Blood Magic's Bond

The forest was calm, the sky peeking through a canopy of leaves, crisp and blue. Tall tree trunks circled around a small clearing, lush with grass and sprinkled with flowers. In the center stood a young woman, eyes closed, fingers stretched toward the ground. With a thin face and sharp features, she was beyond stunning. Her dark red hair tumbled down in waves, tickling the sash tied around her waist, which accentuated her curves. While her dress could be considered revealing to some, with its plunging neckline and high slit, she found it elegant and freeing, a declaration of her womanhood, and truth be told, she didn’t give a damn what others thought anyway. Feet bare, toes gently curling into the earth, the woman’s plump lips moved with purpose, muttering softly under her breath. A breeze began to stir, swirling her hair and rustling the trees. Her mouth moved faster and her fingers reached further toward the land beneath her. The wind swept in circles, growing and building.

Astasha had never run through the halls of the palace faster. She was desperate to get away, away from the one thing her heart was crying out for most. She needed to breathe, to clear her head, needed time to ground herself and process the heartbreak that was ripping through her soul. Finally, she reached the Magic Quarters and flung herself into her chambers, slamming the stout oak door behind her. It was a decently sized room. In one corner, sat a large canopy bed, its thin drapes pulled back, a wardrobe next to it. In the other, a tub and washing basin. On the opposite side, there was what used to be a study, but had been converted into a witch's workshop, with dried herbs and crystals, a scrying glass, bottles and containers of all kinds, and above it, a window built into the ceiling, opening up to the sky. Astasha rushed to the fireplace next to her workstation. Usually, she could create fire from her very fingertips, but there was no energy left in her to do so. Fumbling with

Astasha set her glass down on a table as she wound her way through the festivities. Having performed a quick spell when their hands had touched, tethering Calder's energy to her, she could sense where he was and knew he was following her. No sooner had she slipped into the crowd, had he excused himself from the conversation he was in, and headed after her. While she knew he was smart and wouldn't make it obvious, he was quickly starting to catch up, and she worried someone might notice him rushing after her into the woods, so she quietly uttered under her breath, and with a flick of her wrist, a rush of air pushed a servant carrying a tray of glasses, right into his path. A smile broke across her lips as she heard the poor soul apologizing profusely for getting in his way, while Calder graciously tried to take the blame. He had always been so humble, never viewing himself above anyone. It was part of what she had loved about him, still loved about him if she was being honest. She k

What was he thinking!?Astasha couldn't believe the Prince was actually requesting her presence in his private chambers. Of course, this wasn't entirely unusual. Members of the Magic Advisory had been known to attend to the royals in their rooms from time to time, but mainly when they were ill or needed something cleansed. This particular request was quite unorthodox, and with the possibility of an Authentication Ritual, not to mention whatever suspicions Cordelia harbored, it could be disastrous. No one refused a regal request, however, and luckily the servants were sworn to tight lips regarding private matters of the kingdom’s rulers.Astasha quickly changed into a slightly less revealing gown of black and gold, and followed the young servant through the palace to the royal quarters, her runes clicking against her thigh as they walked, although she would be thoroughly surprised if they were actually needed.They reached a set of vast doors with guards stationed on either side. “The

Astasha had left the King's quarters with her mind reeling. All she knew about blood magic was what she had read in that book, and now she had barely any time to find a way to use it to free Calder. It had very much been insinuated, that should she get caught, there was nothing the King could do, and rightfully so. Josnen was indeed the ruler of the land, but when it came to magic and the laws that bound it, the High Council of Sorcery was in charge. Should a mage break any of the rules put in place by them, their punishment could not be overruled by the court. It was a delicate dance between who stood where with the laws of royalty and magic, but a necessary one. Therefore, the King had done all he could to help Astasha by informing Errant that a replacement Fire Witch was to be brought in before he would allow the ritual to move forward, so that Astasha could be left to recover from her ordeal. While she was sure the Grand Sorcerer had his suspicions, he could not go against Josn