Mages of Shadows

My plate fell. I watched in agony as it crashed to the ground, disturbing the noise in the room. Everyone turned to me, their conversations paused as they looked at me disapprovingly. My gaze fell to the shattered plate, the pristine shards of ceramic glimmered on the floor like diamonds, which I have wasted by my lack of grace. I stood up from my chair, the legs scraping against the floor. I lowered my head and excused myself before walking out of the room. I tugged on my outfit, palms drenched in sweat as I looked down on my red dress. It wasn't my favorite outfit, but it did feel soft and comfortable on my skin. What was the big deal in dining any way? Sure my family liked to associate themselves with the other ministries, but they didn't have to include me in all of them. I had to get out of the room somehow, and this wasn't what I had in mind. The soldiers I passed by bowed at my arrival, giving me curious glances as to why I wasn't in the dining room with my parents. I couldn't blame them, It was rather odd to see that a Royal wasn't clinging to her parents like some leech. Being a part of the royal family was dire and rigorous. Almost all of my cousins were mad at me, just because I was inherited to the throne. It was ludicrous and I hated being born in this family. I found myself drifting towards the balcony, the landscape of the sky growing as I came. The crisp air met my warm skin as I wrapped my scarf around my bare arms. The faint smell of wet soil and rain dew calmed me as I looked up at the night sky. The view here was always breathtaking. I took notice of my home, seeing that the place was heavily guarded. Soldiers in suits of gold and black were visible. The tall gate at the very front was thick and heavy with sharp thorns at the very top, painted with metallic gold and striking silver. I scowled, distinctly remembering that my father wanted all of this. He told me that protection was a must, with every corner patrolled at every hour. He was the king after all. The king was the most powerful man in the land, which happened to be my father. My mother was his queen, and they were both demanding and stubborn, obsessed with perfection. I was stuck being their eldest daughter. My sister and I were their only daughters, which means the inheritance of the throne was on my shoulders since we didn't have a brother. I shuddered, trying to imagine myself being like my mother. I didn't want that to happen, but I wasn't sure if I had another option. My birthday was due next month, and I'm currently seventeen. After my debut, I would be an official heir to the throne as soon as I turn at the right age. And I was turning eighteen. I closed my eyes, the wind was calm as I breathed it in. I wasn't going to let my problems get the best of me, this scenic view was something I should focus on right now. I heard footsteps, the faint sound coming from behind me. I turned and saw Alex entering, his smirk visible even if he was hidden in the dark. "What are you doing here?" He shrugged, staring at the sky behind me. "Figured I should follow you" I rolled my eyes at him before ignoring his presence, turning my back on him as I leaned my arms on the balcony. I heard him approach, his body close to mine as he stood beside me. His scent of pine trees and fresh mint was amazing, I tried scooting closer to him but he wrapped an arm around my waist. I froze when I felt his hand, his warmth radiating to me. I fought back a retort but figured that he just wanted to keep me warm. "I'm surprised you're not complaining" I looked up at him, my eyebrows raised as I questioned him. "About what?" He smiled and met my eyes, the hazel hue looked stunning compared to my blue ones. "That you're going to be inherited to the throne" I narrowed my eyes at him, for a minute I thought he was going to talk about how close we were, but he obviously wanted to tease me. "Thank you for bringing up the topic Alex, and besides I've got no other choice but to accept it" He pulled me closer by the waist, his head lowered to my neck. His lips brushed my skin and I suppressed the groan from my lips. My voice was shaking as I spoke. "We'll be dead if we get caught doing this" He mumbled my name, his voice muffled in my hair. "I love it when you say my name." Alex and I have been secretly dating for the past two years. He was the most amazing guy I've ever met, even from the suitors my mom planned for me. He wasn't like the guys that looked like gods, but he was certainly handsome in his own way. He cared for me and remained loyal, even if my cousins tried to take him from me. I called his name again, telling him to stop, he heard this and kissed my cheek before groaning. "I hate being part of the royal ministry, it's excruciatingly unbearable" I smiled at him, admiring how handsome he looked. "I know, but that doesn't mean we won't be allowed to do this after we're officially dating." He grinned, his eyes lit up with happiness as he lowered his head to kiss me. I felt hot as his hands cupped my cheek, his other in my waist. My hands found his hair and played with his soft locks. I gasped when his lips found my neck and planted small kisses on them. My back felt the balcony as he kissed me with burning passion. I was worried that he might lose control and fire would erupt from his hands. As if he read my thoughts, he smiled in the kiss and placed both hands to the side of the balcony, just for caution incase he does burn me in our make out. My arm found his neck while the other was firmly planted on his chest. I gave him one last kiss on the lips before pulling away. His forehead was against mine, our breaths mingled, his eyes were staring back at mine with satisfaction. Flustered, I spoke. "We should get back now" He grinned, kissing me on the lips before replying. " Whatever you say, princess"