A different day

Reina

Today was probably going to end like every other day.

I had long forgotten the joy of anticipation and resigned myself to unexpectation. Did I hate the person I had become? Greatly. Did I hope to be the person I once was. No! She was a naive fool who got weak.

Training harder than everyone else had compensated for my failings. I was not allowed to go on major missions which frustrated me but I made the minor missions worthwhile. I investigated, found indisputable evidence and only took on guilty cases. Th Royal Guard eliminated threats to the kingdom and I thrived and most days the Royal council decided the fate of the criminals. However on good days the squad members met royals willing to die before being sent to the council.The Squads were allowed to execute if necessary and usually what was deemed minor was not too minor. Many of my assignments turned out to be major which assuaged my thirst to go out to other lands in the Royal Kingdom. I longed to visit the neighboring kingdoms even though not many existed. The stories did not scare me.

The sun turned red as I flew with Reya. Returning to the heart of Royal city felt good even if I was from a mission in a nearby village. Reya's voice in my head was playful,

"Want to take a swim? "

"Sure. Any specific places? "

"The palace falls..."

"Reya..."

"He might have returned..."

Her reminders and optimism always made me angry but on a day like this all I felt was joy... I was going on a major mission soon. The West. Commander Myla herself had requested for me as a partner. Ecstatic could not describe my joy. I admired her and regardless of what happened to me ten years ago, she believed in me. "We are unrestrained Reina. It will pass", she had said.

The Orchid cave had become my refuge although I never swam in the falls. Reya loved swimming in her gorgeous human form. She had grown into a stunning blonde with hazel eyes and a graceful tall frame. The memories of the palace falls always haunted me but the cave needed tending since only a lighter made it come alive.

As we drew closer, I felt uncertain about my decision. Reya seemed to think he was back and being so close to the palace was not in my best interests. I had no intention of being anywhere alone with him. "Let's hurry Reya. Only twenty minutes then we leave."

She dived into the falls making me wet intentionally. I laughed at her antics.

I took a deep breath as i beheld the cave. I instantly glowed along with the cave. The flowers bloomed and their scent was intoxicating. Over the years I had added things to the cave... a beautiful bed, rugs, lamps and some of my paintings. Learning to use my abilities to sketch made my work exceptional. My art on canvas glowed in the dark and sparkled when light touched it. Sometimes it shimmered and took on a different angle depending on the person looking.

A painting hung close to the rug I loved to lie on. Lovers caressing at waterfalls. The painting glowed as I imagined what it would be like to have a mate...

A new scent was in the cave. Wild forest and spices with a touch of ocean. I closed my eyes taking a deep breath. A memory from the Harmonic Ceremony touched my mind. The Guard, at the Harmonic ceremony. That was a day to remember. I was thirteen and thrilled to be graduating. The rest of the Unrestrained were fifthteen and sixteen. Every squad went through the Harmonic Ceremony at graduation. We prepared a performance under the theme, harmony. We displayed our prowess as a team, fought as an entire unit. We were an organism. A unit that moved in one accord. After years of training we were a force unlike any other. Our gifts were advanced. We made quite the impression that day as we fought another squad. Our leader had been missing since my tenth birthday. Would he return? I had wondered...

Just before we fought the Enigmas, a very tall young man showed up and joined us. The whole squad rejoiced and went to him. Even Drake seemed happy. Riveted to my spot in the arena I awaited instruction from Commanders Myla and Zane. The young Royal stared at me then with unique resolve, he joined his team ready to be a part of the Harmonic. Being future king had its perks I imagined.

We made history that day. The Enigmas were older and probably more experienced but we made them look younger. They were worthy opponents however. Everyone attributed our performance to Eric's presence because he had skills and abilities we could only marvel at. We did not let it distract us. He communicated with each one of us and blended in like he never left... A squad's leader contributed a great deal to their harmony and Eric was nailing it. Our commanders were ecstatic. As soon as the performance ended we got cleaned up and headed for the real graduation.

"I will honor and defend Royal with my life. I will be Unrestrained for life and fight with my partner for life. I will be the solution to crisis and make Royal roar with triumph. I will be the force and life of Royal. With every heartbeat I will cherish life and protect it with my own", We all took turns with our partners.

My partner held my gaze as I took my oath. He took my head in his hands like Royals did when they apologized or made a promise. All the other pairs had done the same thing but as his forehead touched mine, I glowed uncontrollably. The last time had been three years ago.

He did that to me. His scent washed over me, masculine and wild like misty forest, wild spices and ocean. I wanted to rub myself all over with his scent. His blues pierced mine as I tried to dim the glow. His eyes turned electric and my glow vanished.

"I still find your glow cute but I'm certain you feel embarrassed by it", his mind whispered then vanished.

He had been in my cave. Pain ripped my heart at memories of the Harmonic but I buried them in a box inside my head.

Reya finished swimming and I teleported us to my room. My eyes turned dark green as I got a call. Royals could use telepathic jewelry to communicate. Being telepathic meant I did not need that kind of jewelry. On missions however I bought some to disguise my true power.

"Come to the palace as soon as you return", Commander Zane's deep voice boomed in my mind.

"Yes Sir. Any particular reason why so soon?"

"Your missions are always interesting. See you soon"

I changed into an all black comfortable outfit hugged Reya and left. She sulked but just lay on her bed and blew me kisses. I always wondered what it would be like to shift. She was considered a shifter yet she was a bird first. As I pondered all this, I teleported to the palace.

Zane was laughing his head off as I walked into the room. He cleared his throat, "Reina it's good to have you back."

"I was a breath a way..."

He turned to face the other person in the room who sat on the window ledge, gaze locked on me. He had always stared unapologetically.

"Your partner is back Reyna", Zane said. "Fill him in on the details of your mission. I'll be back shortly. I apologize but it's urgent."

"I understand Commander. "

It was a different day indeed. His presence filled me with expectations. Sadly the expectations were of pain, loads of pain. I stared into the eyes of the man and remembered the eyes of the boy who had smiled at me. He nolonger smiled it appeared. I was bound by the Royal Guard norm to greet him like a partner but suddenly I was breathless.

I walked up to him but he stopped me before I could greet him. "That is not necessary Reyna. "

"You are right. We haven't been partners in the true sense of the word so I'll address you as Your Royal Highness."

You will not be formal with me. Say my name.

I will do no such thing!

He jumped down all graceful like a giant cat. He grabbed me by the waist and whispered against my royal mark, Formal just died a natural death Princess...

I glowed again, heart pounding against my chest as his scent sent me falling headfast into memories of that night... Reyna no! no! no!

My arms were on his broad shoulders when his deep voice filled my mind.

It's Eric to you Partner. Say it.

I was stubborn but his compulsion seemed to take root in my mind.

Eric I murmured. Eric I whispered.

When I was thinking straight again I realized Commander Zane was back and staring at me concerned.

I think you need more rest. Sorry I called so soon.

I'm perfectly fine Commander.

Yet you just went faint in my arms. I think not.

Why you annoying bastard. You did that on purpose. I will be ready for my mission and you will not stop me. Everyone looked away and cleared their throat. Eric's mouth twitched. Belatedly, I realized the King was behind me.

I believe my son very legitimate Reyna.

Your Majesty....

You don't seem to think so.

I...

I could have you suspended...

Please Your Majesty I....

You meant to insult?

No I....

She's a liar too... Commander what kind of King's Guard are you running?

All three men burst out laughing as I stood looking mortified.

It's interesting to needle someone else around here. The usual victims have gotten used to my ways. No need to look mortified my son deserves every insult he gets.

Father! Eric said presumably shocked.

I smiled as he said, it's wonderful to have you back Reyna.

"It's good to be back King Ezra."

"Zane, walk with me",The King said.

As the door closed I snapped my eyes to Eric's. The need to confront him, yell at him and cry out my pain overwhelmed me. I thought of how he held me earlier on, his gaze as he compelled me. His arrogance irked me but his words frightened me.

"Your Highness the mission was a success. I managed to find indisputable evidence against Sean. His operations were closed and he will be facing trial next week. The women were released and are healing..."

"Thank you for this report. The visual report?"

I handed over the pearl and watched as he made it reveal the images.An image of me attacking Sean with light orbs as he grabbed a whimpering female was replayed three times.

"You are weak Reyna. Why is that?" , His deep voice startled me.

My eyes widened but he went on. "You were more powerful as a child."

Caleb, Enzo, Josh and Keith burst through the door and saved the day.

My heart was in shreds but that was attributed to memories of a weakening ten year old whose best friend left without a word. A ten year old whose power kept lashing out till she lay weak and sick in a healer's pool. A ten year old who couldn't speak for a year because she sucked in her power instead of unleashing it on her squad. She had died that day and vowed to never let anyone close. Especially the Royal Prince.