Chapter 18: Too handsome
I'm healing faster than I expected. It's as if the poison that had been slowly killing me was the final shackle holding me back. My body feels lighter, stronger, and for the first time in ages, I can tap into my telekinetic abilities, though they're still not as sharp as they once were.
It's not enough that they betrayed me—they poisoned me too? Noelle told me the amount of poison in my system was staggering, enough to suggest that it had been administered over a long period, possibly months, maybe even years. I watched in silence as Noelle poured oil over the puddle of black goo that had seeped from my wounds and set it ablaze. The fire consumed it, but the anger in my chest only grew. After everything I did for them, that's how they chose to replace me? The thought burns, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.
I'm snapped out of my thoughts by the sound of girlish laughter. I wheel myself out of the house and see Mona, the little girl from the village, playing with Noelle's arch-nemesis—the bird that's taken to stealing seeds from his garden. The sight brings a rare smile to my face. I glance over at Noelle, and he catches my eye, flashing me one of his blinding smiles. My heart does that little flip it always does when he's near, and for a moment, the bitterness fades.
Their betrayal still stings, and a part of me yearns to return to the capital, to make them pay. But as I look at Noelle, at the simple joy in his smile, I realize something. Being here with him, in this small, peaceful place, is far more important than vengeance. I won't taint Noelle's smile with the darkness of my past. The capital and all its treachery can wait. Right now, this is where I need to be.
"Hello, good morning, Mr. Husband," a chipper voice chirps next to me. I turn my head and see Mona, the little rascal, munching on some berries as she stares at me with those big, innocent eyes. I've never been particularly fond of children, but somehow, this brat has wormed her way into my good graces. She's got a certain charm that I can't help but appreciate.
"Good morning, Mona. How are you today?" I ask, reaching out to ruffle her hair. She dodges my hand and pouts at me, clearly unimpressed.
"Didn't anyone tell you? You're not supposed to mess with a lady's hair! Only my husband can do that, hmph!" she declares, making a big show of straightening her hair out. I have to cough to hide the laugh threatening to escape.
"Oh, really? Who says so?" I ask, amused by her sudden display of propriety.
"I overheard the village ladies say so," she replies, crossing her arms with a haughty air. "So, Mr. Husband, you're not my Mr. Husband, so leave me alone."
I can't help but smile at her logic. "Well, I'll keep that in mind, Mona. I wouldn't want to upset a lady by messing with her hair."
I give in to Mona's antics and let her dig into her berries once more, closing my eyes and allowing myself to relax. The gentle breeze brushes against my face, and for a moment, I let myself drift in the peacefulness of the morning.