Render Me Starless

♛ | Chapter 23 - "posing for who?"

"You guys enjoy yourself, okay?" King Elias smiles at us and I nod. "I've set up a meeting with Taylem," he then tells us, his smile gone. Taylem, The King of the Day Throne.
Orion tenses besides me. "For what?" My mates asks his father, his king.
"A good leader will always seek alternatives to war, my son." He pats Orion on the shoulder lightly. "Waging for my kingdoms safety could save many lives. Once you come back, you have much to learn." He glances at me then, his smile slightly returning. "You both have much to learn."

The King sighs slightly, stepping back. "Don't worry about me. Enjoy your time together."
"We can always reschedule the Ritual of the Pure, father," Orion lets out his own sigh.
The man only waves him off. "Nonsense. You both have waited long enough."
The Prince looks down at me before nodding at his father. "We will return in a week." With that, Orion grabs a hold of my hand and I mentally prepare myself for what was about to happen.

The shadows seep out of my mates hands with ease and the cool air wraps around us. King Elias takes a step back, smiling at us warmly. We were to use Orion's shadows as a way of transport as it was the quickest way. We didn't require any luggage as the cabin was apparently infused with magic, meeting our needs whatever they may be.

I close my eyes like Orion had told me to. The shadows were cold around my skin, raising goosebumps. The winter cold that usually permeates the air was always slightly bothersome but this cold was almost exciting. The liquid stars within flutter, noticing Orion's shadows as it entangles around us. Suddenly, there's lurching in my stomach that tells me we aren't inside the kingdom anymore. I feel Orion squeeze my hand and I take this as a sign to open my eyes.

I blink rapidly as my mind spins with nausea and without my consent, my body topples onto my knees.

I take in deep breaths to keep from throwing up my breakfast. "Here, have some water. You'll feel better," Orion's naturally cold voice wafts through the dizziness. I force myself to concentrate ahead of me and find my mate offering me a glass of water. I let myself fall onto my butt, sitting cross legged. "Thanks," I mumble and accept the glass. I internally curse as my hand shakes slightly and Orion holds the bottom of the glass, supporting the majority of its weight and guiding it to my lips.

I drink the water in sips till the nausea isn't so bad anymore. "How in the world do you do that shit all the time?" I ask, letting Orion take back the glass. He was now crouched in front of me, his eyes gold. "You get used to it after doing it so many times," he says, "I threw up the first couple times I did it."
I offer him a weak smile and lean back on my arms. "That makes me feel a lot better."
"Good to know my previous suffering lightens yours," my mate mutters, standing up. I grin at his comment and hold on to his hands when he offers them to me. He pulls me up effortlessly and I'm surprised I don't get dizzy. "Feeling better?" he asks me, his eyes returning back to their normal light brown.
I nod, "much better."

Orion tilts his head to the side. "You won't fall if I step away?"
I roll my eyes at his pestering and take a step away from the man, proving my point. "I'm fine, Orion." I tear my eyes away from him to look around. It was obvious we were inside the log cabin. We were standing in the small living room area which held a comfy looking loveseat and two single couches. All three were dark brown. In the middle was a small coffee table made out of similar wood to the actual cabin. In front of the set up was a flat screen TV.
I was so used to the extravagance of the castle that this was a refreshing sight.

"Unfortunately there is no balcony," Orion says and I meet his gaze again.
Even though I had an unhealthy obsession with balconies, I wasn't disappointed. It was clearly one story. "That's fine," I tell him, my eyes going back to surveying the cabin. "There's plenty at home."
The cabin was small enough to see the end of it from the front entrance. Besides the living room was a round dining table designed to fit four and a fireplace to its left. This area was by far the biggest. The kitchen and dining area is divided by the kitchen countertop. It was a small kitchen, perfect for the cabin. Everything was open besides three seperate rooms.