Chapter 18: When Fire Meets Ice
By Joy Daud
The moon hung low, silver and watchful, casting light on the prince's quiet footsteps.
Kimo had followed Oki again. Not in secret this time—but boldly. Desperate for truth.
He found her at the edge of the eastern tower garden, hair glistening with dew, the air humming with energy around her. She didn't turn as he approached.
"Are you going to keep watching me, or are you ready to ask your questions?" she said calmly.
Kimo's icy voice pierced the silence. "Who are you, Oki?"
She finally turned, green eyes glowing faintly under the moonlight. "Haven't you already guessed?"
"No. I've guessed wrong before. I want to hear it from you."
She tilted her head, smiling slightly. "Are you asking as a prince… or as a man?"
His jaw tightened. "I don't care what I'm called—I want the truth."
Oki walked closer, her presence intoxicating, unsettling. "Truths are dangerous. They change people."
"I've already changed," Kimo said softly, his blue eyes searching hers. "You changed me."
She stopped inches from him, gaze sharp, voice like silk. "Are you saying you're interested in me, my prince?"
Kimo didn't flinch. "I don't know what I am around you."
Oki smirked, teasing. "Kimo… I'm older than your past three generations. You sure you can handle me?"
That earned a blink from him.
She chuckled. "What you feel… it's not foolish. But you must understand—I am not just your maid."
"I know," Kimo whispered.
She raised a brow.
"I just don't know what that makes me," he added. "This power… these memories that aren't mine… Do you know anything about what I am?"
Oki's smile faded a little.
"I know more than I'm allowed to say. For now."
Frustration flickered in Kimo's gaze—but something warmer followed. "You confuse me."
"Good," she said with a grin. "Means you're still human."
Their moment hung in the air, fragile and full of something unspoken.
Then, she stepped away.
---
The next morning, the palace buzzed with whispers.
Prince Kimo had helped a maid pick up her scattered tray. He'd thanked her.
By noon, three maids had nearly fainted from the shock. One swore she saw him smile—barely.
They spoke in hushed tones. "Has the prince gone soft?"
"No, no. It's that maid. The one with the kind smile… what's her name again?"
"Oki. The one he always looks at."
In the shadows, the queen listened, fury veiled behind a pleasant mask.
---
But in a chamber hidden deep behind the palace walls, darker whispers stirred.
A sealed mirror shimmered faintly. Blood-red runes pulsed across its surface.
The queen placed her hand against it.
"She's still alive, isn't she?" she hissed. "That witch."
The mirror remained silent.
The queen's voice dropped lower, venomous. "If Elira returns… I'll bury her myself."
But in the forest beyond the palace, a spirit stirred.
And a voice whispered through the trees.
"She is coming… but not as she left."
---
To be continued…