Scars and Burns (No Light Without the Dark #1)

4. Dinalia

4

Dinalia

N ormally it would have taken weeks, if not months, to cross the Kingdoms and reach Akino. However, atop King Elio’s giant eagles we were there in a matter of hours.

I ride in silence with a soldier in the King’s guard. I look over to my Mother who is shielding her face from the wind with King Elio’s back. Trying to block out the cold.

A cold I do not even feel. Perhaps it’s because I am covered in thick furs. Or maybe it is the giant Fae soldier I ride with. Towering over me. Protecting me from the wind. But I do not think that is it at all.

I am numb.

Have been ever since I made my kill.

I am in shock.

At least that is what I keep telling myself. I have been through a great ordeal. Anyone so young and pure would be still trying to process all that has happened in the past few days. Their home being raided. Witnessing death and sealing one’s fate with their own hand. Hobbling away in search of help from their King. Only to be “saved” by an entirely different one and fleeing to a new home in the same night. It will take time to adjust to my new life .

Upon arrival, we were greeted at the gates. Taken in with open arms and curious looks. We were bathed and fed and shown to our chambers.

The castle of Akino is just as grand as that of Azaria. But their wealth and worship to the goddess is shown in different ways.

While Azaria of the Celestial Realm seems to value pristine royalty. Their light and power comes from the stars and moon of our Goddess.

Akino of the Middle Kingdom is warm and filled with mirth. The halls line with torches lighting the way. Flowers seem to be their main source of decor. The salty sea breeze fills the air with every gust of wind. With stone walls higher than I’ve ever seen. Architecture so intricate I never would have imagined in my wildest dreams.

Within the week my Mother was married and crowned Queen of Akino. I was named Lady Dinalia. True to his word, I began lessons on things I didn’t even know existed; etiquette, dance, proper dining, languages, geography, and history.

They were all dreadfully boring. Not wanting to be unappreciative of all King Elio has done for us. I tried to be a quick study. Excelling in all of them as best I could.

My favorite lesson was dancing. It came so naturally. The graceful and fluid movement made me feel… I don’t know… pretty almost. The kind of pretty my Mother is. Effortless.

As wonderful as these many lessons are. There is still one more skill I need to obtain. Fighting. I vowed to myself to never be helpless again in the face of danger. I will stand tall with my blade drawn, ready to fight and kill, or be killed if it comes to that.

One day after my lessons, I was sitting in the dining hall with my Mother waiting to be greeted by King Elio for supper. Things had been estranged between us since arriving. We have grown distant, but I need her to know. I need to start my more important training. I’ve grown restless. Unable to restrain the rage I still carry from that night. Fearful of the darkness rising inside of me. There has been a change in me and I do not intend to let it consume me. I will take control.

I look at her and say, “Mother, I wish to learn to fight. I want a blade. I want to be able to defend myself… and you. I never want to feel so worthless and afraid as I did that night.”

She stares at me for a moment.

Holding my breath. I worry she is going to say no. With our new found status and titles it could be seen as improper for me to learn to fight. But with a smile she tilts her head and replies, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Releasing my breath stunned, “You are… you are not going to object?”

“No, my little light I am not going to object. In fact, we will begin your magic training as well.”

With that I am taken back. I have no magic. My Mother does but I have never possessed such unique qualities. “Mother, I have no magic”

“Oh but you do my little light. It has awakened inside of you ever since that night. I see the way you have changed. I’ve sensed it. The light in your eyes has dimmed. You are trying to keep it at bay but by doing so you have grown at war with yourself.”

My eyes widened. She’s seen my change. She’s known about it all along. It’s not rage that’s threatening me… it’s magic.

She takes my hands in hers. Turns them over and pushes up my sleeve. Then as if the stars themselves etched the mark into my skin the lines of my Goddess mark begin to form. I didn’t think it was possible but my eyes got even wider. My mouth gapes open.

Goddess marks appear on everyone with magical abilities. However, it is never complete. It varies from Fae to Fae depending on their abilities and the amount of power they possess. Usually they are a brief sketch of one part of the Goddess’s mark. Never a solid line or whole picture but the basis is there. How vivid it is on your skin matters as well. The lighter the line the less power you’ve been gifted. The harsher and deeper color, almost like a tattoo, the greater the power. The placement is very important as well. On a more exposed part of the body it is not a mark to be feared. Those that are concealed are said to wield the most of the Goddess’s gifts. But magic is a fluid thing. The mark depends on the person and none are created equal .

Looking down at mine in awe. Confusion swirling through my mind. Mine is a solid line. Forming a complete crescent moon. The structure and validity of my mark is clear but the common area of my wrist makes it easy for all to see.

At a loss of words. I just look up to my Mother.

She’s looking down at my wrist, smiles and hums.

“Do not reject this part of yourself. You are a rare star whose light that cannot be matched. So much has yet to be seen but much has been foretold.”

I’m not really sure what she means by that last part. Whatever it may be. I’m grateful.