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

41. Aeron

41

Aeron

I almost fly out of my seat when I see Dinalia enter into the dining hall with King Elio. He is not to be trusted. Not at all but certainly not with her. He killed her Mother and I did nothing to stop it. Watched as he slaughtered her in cold blood. I’ll be damned if I let him lay a hand on her.

I’m barely even eating. I can’t focus on my own food with her sitting across from me.

It’s torturous.

She slowly pulls the spoon out of her mouth as she takes another bite of yogurt. Licking her lips. Maybe the movement isn’t actually slow. My mind could just be playing tricks on me. But it’s torture nonetheless. The only thing she should be licking up is the taste of herself off of my lips. The site of her making my dick hard. I suppress it as much as I can but there really is no use. At least I have a napkin laid over my lap. Not much good that will do though if this continues.

I watch her every move. She sits tall and confident. Eyes focused everywhere but on me. I follow the movement of her throat swallowing. Imagining her taking me deep. Hitting the back of that beautiful throat, swallowing me down instead .

King Charon’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. Though I have no idea what he’s asked.

Then Saphrina clears her throat, “Dinalia and I were going to go to the modiste. She does not have enough formal attire for all the celebration activities. And my Father has graciously offered to pay for the expense.” she says. I look over and she is placing a hand on King Elio’s forearm that rests on the table.

Watching the gesture. He doesn’t move. Doesn’t pull away but doesn’t welcome it either. He truly doesn’t care about his daughter. She is simply a tool he is using to take over the three realms.

Saphrina continues, “Though she will have to change out of her leathers. The modiste is still a high class establishment.”

I return my gaze to Dinalia. I was so enraptured by her movements I didn’t even notice she was still wearing her training attire from earlier.

“Too tired to change after our sparring match?”

She whips her head towards me. Face filled with astonishment.

“You sparred with Prince Aeron this morning?” King Elio asks.

“Yes, I was already in the training hall with Christopher when he and Saphrina arrived.” Dinalia replies.

“And what were you, Saphrina, doing with Prince Aeron?” King Elio’s tone is calm but stern.

He is unsettled by the idea of me with Saphrina.

Good.

Smirking to myself. I may have come in peace but that won’t stop King Elio from suspecting otherwise. He wants this marriage to happen because he thinks it will give him the power to overthrow my Father. Little does he know my Father will no longer be his concern in a few short weeks. And Saphrina is already eating out of my hand.

Saphrina is silent for a moment. Unsure of how to proceed. She glances between her Father, Prince Proteus, and myself. “He was in Mother’s garden this morning. I found him there instead of Dinalia. He offered to escort me to breakfast. So, we went to search for Dinalia and that is when we found her in the training hall.”

Dinalia’s eyes return to mine. Though mine have barely left her. It’s hard for me to pull my attention away from her.

Her eyes are filled with anger and warning. She must not like the idea that I was in her Mother’s garden. I am sure with both her Mother and the garden dead it has special meaning for her. Good or bad I can’t be sure.

Ever composed. She’s sitting straight in the chair. Arms to her side with her hands under the table.

I’m on my elbow. Slumped off to the side in my chair. Hand resting on my chin. Admiring her. Taking in her lustful beauty. Seeing the darkness rage on in her eyes. Her black dahlia eyes bring me a whole new sense of realization now that I know those are the only flowers she has been able to grow.

What despair and sadness lie beneath her stoic appearance?

She clenches her jaw and swallows. It takes everything in me not to wrap my hand around that throat of hers and bring her into me. My eyes trail down her neck but then I keep going. Stopping them on her chest. Right where her Goddess mark is.

Though it is covered. It always seems to be covered. Clearly not wanting to expose the true amount of power she has.

I remember the first time I saw it. The night her Mother died. Her white tunic allowed the dark hue of her nipples to peek through. Hardening from the chill air or the adrenaline coursing through her at the time. It was loose and flowing around her body. She shook her hair behind her back and stood tall. That’s when I saw it.

It was the first complete Goddess mark I had ever seen. The mark alone means she is powerful. But the placement implies it is not to be exposed lightly. Her magic should be concealed from the world. Only revealing itself to those of her choosing.

Whether that’s includes close or intimate relations. I can’t be sure. Though I can’t imagine she’s had many.

I release my arm. Bringing both of my hands into my lap now. Trying to push the thought of her with other men out of my mind as I clench my fists.

What will become of me, of my mind, of my soul if I cannot have her?

“Well, Dinalia, it’s nice that you were able to spar with someone other than Christopher. I know he has not been much of a challenge for you in these last years. You being so… dedicated… to your fighting abilities.” King Elio says, pulling me from my thoughts.

She turns her head towards him, smiling, to say, “Mmmm, yes it was nice to have another worthy opponent.”

“Who won?” asks Prince Proteus.

Quiet, fellow. Following in whatever path his parents have put him on with no objections. He does seem pleased with Princess Saphrina but why wouldn’t he be. She is beautiful and kindhearted. She would make a lovely wife to anyone. She wants to be loved so desperately. She is willing to love anyone. If shown the slightest in return. Prince Proteus would be welcoming to her in his kingdom. They would be satisfied with one another.

Though, Saphrina said they were both born under the light of a full moon. Meaning their fates are intertwined. How serious that is I cannot say. It could be because they are both rulers. Or could mean something greater for the war to come.

I clear my throat. Readjusting myself to answer his question, “Well -”

“I did.” Dinalia cuts me off.

Giving me a look that says ‘try to deny it’ .

The whole room freezes. No one is willing to acknowledge what she just said. Most likely out of disbelief or fear of me.

“You should have been there. They were both incredible but Dinalia literally slid right out from under him.” Saphrina chimes in, breaking the silence.

I smile at myself again. Trust me if she was truly under me she would not have slid away. Nor would she have wanted to.

“That’s wonderful, Dinalia.”Queen Ayla says.

“Yes, it’s a rare thing to beat Prince Aeron. I’ve heard no one has come close in years. Sparring or otherwise.” King Charon adds.

I can’t take my eyes off her. Remembering our dual. The way our bodies moved together.

Perfectly.

Harmoniously.

“You should be very proud, King Elio. No one has gotten the upper hand on me in years, not even my Father. She moves and fights like no one I have ever seen before. A rare talent.” I say.

Our eyes are locked on one another.

I mean the words I say. She is a rare talent. More than that. Her Mother was right. She is a rare star whose light cannot be matched.

Her entire body softens. As if she believes the words I’ve just spoken.

“Yes, I am very proud. She has always been a quick study. Putting everything she has into the lessons I have provided her with.” King Elio says.

Neither of our eyes have faltered. Unable to look away from each other. I could stare into her eyes all day, everyday, for the rest of my life. If it meant I was even an inch closer to unraveling her secrets and seeing the truest parts of her soul.

She looks away and my heart nearly rips out of its chest. Not wanting her to leave. Needing to feel her presence here with me, now and always.

“Yes, I am very grateful. I would not be where I am today without King Elio’s generosity. Providing me with my fighting master, Christopher.” She says, complimenting him. Boosting his ego. She’s had years of practice. Learning the intricacies of court.

Probably knows more about how to handle and maneuver around King Elio’s temperament better than anyone else.

“And Princess Saphrina, do you have the same fighting master?” King Charon asks.

A hesitant laugh escapes her lips, “I do but I’ve never been very good. Christopher has tried but it’s just not a talent I possess.”

“And magic?” Queen Ayla asks.

“Dinalia is actually my magic master.” Saphrina replies.

Interesting. So, Dinalia is skilled and trusted enough to train Saphrina. I haven’t been witness to Dinalia’s magic abilities very much. Not other than her blast of magic when she was standing over her Mother’s body and when she was barreling towards me. Threatening my life when she thought I had done it.

But with our Goddess marks being the exact same I can only guess how powerful she is. My magic is formidable in itself.

But hers.

Hers is unlike anything I have ever seen. Recalling her white flame and the blue and purple colors that spiraled within it. The sparks of starlight that shot out.

“Oh?” Queen Ayla’s voice must have gone up a complete octave in shock.

I wonder who all knows of her magical abilities. It is known that she has magic but to what extent is unclear for all, not just myself. I’m curious if King Elio is aware of her complete Goddess mark.

“I was not aware you had magic Dinalia.”Queen Ayla continues.

Well that answers my first question.

“When did it first appear?”

I watch her glance around the table. Weary of discussing her magic .

As she should be.

“Shortly after we arrived here in the Middle Kingdom.”

“And your Mother taught you?” King Charon asks.

“Yes, she helped me develop it over the years.”

“And after she died did your magic stall?”

She shakes her head, to answer, “No, I further developed my magic the best I could on my own. While assisting Saphrina to the best of my abilities.”

“That’s enough talk of magic.” King Elio cuts in. His voice booming and harsh.

So, he either does know of Dinalia’s abilities and is wanting to keep it a secret. Though that does not confirm that he knows she has a complete Goddess mark. Or he does not want to expose Saphrina as being the lesser of the two.

“Saphrina, shouldn’t you and Dinalia be getting to the modiste. I’m sure it will take time to discuss and fashion all the gowns Dinalia will need for your upcoming wedding celebrations.”

“Uh, yes of course. Excuse us.” Saphrina says.

They both stand and bow to the group. I watch them leave.

More so Dinalia.

Then I return my attention to the table. I look over at King Elio. Who is glaring at me. As if he is ready to kill me right here and now.