Betrothed

Crystal's gaze softened as she looked into Ambrose's eyes, a sincere smile playing on her lips. She flicked her fingers, undoing the spells that had held his magic captive, releasing him from the confines of her magic.

"I was told that I can believe you," she confessed, her voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "I was told that you might be the only one I could trust in the whole universe." Her words hung in the air, carrying the weight of her uncertainty and the depth of her emotions.

"But I still had to use the truth spell on you. I had a strong hunch that you wanted to hide the truth from me."

She paused for a moment, her eyes locked with Ambrose's, searching for a glimpse of confirmation. "And I also had a hunch that you wanted to do that to protect me," she added, her voice filled with a mix of gratitude and admiration.

Ambrose scratched his head, not knowing what to say in reply. The weight of the situation weighed heavily on him, and he struggled to find the right words. But he didn't need to say anything at all; Crystal had a way of understanding things without them being spoken, she could sense his flustered state.

"But there is still one thing, I don't understand," Crystal said, her voice filled with curiosity. Ambrose looked up at her, his brow furrowing in anticipation. She continued, her eyes locked with his, "Why did you say it was your fault? Because I now know for sure that it isn't."

Ambrose felt a surge of emotion welling up within him. He could see the sincerity in Crystal's eyes and the unwavering belief she held in him. He rubbed his wrists, still feeling the remnants of the confining magic that Crystal had cast on him.

Ambrose hesitated, knowing that his silence would only prompt Crystal to use her magic to extract the truth from him. He understood that it was better to speak openly and choose his words carefully. Taking a deep breath, he met Crystal's gaze and began to speak.

"I was unable to protect you," he admitted, his voice laced with regret and a hint of self-blame. "The truth stood before me, plain and clear, yet I regrettably failed to discern it. Perhaps, had I possessed greater power, greater expertise, I might have rescued you from the unfortunate events that transpired."

Ambrose's admission hung in the air, his vulnerability exposed. He had carried the weight of this belief for far too long, blaming himself for the events that unfolded. His eyes searched for understanding and forgiveness in Crystal's gaze, uncertain of how she would react.

Crystal embraced Ambrose tightly, her empathic abilities allowing her to sense his profound heartache. The connection between them as twin flames made it difficult for her to control the emotions that coursed through her own being.

With gentle sincerity, she spoke to him, "Your Highness, please don't burden yourself with this guilt. We were both mere children back then. How could you expect an eight-year-old, even one with fire powers, to single-handedly save me from danger?"

She lifted her gaze to meet his, her eyes filled with understanding and unwavering support. "I hope you can find it in your heart to let go of this grief. It wasn't your fault, and dwelling on it won't change what happened."

As Crystal observed the reddened face of Ambrose, she only realized the extent of his flustered state, causing her own heartbeat to quicken.

Crystal, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment and Ambrose's flustered state, instinctively pulled away from him, creating distance between them. She averted her gaze, her focus still attuned to his aura, which radiated with a mix of surprise, confusion, and perhaps even a hint of embarrassment. In an attempt to ease the tension, she mustered a feeble joke, "You act like we were some lovers."

However, her attempt at humor fell flat as the weight of the situation settled in. Crystal's jest hung in the air, emphasizing the unexpected revelation and leaving her speechless. She widened her eyes, her mind grappling to comprehend the implications. The silence stretched between them until Crystal finally found her voice, her tone laced with disbelief, "Wait, what! We were so young back then."

Ambrose, unable to meet Crystal's gaze any longer, cast his eyes downward. His voice trembled as he spoke, "I would never presume to claim that you loved me in return, but our connection went beyond a simple engagement. Our parents bound us together in a betrothal, and little did we know at the time, we were also twin flame to each other."

Crystal, taking a moment to process the surprising revelation. "Wow, what a turn of events".

She paused, collecting her thoughts before turning her gaze back to Ambrose, who was still visibly flustered. With a serious expression, she posed a direct question, "Then who do you like now? Madonia or Crystal?"

Ambrose stumbled over his words, his flustered state hindering him from providing a clear answer.

Sensing his unease, Crystal let out a sigh, her expression remaining composed yet determined. She nodded, acknowledging his inability to respond at that moment. Crystal then spoke with a resolute tone, "You should know that I can read emotions in your aura. I am aware of how you feel in different situations. However, I will leave it to you to decide your true feelings towards me. But for now, I have some news to share with all of you."

...

"Seek a secluded isle, untouched by the land,

Where creatures dwell, reading ocean's command.

Guided by their wisdom, follow the way,

To a hidden cave, where seashells sway.

Beware the guardians, dark and untamed,

For within the depths, secrets are claimed.

In the heart of the cave, an entity waits,

Revealing the future, unlocking new fates."

Crystal shared the riddle with the other three, gathering them at their usual meeting spot, the tea pavilion nestled behind the west garden.

As she finished speaking, Marina's eyes widened in recognition. "I believe the enigmatic creatures you are referring to are a reclusive species known for their deep understanding of the ocean tides. They are called Marevates," Marina exclaimed.

She continued, her voice filled with fascination and concern. "Legend has it that the Marevates have withdrawn to a hidden island within the vast expanse of the Blaze Kingdom. Their dwindling numbers have forced them to seek refuge in seclusion, away from the threats that endanger their existence."

Aurelius interjected, his voice filled with doubt. "It is widely believed that the ocean of Blaze Kingdom is devoid of any living creatures. So, which entity does the riddle truly refer to?"

Crystal turned her gaze towards Flare, seeking its perspective. "What are your thoughts, Flare? Could it be the Blaze Kingdom mentioned in the riddle?"

Flare's luminous purple flames flickered and danced as it considered Crystal's question. "As an Aether faerie guide, my knowledge is limited," Crystal rolled her eyes, and the other three exchanged knowing glances, having a pretty good idea of what Flare might be saying. Nevertheless, Flare continued, "However, I can say that the depths of the sea hold secrets unknown to many, just as Aether faeries are often dismissed as mere folklore."

Crystal nodded her head, relaying Flare's words to the rest of the group as they agreed. Then, she turned her attention to Ambrose, her eyebrows raised inquisitively. He had been unusually quiet since their arrival at the tea pavilion. Crystal's gaze fixed on him as she asked, "Your Highness, is there something you'd like to share?"

Ambrose, caught off guard by Crystal's direct question, shook his head vigorously, a flush of embarrassment coloring his cheeks. Marina and Aurelius exchanged puzzled glances, their brows furrowing in confusion. Meanwhile, Crystal bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile that threatened to appear finding Ambrose's flustered state endearing.

The fleeting smile vanished from Crystal's face the next second as the realization hit her and she scolded herself inwardly for swooning over a mere smile and told herself that she was better than that.

Crystal turned to the group and asked, "How should we travel this time? Should we go from here to the Fae Kingdom and then make our way to the Blaze Kingdom?" It sounded tiring to her. Ambrose was about to offer his assistance in escorting them back to the Fae Kingdom, but he stopped when Crystal's attention shifted to Flare.

Flare, with its shimmering flames, chimed in, "As an Aether faerie, you possess the power to create a portal." Crystal's eyes widened in shock, her lips slightly parted as she absorbed the revelation. She hadn't fully realized the extent of her own abilities until now.

She nodded, still comprehending Flare's words. "Custos did mention that individuals with extraordinary powers have the ability to create their own portals. I never thought I would fall into that category."

Aurelius interjected, "Crystal, your powers are truly extraordinary. As of now, Headmistress Selinofoto stands as the sole individual in this entire academy who possesses the ability to create a portal." Crystal's cheeks flushed slightly at his words, feeling a mix of gratitude and uncertainty.