Chapter 10: A Glimpse of Power

The sun was high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the palace gardens. Aria stood among the vibrant flowers, her fingers lightly brushing against the petals. The serene environment was a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her. Ever since the incident in the library, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something within her was changing.

She glanced around to ensure no one was watching and took a deep breath. She closed her eyes, focusing on the energy she had felt that day. A tingling sensation spread through her fingertips. Slowly, she extended her hand towards a nearby rose. To her amazement, the petals began to unfurl further, glowing with a soft, ethereal light.

Aria gasped, withdrawing her hand. The rose returned to its natural state, but the memory of the magic remained vivid in her mind. She knew she couldn't keep this to herself for much longer. The power she possessed was not just a curiosity; it was a danger, both to her and potentially to others.

As she pondered her next steps, a shadow fell over her. She looked up to see Prince Damien standing there, his expression unreadable. "What are you doing here, Aria?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of concern.

Caught off guard, Aria stammered, "I was... just enjoying the garden. It's peaceful here."

Damien's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't press further. Instead, he turned his gaze to the rose she had been observing. "It's a beautiful place," he agreed. "One of the few spots where one can find some peace."

There was a moment of silence between them, filled with unspoken words and unasked questions. Finally, Damien spoke again, his voice softer. "I've been thinking about the curse, about how it affects us all. There are so many things we don't understand about it."

Aria felt a pang of empathy. She had seen the toll the curse took on Damien, the way it haunted him. "Maybe... maybe we can find a way to break it," she suggested cautiously.

A faint smile touched Damien's lips, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Many have tried," he replied. "But you're right. We can't give up."

As they stood there, a gentle breeze stirred the air, carrying with it the faint scent of jasmine. Aria felt a sense of camaraderie with Damien, a shared burden that connected them. She knew she had to tell him about her powers, but the fear of his reaction held her back.

"Damien," she began hesitantly, "there's something I need to tell you."

He turned to her, a curious expression on his face. "What is it?"

Aria opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, a servant approached, bowing respectfully. "Your Highness, Lady Aria, the King requests your presence in the throne room."

The moment was lost. Aria swallowed her words and nodded. "We'll talk later," she promised, though uncertainty gnawed at her. She followed Damien and the servant, her mind racing with possibilities.

As they entered the grand halls of the palace, the weight of their responsibilities settled over them once more. Aria knew she couldn't hide her powers forever. The time would come when she would have to face the truth, not just about herself, but about the curse and the role she might play in breaking it.

For now, she would walk into the throne room, putting on a brave face and hoping that when the truth finally came out, it wouldn't tear their fragile alliance apart.

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