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.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Mona's whisper-yell breaks the tranquility.

"Hm?" I murmur, not bothering to open my eyes. It's probably another one of her random secrets. I've already heard plenty—like the baker's wife supposedly eyeing the tailor's apprentice or the blacksmith's son looking suspiciously like the tavern waitress. I wonder what new gossip she'll share this time.

"You're way too handsome!"

That gets my attention. I open my eyes, curious. That was unexpected.

"What makes you say that?"

"They say the mayor's son is the most good-looking around here. Apparently, whenever he's walking around, he makes a mess of all the ladies' thinking. But you're like a gazillion times more attractive! I'm scared one day I'll find Noelle unable to think anymore because you're always near him," she says, her little face scrunched up in genuine concern.

I can't help it—my shoulders start shaking from the effort of trying to hold in my laughter. What kind of logic is that? This kid is too much.

"I'm sure Noelle will be fine," I manage to say after composing myself.

"I thought so too! But look at him! He's been watering the same plant for the past few minutes!" she exclaims, pointing ahead.

Curious, I glance in the direction she's pointing. Sure enough, Noelle is standing there, lost in thought, still watering the same spot. That's definitely newsworthy—interesting, indeed.

A smile tugs at my lips as I watch him. Mona might be onto something after all.

I decide then and there to keep a closer eye on Noelle from now on. We wouldn't want him to lose his ability to think, after all.