Singularity

Kira cursed aloud. She had fallen asleep with her head on the desk. She had no idea what time it was. As she peeled the papers off her face she became aware that she was not alone.

“You’re wasting your time looking for a way to remove the charm.” Michalei stated.

“All I have is time. Least I can do is waste it.” She replied sarcastically.

“Go get cleaned up. Your father is out of town on business. So you’ll have to run court today.” He stated.

“You’re joking.” She huffed.

“Hardly,” He replied. “Don’t even think about telling anyone. I’ll be right there keeping my eye on you.” He smiled and folded his arms across his chest.

She stood, smiled mockingly and spoke. “I wouldn’t imagine it any other way.”

Kira stormed across the hall and slammed her bedroom door. By the light of the sun it was mid afternoon. She could hardly recall the morning events after she had left her room for the library. All she knew was that she was exhausted, disoriented, and forgetful. It was day three without magic and the impending doom of a forced union loomed before her. For a moment she thought, I hate my life. Then she ran the bath water and soaked away the disappointment.

Michalei came to escort Kira down to the throne room. She was dressed in a long black full sleeved gown that made her appear excessively pale with her complexion. She was struggling with her hair and the fragile crown when he walked up beside her.

“Here, let me help.” He said and with a wave of his hand her hair was perfect.

“You shouldn’t keep using magic. It’s destroying you.” She sighed.

“You’re welcome.” He replied. “Now let’s go. Your guest is already waiting for you.”

“Yes, of course.” She replied standing slowly and leaning against the vanity heavily.

“You alright?” He asked putting his arm around her for support.

“I’m exhausted.” She admitted. “Can we get this over with?”

“Yes,” He braced her. “Come on then.”

Michalei had to practically carry Kira down the hall. Most of her strength was gone and it took him half of his just to get her to the throne. She sat down less than gracefully and smoothed out her skirt before nodding that she was ready. As the door opened she forced herself to sit up straight and prepared to listen.

“Your highness,” The medium built man bowed before her. “I thank you for granting me an audience.”

“What can I do for you today sir?” She asked politely.

“I hail from a small village that was highly blessed this harvest.” The man began as he waved his arm through the air.

Kira recognized immediately her copper bracelet upon the man’s wrist. “Continue,” She urged.

“We are a poor nation and hoped to begin a trade agreement with the great city of Avalon.” The man spoke.

“However great of an opportunity that would be sir I must confess that Avalon is bound by a certain set of rules. These I must strictly adhere to as I am bound to Avalon.” Kira explained carefully.

“I understand your highness.” The man bowed.

“I am certain, if you find the proper paperwork,” She began to say.

“File, your highness,” Michalei interrupted.

“Yes, that too.” She replied and continued. “I would be free to pursue this agreement.”

“Very well your highness. I shall take my leave of you to begin such preparations swiftly.” He stated.

“Thank you sir. Goddess be with you.” She smiled.

“And with you,” The man replied, bowed and left quickly without another word.

“That wasn’t too bad was it?” Michalei smiled after the man left.

“No, but it’s not something I’d enjoy doing every day.” She chuckled weakly.

“You’re looking pale again Kira. Here, let me help.” He said as he kneeled before her.

Kira flinched as Michalei reached out his hand. He didn’t pull away. Instead he continued and placed his hand on her cheek gently. He moved in close and pressed his lips to hers. She tried to pull away in disgust but he forced her to be still as his corrupt magic pushed its way in for a momentary easement of her physical agony.

“It’s better if you don’t fight it.” He said as he pulled away.

“It’s a disgusting, foul, perversion of true magic. It would be better to die than to have it forced upon me.” She said with tears in her eyes.

“Give it time Kira. Three days and our connection will be sealed. Then everything will be just fine.” He smiled and patted her hand.

“I’m sure you believe that Michalei.” She replied coldly. “May I be excused to my library for some private sulking time?” She asked.

“Of course, waste all the time you need. Our forever will come soon enough.” He kissed her forehead as she cringed beneath him.

Kira left the throne room and headed for the library. She had contained her excitement long enough. Domascus had sent that man to her. Once he reported back then it would be known the trouble she was in. He would come for her and find the answer to her freedom. She knew that he would save her. All she had to do was wait.