THE LADY IN THE GARDEN

Chapter 3: THE GOLDEN SPARK 2

Liora sat at the edge of her bed, staring at her hands as if they no longer belonged to her. The golden glow still lingered in her memory, threading through her thoughts like fireflies. She turned them over, fingers trembling, but nothing happened.

Flora sat quietly beside her, silent, careful not to break the fragile thread of Liora’s thoughts. The princess didn’t notice her at first, lost in the garden, the woods, the strange seal, and the boy she had touched.

Finally, she looked up, voice trembling. “Flora… what was that place? How… how did I get there? Why… why was there a secret path?”

Flora remained silent, hands folded neatly on her lap, letting the questions hang.

Liora’s gaze fell back to her hands. “Earlier… at school, I heard kids talking about humans. Who… what are they? The boy… he’s a human, isn’t he? Did I hurt him? Are… are they going to come after me?”

Her small wings twitched nervously. She was afraid, yes—but more than that, she was confused, trapped in a world of rules she didn’t yet understand and magic that seemed to have its own mind.

Flora reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Liora’s face. She didn’t answer—not yet—but her quiet presence calmed some of the trembling.

Liora wrapped her arms around her knees, still unsure. Somewhere deep inside, she knew something had changed—but the answers were not hers to hold… at least, not yet.

The door opened quietly, and Maven stood there, silent as a shadow. Her sharp eyes took in Liora’s flushed cheeks, trembling hands, and restless wings. Without a word, she stepped forward, the weight of her gaze making Liora sit up straighter.

Maven lowered herself onto the bed’s edge, close enough for Liora to feel her calm authority. Not a hug, not comfort in the usual sense—just presence, firm and unwavering.

Her faint purple light curled from Maven’s hand, pressing gently. Liora’s eyelids grew heavy. A small yawn escaped her lips, and her tiny body sagged against the mattress. Sleep claimed her before she realized it.

Maven watched for a moment, then rose, stoic. She gave Flora a subtle nod.

“Follow me,” Maven said, voice low and firm.

Flora rose immediately, adjusting her posture as they left Liora’s room. The door clicked softly behind them.

They moved silently through the castle halls until they reached the royal chambers. Inside, King Arnold and Queen Moira were in quiet conversation, laughter threading lightly between them. Guards announced Maven’s arrival.

“Her Highness Maven,” one said formally.

Maven entered, commanding attention without a word. She gestured for the dismissal of maids and guards. “Only Flora is to remain.”

King Arnold frowned. “Is everything all right? Has something happened with my daughter?”

“No, Your Majesty. Nothing to harm her. But I need a private discussion regarding a matter of importance,” Maven said.

The Queen nodded. “Very well. Flora may stay.”

With the chamber cleared, only the four remained. King Arnold gestured to the chairs near the hearth. Maven and Flora complied.

“Perhaps the discussion is better suited to my study,” the King murmured. “It requires privacy.”

Maven inclined her head. “Agreed.”

The study was quiet, filled with polished wood and sunlight. Maven gestured toward the chairs across from the desk. King Arnold, Queen Moira, and Flora took their seats; Maven remained standing for a moment, tension filling the space.

Finally, she sat. “Your Majesty, there is a matter I must bring to your notice. Something concerning the princess.”

King Arnold’s brow furrowed. “Go on. What has happened?”

Maven glanced at the Queen. “The princess… has found the oak seal.”

The words hung in the air. Queen Moira gasped; King Arnold shifted uncomfortably.

“She… she found the seal,” he repeated. “And what happened?”

“She activated it,” Maven said.

Silence fell. Both leaned forward, sensing the gravity.

“When she activated the seal,” Maven continued, “she discovered a path… a path leading to the Garden of Pegasus. There, she encountered a human boy. During the encounter, she inadvertently transferred her golden spark to him.”

Queen Moira’s hands clenched. Fear was undeniable. King Arnold leaned back, jaw tight.

“I have assessed the situation,” Maven said. “It requires careful consideration. The princess must remain unaware.”

King Arnold rose, pacing. “If the people of Eryndor learn that their future queen cannot give a golden spark… what becomes of my kingdom? My daughter?”

Maven remained seated, calm.

“There is a solution, Your Majesty,” she said quietly. “But it is… extreme.”

King Arnold stopped. “Explain.”

Flora spoke, voice firm. “There are only two options, Your Highnesses. Either the princess marries the human boy… or…” Her eyes flicked to Maven, leaving the second option unspoken.

Queen Moira’s face paled. “No… anything that happens to that child—my daughter—she would die. I cannot risk it.”

Maven’s gaze lifted. “The second option… would be to eliminate the boy. If the ritual is performed—using the princess’s blood to sever the bond—the spark would return to her.”

King Arnold ran a hand through his hair. “And the cost?”

“Should he die without the ritual, the bond will not sever naturally. The boy’s life is linked to the princess. But the ritual ensures the spark returns safely. This… this is the only way to preserve the future of Eryndor.”

The room was thick with unspoken fear. Queen Moira’s gaze darted between Maven and Flora, lips pressed together. King Arnold’s eyes narrowed, mind racing, yet authority remained.

“The armies will be prepared,” Maven added. “Fairy warriors trained for this task. They will move swiftly and quietly to retrieve the spark. But know this: the bond will protect the boy. Any harm that comes to him will be felt by the princess in ways we cannot yet measure.”

King Arnold nodded slowly, voice low but resolute. “Then we proceed. For Eryndor’s future. For my daughter’s destiny.”