The One - Four Fae for the Princess

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stretch from my fingertips, encasing the treat in an invisible shield, or at least what I hope is an invisible shield. My breath slows as I concentrate, willing the magic to ho

p in a ball on my bed. Her small body rises and falls softly

t even manage this, what hope do I have of

lex, sending another ripple of energy through the shield

nose twitches, nostrils flaring as she cat

lifts her head, giving a lazy yawn before hopping off the bed. Her tiny paws pad

h I know it's useless. I have something sh

ting out to taste the air. I sit up straighter, holding my breath.

right th

rumbling like dust. She doesn't even notice the weak flicker of power. Before I can rea

e prances out of the room like she's just conquered a might

trengthen the kingdom's barrier if I can't eve

ugh I can still feel the sting of embarrassment heating my cheeks. The door opens slight

amused at the scene. His dark eyes flick to me, concern immediately

straighter and brushing my hair out of my

ady gaze, the one that never seems to waver, even when everything around us is falling apart. He's alway

e low and reassuring. "But right n

t knot form in the pi

ith a solemn nod. "I

glimpse of myself in the mirror. My long whitish hair, tinged with lavender, is slightly tangled, and my sil

l, broad frame radiating strength. I've known Akin my whole life, but there's always been this distance between us, one that feels

stepping back. I take a deep breath, preparing myself for whatever they're goi

hrough the glass highlights the weariness in her face. Every day, the weight of the kingdom's failing barrier

enter. His moon-touched skin glows faintly, a reminder of the power he holds. It's a power that comes so naturall

that immediately makes my stomach drop. It's the look she gives

hem with a small curtsy, tr

efore continuing. "Given the current state of things, we've dec

ippling through me

her exhaustion. "We've sent out invitations to the surroun

anger and embarrassment flaring

hosting a month-long ball, Maerilee. In the hopes of fos

strangers from rival kingdoms, to come here and parade themselves around, all in the hope that

w important it is but it still stings. O

my voice tighter

pleading. "But the barrier is weakening every day, and we don't have much time. If you

our kingdom's protection. I can see it in the way my mother's once-vibrant magic has dimmed, the way her strength seem

sn't make it an

my voice quiet but steady. "I

ef flickering in her eyes. "Thank yo

ther. "But if this is what's needed, I'll attend the b

've spent so long searching, waiting for some sign that I even have a One. But what if t

'm destin

orcing myself to focus on the task

my One.

the room, my moth

tly. "No matter what hap

tside, his expression unreadable as he watches me approach. He

arrassment flooding me. "I'd v