Heart of a Genie

Chapter3

Alaric/Atlas

My whole body is vibrating, and I feel like throwing up. Samuel lets go of my arm as I steady myself. I look around as my vision becomes clearer. I see cabin like houses and a large gathering area. People walking about and a special feeling in the air that I can only assume is Magick like. This is the hidden camp. My mind and emotions are racing right now, and I can barely contain my excitement.

"I remember that feeling, the whole world is now in front of you. I wish you the best here," Samuel says as he gestured for me to walk further into the camp.

"This is so incredible."

We walk further into the camp. It does not seem like it holds many, but looks are always deceiving, especially when Magick is involved. People are few, but it seems like they are doing everyday tasks and living peacefully. Everyone knowing what they are and that they are safe to live openly here is part of the comfort feeling in the air. Maybe the Magick charm Samuel gave me is helping me more with Magick than I thought it would. I don't think everyone here holds Magick, but they must be with those that do or strong supporters of it to be accepted here.

Samuel brings me to a larger looking cabin. This must be their meeting area. The big doors open as we walk closer, and I see more people inside. They all turn to look at us as we walk in. Being royal, I am used to having people stare at me all the time, but this feels different. I am out of place and not welcome like in my kingdom. In the front of the room is a big table and four beings sit at this table, but only one seems to be commanding the room.

My eyes barely glance over the one looking ready to kill me, obviously their best warrior. The second oddly colored appearance and air to her is healing and nature if I had to bet. The third relaxed and almost neutral about this whole gathering. The fourth one commanding the room has me breathless. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. The light behind her almost making her seem like her light brown hair has a halo effect to it, but her striking violet purple eyes are what stop me in my tracks. Then taking in her face, soft features that hold beauty and authority. Her posture is straight and sure, and a fullness seems to be in her curves as my eyes run into the table, blocking the rest of my view. So captivated by her, I forget to move and Samuel gives me a firm nudge to continue forward.

We reach the front and the room goes silent. Some sit in places they can and others remain standing. All eyes are still on me while mine are still stuck on her. I have always been able to read people but with her, I am at a loss. I almost thought I saw a flash of surprise when our eyes locked. I hope she doesn't realize I am one of the princes and this is all for nothing in the end.

"Thank you all for coming here today to help us introduce a newcomer to our camp," this beautiful violet-eyed woman starts as she looks around the room and stood up. "He was a soldier at the palace Kingdom who learned he has Djinn Magick. He has always favored Prince Alaric's views on living in harmony with all Magick beings. Being he is good friends with Samuel, I have trusted him to bring him here to our camp in hopes of helping him find out more about our kind and for us to find out more about the growing turmoil in the Kingdom. I wish to talk to him first, so I wish to keep this brief, but we will have a gathering tonight to help introduce him and welcome him to the camp. Ivy could use help with preparations if anyone would like to volunteer to help her now." Her voice carries such calm authority addressing the crowd, I am full of pride and envy just watching her.

Everyone stands and starts talking as people begin to leave the meeting room. That is it. That was all she had to say? Definitely confused about how things just went. The Kingdom everyone would have had something to say. Our meetings never go like this.

"Amara, it is good to see you, and I hope all has been well since my last visit," Samuel says with a nod towards the woman that has just captivated me entirely. Amara, so that is her name.

They all stand and start walking towards us. I know they all must be very powerful given they are authority figures here. I feel very intimidated by being only mortal here in front of them. Humans are nothing, and I am not used to feeling this way. My physical combat skills will be far superior to most men, but I am no match for a full Genie or Djinn.

"Yes, and it is good to see you as well, Samuel. You must be Atlas. I am Amara, of course, this is Cassius, our head warrior," Amara says, gesturing at the one I assumed was a warrior. "This is Ivy. She specializes in healing and nurturing natural abilities," nodding at the green-haired woman. "And last but not the least, Theo, our expert on lore and expert in researching Magick," Amara says, introducing her council in a way. They all seem so different, nothing like what would be seen from where I am from.

"It is my pleasure to meet you all, and I am so grateful you have allowed me to come stay here for a while so I can find out more about myself and how to proceed from here. My life has changed so much these last few days, and I need a better understanding helping me with my future endeavors," I say, feeling like I should almost bow to her, but I nod in respect.

"I think we all understand around here how fast one's life can change," Amara says, giving me a sympathetic look. The others nod with her. Cassius glaring daggers at me the whole time. He might be a problem for me while I am here, but it is understandable for a good protector to be leery of newcomers and tough on them.

"Theo will show you where you will be staying while you are here. I need a moment to talk to Samuel in private," Amara says in an almost dismissing way. All I can do is nod as Theo steps forward and head nod gestures for me to follow him.

I am so stunned by Amara's captivating presence and how almost unprofessional this all seemed. All I can do is nod at Amara and follow Theo. I do not know what she needs to speak with Samuel about, but the others go to exit also. This whole experience has been so bizarre to me. I certainly do not feel like a powerful Prince in charge here. I just hope I am convincing them of that as well.