The Royal Mark-Chapter 62: Whimpering and Whining

Elsa’s shrill cry reverberated through the room, sending a shiver of fear coursing through her as she clamped her eyes shut. Despite her closed eyes, she was acutely aware of what had transpired. The only possible destination for those icy projectiles was her mother. Tears welled up in her eyes, and her hands and body began to tremble.

"Why are you crying? We’re not finished yet. Your excitement caused you to lose your concentration," Hera remarked, prompting Elsa to rush over to her and wrap her arms tightly around her mother’s waist.

"Mommy! You’re not hurt!" Elsa exclaimed, her emotions overflowing.

Hera smiled, touched by her daughter’s deep concern. It was a testament to how much Elsa loved her. "Didn’t I tell you that your mother is a powerful mage? Kingdoms in Vectus desire me to be their queen because of my power, my dear little angel. So, you don’t need to worry about that minor mistake, alright?"

Elsa nodded and wiped away her tears before resuming her task. Hera poured more water into the bowl and instructed Elsa, "Try it again but stay calm. Remember, water may seem fragile because of its appearance, but when harnessed properly, it can be a powerful force."

Elsa made another attempt, this time successfully causing the water to levitate and gently return it to the bowl without a single drop touching the table. A wide grin spread across her face, and she turned to her mother.

"Very well done, Elsa. Now, for the final element, move as far away from the candle as you can and extinguish the flame by manipulating the air with your hands."

Elsa gave a nod and retreated until her back met the cavern wall. She raised both hands, shaping them into a sphere, and concentrated on gathering the wind. Despite the chill, she found it soothing as her hair danced in the breeze generated by her focused energy.

Once she had gathered enough swirling wind within her cupped hands, Elsa thrust her arms forward, directing the accumulated force at the lit candle.

"Yes!" Elsa exclaimed with delight as the flame was extinguished.

"Excellent job! But it’s not yet time to celebrate. Come over here," Hera beckoned.

Elsa took a seat in front of Hera and inquired, "Is it time for me to learn divine magic, Mommy?"

"Yes, my dear. However, remember that our divine magic is not limited to healing. It has a wide range of applications, from protecting you to aiding you in overcoming your enemies. But for today, we’ll concentrate on healing."

Hera took out her pocket knife and made a small cut on her fingertip, "Now heal mommy’s wound. Focus and recall what I have taught you before. This should be easy for you dear."

Elsa nodded, and she placed her hands over Hera’s hand. And just like what Hera said, It was indeed easy for Elsa, until her wrist started to glow.

Hera frowned and immediately inspected Elsa’s wrist. "No, it can’t be!"

"It’s ok Mom, it doesn’t hurt," Elsa said, thinking that it was part of the ritual.

Hera looked at her daughter for a few seconds before sighing. "Perhaps it’s for the better. I will conceal this mark in the meantime." She covered Elsa’s wrist with her hand and cast her spell, "Absconde in aperto, in okulto appare, rutila cuum venerit sodalis tuus."

The mark was gone the moment Hera removed her hand. After the ritual, they immediately went back to their cabin. Hera noticed her daughter walked slower after the ritual for it can really drain someone’s energy given that it’s the first time a mage will use their power.

"Mom, can I take a nap in the hammock and blow my cake later? I feel so tired and sleepy," Elsa yawned causing Hera to chuckle.

"Alright, I will cook your favorites while you sleep. I will wake you up as soon as I am done." Hera heads towards the cabin excitedly leaving Elsa under the tree where the hammock is. She had bought all the ingredients she needed to cook Elsa’s favorite foods not only to celebrate her birthday but also to celebrate her receiving of powers.

If they were in Zemaria, there would be a parade for her little princess showing the people that their kingdom had gained the fourth divine mage joining her, her mom, and her grandmother for they are the last of their kind.

"Grandmother..." Hera remembered her grandma who opened the portal for her, sacrificing a few years of her life just to help her run away from the demon who was chasing her and her unborn child.

Until now it is a puzzle to her how the demons find out that she’s pregnant when there were only three people who know about it. "I hope grandmother made it back..." She murmured to herself. In her mind, she was not a bit worried about her grandmother being in trouble despite her age, since she is Zemaria’s archmage–the most powerful in the kingdom.

Elsa eagerly settled into the hammock, and with a few gentle sways, she effortlessly drifted off to sleep. The completion of her ritual had left her in a state of pure contentment, despite the minor hiccup along the way. Little did she know that the newfound powers she had acquired were not limited to what she had experienced so far.

Not long into her slumber, Elsa was awakened by a sound, causing her to wake up and immediately scan for its source. She heard whimpering and whining, like the cries of someone in pain. She listened intently and proceeded cautiously, following the sound.

Her ears and feet guided her to a dense thicket, and as she approached, the bush quivered. Elsa crouched down, peering inside to investigate. Her eyes brightened briefly, then furrowed as she beheld the wounded leg of a terrified puppy. "It’s okay, I won’t harm you. Come here, little puppy. Let me help you," she reassured, noting the copious bleeding that had dyed the puppy’s white fur a deep crimson.

The puppy remained motionless, too weak even to lift its head. Elsa made the decision to crawl into the thicket to retrieve the distressed little ball of fur. "My, who could do such a cruel thing to you?" Elsa exclaimed as she observed the size and depth of the puppy’s wound.

The puppy’s condition was dire, and its cries of pain tugged at Elsa’s heartstrings. Anxiety gnawed at her as she considered her options. She glanced around, searching for any potential onlookers. She knew she had to act swiftly, or the puppy would not survive.

"Don’t worry; you’ll be okay. I won’t let you die, I promise," she said to the puppy before placing it gently back on the ground. She scanned her surroundings once more and, finding no one else in the vicinity, she hovered her hands over the puppy’s wound and closed her eyes.

Elsa took a deep breath, focusing her energies as she gathered strength and transferred it to the injured pup. Her hands emitted a warm, glowing light. When she opened her eyes, she watched in awe as the puppy’s wound began to heal gradually.

Before long, the wound had disappeared entirely, and the puppy regained its strength, standing up and starting to move. "There you go, I told you I’d help you," Elsa whispered, lifting the puppy, which showered her with lots of grateful and joyful kisses.