Chapter Three --- Fractured Bonds.

"Centuries ago, there was a powerful mystic queen who ruled Amethyst. The reign of evil Luna was dreadful and left a dark mark in history.

A sun child is born with a special ability. Some can talk to the water, command the soil, or even control the wind. These children were gifts of protection against external forces to Amethyst, but they became Luna's renewal sacrifices. Every hundred years, a sun child is born.

Luna killed her cousin, the rightful heir to the throne, while his wife and child labored in the dungeon. Even the boys of royal blood were enslaved.

The heir’s son married a farmer’s daughter, who gave birth to a sun child. As Luna’s renewal sacrifice approached, she summoned her priest.

Luna was bound to kill the child, but its father took it to the future, making it difficult for her to find. He cursed the child to be free from its past, and that curse can only be broken by true love's kiss.

Luna grew old and ugly. She went down Pulla Mountain, between the cave and the water, where she now dwells, awaiting the curse’s breaking."

The day had dimmed, and the darkness cast strange shadows. The young ones of Amethyst gathered around the old fortune teller.

"The curse is two-sided. Luna can't harm the child, but the royal family can’t reach her either. Ximena is a child of destiny.

To lift the dark powers clouding Amethyst, three sun children have been trained, but Ximena’s powers are unique. She alone can complete the others.

We must be prepared, for when the curse is broken, Luna will return with powers greater than a thousand men."

The old fortune teller stood, leaving the children as she entered her small house. She glanced at her mirror, and the prophecy came again.

"Two feathers of different birds dance to merge. Fate strikes, walls fall. The feathers fade, and the walls stand. The queen of darkness roars like a hungry lion, but she is at the mercy of a feather. Prophecy!"


---

Ximena sat at her desk, staring at her laptop. Frustrated, she groaned and hit her head on the table. Her door creaked open, and Mike entered with a bouquet of white roses, a white note attached.

She blinked and smiled softly. They were beautiful. Taking them from him, she gestured for him to leave.

"Hey! Pretty eyes. Boring day, huh?" She dropped the note on her desk and shut her eyes, pressing the roses gently to her face.

"How about some fun later, charmie?" She smiled and picked up her phone.

"Mike, let's go home at four. It's time for some fun—cancel my other appointments." She stood and grabbed her bag.


---

"I’ll tell you what Dad told me when I was struggling to choose a career," Valerie said, and Ximena nodded. "Once, there was a boy who worked for a penny. He took the penny to his old, sick father and said, 'Look, I made a penny.' The old man nodded, and the boy saved it.

Again, the boy worked for another penny, brought it to his father, and said, 'Look, I made another penny.' The old man nodded, but this time, the boy was sad. He could have played with his friends, but instead, he worked for a penny to impress his father, yet his father didn’t smile.

The old man finally said, 'We may never have enough perspective to see the image in another person’s mind, but we always have the lens to reflect on the image in our own. Don’t work to impress others, or you’ll grow their company, not yours. And when you fail to meet their expectations, you’ll lose sight of who you are.

Grow the company in you, and let this company learn from it.'"

Valerie smiled, then added, "You work too hard. You need to relax and be happy sometimes. Wrinkles are real, love."

"Yeah, you’re right," Ximena replied. "Rex is nice. I feel something weird about him." She lay on the bed as Valerie rested on the couch.

"I think you should tell him," Valerie said. They both turned as the door opened—Aunt Maggie entered.

"Awkward!" Valerie grabbed her bag and left. Margaret sat by Ximena’s side, and Ximena leaned her head on Maggie’s shoulder. Margaret gently stroked her hair.

"Feelings are powerful, Princess Ximena. How we handle them determines their value. They can push and pull—they’re double-edged swords."

"What should I do? I can’t even relax around him."

"Let it out. Don’t waste any moment of your feelings." Margaret stood. "Are you hungry?"

"No... I have a date..." Ximena headed to the bathroom.

Ximena descended the stairs in a black dress, her red shoes and bag complementing her crimson lips. Her hair was styled in a braid.

Rex stood in the living room, exuding a powerful aura. His cologne was refined. He turned and smiled at her beauty. His face warmed, his eyes sparkled, and his cheeks lifted as he walked toward her. Taking her hand, he kissed it and bowed.

"You look stunning."

"Hmm," Aunt Maggie said, holding a pancake. She snapped a photo of them as they left.

Ximena and Rex were outside when Lavender appeared. Lavender furrowed her brows at them until their smiles faded.

Rex turned to Ximena. "Two feathers of different birds dance to merge. Fate strikes, walls fall. The feathers fade, and the walls stand," Lavender said.

Ximena ran her fingers across her forehead, groaning. She wasn’t flushed; instead, her lips pressed together, her nostrils flared. Rex looked at her, their eyes meeting.

"Family, huh?"

"Yeah, she’s my mom," Ximena said. Rex’s eyes widened. "She’s Lavender Jones née Tottenham. She’s the family’s secret from the press. Welcome to the family."

"Her name and face seem familiar."

"She’s the founder and original developer of the most popular magazine, now managed by Valerie Jones. She’s been like this for as long as I’ve known her. It’s sad."

"I’m sorry," Rex said. "Lucas, take us out of here."

A romantic song played in the car, and Ximena shut her eyes. Rex couldn’t take his eyes off her.

"What’s your idea of the perfect date?" Rex asked.

Ximena blinked. "Taking a walk, visiting places, having fun."

The car stopped, and Rex unbuckled his seatbelt. He saw her struggling with hers and reached over, brushing her hand. Their eyes sparkled as the seatbelt clicked open. He chuckled as they stepped out.

The sight in front of them sent chills down Ximena’s spine. It was a dance. She bit her lower lip, while Rex’s dimples deepened.

Children, like prodigies, danced in neat costumes. Their parents cheered, and the evening felt peaceful.

Rex and Ximena sat in the back, wearing face masks. Ximena whispered in his ear, "What family secret will you share in exchange for the first?"

"It’s a beautiful night. My past is filled with bitter memories, so today’s not the day."

"The past isn’t past if it hasn’t passed. How you feel can help you move forward." She placed her fingers on the bench, and Rex rested his hand on hers, gently stroking it. She relaxed.

Time flew as the dance climaxed. They left, walking along the streets, savoring the moment. They visited a coffee shop, then a library, and finally, the farmer’s market.

"Ximena," Rex said, stopping in his tracks. "I want your consent to be in a relationship with me."

Ximena’s mind raced, chills running down her spine.

"Give me three weeks to think about it."

"Three weeks?"

"I could make it a month," she teased. Rex’s jaw dropped. "Expect an answer in three weeks."

They sat on a roadside bench, talking as time slowed. Ximena rubbed her arms. Rex draped his jacket over her, and she smiled.

They walked on until Ximena tripped. Rex quickly caught her, holding her waist. She opened her eyes, seeing only him. Her lips curved as she stood.

"Rex," Ximena whispered. He turned, and she leaned in, pressing her lips to his. Their faces were inches apart.

Rex clenched his jaw, stepping back. Ximena stumbled, falling. Cameras flashed around them, capturing the moment. Rex’s shoulders slumped, and Ximena quietly walked away.

© Chidimma Mirabel