Page 75 of Restored

“I am curious how your powers were able to get through to me. I’ve never in all my life experienced a power effectively used on or against me.”

“Uhm.” I shift nervously and look to Ledger, who is sitting in the chair next to us.

“Father, Layla tried multiple times to reach you with her powers, but she was not successful. Instead of giving up,”—Ledger’s eyes stray towards me, and my heart skips a beat—”we read in some old texts that sometimes a healer’s blood could be infused with healing abilities.” There is a long silence where I can’t bring myself to look at the King. “So, Layla offered you her blood.”

“Remarkable,” Callum breathes. “You must not speak of this to anyone. I fear what one would do to get their hands on something as precious as your blood, especially Sandor. A man like him could find many uses for it, good and bad. It could bring him more wealth and power and upset the balance of the kingdoms.” I balk at his words, fear snaking up my throat. I know how easily Sandor can infiltrate my mind and rifle through my memories, and I contemplate how I will hide such a revelation from him once I return. “How did you know it would be successful?” Callum asks.

I squirm uncomfortably before forcing myself to be still. “I didn’t know if it would work at all, but we were out of options. My father never gave up on anyone. He always used to say, ‘Everything has an answer, you just have to find it.’”

“Wonderful, I find those words to be very true.” He pauses. “You’re from Bellehaven?”

“I am.”

“I know King Sandor. In the past, he has been hesitant to allow those with abilities to aid any of the neighboring kingdoms. He must have had a change of heart?” He looks at Ledger, and I fiddle nervously with my hands.

“I can be very convincing,” Ledger says stiffly.

“Indeed, you’ve never been one to accept the answer no, even when you were just a boy. I suppose if anyone could have convinced him, then it would be you.” He addresses Ledger and then turns back to me. “Thank you again, Layla, truly. The gift you have given me, to have more time with my loved ones, with this beautiful kingdom, is immeasurable.”

“It is an honor, Your Grace,” I respond as Ledger and I get up to leave.

We leave the King, and Ledger walks me back to my room. He produces a book when we get to my door. “I thought you might like something to read; this was one of my mother’s favorites.”

I accept the book from where it is outstretched in his hands and marvel at the golden sprayed edges. I falter at his thoughtfulness.

“I must get back to my father, we have much to catch up on. You’ll be okay the rest of the day?”

I nod in response. “Yes, actually. I am meeting Mia. She wanted to show me more of Westray.”

“Well, in that case, make a wish at the fountains.” He produces a silver from his pocket and flicks it into the air.

I catch it in my open palm. “Will do, Prince.”

When I open my door,Orion is waiting for me. “Hello, Orion, nice to see you.”

“Layla,” he greets. “The prince requested I accompany you and Mia to the town square.”

“Oh okay.” We begin to walk.

“Are you settling into Westray?” I am secretly delighted in our conversation. Orion was a man of few words and the only person he seemed to speak to was Ledger.

“I am, it’s beautiful here,” I say as Mia joins us and we make our way through the castle.

The walk to town is stunning. We pass over the turquoise water surrounding the castle. There is a dirt path that crosses gentle grasslands and fertile fields.

We arrive at an enchanting little town. The buildings are built from a mixture of beautiful stones and cedarrooftops.

It’s bustling with people, some merchants pushing carts and kids playing in the streets. I notice multiple blacksmiths pounding metals as we walk by, remembering Westray’s main trade is weaponry.

“Ohhh, can we get a sweet first?” Mia asks as sweet smells drift into the air.

“I like the way you think.” I smile and Mia clambers up to a cart. As we get closer my mouth waters at the sweet smell.

“Greta, you know I can never resist your utidilla cakes. Can we get two, please?” she asks.

“Mia, lovely to see you! Two utidilla cakes coming right up.” Greta is a plump woman with a friendly face. She plates up two pieces of cake and puts a dollop of something I’m not familiar with on top.

“Thank you, Greta, it smells heavenly,” I tell her as I grab the plate.

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