Chapter 6 - Someone Stolen from Me 

 After Vivian's surprise attack, Artanis ordered magic crows to be hunted throughout the kingdom. Even if the prince knew that some of them would have to be found by himself. After all, these beings were made of magic, simple magic in the form of animals and so they could hide and change easily, not being so easy to find. Her former teacher was very astute and experienced. 

However, he had to rely on his soldiers at the time. For now, I was looking after your newly appointed husband. Luke slept peacefully in their bed, as if he hadn't been for almost a whole day. At that moment, Artanis could notice details that her little sister had told her. 

One of them was the young man's collarbone slightly showing it. With thin fists and slender fingers. He really seemed to be disappearing just as Athanasia had said. Plus minor leg injuries. Where did they come from? What happened to Luke? 

He sighed tired, throwing his head back slightly, slightly rocking the padded chair where he was sitting. 

"How did I let her in here?" - Asked herself.

 Artanis was the royal high mage, should have been more careful. I should have known that woman would do something while she was close to an impending war. But the boy had distracted him. 

Right now, in his sketchbook, there was a sketch of Luke smiling at him with his wreath. The prince observed the sketch and quickly closed the object when someone knocked on the door and soon entered. 

It was Aretha, still in her party dress. She had a concerned countenance. It was no less expected, after all the situation for the girl was complicated in numerous ways. 

"How is he?" - She asked sitting on the edge of the bed and holding her brother's hand.

 "Well. He'll wake up soon. He used a lot of energy."

Aretha smiled and caressed her brother's face lightly, removing her hair close to her eyes. 

"You were really going to kill me, weren't you?" - She stared at him with her vibrant green eyes. " I thought Luke was joking."

 "You know I always do what it takes to keep the balance." - Coldly replied the prince.

 Aretha smiled at me. She should imagine it. 

Suddenly, she stood up and within seconds, a blue-bladed dagger was on Artanis' smiling neck. 

"Your brother will not have the same fate. He's a different guy. His magic, even if hidden and unknown to him, is still more stable than yours and therefore, death is not necessary for me to have control." 

Hearing such a statement made Aretha relax and lower the gun. The countess knew that Artanis was not a liar. It just hid things very well. So did she. 

"I am afraid of what will happen to him in this war." - She exclaimed, returning to sit in her previous place, shaking her hands together. 

"I will protect him. I'm gonna teach him. He'd be a target anyway. You know. Vivian has no scruples." - Artanis chanted. " What makes me wonder why you're still here and didn't go after her? I will have no more mercy if you do nothing. I will act against her. And you may not like it, Aretha." 

"I want to explain things to Luke. He can't stay in the dark. Right after this conversation, I will. I know you're angry, but give me a little time. If you stop me from getting this, I'll fight you."

 Before Artanis could respond, a third voice was heard.

 "Explain to me what?" 

Both turned to watch the young man move. 

The new prince sat still with his head dizzy and slightly dizzy. Opening his green eyes, he could see his husband and sister talking about something that involved his name.

 Her husband looked at him lightly, as if relieved to see him well. However, soon the expression changed to a serious face.

 "I will let you talk." - Abruptly, the prince got up and left the brothers alone. 

They both watched him go and Aretha smiled, hugging Luke, almost suffocating him.

 "Aretha... I'm out of breath..." 

She laughed and let him go.

 "I'm glad you're awake. How are you doing?" 

"With a slight headache, but, well.

 "Great. Because I need to say something to you." - Soon his smile fell apart. 

Luke knew the matter was serious.

 Especially when she was shaking hands together. 

"That woman, that Vivian. I know her as well as Artanis. Remember the special person I told you about? Vivian took her from Me. So I have to go after her." 

Luke was amazed. Couldn't believe it. Did she really know your sister? How did she know someone like that woman? "Where did you meet her?

"Aretha held his hands now. And his gaze was distant, as if he remembered a memory. "

"I met her some time ago, 9 years ago, when she was 17. We became friends, but didn't expect her to become what she became. Vivian is very talented, Luke. She's very astute and strategic. You have to be careful!" - saying this, she shook her brother's hands tightly. 

"I still hope our friendship means something. So I have to try. I have to bring the person she took from me back. Only I can do that, you know?"

Luke knew his sister was determined, but he didn't really know such a face. 

"And how will you fight her? You don't..."

"I have several skills that you do not know, little brother." - Aretha hugged him strongly. 

Returning the hug, Luke responded, with tears threatening to appear. 

"What will I do away from you?"

"You'll be fine. Artanis is someone provocative and cocky, I know." - She laughed at quoting her brother-in-law.

"But, he will protect you. You will learn a lot from him. But, don't let him totally dominate you, okay? Even if I think you will combine. He was worried about you. Even trying to cover it up." 

Luke nodded, remembering the concerned expression of the other.

"Besides, Lily will be working here. You'll have company. And of course, Athanasia already loves you. Don't be super picky with her, okay?"

He nodded. When they finally broke free, Aretha kissed her little brother's forehead.

"I love you, Luke. I'll write you whenever I can. Do the same, don't forget ok? Ask Lily to remind you, she has a good memory. Or do it right after you get mine, right?"

"Yes, you can leave." - He agreed already crying.

"I love you too, I will miss you." - Luke hugged her again.

"You'll be fine, have more confidence. And eat right." The young man could not promise the second question, but agreed. 

Now they were both crying. She kissed his hands and stood up smiling, even in tears.

 "You'll be happy, Luke. Daddy and Mommy won't bother you here. Don't let their image dominate you. Live and be happy." 

And so he saw her go. I was alone, I didn't know what to do. But her words echoed in his mind. Luke promised himself that he would live and that he would do anything to be happy.