#ethynia

Raedyn gave her a small, sad smile that told Ethynia the he knew exactly what she was thinking. All of it. And that he, too, wished they could, but he also knew her true desire: to bring the two kingdoms together once and for all. He ran his hand through her fiery hair, subduing the guilt tat was welling up inside her for even letting the thoughts of running away creep into her mind. 

“Ethynia, you know you’re the type to follow through. You’re a fighter.”

She closed her eyes, a tear leaking out as she did so. His smooth voice calmed her doubt. She just wasn’t ready to leave this haven they had created together. “I know,” Ethynia sighed, pressing her body closer to his and pulling the covers higher. “I just don’t know if I’m ready to face him yet...if I’m strong enough-”

“You are more than ready. We have been training and gathering evidence for months now. It is time...”

This was true. Her dreams had led her to the Eternal Forest and Aclor, allegedly the Dark Kingdom, where she met Raedyn, the prince. It was also where she learned of the conspiracy between Aclor and Estoria, allegedly the Light Kingdom, her kingdom. They tracked down the Mälu Stone, which would restore the memories of the people from both countries, releasing them from her uncle’s control. The more she thought about the crimes he committed against her people and the innocent people of Aclor, the angrier she became. 

Raedyn chuckled, recognizing the fire igniting inside of her. Her emerald eyes flitted in his direction. 

“Shut up,” she said playfully as she pushed him out from underneath the covers. She could never figure out how he was able to read her with such ease. He grunted from the fresh air and then smirked at her. Ethynia’s eyes grew wide as she realized what she had started. He grabbed her and pulled her close as he stretched out his wings. Ethynia squirmed in his hold as they ascended. Raedyn hovered near the ceiling of their tent. 

“Raedyn!” Ethynia squealed, “Put me down! You know this isn’t fair!”

Ethynia claimed frequently that she could not fly. She was an elf, not a faerie. Raedyn rolled his eyes, knowing the truth. With or without wings, she was able to hold her own with the strong magic she wielded, but he enjoyed the coy game they would play outside of training where she would unleash her power on him relentlessly. 

“You’re ridiculous.” He laughed and floated down until both their feet were on the ground. A silence settled between them, reflecting on the hardship ahead of them. Raedyn caressed Ethynia’s jawline lovingly and kissed her deeply. She wrapped her arms around the nape of his neck tightly, knowing that this private moment will be their last until the mission was over. However, when they pulled away, it was not a look of sadness imprinted on their faces, but determination. 

“Let’s win back your kingdom, and then we can talk about our happy ending.” Raedyn kissed her forehead and brushed her hair out of her face. Ethynia smiled and nodded, moving to grab her tunic and trousers.