Back in Hartland, after Rakia's escape.
Adrian's POV
Mother paced back and forth in the throne room, a troubled look gracing her features.
"I don't see what your problem is, Mother," I said, unperturbed with the news of my sister. "You shouldn't be so worried about this girl. She's lived in the village her whole life. She knows nothing about being a Hartland royal."
"Oh, how feeble your mind is, Adrian," she spat. "This girl's existence could pose as a threat to your incoming coronation!"
"Oh, that's just stupid, Mother," I scoffed. "She's a commoner! There's absolutely no way Father will put Hartland in her hands. He'd have to be an idiot to do that!"
The doors burst
Rakia's POV It was a day and a half since I escaped from Hartland. Lance practically made me a part of his family, but I feared they wouldn't treat me like one of them if I told them who I really was. So I lied to them about my life, family, friends, basically everything. Aside that, keeping my powers a secret became a much bigger problem. I had to avoid contact with water anytime they were around. Last night, just after dinner, I accidentally froze a pot of water Rhoda had just heated up. I could still remember their stunned facial expressions as the family stared at the cold ice, wondering how it happened. Rhoda was the most surprised. It was a miracle that they believed the lie I told them. If my stupid powers acted up again, I was totally done for. Staying with the family, I
Adrian's POVTwo days had passed since Father made that stupid decision to cancel my coronation because of that filthy street brat. Immediately after the meeting that day, Father ordered the announcers to inform the people. Now all of Hartland knew.Mother and I tried our very best to change his mind, but it wasn't working. He was thick headed as a rock. My plan to terminate Araknee seemed futile. How could I get rid of her when she was a magical boundary away from Hartland?But Mother had already thought of a plan. I didn't know how, but she had found out that twenty out of thirty six council members were against Father's decision. Three of them were currently, the most powerful wizards in Hartland.I sat on the bed she shared with Father in their quarters as she briefed me on the plan
Rakia's POVClifford's grip tightened on my arm."No way, Voight!" Richard unsheathed his sword. "We saw her first.""Finders keepers doesn't work here, pal!" The huge man bellowed. "Now hand her over!"Sensing a fight, the other men stood, grabbing their weapons.My eyes did a quick scan of the place in search of something I could do. Apart from the beer bottles, I considered using as weapons, nothing else was suitable. Behind us sat three huge tankers with taps on the front. Close by, a drunken man staggered to the side, holding a huge axe. Suddenly, an idea clicked in my head.Without wasting a second, I yanked my arm out of Clifford's tight grip and tackled the drunk man to the wooden floor.
Clifford's POVWe hid behind the trees and bushes.Hartland and Midland warriors stood in front of our house. A couple of them rummaged inside. My little sister's shouts for help made my heart clench, but I couldn't ran to her aid.Voight crossed my line of view. Even with a swollen nose and an arm wrapped in gray bandages, the huge man moved around like he wasn't even hurt. He must really want that bounty.The mention of bounty brought someone else to my mind and I frowned. I couldn't believe she was that selfish enough to leave us hanging after everything we did for her. And to think I was starting to like her. I shook my head. We should never have rescued her in the woods that morning.The bush beside my rustled. "So what's t
Clifford's POVSloan took a step back, suddenly tightening his arm round my neck. He probably felt threatened by the bright pair of blue eyes staring at us.They weren't scary or frightening. But the fact that none of us had seen anything like it, made our skins crawl."I thought you said she didn't have powers!" Voight sniped at Sloan. He held Richard tight against his chest."She's not supposed to," Sloan hissed back. "But don't worry. Without water, she's harmless."Just when he finished that sentence, a loud gurgling sound came from the water tower behind the stables."Famous last words," I smirked and Sloan growled an insult in my ear."Men!" he called out. "Gr
Adrian's POV Today was supposed to be my coronation.Today, I was supposed to be crowned King of Hartland.Today, I was supposed to make my father proud.Instead, I was here knocking this dummy out, all because of that foolish girl!My water tentacle came down, slicing the white stuffed dummy in two halves.Sweat mixed with the drops of water on my body. I heaved out a breath, tired from pushing myself to train when my body screamed exhaustion. But it this was the only way I could vent out my frustration.The dojo doors creaked open and Mother gracefully let herself in. A crystal crown glittered in her blond curls, matching with one of her finest gowns. She'd probably just returned from o
Before Adrian's attack. Rakia's POV "Hey guys!" I hurried back to our small campsite. "Look, I found blackberries!" "What?" Richard turned to me, right after fixing the tea kettle above the fire. "I can't remember the last time I tasted those fruits." "Me neither," I chuckled, settling down next to Luca. "When we were kids, Riley and I used to pluck them anytime we went fishing with our fathers." "Who's Riley?" Richard asked. "Your brother?" "No, but I wish he was," I replied, smiling at the image of my friend in my head. "Riley is my best friend. We've known each other like... forever. We basically grew up together." "Huh, th
Adrian's POV I could feel death lurking around the corners, waiting for me to send Araknee to him. One last squeeze and Hartland will be mine. Tightening my prey in my water snake's hold, the sight of her writhing in pain brought a smile of satisfaction to my face. So long, Lost Princess! With a quick motion, I squeezed out the last bit of life in her. Her lifeless body slouched forward, indicating my victory. The small room in the temple filled up with applause. The council members stared in awe at the wonder I'd performed right before their eyes. The three wizards stood in their corner, clapping. "Thank you, gentlemen." I basked in my triumph. Finally! The assurance and satisfaction I needed ran through my veins. The throne was mine and mine alone. T