• I’m pretty sure I looked really, uh; scary I guess is the right word, to the nobles who were present as I stormed into the throne room. Everyone gave me a foot of room as I marched angrily to the king and queen. I could almost see myself. My pearly white sleeveless dress was torn to almost shreds; the only dress I owned was trashed. My thick black hair was super tangled and my dark blue eyes were wild. And to add to the pretty picture, I was caked in dried blood and mud all over my body.
    “Why?” I demanded. The king pretended not to understand.
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He unemotionally replied.
    “Yes you do. Forcing David to marry you daughter, Jenny! For what? To make her happy. Before you know it, she’ll toss him like a toy she has tired of!” I almost shrieked.
    “I have my reasons! You are starting to go too far Marina! You may be the Champion and a valuable mage to Kaiku but do not forget, I’m your KING!” he bellowed. Lucky for him, I have worked on my anger management. That’s the only thing that kept me from blowing his whole body up, from the inside out. A sob escaped and I hurried out of there, more sobs following.
    As soon as I was out of the palace, I made a sharp right, into a hidden alley, and collapsed in a heap, crying. David, my secret love, was leaving Lukiamoi with the princess. There was nothing left to live for.
    “Marina? You okay?” David asked. I hadn’t even heard him approach.
    “No.” I managed to get out between sobs. I didn’t look at him.
    “You never did answer me. And thank you for saving me from that Minotaur by the way. I am sorry about what it did to your only dress. Back to my question: why do you car if I leave Lukiamoi with Jenny?” he asked and sat down next to me.
    “Don’t laugh, okay? And promise well always be friends.” I said.
    “Of course.” He answered. I took a deep breath.
    “I love you, David. Always have, always will. Now it’s out.” I declared steadily. He didn’t say anything for a minute. Two minutes. Five minutes.
    “Say something!” I shouted.
    “I love you too, you know.” David murmured. I looked up and into David’s beautiful face. He had brown hair, tan skin, and shocking green eyes.
    “You do?” I asked.
    “Yes.” He replied without hesitation.
    “Why’d you agree to marry Jenny then?” I demanded, angry now.
    “Because I thought you wouldn’t care. I’m a nice guy, you know that. I couldn’t refuse him. But I didn’t tell you it wasn’t official. I can still refuse. And I plan on it.” David said and he leaned in and kissed me. It was sweet and gentle, like I’ve always dreamed. It’s hard to believe this is my fist kiss, and I’m 18. Of course, no guy has had the guts to ask me out. My power fears them. He broke the kiss and stroked my face.
    “I’ve been waiting for that awhile, Marina Halfliner.”
    “As well as I, David Nwanamu. But I’ve go to get going. Got to go change, get a new dress, tend to my horse, and you know everything else.” I got up and David got up with me.
    “I’ll meet you at the Royal Stables tomorrow morning, sunrise. It’s about time we rescue your family.” David said, gave me a goodbye kiss, and jogged to the castle. I watched him disappear into the palace and then set off to 79 Rainwater Lane, Night District, my home.