Free Out of the Mountain by Violet Chastain Page A

feeling stifled, I could feel myself changing since the block had been removed. I felt everything more vividly. It was as if my world had opened up.
    “Your magic is slowly but steadily building, Vivi. Have you tried to do anything yet?”
    “No,” I admitted.
    “It’s probably best to let it come naturally and see how it manifests itself,” he said, taking my arm and pulling me out into the hall.
    “If you are finished, the feast is ready in the dining hall.” Rowan had been waiting at the door with Briony. I looked at Farran, and he led me in front of them. The novelty of touch was not wearing off quite yet. It wasn’t quite as awkward when Farran touched me, but when Briony appeared beside me to throw an arm around me, I winced before relaxing.
    “Has someone harmed you?” she whispered quietly, concern filling her voice. It took me a moment to understand what she meant, and when I did, I blushed. I opened my mouth to explain when I ran into Rowan’s firm chest and stumbled, trying to regain my footing. He grabbed my arms to steady me, and I looked up into his glowing eyes feeling both confused and entranced.
    “What?” I asked, fascinated by the yellow glow instead of being frightened, which was clearly the reaction the others were having.
    “Answer her question,” he growled, and I blinked looking at Briony. Oh.
    “What? No . . . nothing like that. I am just not used to being touched so freely,” I replied, embarrassed. His chest released a breath that I hadn’t known he had been holding. His eyes dulled and his shoulders relaxed. When he turned and continued walking, the others around me let their own breaths go and followed. Were they really afraid of him?
    It was an odd thought, because the last thing that came to mind when I saw Rowan was fear. The thought of him being so close, his eyes flashing bright, his hands on me . . . I had to get myself together. I blushed fully again at my thoughts.
    When we reentered the dining hall, the tables were packed with people. Cheers filled the hall when I entered, and I promptly felt overwhelmed. These people all knew who I was, but I knew none of them. I faked a smile and waved to them as they led me to the front table to sit with the council. I looked at the spread laid out, and my mouth watered. Every sort of meat you can imagine: beef, pork, chicken, and fish. Potatoes, corn, beans, bread, salads, and soups. I had never seen so much food in my life.
    Mauve stood and everyone quieted as their attention turned to her.
    “As all of you now know, our Princess Vivienne is very much alive and has returned to us. Our very own Prince Farran, also alive and well, hid her away after the attacks that killed our king and queen. He himself remained hidden along with the king’s staff until recent events occurred, forcing them from their cover. Be cautious, but fear not; with the power of the royal bloodlines once again on our side, I am sure we will finally gain the strength to end this war against the darkness!” she exclaimed, and cheering began in earnest. I flushed. What did they expect from me? I knew nothing of war. I didn’t know much of anything about this new world, and what I had learned was hours old. I tried to calm my breathing.
    “For now, though, let us celebrate this moment in time,” she said, sitting down, and everyone followed, digging in to the food.
    Suddenly I wasn’t hungry. Fear gripped my chest. I wasn’t what these people thought; I was a fraud. I had no power to be seen. The royal bloodlines must have failed. Panic was choking me. A hand appeared on my shoulder, and I felt instant comfort radiate from it. I looked up into Rowan’s eyes.
    “Eat. That is all that is expected of you at this moment,” he said before returning to his seat with the other guards. Only Farran and I had been permitted to sit with the Six. I glanced at him, and he patted my hand before promptly beginning to fill my plate. I smiled, eating a little of