Erick's time away from the castle had been relatively uneventful. For him at least, perhaps not so much for the creatures of the forest. He had gone as far as Shunkle Forest, the border between his and his brother's kingdoms. It wasn't until then that he was able to release the build up of magic.
Shadows pushed out from every corner, sharpening and expanding until the forest was coated in darkness. The force of magic ripped branches from trees and forced leaves into a cloud of green. And then it was gone. The shadows returned to their rightful places, and Erick was left panting from the exertion. His head hung low and his wings hung limp at his sides. That was when he took in the sight around him.
The trees in the immediate area had been stripped bare, from the leaves to the bark. Even the ground beneath his talons had been ripped apart. His body shook from nose to tail, either from fear or exhaustion he couldn't tell. This was new, even for him.
He was reminded yet again of his father's lessons in magic. Since he and his father both shared the gift of Night Magic, his father had been more intensive in Erick's training than the rest. There is a reason people fear Night Magic. Erick shuddered to think what someone truly powerful could do with such magic, as if he hadn't mastered all Night Magic himself. While most only mastered one or two divisions of magic, Erick had the time and skills to master all four divisions of his.
Erick took in a deep breath, straightening himself back up. This is more than just pent-up magic. He realized. And I have a sneaking suspicion that the healer wasn't correct. Erick reflected on what he was told of Flora's condition, that her dormant magic was likely just that - dormant. He realized only now that it likely wasn't, and would soon release if no one helped her.
No one can help her until we know what magic she has. Erick though, pacing around the barren strip of forest he created. Dirt kicked up underneath his talons, clogging his scales. He paid it no mind as he continued to process his next steps carefully. He knew magic typically traveled down the maternal line, and a good place to start would be to look through the census. Of course, it was helpful to remember that she had already told him something of her family's magic.
Erick paused his pacing, recalling the first night they had spent together at dinner. A little part of him was still angry with his sister for ditching him, but it was hard to hold onto that anger. He remembered Flora's wry humour at her mother's inability to heal herself from the plague. Which means she was gifted with Spring or Day Magic. Erick realized. Spring Magic would be the more ideal of the two, allowing him to hand off any training to his sister Grace. But Day Magic was his brother's gift, and the thought of Balder spending any amount of time with Flora had his hackles raising.
Erick forced the fur along his spine to lie flat, turning around to head home. He had a plan and much to do. Whatever I do, I need to be ready for her to hate me. He told himself with grim finality.
When Erick had arrived at her door, Flora had anticipated one of many emotions, but not relief. Okay, but a little bit, but not the overwhelming sense of relief that washed over her at the sight of him safe and dry. She expected to be angry, upset, to hate him, and part of her did. But right now, she was just happy to have him back. It wasn't until after he left that the emotions came crashing back down.
Flora sat back on one of the couches in her little receiving room, letting her body sink into the plush cushions. Spot came up and sat directly in front of her, tilting his droopy face in a question. Flora didn't have the heart to even smile, let alone pat on the couch in indication that he could come up. When she didn't answer, he brought a paw up to her knee, his claws catching on the fabric of her pants and pushing hard into her.
"Ow!" She exclaimed, pushing him away. "Not right now Spot." She told him firmly. The look he gave her nearly broke her heart, but he listened anyway. The young dog went over to his bed - more of an oversized pillow - and made three turns over it before finally plunking down on it. Flora sighed and let her head fall onto the back of the couch. It was late, and she was tired. It was more than a sleepy kind of tired, it was something she felt in her very bones. And with it all was that heaviness that continued to weigh her down.
Eventually she had to force herself up, pulling herself out of the clutches of the couch. She didn't want to, but sleep was only minutes away from taking her and she knew how sore she would be if she fell asleep on the couch. She had to do the responsible adult thing to do, and that was to sleep in an actual bed. It also meant waking up at a reasonable time.
Flora wanted to look forward to tomorrow, to getting away from the busy court and back to a semblance of normalcy, but something in her heart told her it would never be the same again.
Flora woke up the next day with a terrible ache in her back. Rolling over with a painful moan, she discovered why. Spot lay on her bed, and when he saw her he shook his tail with a lazy kind of happiness. Flora couldn't help but smile.
"You dumb dog." She said affectionately as she gave him a good rub over the head. His tail flopped against the bed in glee as she got up and prepared for the day. Should I pack? I should probably pack, right? Flora deliberated this for longer than she cared to admit before finally deciding to pack everything she would need. It was only marginally different than before, this time including a few new pairs of clothes than last time. The only thing missing was her gown for the Summer Ball, which she hadn't seen since the three sisters had shown it to her. She considered asking for it before thinking better of it. I'm sure it's fine, I don't want to sound rude or selfish after all. She thought as she finished putting the last of her belongings in the leather suitcase, making sure to leave only enough for today.
Spot made it a point to inspect every pile of laundry she had gone through, especially her socks. Flora did not notice that when she had deliberately left out a clean pair to change into, Spot had taken it. Usually saving socks for last, Flora turned around to find the socks missing, as well as her dog. Flora moaned.
"Spot!" She called out. "Spot! I'm not playing games!" She insisted, walking down the small hallway to investigate the rooms of her apartment. "These floors are far too cold for this." She muttered under her breath. Perhaps, she relented, it was time to invest in some slippers. That is, so long as the dog won't take them.
She found Spot much later than she had hoped, having to practically tear the whole place apart before realizing the door was open. He could be anywhere by now. Flora hung her head in despair before throwing some boots on and leaving her apartment. Fortunately for her, she didn't have to go very far. Unfortunately for her, Spot was not alone, having been caught in his endeavor to steal her socks.
King Erick stood beside the dog, a rope in his hand and a coy grin on his face. The rope had been hastily tied to the dog's collar, acting as a leash that was now tight as Spot tried to run away, his prize still squarely between his teeth. The sight of the King gave Flora a mix of uneasy emotions, and for a moment she thought she might get sick.
"I imagine this is yours?" Erick asked playfully, pulling the now wet bundle of socks from Spot's grasp. The dog gave a pitiful whine that was quickly tamped down with a hard stare from Flora. Erick chuckled before handing over the socks.
"I had a few errands to run," Erick explained. "Until u saw this beast running through the halls." He eyed the dog, though not cruelly. It was more of a look a parent would give to a disciplined child. Spot hung his head, as if understanding what he had done. Flora couldn't help but smile.
"I hope he wasn't too much trouble." Flora said, an exasperated edge to her voice.
"Not terribly." He replied cooly, handing the rope over to Flora. She took it with her free hand.
"I'm very sorry for the inconvenience." Flora said sheepishly, reminding herself that despite their relationship he was still the king, and she was just one of his many court members.
"It's fine." Erick waved it away as if it were no consequence. "I was coming down here anyway." At Flora's look of confusion he smiled. "It's nothing serious really, just to let you know that Leon has been forgetting about his retirement recently." Flora realized his smile was something more bittersweet than a genuine smile. She made a wordless 'oh' in reply, and Erick gave a sad nod of his head. "Just take it easy with him, and hopefully he won't insist on going back to the farmhouse." Erick finished.
Right, Flora thought. He spent most of his career there. If he thinks he's still the Beast Master, he will likely go back. Flora trusted that Erick had it under control, but of all the times or things Leon could forget something, it had to be this one thing at this particular time. Erick seemed to have a similar sentiment, grimacing before continuing.
"We'll be able to leave as early as this afternoon." He told her, and for a moment she didn't even process that we meant the two of them. The thought brought back several memories, most from their trip during the Spring Inspection. However, her mind kept returning to yesterday, seeing Erick in his black suit with the headsman's axe raised and ready. Certainly outdated, but efficient all the same.
As if sensing her discomfort, Erick's expression faltered. "That is, unless you want someone else to show you the way?" His voice was quiet and tentative, and Flora felt yet again like an animal that was easily spooked.
"It's fine." She said quickly with a little shake of her head. "It's an honor to have you." Flora thought this would be the appropriate thing to say, certainly the polite thing, but she didn't miss the crestfallen expression that passed over Erick's face.
"Right." He said, collecting himself. "I'll meet you at the stables around noon." He told her with a brusque nod before leaving. Flora's heart felt heavy, as if the weight on her chest wasn't bad enough. It rose to her throat, feeling as if she would choke on her emotions. She was upset with him, and yet missed his presence she realized.
Instead of lingering on it, she gave herself a hearty shake and took Spot back to her rooms. Perhaps her socks - and now raw heels - could be salvaged before she had to leave. Until then, she had a never ending pile of paperwork to go through.
Flora looked up from her desk where she was working and eyed the clock on her desk. The light from the lamps cast shadows over it, and she had to squint to read it. Finally reading the time, she realized that she was most definitely late and had to leave now. Flora hurriedly stuffed her paperwork and writing utensils into the leather suitcase before buckling it shut and running over to put her riding clothes on. She quickly stuffed anything that was left into her pack, grabbing the long leather leash for her dog and grabbing Spot before heading out the door.
Flora tried her best to hurry through the castle without looking like a complete mess, but somehow she had a feeling that she did indeed look horrible. Several people clearly stared at her as she passed, and she ran a hand through her hair before realizing another crucial reason they would stare at her.
She was rushing to meet the King, who was going to take her to a farmhouse, alone, after clearly stating his affections for her. Flora tried to hide her blush as she picked up her speed, Spot happily trotting beside her.
Just as she rounded a corner, she ran into old Leon. He nearly barreled her over, the two of them skidding to a halt to avoid a collision. Behind him was the paige that often ran errands for Erick.
"There you are!" Leon exclaimed. Flora tried to make a polite excuse to step around him, but he firmly blocked her way. Him being a male lion shifter, and her being an average human woman, his size was hard to get around. Almost as hard as Erick. I am not thinking about that. Flora reprimanded herself.
"You're supposed to be working with horses today girl, not the dogs!" Leon rebuked, gesticulating towards Spot. Flora was baffled for a moment, too shocked to respond. She looked to the paige for some help, but he only shook his head in response. "Well?" Leon prompted, his old voice rumbling in his chest.
"Uh, er- Right!" Flora tried her best to play it off, hoping he would believe her. "I just needed a few things. I'll head right over!" She insisted, skirting around Leon the whole time. He gave her a long look but didn't stop her this time.
"Hmmph! I better see you cleaning the stall then too." He muttered, allowing Flora to continue on her way. She breathed a heavy sigh of relief before pushing on towards the front doors of the castle.
Once she was out, Flora booked it all the way to the Royal stables. Thankfully, they were the closest of the three stables. She practically ran to the stables, arriving at the door just as Erick had opened it. To her embarrassment, she was completely out of breath and unable to say anything. He looked her up and down before cracking a titled smile.
"I didn't think you were that excited." He teased. Flora only managed to roll her eyes in response.
"You're just as bad as Dante." She said after catching her breath. It earned her a chuckle from the King.
"So I've heard." He said. "The horses are tacked up and ready when you are." He told her. She nodded her acknowledgment, but struggled to look him in the face. She couldn't erase the image of him from yesterday, only moments before he brought the axe down. She couldn't tell if the ache in her heart was her own or his.
"Here," Erick motioned for Flora's suitcase. "Let me take that for you." His voice took on that same quiet as earlier, and Flora wanted to buck like a green horse with a new saddle. She wanted to show him that she was fine, that she could manage, that she didn't need his pity. She knew better than to lash out, but she desperately wanted to.
"Fine." Was all she said as she shoved the bag in his direction. She couldn't ignore the fluttering feeling that ran through her body as his hand brushed hers, lingering deliberately before she let go. She refused to look him in the eye, feeling her face blush as she brushed past him into the barn.
She couldn't help this burning feeling inside her, it was unlike anything she had experienced before. It was not like the slow yet deep hurt from her broken family, her father's behaviour only declining after her mother's death. No, this was something that had come hard and fast, and had her in a choke hold that was impossible to get out of. She clenched her fists and willed herself to push it all down, trying to find peace in the calm of the barn.
Both Condor and Penelope were tacked in full riding sets, and to Flora's surprise Odysseus was also tacked up in pack gear. He already had a couple of bags tied to the frame one his back, making the warhorse look like an enlarged pack mule. Flora snorted at the sight, finding it a little humorous.
"You'll wound his pride laughing at him like that." Erick said from behind her. Flora turned to see him standing there, a smile on his face that didn't quite reach his eyes. Flora quickly looked away, returning her attention to the horses.
"I'm sure he won't mind." She said, giving the horse in question a good rub on the chin. Indeed, he did not seem to mind as he leaned into her touch. At that, she was able to smile, even if it was something small.
"I suppose not." Erick commented as he walked past her, patting the horse on the side affectionately. He then took Flora's luggage up to the frame on the stallion's back, using the various straps to tie the bags down and giving a tug to make sure it was secure.
"Ready?" He asked, looking her over his shoulder. Flora swallowed hard before nodding in agreement. The King returned the gesture, heading over to his mare and pulling himself up into the saddle. Flora quickly followed, mounting Condor in a quick movement and heading out.
Erick led the way on Penelope, going at an easy trot out of the barn and over the fields of the castle grounds, Odysseus tied by a lead to Penelope's saddle. The expanse of land never ceased to amaze Flora, even after three years of working on that land. Her thoughts drifted to her father's land, and what was planned for it now that it had been turned over to the King. She recalled their conversation so many nights ago, where he had told her that it would have to be rebuilt from the ground up. Flora's heart cracked at the thought of never seeing her family home again, as if she had the option to go back. I left for a reason. She reminded herself.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Erick asked quietly after they had rode for a bit. A warm breeze blew his hair back, reminding Flora of his striking features. The shapr planes of his face were stitched with worry, the crease between his brows only growing when she didn't answer right away. She had to look away before speaking.
"It won't change anything." She stated simply, her voice barely more than a whisper. She fiddled with the reins in her hands, unable to sit still as she felt King Erick's gaze bore into her. After a long pause of nothing, Flora finally looked back up to face the King. His pained expression took her breath away.
"I'm so sorry Flora." His voice was hoarse with suppressed emotion. "It was the only way." He told her. Flora swallowed back tears, not wishing to cry yet again in such a short span of time. She looked away again, focusing on the fields before them. In the distance was the farm house, still just a brick of color against the background. She reflected on what she had learned of the anti-magic movement, her father's involvement still unbelievable to her.
"Do you think he would have hated me too?" Flora asked quietly, unsure if Erick even heard her. For a long moment he didn't say anything, and Flora believed that perhaps he really hadn't heard her.
"I can't answer that for you." He said after a long moment, the farm house in the distance grew larger by the moment. "What would you do if he did?" Erick asked tentatively. Flora found herself in just as long of a pause, considering his words carefully.
"I left for a reason." She finally told him, proud that her voice was steady in her answer. She still didn't look at him, watching as they approached the farm house. If Flora ever thought any of the other farms were nice, then this one put them to shame.
The two story home had a partial wrap-around porch, two turrets, and beautiful flourishes and designs in every corner of the building. The path they were on turned from manicured gravel to cobblestone, with oil lamps to light the way. While the sun was still high in the sky, Flora could easily imagine the dreamy atmosphere of this place at night. The house itself was done in the colors of the kingdom, in a way. The building was an off white color, while the roof was a deep shade of blue.
"Is this… all for me?" Flora asked incredulously, her eyes sweeping over the entire property. It was still on the castle grounds, and yet it felt like a different world entirely. Erick gave a small huff of a laugh before responding.
"So long as you are my Beast Master," Erick started, a teasing smile playing at his lips. "You're allowed to live here." Flora turned to face him, eyeing him suspiciously.
"Allowed to live here?" Flora asked.
"Well, I can't exactly giveit to you," Erick continued with a teasing tone. "But I suppose I can let you stay here for a while." Flora visibly rolled her eyes.
"Such a kind and generous ruler you are." She threw back at him. Erick laughed.
"I try." He said in a casual tone. Flora only shook her head with a laugh as the two continued down the path towards the house. Off to the side and set further back, Flora noticed a small stable. It was more of a block of stalls, able to hold up to three horses and a storage space. The building was painted in matching colors to the house.
"Here," Erick said as he hopped off his mare, quickly moving to remove the bags from Odysseus. "I'll take the horses over." He held out his hand, waiting for Flora to give him Condor's reins.
"You don't have to do that, you know." Flora stated, jumping off her gelding and handing over the horse's reins anyway.
"I know." He said with a smile. "But I want to." He turned to leave before Flora could say anything.
She was left standing in front of the farm house with her bags and whatever it was Erick had packed. She looked up at the building, somewhat daunted by its size. I never imagined a house for one person could be so large. What does he think I'm going to do here? Flora pondered her new situation, considering what Leon might have done while he lived here. Frankly, she had always assumed he lived in the castle like all the other Court Masters did.
Flora took a few steps back to look up at the house, her boots crunching the gravel-filled cobblestone, before bumping into a solid wall behind her. There was a loud oomph and a soft grind beneath her heel before she quickly turned around to face Erick. Spot yelped only after noticing the King was there, doing little in way of warning.
"Here I thought getting stepped on by a horse was bad." He grumbled, though the glint in his eye said otherwise. Flora flushed in embarrassment.
"I'm so sorry!" Flora rushed to get it out.
"It's fine." Erick replied, putting his hands up. "Why don't we go inside?" He motioned towards the front door of the house. It was carved of a beautifully soft brown wood, set with a rectangular glass window in the upper half.
"Right." Was all she could get out, hoping to save herself from further embarrassment. Erick gave her a knowing yet gentle look before picking up most of the luggage. Flora followed suit, taking her personal leather bag and following him up.
Erick pulled out a key - a long round body with a rectangular head like most, but adorned with a fanciful ring at the end. Flora wasn't able to get a good look at the details of it before he opened up the front door, putting the key back into his pocket. He stepped aside and motioned for her to go in.
"Go on in." He told her. His voice was even yet his eyes were troubled. Flora wondered if he knew just how much emotion came through those many shades of blue. Instead she nodded and put on a smile, though it didn't quite feel real to her as she took her first step inside the house.
Spot barged right on past, galloping into the house with a swinging tail and lolling tongue. Erick laughed from behind her, and she shook her own head with a huff of a laugh. She followed the dog inside, taking her first step through the front door.
The inside was just as immaculate as it was outside. The entryway led into a hall with smooth wood paneled flooring, covered in a large blue and gold accented rug. A few chairs sat on either side of the hall, with a hutch on the left and a cabinet on the right. At the end of the hall was the grand staircase, a similar soft brown wood to that of the front door. Doors lined either side of the hallway, likely leading to drawing and living rooms. A radiator sat at the back wall just beneath the window. While it was likely not to see any use for some time, Flora was more than grateful to have something warm for a cold night. The walls were papered with a gentled blue pattern, something that wasn't the exact same as the rug but still matched the color.
"Do you like it?" Erick's quiet voice came from behind her, startling Flora from her reverie. She turned to face him as he set down her suitcase, closing the door behind them. Spot trotted up to sit beside Flora, a smile coming through all the wrinkles of his face.
"Yes, I love it." Flora said with a breathy voice as she looked around the room once more. Erick chuckled.
"That's good. I'll leave you to it then." He said, turning around to leave. Flora didn't entirely process that he was leaving until he was halfway through the door, head bent low so that his horns wouldn't catch on the door frame.
"Wait!" She called out before even really thinking about it. Erick paused and turned to face her over his shoulder, his expression hard to read. "You're just… leaving?" She asked quietly. Of course she knew he was leaving, and that it was something he had to do, but she had already started and was going to see this through.
"Yes." He told her, his flat tone almost piercing her heart. I'm the one who asked to be alone. Flora harshly reminded herself. "Did you want me to stay?" He asked her, the smallest hint of hope seeping through his tone. It was contrasted by the confused look on his face, his brows knit together to form a crease.
Flora fiddled with the lowest button on her jacket for a moment. Part of her desperately did not want to be alone. Even though she technically wasn't alone, having both Spot and Condor with her, she found the idea of living in this house alone somewhat daunting. On the other hand, she was very upset with Erick yet craved his attention. He treated her in a way no one else had, and somehow the idea of him spending time here with her had snuck its way into her heart. Spot gave a smile whine, pulling her back to the situation at hand.
"Yes." She grumbled. Erick quirked an eyebrow.
"I'm not sure I heard that." He told her, a grin tugging at the ends of his lips.
"Yes," she sighed. "I would appreciate it if you stayed." She told him. He smiled broadly.
"Good, I wouldn't want to leave my things here anyway." He said as he turned back into the house. Flora gaped in surprise before looking at the pile of luggage.
"What- why-" Flora struggled to start. "You already planned on staying?" She asked. Erick gave her a sad smile.
"I wanted to stay, and certainly get away from the court for a while." He informed her. "But I didn't want to push you." He said, his voice sincere. Flora felt her heart sink. Despite all he had done, he was still putting her first. She rubbed her arm self conscientiously. Erick gently took her chin with his thumb and forefinger, lifting her face to look at him. She looked into his eyes then, raw emotion caught in their stormy depths. Her traitorous heart skipped a beat before racing at the sight of him like this.
"I understand if you hate me." He told her. "But I want you to know-" Erick wasn't able to finish the thought, as Flora didn't allow him to. Instead she gave in to the rush she felt, pulling him into a long, hard, kiss.