The Magic of Aurelian

Kiran

The Fire Springs were just as spectacular as their name suggested with crystal clear pools surrounded by embers and faraway flames. The Springs were nestled in the middle of the city, and being here made it easy to see why the Fire Fairies had chosen this land as the location for their capital city.

It was nice to relax in the warm water, but I only got a short respite as the four Ladies had joined the excursion and kept taking turns for my attention.

They were all polite enough, but my attention easily drifted away from them. With Eleonor here, it was difficult to focus on anyone else. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that everything I like about Lady Ella is exactly everything I like about Eleonor. She showed up for our outing wearing a gold bathing suit with a matching cover, and I was forced to suggest she spend time with her brother today so that I wouldn’t be tempted to stare at her all day. I promised her I wouldn’t pursue her, and I intend to keep that promise, even though it breaks my heart. She’s beautiful in every possible way, and watching her interact with King Ignatius and his people makes me yearn for her as my Queen. She possesses wisdom someone of her age rarely has, and she knows her way around people. She’s kind and joyful…she’s light itself, and I would be lucky to have a chance to make her mine.

Eleonor

“Tell me all you want that there’s nothing between you and Prince Kiran, but he hasn’t been able to keep his eyes off you the entire time we’ve been here.”

“Come on, Gabriel, we’re supposed to be relaxing and your constant need to make something of this is anything but relaxing.” The warm water of the spring felt wonderful on my sore muscles, which still ached from our flight yesterday.

“You’re the one who insists on keeping the truth from me, but it’s alright, you’ll let me in sooner or later. I doubt Prince Kiran will find this woman he seeks. He’s not really been looking for her anyway…not when he has you here with him.”

I groaned again and leaned my head back as I closed my eyes and relaxed further into the water.

“Do you mind if I join you?” Lady Sepherell, one of the four Ladies, asked as she stepped into the water.

“Not at all,” Gabriel smiled as he held out a hand for her to take. For a moment, I wondered why she chose our pool out of all of the options, but then I saw how she smiled at my brother. She was supposed to be here for Kiran, so I wasn't expecting her to find interest in my brother of all people, but who was I to complain about one less woman vying for Kiran’s attention?

I closed my eyes again and tuned everything out, especially the sound of my brother and Lady Sepherell flirting across from me. I finally managed to ignore everything around me and focus on myself. Tomorrow we head to Torrids Grove to visit the Earth Kingdom. It’s a shorter flight, and we will spend another two days there before heading to the Air Kingdom. This trip has been a confusing mixture of relaxation and torture as I have gotten pampered and spoiled by the lavish accommodations and fancy clothes but also have to sit back and watch Kiran give his time to so many other women. If only I had been born a Lady, then I would be worthy of Kiran.

Gabriel

“Prince Kiran, might I have a quick word?” We were set to head out of Emberhold within the hour, and I wanted to see if I could get any information out of the Prince since my sister was so tight-lipped about everything.

“Certainly, Gabriel, please, go on."

“I’m not one to beat around the bush, so I’ll just come right out with it. I’ve noticed you and my sister are rather close. What is the nature of your feelings for her?”

He cleared his throat, clearly taken aback by my question. “Your sister and I are friends.”

“That’s all you two are, just friends?” I was treading on thin ice by interrogating my Prince this way, but I needed to know for the sake of my sister. He, on the other hand, appeared quite nervous as he clenched his jaw.

“I get the sense you won’t drop this until you get to the truth of the matter...but yes we are friends. I let Eleanor know about my feelings and intentions towards her, but she informed me she did not reciprocate my feelings, so we are nothing more than friends…to be clear our status as only friends is of her choosing not mine, but I respect her enough to move on.”

That, I was not expecting…the Prince himself confessed his feelings to Eleonor and she denied him? While I am surprised about this, I am not surprised about my sister’s reaction. It’s just like her to deny herself love. Aunt Jacinta certainly knew what she was doing when she sent me along on this tour.

“It’s right of you to respect my sister’s wishes, but I will say just one more thing. Eleonor tends to push away what is best for her. It took her decades to decide she wanted to study politics. She even went as far as denying she liked the subject, but look at her now at the top of her class. Did she actually say she didn’t have feelings for you, or did she just say that she couldn't be with you?” I didn’t let him respond as I wanted to leave him with something to mull over. I then gave a slight bow and headed to my place with the other guards.

The flight to Torrids Grove was uneventful, but I saw a change in Prince Kiran. He still stared at my sister every chance he got, but now there was something in his expression that hadn’t been there before…which was hope.

Kiran

Upon arriving at Torrids Grove, we were welcomed by Queen Dhara who immediately introduced us to Lady Fern, Lady Meadow, and Lady Orchid. The women who fit the shoe were all quite lovely, but none were Lady Ella or Eleonor for that matter. The colors here in the Earth Kingdom were rich earth and jewel tones. They were no less vibrant than the colors in the Fire Kingdom, and even though my thoughts were supposed to be on the three ladies before me, I couldn’t help but think about how Eleonor would look in these colors.

“Your Highness, we have prepared a feast at our Crystal Orchard to celebrate your visit. We are so happy to have you join us. Please allow me to escort you to your rooms.”

“Thank you. I look forward to seeing the wonders the Earth Kingdom has to offer. It would be nice to rest and freshen up a bit before dinner.”

We were led through the castle, and I marveled at the structure, which was made from stone, wood, and living trees. The room they gave me had a large tree in the corner that stretched up into the ceiling and canopied the bed. The bed itself was in lighter cream tones to contrast the dark browns and greens of the tree. It was unlike anything I had ever seen, and I quite enjoyed taking a nap in a bed underneath a tree.

Like last time, I waited for Eleonor so that we could walk down to dinner together. We were led to a carriage where we would be taken to the Crystal Orchard.

“Does your room also have an entire tree in it?” Eleanor extended her hands to the side, showing me the size of the tree as she spoke.

“It does, I slept rather peacefully in that bed. I’m thinking of having a tree put in my own room back home. What about you?”

“Aside from my home itself being too small for a tree, I can’t say I disagree. There’s something oddly peaceful about it.” She giggled, and I felt my heart stutter at the sound.

“You’ll have to visit then. I’ll let you take a nap under my tree whenever you’d like.” She looked over at me with wide eyes, and we both just stared at each other as we realized the implications of what I said.

“We’re here now.” The carriage stopped, taking us out of our conversation, but I was glad for it. We were escorted to our table where everyone else was already waiting for us. They had set up the feast picnic-style with pillows for us to recline on. Eleonor squeezed my hand before the others came into view, and I felt myself calm at her touch.

“Prince Kiran, what do you think of the Earth Kingdom so far?” Queen Dhara started the conversation.

“It’s been wonderful, there’s a soothing quality to being surrounded by nature.”

“I agree, it’s always overwhelming to my senses when I am away from my Kingdom. I belong among the trees.” Queen Dhara gave a hearty laugh before continuing, “You know, our two Kingdoms have a lot in common. I believe we would all benefit from furthering our alliance, whether that be through marriage or other means. Us Earth Fairies have shared our city with the Bronze Dragons since our civil war just like the Light Fairies have shared their city with the Gold Dragons. Not all fairies believe we should work so closely with dragons, but I have always seen the benefit.”

“I agree, we are stronger when we all work together. The Shadow War proved that. My mother and I would be more than happy to facilitate ways to further our alliance.”

She narrowed her eyes slightly, and I felt I was losing her as I did not mention marriage. I felt my whole body tense up, but Eleanor saved me.

“We would love to discuss resources and open up trade opportunities with the Earth Kingdom. Fairmist is known for its healing potions, and we can help enhance your greenhouses with light magic. In return, you could help us with growing the plants we use for medicine and healing. It would be a wonderful opportunity for both of the Kingdoms."

Queen Dhara’s face softened at Eleonor’s suggestion. She had come prepared for the trip, and it showed in her ability to think quickly, offer viable suggestions, and read people. The rest of the night went smoothly, and the dinner was one of the best I had ever had. I was certain they used magic to grow their fruit for it to taste so good.

The next day would be spent visiting the royal farm and a vineyard. It would make for a nice day trip before we left for the Air Kingdom, and I was glad that no other mention of marriage had been made tonight.

“Thank you for the save at dinner. I was caught off guard by Queen Dhara, and you were perfect out there.” My hand subconsciously gravitated to Eleonor’s, and I held it gently as I spoke. She didn’t make a move to pull away, so I took that as a good sign. “I’ll see you in the morning, Eleonor.” I lifted her hand to my lips and gave the back of her hand a small kiss, making sure to maintain eye contact with her as I did so. Gabriel’s words this morning were not lost on me, so I was testing the waters to see how Eleonor reacted to my advances. If all went well, I’d talk to her again about my feelings and maybe she'd give me a different answer this time.