Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19262 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 96(@200wpm)___ 77(@250wpm)___ 64(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19262 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 96(@200wpm)___ 77(@250wpm)___ 64(@300wpm)
“My name is Leo, and the honor is mine. I can’t thank you enough for saving me.”
“It was my pleasure,” I replied with a bow of my head. His pretty smile vanished and I asked, “What is troubling you?” I wanted to do anything I could to bring it back.
“While I’m grateful, I’m not sure what you saved me from. I have so many questions.”
“I will answer all that I can, but we must keep moving. I fear that the guards are not far behind us. I will take you to my cottage; you should be safe there.”
Leo nodded and stayed by my side as I began walking again. I missed having him in my arms, but there was no reason to conceal him now, as we were alone. Wanting to clear up all of Leo’s questions, I began with one of my own. “What do you know of Maldor?”
“I’ve heard stories of him from my keeper Fagen. He told me that Maldor was an evil god, who enjoyed despair and ruin. But until tonight, I thought he was only a fairytale.”
I replied, “He’s very real,” with a shake of my head, “And always working his trickery and malice.”
“Why does he want me?”
It was hard to answer, but he needed to know the truth. “Long ago, your parents promised their first born child to Maldor. A sacrifice of royal blood in his name makes him grow stronger. In return, he promised your parents greater influence and more subjects to control.”
Leo’s footsteps stopped and he rubbed his chest with the heel of his hand. “I was born…just to be slaughtered?”
I wished that I’d handled the news with more tact. I was focused on our surroundings and getting Leo to safety, and not enough on his feelings. “I’m sorry,” I told him sincerely, placing my hand on his shoulder. “I truly am, but we must keep going.”
Leo nodded and walked beside me once more. “So why didn’t Maldor just kill me when I was a helpless baby?”
“He wanted you to be of age, when royal blood is at its most potent. It would make the sacrifice more powerful.”
Leo gave a humorless laugh and said, “I suppose it all makes sense now. I was never allowed outside because my parents were afraid that I’d get hurt; not because they cared about me, but because they wanted to keep the sacrifice ‘in pristine condition’, as I heard them tell Maldor. They never taught me anything about the kingdom or how to rule because they knew I was destined for an early death.”
My heart ached as I nodded. “It is also why the subjects of the kingdom never even knew about your existence; they would be outraged at the sacrifice of their prince and may revolt against the king and queen.”
“Wait…if no one but the guards know that I exist, how do you? And how do you know about my fate? You are not a castle guard; surely I would have remembered your face.” A pretty scarlet blush crept over Leo’s cheeks. “I’m sorry; my words came before I could stop them. I hope I did not offend you.”
“It’s alright,” I told him with another pat on his shoulder. It was difficult to keep my hands to myself. “I know that my appearance is off putting.”
Leo reeled away from me as if I’d struck him. “That was not my meaning!” The blush grew darker when he explained, “It’s…quite the opposite.”
I swallowed thickly when realization dawned on me. My fated love was pleased with my appearance. He was worried that his attraction to me was offensive.
“Leo, do not worry. Your words make my heart glad, as I am in awe of your beauty. Your hair reminds me of the setting sun, and your eyes are like the cool water of a lake.”
Those eyes were wide as they gazed at me before he replied, “That’s the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me.” He walked a few more steps before asking, “So that means that you are…like me?” I smiled and nodded. “I thought I was perhaps the only one. I told Fagen once - about my desires - and he told me to keep them to myself; that I could be punished, and he wanted me to be safe.” Leo rubbed his chest again. “Was he only protecting the sacrifice too?”
“No, Leo. Fagen’s heart was pure and his care was real. He looked upon you as if you were his own son. He knew nothing of the plans for you.” Leo sighed in relief as I realized that I hadn’t answered his previous questions. “I know about Fagen the same way that I know about you; the goddess Thayla visited me and told me everything.”
“Thayla is real too?” Leo asked in surprise.
I nodded. “She told me about your life and that you were in trouble. She sent me to save you, and even gave me this cloak which made it possible.” I held out the fabric and explained, “It made us invisible to the guards.”