it as another reminder of him.  I could feel the horse's stomach grumble as she sheepishly tried to act innocently cute.

"Come on let's see what we can do about finding you some food." Lune neighed in delight.

I went to peek out through the window not wanting to disturb anyone I made sure to the coast was clear; it wasn't that I disliked anything my new followers had done only that I still couldn't get used to being served constantly. I put a finger to my lips as I shushed my spirited little companion as we slowly made our way back towards the courtyard.  The cool air breezed by lifting and ruffling our hair. The moon now appeared faded as the sky transitioned to dawn. I chose an area with a bench to sit. A tree looking similar to a myrtle overshadowed us as I sat trying to concentrate and calm my nerves. I sprouted a small sapling not far from me making it bloom till the fruit ripened. 

Lune started to trot in place with excitement as I plucked the golden apple from its branches. I wasn't yet sure if by chance Lune would need more essence or magic from me now that I had unknowingly changed her. The thought made me frown as I reflected wondering if Amias and I were more alike than I cared to admit. I shook my head at myself correcting that train of thought. 

'I'm nothing like him; Lune is alive and well what I did was unintentional.'

I had to internally chastise myself; we were both different from one another. Lune snorted asking for another apple. I smiled down at her chuckling as I bloomed more fruit till ripened, but this time only the usual red and green ones. There was no telling what affect the golden apples I grew could do to a regular human body. Lune had safely managed to survive and merge with my magic, but as for a human, I myself had to die in order to just receive it. 

Amias again came to mind, and his words were giving rise to a new fear. I needed to find a way to protect these people who were now under my care, but what could I do when I can't even escape him myself. I stroked the horse's mane trying to think of what he could be scheming. I knew I didn't have much time considering he was already warning me of impending doom to this land. 

'I don't think he's strong enough to come down himself otherwise he would've forced me to go back with him already.'

The horse pushed herself into my legs as I tried to focus on what I could be missing. 

"How is it you're acting more like a dog rather than a horse."  The mare winked as if communicating she understood my words. 

The moment was peaceful as we watched the golden hour pass together. Though Lune was only now my companion, her presence was already so impactful for some emotional support. 

"Your majesty!" The voices of the women could be heard as they called for me searching for where I might be.

"Over here!" I called back not wanting to worry them any further. 

"So, you are here, we humbly regret not waking earlier your grace pleased forgive us." The batch of followers bowed down not lifting their faces till I spoke.

"Please stand and do not feel you need to bow to me anymore, I prefer speaking directly rather than expressing our wills in this manner." I tried to go with the flow but couldn't tolerate the form of worship any longer after hearing of how Amias spoke of them.

 "Your majesty please punish us for failing to serve you properly." The head priestess began.  

A mixture of guilt and pity were occupying my nonexistent heart at the moment. These generous people were unaware of the danger they were in now because of me, at that moment I decided I would do anything to protect and repay them even if it meant going back with him as a last resort.