The Dark Princess {OUAT AU}

Chapter 3

She's walking to her mother's quarters, hoping she will be in there and done with tea when she runs into the head maid.

"Prepare rooms for Prince Killian and his mother, Queen Milah from Haven's Island. They will be arriving within the next day or two." Valerie informs her.

"Yes, Your Highness." She nods quickly and scurries off. Oh yes, they were going to be very happy.

~~~

Valerie stares at her hand, willing the fire ball to appear. She's sweating slightly, her robe sticking to her uncomfortably. 

"Come on, you son of a bitch. Burn." Valerie whispers, biting her lip angrily. She feels as if she's run a marathon and she's panting just slightly. Valerie feels herself about to collapse with mental exhaustion when a small flicker of fire lights over her palm. A smile dares to jump onto her face and she concentrates with all her might. She feels a knot in her belly come undone and suddenly there is a fireball the size of a grapefruit burning on her hand. Valerie takes her left hand touches it gingerly. She doesn't feel any pain and laughs like a giddy child. 

"Wow." She breathes, and decides to test this new found trick. She throws the fireball from one hand to another and back again. Valerie throws it up into the air and catches it. She feels a wonderful pull in her stomach when she makes it bigger, growing it until it's as big as her head. She takes both hands and thrusts it at the ceiling, watching as it blows outward and licks across the stone until it disappears. Valerie feels sedated, the joy at mastering the fireball hitting her like a truck. When the knock at the door comes she  just calls out for them to enter. A maid comes into the room and smiles at Valerie.

"Your mother sent me to get you ready for your date with Prince Neal, Your Highness." She says and Valerie nods.

"Go ahead." Valerie says, waving her away and the maid gets to work. After the maid is done filling the bath Valerie bathes and lets the woman dress her and do her hair and make-up. She's dolled up in a strapless light green dress that falls to her knees. The top is tight and then blooms out at her waist, with no jewels or sparkle on the simple satin material. Her hair falls to her waist in dark brown curls and she wears simple make-up. The maid leaves Valerie alone and she pulls on a pair of low-heeled sandals before descending from the tower. She walks through the door at the bottom of the stairs and finds Neal leaning against the walls, his dark hair flopping over his eyes. When he hears her heels clicking on the stone he looks up and when he sees Valerie he gives her a bright smile. 

"Princess Valerie, it's so great to see you again." He says and she nods her head, taking his elbow and lets him guide her. 

"You as well, Prince Neal. How are your parents enjoying their stay here in Sintra?" Valerie asks him, curious to see what he has planned.

"They love your kingdom and your palace. Everything is very beautiful and quite warm."

"Well if you like warm weather do not come here in the winter. It's twice as stunning but the cold can have quite the bite. It's the one down-side to living in the north." She tells him and he gives a throaty laugh and Valerie admires the way his face lights up. 

"Yes I understand that. Darkacia gets very cold in the winter as well so I can definitely get where you are coming from. 

"Ah yes, I nearly forgot about a Darkacian winter. But your kingdom does grow the best fruit in the summer. I'm in love with your red grapes."  Valerie gushes, squeezing Neal's arm lightly. He laughs again and she smiles brightly. 

"Well if you ever visit I'll take you to see the groves." Neal says with a wink.

"I'd be delighted. Now, as much as I like surprises, I'm very curious as to where you're taking me." Valerie insists and they take a turn to the front doors.