In a land of magic on the brink of war, three stories are fated to meet.
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Lilac is being forced into a marriage she never wanted, for the benefit of her kingdom.
Lily is trapped in a life of servitude and endless poverty after her mother dies...
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I watched the recognition dawn on Lily's face as she figured out immediately who I was.
The boy she called Simon, however, still looked thoroughly confused.
I saw Lily open her mouth, and I knew that 'princess' was right on her tongue, but I quickly shook my head. The last thing I needed was for this boy to figure out who I was. Lily snapped her mouth closed, and I released a silent breath of relief.
Lily was unlike any girl I had ever met. She had a steely and determined glint in her eye, and an offensive stance. This was a girl who had been fighting her whole life.
Simon shook his head, "I don't... Lily, what's going on?"
"I'm not quite sure I understand it fully either." Lily replied, eyes still studying mine.
I knew it was easier for me to accept. I had felt her presence, my own blood calling out to me, when I landed in the meadow. It must've had something to do with the magic.
Did Lily possess the same kind of ability? Or maybe she had a different kind of ability.
Only one way to find out.
"Lily," I held out my hand to her, "I'd like to try something, if you don't mind."
She nodded and placed her hand in mine.
There was a loud pop, and blue sparks skittered up Lily's arm as purple sparks went up mine.
Her blue sparks jumped from her arm to a small puddle nearby, sinking into the water and freezing it solid.
Lily yelped and snatched her hand away, while I gasped audibly.
It wasn't a knowing this time, but more of feelings, all rushing at me in one dizzying moment.
Gratitude and the warm feeling of pride, the swooping feeling of flying a Pegasus, annoyance and agitation, unimaginable terror but determination, frustration and anger, frigid wind from a snow storm, a bone-aching weariness from traveling too long, the soft brush of lips against mine, the hurt of a broken heart, the sense of warming hope, all-consuming love, premature triumph, blindsiding loss met with bitter acceptance, and then finally, fulfilling peace and security.
A blinding headache shot through my head, something warm and wet oozed over my upper lip, tasting metallic, and I doubled over in pain, crying out.
"Lilac?" Everything was spinning.
Understanding came upon on me. That had been too much, too fast. Magic manifested itself slowly, over years of growth and practice. It seemed as though my magic had been locked away in some part of my brain, but the moment Lily and I touched, the gates had opened and my magic came flooding out.
Never before had I ever experienced so much.
"I'm... I'm fine..." I managed to get out, pulling a handkerchief from my sleeve to hold it to my bleeding nose.
