CHAPTER XI

Two scrutinizing gazes fell on a bunch of displayed hair accessories, one with silver hues and the other a shining obsidian. Both parties had just arrived in town, cloaked and hidden by prying townsfolk with the use of magic. The prince personally told her that he wanted their presence and appearance obscured— and she obliged without any second thought.

That one time where she brought Brixton in town was requested too by the younger, claiming that he didn’t want to seem weak by doing so (he wanted to face one of his fears, and he did it well), although she wasn’t pleased about his decision.

Humming in fascination at the sight of neatly made ribbons. They ranged from the brightest of colors to the darkest that silk could provide. All are definitely crafted with dedication and talent, the crafters must’ve poured their souls into making such fine items. Delicate fingertips ghosted over a lavender colored one, examining its intricate designs alongside the diamond that rested on its centre. It was beautiful, really beautiful.

“Aethan, I found one. Lavender with a diamond on the middle”, She announced, catching the attention of the prince, who wasted no second to avert his gaze on the piece that the imperial magician have suggested. He took it carefully, eyeing it like a hawk to its prey. It was indeed pretty. The gem was neatly carved, and the slightest of gold that surrounded the diamond was arranged in such complicated pattern that made it unique. It would definitely look good on Isabelle.

“Really astounding. However, the head maid that serves Ellysia’s one and only princess told me that Her Majesty will be wearing something red”, He responded, shaking his head in objection. This made her frown in annoyance, before walking off once again to another aisle within the boutique in silence, observing yet again another batch of ribbons— only this time, they were darker in color compared to the pastel ones whom she had recently been into. That smitten prince, he could’ve just told her earlier— then she wouldn’t have a hard time searching for an appropriate color that’d match with Isabelle’s gown or dress or. . . whatever she’ll wear in the banquet.

The magician had to refrain herself from punching the prince square in the face a while ago, hence the reason she chose to leave him without a word or two. She’d locate him immediately if needed anyway.

Clementine grumbled incoherent nothings underneath her breath, whilst her silvered-optics searched through various ornaments. At some point along the way, she grabbed a crimson ribbon, one that was adorned with embroideried camelias, dainty white feathers were also attached from the side, and a dazzling emerald shaped flower— rested on its middle. Like any other pieces that she saw, this one was also beautiful in its own way. Thus, she decided to tell Aethan of her new choice, mentally hoping that her smitten best friend would affirm the object.

Though, when she turned around, she was met with a weird sensation. Her senses were tingling, and the hair that surrounded her skin stood stiff as she felt her spine shudder. The once warm aura turned sinister, and her breathing hitched in alarm.

Scrambling on her feet, she dropped the ribbon in haste, rounding an aisle in order to pull the prince away from the place. It was already confusing enough that none of the buyers nor the owner of the store have felt the ambiance shift— and it left her in question. Spotting a familiar patch of matcha, she wasted no second in running towards the figure, grabbing Aethan’s forearm and teleporting them away from the shop.

The prince was fairly surprised at the sudden action. He had just came from the counter a moment ago, when he felt a hand grab his and then the feeling of the all too familiar way of easy (but entirely dreadful) transportation have engulfed his senses. He would’ve thought that it was a case of kidnapping had it not been for the pearly hair that told him otherwise.

It was seconds after, and now they were standing on the courtyard of the palace, making him frown at the fact that it took him a back. On the other hand, Clementine was visibly shaken, hugging herself in fear yet seemingly appearing alright and normal physically. The exact contrast of her inner turmoil. This made Aethan even more frustrated. Why had she done something unannounced? It wouldn’t hurt a fly to at least utter a word or two, right?

“What. . . What was that? Why did you suddenly—“, he was about to snap at the poor frightened magician, though he refrained himself from doing so. Instead, he approached her, lips pursed into the thinnest line possible. His obsidian orbs watched her attentively, sighing inwardly at the sight of her frantic pupils.

“Clementine? Hey, are you alright?”, Aethan inquired, this time— his tone is much more softer, laced with concern for the magician’s well-being. He may not look like it nor act like one, but deep down, he cared for her. She was and is still is his best friend. They practically grew inseparable along the years as they grow up. She had been there for him, and so does he. They were each other’s comfort, each other’s pillar.

Snapping out of her trance, she managed to lift a glance at the source of the voice. She was met with worried black jewels that made her smile for a bit, before shaking her head. “I’m alright. There’s nothing to worry about”, Clementine replied, sucking in a huge amount of air, only to release it slowly once she had enough. “I’m sorry, I ruined your shopping”,

“Ah, yes. I am indeed upset. Yet, there is no need to apologise. I have already purchased one, the moment you grabbed my arm and brought me back here”, Aethan stated, waving the small pink bag that was clutched in between his palm and fingers. “Although, it would be very much appreciated if you could’ve alerted me beforehand. A word or two couldn’t hurt, right?”, he hissed, opting the lass to roll her eyes in sarcasm. Phenomenas such as the one that happened awhile ago should be acted upon speed. Who knows what could’ve happened if Clementine wasted a minute or two just to inform the prince.

However, it does make her curious as to why she was the ‘only’ one who felt that. Back then, when she approached Aethan— the prince remained calm and serious, whereas the townsfolk that were also in the area were eventually enjoying their boutique shopping. Could it be a ploy to scare her off? Seems likely. The one who rebirthed Dark Magic, must’ve wanted her to crumble in fear and possibly hurt her whether it be physically, mentally, or emotionally. Whoever that person is, must’ve realized that both she and Alejandro were on the move— and is certainly annoyed at their interference.

As if hearing her own thoughts, Sappherine’s imperial magician appeared before her, flicking her forehead to garner her attention (automatically making her wince due to the sting)— whilst he chose to pay no heed to the prince who could only grunt in distaste. “We have to discuss something”, the magician announced, gripping her hand firmly, as he stood rigid on the spot. It was then that Clementine finally managed to stable her composure.

“Y-yeah. I have something to. . .tell you, also”, She replied, stuttering while letting her words fade into whispers along the way. The female mage gave Aethan an apologetic look, before allowing Alejandro to drag her inside, completely ignoring the fact that the prince have opted to grab her hand midway, as if wanting her to stay for a bit more— only to recline it, seeing the warlock and his hand intertwined with hers.