✶✶✶

During the week they had stayed at the princesses' country estate, Cyrus’s personal guards had taken rotation to watch Clover and her sibling, as well as Fin taking charge of the operation. Cyrus was clueless to what his guards and manservant was up to, too busy trying to win Clovers attention back. 

It was when Cyrus and Ophilia had been busy with their duties, did Fin and the guards who silently watched her from shadows, as wept silently into her arms sitting down on a cold stone bench. There were three cats near, as well two birds, that stood on a marble bird bath. Her hair was loose, falling around her like a burning flame, she sniffled mumbling every so often. 

“Maybe Aster is right, and that we were doomed from the start,” she sobbed, birds twittered and the cats meowed. 

“They’re right, he’ll never accept me.” 

One cat pounced up onto her lap, licking her fingers which made her giggle, “thank you,” she sighed, “he’ll be able to feel it, my sadness. Just like how I can feel his frustration.” she bawled her fists, scrunching up her face, “hate it, i hate this. Why can’t I just be myself? I-i can’t believe he thinks that all magic is evil, i’m not evil.” 

She whined gently, her shoulders shaking as she took a shuddering breath, “I don't understand fate, I don't understand the goddess. Why would she make my other half hate what I am? I-i-” tears rolled down her wet cheeks, as she looked straight on, “i wish my stupid gifts didn’t exist, i wish i was just ordinary, i-i wish he loved me as much as i love him, all of him.” She giggled slightly, “all those small things, the way he overthinks everything, how he bites his nails when he’s nervous, or how his eyes change to gold whenever he smiles,” she sighed, “i can’t keep away from him, but i can’t hide who i am.” She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her thighs. “Please, earthena, tell me what to do.” she pleaded to the heavens, her desperation cut deep into her face, her lips quivering, just as a spot on rain began to fall. 

Fin noticed as the rain began to pour harder, as did her tears, as well as a gentle breeze, pushing her along out from the gardens and back indoors.

✶✶✶

Later that night, Fin and the four guards gathered together in a small room, all soberingly quiet. 

“I am going to confront her,” Fin announced first, 

They looked shocked at him, “but Fin that scared her even more, she and her brother and sister might run away.” 

“I’ll convince her not to,” he grumbled at Alecs

Kain shook his head, “Alec is right, if she leaves Cyrus will turn the kingdoms inside out till he has her again.” 

“Not if he knows about her magic,” Daniel muttered, Henry and Alec sent a glare to the men, 

“Cyrus wouldn’t care, it’d take him time, but he wouldn’t give up his goddess given soulmate. He wouldn’t,” Henry defended passionately. 

“She’s going to be our queen, it’s our duty to protect her and keep her safe.” Kain joined, “as well as keep her secrets.” 

“She isn’t our queen yet,” Daniel sneers, “are we forgetting what magic has done to our kingdom already!” he shouted, “what magic had done to our king and queen, they would still be here if it hadn't been for those sorcerers.” 

“Are you saying she is responsible for it, that we should blame an innocent girl for their crimes? She was a child when it happened, same as all of us. I understand your hesitation Daniel,” Kain spoke firmly, turning to look the man in the eyes, '' I do not trust magic, nor like it, but must we blame her for something she had no control to be born with?”  

Daniel looked to the ground, “I won't say anything, but I refuse to have anything to do with her other than my duty.” she said stubbornly, spinning on the heels of his boots and storming out of the room with a frown on his face. 

Kain sighed, “he’ll come round. He was there the day it happened and watched it all, it’ll be a lot harder for him to accept.” 

Fin nodded with understanding. “I stand firm with what i said, she needn’t know that you all know, but i-” he paused, rubbing his neck sighing, “i think it would be nice if she knew someone was in her corner.” he rolled his eyes snorting, “and as much as i complain about the guy, i want him happy, and he’s happiest when he’s with her, so…” he lingered, 

Alec, Henry and Kain stared at Fin with grins, “awww,” Alec teased, “finally going to admit he’s your friend then.” 

“Tell him I said that, I'll kill you.” fin pointed at Alec, who brushed off his threat like it was nothing, wrapping one around Fins shoulders laughing, 

“As if you could even try,” he mocked. 

Fin sighed, shaking his head, he just hoped that Clover would believe that he’d protect her secret, otherwise he didn’t know what Cyrus would do if she ran from him.