Chapter 18 - The Formulation

Maliece looked at me, her face red with anger. "Where were you this morning?" she demanded.

I cowered under her gaze. "I... I skipped magic class," I mumbled.

She let out a tired sigh. "Theodosia, you know how important it is for you to increase your magic's potential. Skipping class won't help you resist the air of dark magic like your father could."

I sulked. "I know," I said quietly.

I just had to verify the queen. I couldn't ignore it anymore!

"Good as long as you understand," she said. "Now, I have a lot of work to complete, so I can't go over on your class time. You're going to do self-study today."

She placed a book, some blank paper, and pencils with erasers on my desk. "I want you to formulate your own magic circle."

I looked at her curiously. "My own magic circle?"

There isn't just one?

"Yes," she said. "Each magic circle for a magician is different, much like their blessings. You must create your own magic circle to be able to properly harness your magic. This is also good if you think about it in terms of your blessing being very autonomous to you."

"How do I do that?" I asked.

"The book will guide you," she said. "I was going to show you but the prince has been very needy today with taks. I'll check on things a little later."

She turned to leave, then paused. "And Theodosia," she said, her voice stern, "don't think this is going to be easy. Formulating a magic circle is not as simple as drawing something pretty."

With that, she left my room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I opened the book and began to read. It explained that a magic circle is a way for a magician to focus and amplify their magic. It is also a way to protect themselves from the dark magic that surrounds them.

The book went on to describe the different types of magic circles and how to create them. I learned that there are three main components to a magic circle: the sigil, the runes, and the incantation.

The sigil is the symbol that represents the magician's magic. It is usually a personal symbol that is chosen by the magician.

The runes are ancient symbols that are used to channel magic. They are often arranged in a specific pattern around the sigil.

The incantation is a set of words that are spoken to activate the magic circle. It is usually a short, powerful phrase that is specific to the magician's magic.

I closed the book and took a deep breath. I knew that this was going to be a challenge, but I was determined to succeed. I wanted to be a powerful magician, and soon be free of all my chains in life.

I picked up a pencil and a piece of paper and began to sketch out my sigil. I thought about what my magic meant to me. It was a force for good, a way to protect the innocent and fight against evil. I decided to use a symbol of the sun as my sigil, because the sun represents light and hope.

Once I had finished sketching my sigil, I began to arrange the runes around it. I chose runes that represented strength, protection, and wisdom.

Finally, I wrote down the incantation. It was a simple phrase, but it was powerful. "I call upon the light of purification within me," I wrote. "I am a force for good. I will protect the innocent and fight against evil. I beg of you to yield!"

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I concentrated on my sigil, the runes, and the incantation. I felt my magic stirring within me.

I opened my eyes and looked down at my paper. The magic circle was glowing faintly. I had done it! I had created my own magic circle.

I stood up and raised my hands. I felt the power of my magic flowing through me. Then suddenly, a sharp pain in my chest. I fell to my knees. What was that? I looked at the paper. The sun I drew was blinking.

Maybe I need to redraw it?

Later that day, Maliece came to check on my progress. She was surprised to see my room a mess.

"Are you okay Princess?!" she asked rushing to me.

I smiled. "I'm perfectly fine. I'm almost there. Just one more time." I said. She looked at me, covered in bruises and gasped in shock.

"No! This is enough! We will try tomorrow!!"