“No, why does this keep happening to me?” she asks aloud.

         “Would you like to learn how to control when you use that ultimately rare ability you possess?”

         “Who’s there?” she asks while she keeps turning to find the person to the voice.

         “There is only one person I know of that can make things alive die and things that are dead return to life.” Myreal says as he steps out from behind one of the large flower bushes.

         “Please you must understand that I didn’t mean for that to happen; I don’t even know how or why it keeps happening.” She tries to explain.

         “You shouldn’t be frightened of the amazing gift you’ve been given.” Myreal says to her.

         “How did you know that I’m…?”

         “Scared?”

         “Yes.”

         “The same way you knew that Zain and Kai had actually been fighting” he says he expression unchanged.

         “That means you sensed it too?” she asks with a bit of confusion.

         “Indeed, I did; now tell me are you interested in learning how to control when you use life and death?” he asks taking a step closer.

         “You know someone who can teach me how to control when it’s used? Does this person live within the castle?” she has a small amount of hope in her voice.

         “The person I speak of has only been in the castle once. He has forbidden himself from ever coming to the castle. He is known as Asriel he makes his home of the deepest parts of the smoky woods.” Myreal says.

         “Asriel is the enemy of the king and all of the kingdoms’ people. I could be marked a traitor for even thinking about going and seeking help from him. Besides, I don’t even know how to get to the smoky woods.” She says defensively.

         “Let’s look at things under a different point of view. Say someone was to see you use life or death and they told the king; how long do you think you’d stay alive before the king has you beheaded or hung?”

         “No… that cannot be true.” She looks at the flower that has completely wilted.

         “If you don’t learn how to control it, you could end up being a threat to the king and his queen even to the whole kingdom.” Myreal touches the wilted rose; its petals break apart they both watch as they flutter to the ground.

Myreal turns and starts to walk away.

         “Wait could you help me find this Asriel person?” she asks still looking at the petals.

         “The best I can do is create you a map, I am here as a personal servant to prince Kai. I couldn’t just abandon my place. Meet me here before first light. That will be your best chance of leaving here without being spotted.” He continues to walk on.

         “Thank you.” She says to his back.

She quickly heads to her chambers. She sits at the table and writes a letter to Zain and another to Kai. She lies down in her bed, but she finds herself unable to get to sleep. She gets up taking her small bag and the two letters she heads to Zain’s room being sure not to be seen by anyone along the way.

 She slides the letter under his door then she goes to the medical room. She sees Kai sleeping being as quiet as she can she goes over to his side.

         “I’m so sorry prince Kai.” She lightly touches his hand but she’s quick to pull her hand away remembering the flower. She slides the letter under his hand then leaves to meet Myreal.

         “There you are. I was beginning to think you had changed your mind.”

         “Is that the map?” she points to rolled paper in his hands.

         “It is indeed. Here you are.” He hands her the paper.

She opens to look it over.

         “This is going to take at least eight days on foot. Not adding in if I run into any trouble.” She looks back up at him.

         “It just gives you time to think about all the questions you have along with learning how to control your unique ability. Asriel can even answer the questions you have about your real parents.”

She looks up at him with surprise.

         “How did you…”

         “You should get going before the guards come through here and catch you.”

         “Yes your right.” She grips the map she holds her small bag.

She gives him a hug then goes through the small opening in bushes.

         “Thank you for the help Myreal.” She says before she completely goes through.

As he walks away Myreal wears a confused smile.

***

         “Prince Zain, I’m sorry to inform you that lady Spanx was already gone from her chambers. What would you like me to do with this tray of breakfast?”  the housekeeper says holding the tray of breakfast.

         “You can set it over on the desk.”

She sets the tray on the desk then she turns towards him.

         “Prince Zain this was on the floor by your door when I entered your room. It only has your name on it.” She holds out the letter.

         “Thank you.” He takes the letter. The housekeeper leaves and he opens the letter.

        Dear Prince Zain,

       First I want to apologize for hurting you by thinking your feelings were just an act. I feel I have misjudged you. By doing that I think that I was the reason you and Kai have now gained this huge ripple within your relationship as brothers. Family should always be treasured dearly; for they can be lost or even taken away without any warning. I didn’t get to grow with my real family; yet I refuse to give up on hoping they are out there.

 I know I was blessed to have been raised by a loving lady. So please make amends with your brother. I want you to know the reason for this letter; before you have found it, I’ll be gone from the castle I have gained information about someone who can possibly tell me about my family. This is goodbye for a short time. Thank you for the kindness and the friendship you’ve given me.

Spanx

Dropping the letter, he runs out of the room.

***

Kai sits up and holds his head. Then he remembers what had happened and he touches the wound.

         “It doesn’t hurt to touch it.” He goes to take the bandage off but then he notices the letter; he picks it up and opens it.

Dear Prince Kai,

         We didn’t have a lot of time to get to know each another; I do want to thank you for the dance and the beautiful flower. I apologize for acting strangely after you gave it to me. I also want you to know that I take the blame for your injury; if I had just noticed how Zain was truly feeling sooner maybe the two of you wouldn’t have fought. If I may ask this one favor; please forgive Zain, you can place all the blame upon me. To lose one’s family is the worst thing to ever have happen. You told me about what happened to Ari, and I was touched by it. Before I get carried away I only have two things left to tell you. Before you read this, I’ll have left the castle; there is someone who may know about my family. So, this is goodbye for a short time.     

Kai hides the letter under his pillow when he hears quick paced footsteps in the hallway.

         “Ah Doctor good morning. How is Kai doing?” Zain asks loudly as he hurries over.

         “What do you say we have a look together?” the doctor says without his expression unchanging.

The two of them enter the room together.

         “You’re awake?” the doctor says with wide eyes.

         “You sound surprised.” Kai says.

         “It’s just that with the type of injury you should have been asleep for at least two days.” The doctor says.

         “Shouldn’t we just be thankful he’s awake?” Zain asks while looking at the doctor.

         “Yes you are correct; my apologies.” He says with a bow.

         “Well, I should check the wound.” The doctor looks at Kai.

         “Of course, doctor.” Kai

The doctor unwraps the bandaging.