─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
I quickly tore off the stamp from behind the letter and opened the folded piece of paper.
Amara,
Before I start with formalities, let me remind you that I am not fond of the choice of words you used in the letter, along with the inappropriate drawing of me. While I will take your favor under consideration, I firmly suggest you think before you react when it comes to me. That said, I will forgive you this once. However, there will be consequences next time.
Changing subjects, I hope you are feeling well. I have heard significant progress from the imperial doctor. Make sure you study hard and eat well. If I decide to write to you, keep in mind that I am busy and the letters will be brief. Be patient and see you soon.
Xavier
Wow, talk about writing a brief letter. He was not kidding. I feel bad for whoever your messenger boy is. All this effort, just for two paragraphs. At least he made an effort to spend some time writing back. I can appreciate that.
I smiled and placed the folded piece of paper back into the letter.
"Can you place this inside my vanity drawer, Marina? If daddy continues to write back to me, I want to collect all of the letters!" I said in a joyful tone.
Marina nodded as she took the letter from my hand and walked towards the vanity.
"Marina? Tomorrow - before breakfast, can I visit cousin Hansol? I will be quick! I promise!" I begged as I got comfortable in my bed.
"Princess, the chancellor is a very busy man. He is regent at the moment. Not only does he have to step in for his majesty, he still has to do his job as chancellor. As much as he would love to be with you, I am afraid it will not be possible." Marina explained as she patted my head.
"Good night, May the Giodivonian gods bless you with a restful slumber." Marina whispered into my ear and kissed my forehead.
"Marina, do you think daddy is alright? Do you think he will come home soon?" I questioned as I comfortably laid in bed.
"Princess, his majesty is a powerful and stubborn man. He would never let himself get hurt or fail without reason. This is why he is our great emperor. His majesty is safe and sound. Please do not fret; he will be back before you know it. Rest well, Princess." Marina reassured me.
I closed my eyes and turned to my side. Why did it get hot all of a sudden? I threw the covers off my tiny body.
I opened my eyes, staring at the darkness. It feels like a furnace in here! I sat up, searching for the fireplace's location.
I knew it. The fireplace hasn't been on in days. I should open the balcony doors for fresh air.
A sharp pain struck deep into my chest.
THROB
THROB
THROB
"ARUGH!" I yelped in pain.
Where is this pain coming from all of a sudden?!
Something doesn't feel right. My chest hurts so much. I feel like my windpipes are closing up. Why is it so hard to breathe?!
"ARUGH!"
Hot tears started streaming down my face from the pain as a reaction.
"My… vision... Is… so blurry…" I mumbled as I tried to climb out of bed, causing my feet to tangle in the thick covers and fall midway, landing on the side of my head.
"AHH!" I scream in pain.
I feel… so dizzy… this pain… Why are so many bad things happening to me lately?
"PRINCESS!? QUICK! GRAB THE IMPERIAL DOCTOR!" yelled a muffled, deep voice.
.
.
.
"What happened to the Princess?! How did you let this happen?! Aren't you supposed to be her night guard?!"
"I… I only heard a scream! As soon as the other night guard and I heard it, we rushed in! We found her on the floor with a bloody head! What could we have done!?"
"Enough! Shouting at each other will not wake up the child! Where is the damn imperial mage?!" A deep, familiar voice commanded with an agitated tone.
mmhh... I feel like I am drifting in and out of consciousness. I can hear everything that is happening, yet I cannot open my eyes. Ugh, my chest still feels tight.
"Chancellor, you called for me?" a female voice requested.
"Thank the Giodivonian gods you are here! Check the Princess quickly! She had a sudden fall from her bed and seemed to have fainted!" A deep voice explained in panic.
"I see… I will heal the Princess. However, it would be best if you stepped out. Please do not fret; the Princess is safe with me. You have my word." The female voice reassured.
A few seconds later, I heard a door shut.
Something cold was placed on top of my head, followed by a spoken unfamiliar language. What is she saying?
Within seconds, My eyes shot open.
I looked around, seeing a young woman with red, curly hair. She smiled at me as she sat beside me on the bed.
"Our Princess seems to get herself into a lot of tangles and knots, doesn't she? Do not worry; from the looks of it, it seems you have gotten your awakening. You are a bit younger than the average imperial members... That is something to brag about if I were you." She teased.
My what? My awakening? Huh?
"Uhm… who… who are you?" I questioned in confusion.
"I am the imperial mage, my beloved Princess. You must have many questions. Luckily for you, I have answers." She replied with confidence.
"What… What happened last night? My chest felt like it was on fire… I felt dizzy; I could not breathe. Then I fell out of my bed…" I explained while holding the side of my head.
"What you felt was your awakening. As you are aware, every imperial individual has an ability. You hold a special type of mana that forms your type of 'ability'. Every imperial member has their color mana that determines their ability. For example, his majesty's color is red, the chancellors are blue, and the grand commander is green. Your color is white. That can only mean one thing. You have the ability to heal." The imperial mage explained.
I nodded slowly as I remembered daddy and others mentioning me having the ability to heal.
"Since you have your ability now, it will appear to be unbalanced. Some days, you will feel weak. Other days you will be in pain. However, as time goes by, you will need to train your ability. Think of your ability as learning an instrument. You must practice every day until you are familiar with it and master it. Otherwise, your awakening can take over you and control you."
I tilted my head in confusion.
"Why would my abilities be bad?" I questioned.
"It is simple, Princess. Everything in this world has its pros and cons. Especially mana and abilities. If you do not master this gift, it can turn against you. Trust me. I have witnessed it. Fear not, I will weaken your mana from unstabilizing through your body." She explained.
KNOCK
KNOCK
KNOCK
The imperial mage quickly got up and fixed her cloak.
"Princess! You are awake! Your wound has healed as well! Thank the Giodivonian gods!" Hansol cheered as he walked towards me.
"Chancellor, may I have a word?" The imperial mage requested.
Hansol looked at the imperial mage, then at me. He sighed and nodded.
"I will be back, Princess. Please stay put and wait until my return."