FIFTEEN

Be ready tomorrow .

I will.

Not long after Lucien left, I heard knock on my door and opened my door to find my entire family in front of me.

Not wanting any attention I took them to an empty passageway.

Yes, what is it?

What do you want?

I thought I have no business with the lot of you to what then do I owe this visit?

We are here for the truth, what was that you did yesterday?

What truth are you talking about? I've said all I have to say in front of the king.

What gave you the impression that I will lie to the king?

I personally took you to a lot of people to help unblock your energy flow. You can't tell me that it unblocked itself just like that, and what's the deal with the rainbow moonstone? I never remembered your mom being in possession of such a rare gem.

Dad, why are you telling me all this?

If you had doubt, why didn't you say so in front of the king and the others why meet me privately?

Listen Ionia you are our sister, a member of this family we have the right to know what is going on.

I'm your sister?

Adryll since when did I become your sister?

Why don't you all save the drama for someone stupid enough to fall for it, and tell me the reason you came looking for me.

Ionia dad and mom loves you and want what's best for you.

You have to stop being headstrong.

Dearest Leticia, your mother not mine and in case you all forgot I am officially no longer part of your family.

Come back home with us Ionia.

Dad did I just hear you say home, since when is my home with you people?

Look all of you I really don't have time for this and I would really appreciate it if you don't come

looking for me again. I have nothing to do or say to any of you.

Is it really the bracelet? Asked Irene as I was about leaving.

What if we take it off Caius? do you think she will lose her powers.

Let's find out said Adryll.

He reached out to grab my hand when I turned and kicked him in his stomach falling him to the ground. I immediately built a wall of fire around me.

I dare anyone of you to cross me.

I have nothing to do with you all stay away from me this is my final warning.

Without waiting for their reply I turned and left.

Are you okay Adryll my dear boy.

I'm fine mom she just caught me off guard.

Dad she is strong really strong there is no way she can do all this without someone teaching her. Her gait, her stance, her movement, the kick she just gave me is nothing short of perfect and look out how quickly she has gotten used to her elemental ability it is as easy has breathing to her. All this takes years and practice.

So what do you suggest we do now son?

I propose we keep an eye on her let's send someone to monitor her movement. Who she meets and talk with.

It's clear we can't win her over.

That's not a bad idea son let's keep a close eye on her for now.

I can't believe those people how dare they.

It's the audacity for me.

They want me back!

Why?

Because they suddenly have use for me they want me back.

Do they think me stupid or brain dead?

How infuriating!

Ionia are you in?

Come in celeste.

Woah! why are you angry? you look visibly pissed.

That's because I am.

What happened don't tell me Clarissa and her gang are giving you problems?

Oh how I wish it was them?

Okay that was unexpected who then could make you this mad I haven't seen you this angry before.

You've always kept your cool even when you had issue with Clarissa in the woods you were not this angry.

Wait, is it your family?

Yes.

What is it they want?

Can you imagine them asking me to come back just because they suddenly find me useful.

What! You mean they want you back after everything they've done to you?

How long has it been they announced to everyone that you no longer have anything to do with the family and now they want you back?

Unbelievable! your anger is justifiable.

And what did you tell them?

What else, I told them to stay away from me. I want nothing whatsoever to do with them we all should mind our business.

They even tried to take my bracelet saying maybe if they do I will lose my powers.

No offense ionia but are you sure you are really a member of that family.

Trust me Celeste that is a question i've asked myself countless times but alas I am indeed part of the family.

I can't believe they tried taking my bracelet.

Ever since I was born this is the first and only gift i've ever received.

How can your dad do this, knowing the bracelet is a gift from your late mom. So what did you do when they wanted to take it.

I kicked Adryll as he was about grabbing me.

You what?

Of cause do you think I would do nothing?

Ionia this is serious I dont think your family will let it go.

You have to be careful.

I know my family better than anyone and I personally know how scheming and vindictive that old hag Irene is.

Why can't they let you be.

I don't know Celeste.

The next day I woke up full of energy.

I decided to take Lucien to one of the streets of Ataraxia to taste our local delicacy.

Getting to a quite corner on the street I called him.

Where are we?

For someone who has been protecting and fighting for Ataraxia, it is sad that you know nothing of the land you protect.

To answer your question, we are in one of the streets, this street is known for sweet foods that includes pastries. Hope you haven't had your breakfast?

I haven't.

Good now follow me and let me show you a good time.

Hope you are not invisible?

I'm not.

Good.

Getting to one of my favorite pastry shop we sat down and ordered our breakfast.

How was it, delicious right?

It's okay.

Oh please, you ate everything on your plate.

Bill please I gestured to one of the workers.

Don't tell me you are paying?

Of cause I'm paying Lucien, I asked you out.

You asking me out means nothing you seriously don't expect me to let you pay for our meal do you?

Lucien I have the money and there is nothing wrong with me paying.

Please let me do this.

Okay if you insist.

I insist Lucien.

After paying for our meal I took Lucien around Ataraxia, I don't think i've walked around Ataraxia before the way I'm doing now with Lucien.

We finally arrived at the market place, fondly called the heartbeat of Ataraxia. It is filled as usual with people buying and selling, coming and going and of cause the usual banter among customers and neighbors.

This is the marketplace popularly called the heartbeat of Ataraxia.

Why?

Because here you see both the poor and the rich old and young. People irrespective of where you are from or what you look like, see and communicate here without favoritism or discrimination. Look around Lucien over there are the people from Rania, Vira and Hantis. Obviously they too want to experience what it's like.

Do you want to buy anything?

No.,you?

No.

Let's walk around and enjoy the atmosphere.

It is uplifting don't you think?

Yes I haven't been in this kind of environment before.

What do you mean, surely you've been around hundreds of people?

When you go to war you do fight a lot of people.

I mean a peaceful atmosphere with people smiling and laughing without hate or malice.

And it is not like the competition where everyone want their people to win.

I admit this is wonderful.

Thank you ionia for bringing me here, you don't know what it means to me.

It's just a market place Lucien although I do have to admit that Ataraxia market is quite different from that of other kingdoms.

We are known for our quality and candor.

For someone like me who death and blood has been a constant companion, seeing something like this is both strange and intriguing. All i've known is death and war i've never trusted anyone because they haven't been a reason to.

Poor you, but not to worry you have me now and I'm not saying this because you've helped me a great deal, I'm saying this as a friend.

We walked around the market and found ourselves in a lonely passageway.

Wait is that not Celeste's boyfriend?

Looking at the person not too far away from us kissing another boy.

Make us invisible.

I thought you said I should not be invisible today.

This is no time for you to pull one on me Lucien.

All done.

Let's walk closer and hear what they are saying.

I saw you with that girl said the other boy who I don't know.

I only agreed to date her to get you out of my head but I can't, said celeste's boyfriend whose name I can't even remember.

So what now happens are we together, are you breaking up with her?

I don't know Julian said Celeste's boyfriend stroking the hair of the boy whose name is Julian affectionately and tenderly with eyes oozing love and desire.

I hate seeing the two of you together.

It makes me feel uncomfortable and jealous.

I know Julian and I'm sorry I just don't know what to do.

You know my dad is among the council I don't know how he would react if he found out I'm going out with you.

I don't want anything to happen to you. Do you know that he hates Celeste, according to him she is unworthy to breath the same air as me let alone be my girlfriend just imagine his reaction if he finds out you are the one I love.

I love you too and I'm not ashamed of you my mom is also a council member. I don't know what her reaction will be but I do know that I'm not ashamed or afraid to tell her.

How would you feel if you find me kissing and laughing with someone else tomorrow?

Don't you dare Julian please I'm begging you I don't think I will be able to bear it.

You know how much I love you Julian if I find you with someone else I will go crazy.

Then that's you being selfish you expect me to understand your situation with Celeste and turn a blind eye yet you don't want want me with someone else.

Before he could say more Celeste's boyfriend covered his mouth with his in a passionate kiss.

Lucien let's go back I said tiptoeing to whisper the words in his ear.

Lucien and I walked back to the market in silence.

Are we still invisible? I asked

No.

Can you believe that guy Lucien ?

I knew something was up with him but I never imagined this scenario. I don't even know what to say.

Poor Celeste.

Do you hate him for loving a boy?

By the spirits of cause not Lucien.

I don't have an issue with whoever he chose to love what I do have an issue with is him using my friend as a front.

Just because he is scared of how his family will take it.

If you were to be in his shoes what would you have done?

Me?

Yes.

I'm not going to lie Lucien if I were to love someone of the same sex with this my current family I would choose the person and couldn't care less what anyone thinks.

However if it were to be in a loving and caring household, I will tell my family.

I will explain to them that this is who i am. It is not a sickness that you can cure or something you can overlook.

It's who you are. I'm sure my parents will understand me. I'm not saying it will be easy but at least I know I tried. It is surely better than hurting the person you love as well as someone innocent.

Excuse me handsome someone said trying to touch Lucien's arm.

Lucien reflexively shifted his arm.

I turned to see one of the princess of Rania with two of her maidservants.

My princess I bowed in greeting.

Without acknowledging me, her entire focus was on Lucien.

I wanted to leave them be but knowing Lucien he probably won't be okay with that.

You excuse us.

My princess I'm sorry but my friend here is not used to having people talk to him or around him.

Is that so?

Yes my princess forgive our manners.

What's your name young man?

I'm princess Olivia the crown princess of Rania.

We waited but Lucien remained silent I cast him a side glance and I saw him relaxed as if what was going on is no business of his.

Try using a spell on me again and I guarantee it will be the last spell you do came Lucien's voice startling me.

What's going on did the princess of Rania use a spell on him?

That's not good how can you use a spell against someone like Lucien that's asking for death.

You, how did you do that? how do you know I cast a spell and how did it not work on you?

Who are you?

Ignoring her Lucien took hold of my hand and walked away.

Who is that young man? I don't remember seeing him in the competition. His aura and energy is on a different level it was what attracted me to him but I never expected him to be so powerful. Who exactly is he even prince Emmett's aura does not come close.

My lady although the young man is not familiar but the girl with him is.

Yes you are right, now I remember her. She is the one said to be without magic but suddenly have magic abilities.

Good very good.

I can't go a day without trouble knocking on my door. Yesterday it was my family today a princess.

Maybe you should have stayed invisible Lucien.

What happened yesterday is it connected to the people currently tailing us?

They are people following us?

Yes

Since when?

Not too long ago.

It must be the doing of my family. Take me back to my quarters Lucien.

Are you sure, I can make them confuse you know.

There is no need for that beside I don't want you involve in anyway.

Let's go our separate ways instead. I'm the one they are after so they will follow me you go back home I will go back to the palace. I will see you tomorrow.

Lucien and I separated I was on my way to the palace on a bush path thinking i've lost whoever it is that is following me when a dart hit me.

I cried out in pain and I could feel my strength leaving me. Before I could succumb fully I only said one word.

Lucien