Prince Jarl tensed in the water, fear written on his face. Ovidia stayed close, patient, and guiding him slowly.
He was scared because his father had told him he could never be a mage. Water was forbidden, earth was forbidden... nothing in this world was meant for him. The thought of it made his fists clench.
Suddenly, his anger flared. The water around them turned icy, freezing against his skin. Ovidia shivered, stepping back slightly, unsure what was happening. Cold steam rose from the surface as the temperature dropped, curling into the air.
"Prince Jarl, the water is getting cold on its own. Is this one of the wonders of this place?" she asked, but he didn't answer. His mind was buzzing with anger, far too intense for her words to reach him.
She turned to face him, noticing the anger in his face. His jaw was tight, his lips pressed together, and his eyes dark with frustration. His hands were balled into fist.
The water around them continued to chill, small ripples forming as if reflecting his emotions. She realized the anger wasn't just in him... it was moving through the water too.
That was when she realized that it's his anger was making the water cold. Not just cold now, because the surface had started to form ice, thin sheets spreading outward.
Her eyes darted around. Three guards were standing at their usual posts, watching the courtyard. What if they noticed this? Prince Jarl was known as powerless, a weakling. If they saw him summon power like this overnight, the consequences could be severe.
Ovidia's heart pounded. She glanced at him, worried, and hoping he would control it before anyone noticed. But he seemed unaware, lost in his own storm of anger.
"Prince Jarl," she said shaking him.
"Leave me alone," he warned her angrily.
"Control yourself, the guards will soon notice," she complained worriedly.
Just then, one of the guards started approaching them. Ovidia's heart pounded in her chest.
"You have to calm yourself to calm the waters, melt the ice," she suggested.
"I… I can't," he stuttered, finally getting a grip on himself as he saw the guards walking toward them.
His hands trembled slightly, the cold water still clinging to his skin, but he tried to steady his breathing, knowing he had to regain control before anyone saw what is happening.
"You can… just use your fire power," she said.
He tried, but nothing shot from his fingers like it had days ago.
"I can't."
"Just close your eyes and breathe," she said. He obeyed, taking a slow, steady breath.
"What are both of you doing to the water?" the guard said finally reaching them.
Prince Jarl opened his eyes slowly, looking around. The water was now ordinary again, calm and still. He exhaled in relief, his eyes met Ovidia's, and she mirrored his expression, both silently acknowledging that the danger had passed.
"And who is she?" the guard asked, pointing at Ovidia. He had never seen her here. Prince Jarl didn't receive visitors... none were allowed except the king or his elder brother, Prince Erik.
"I am…" Ovidia hesitated, unsure how to answer.
"My personal servant," Prince Jarl said, stepping out of the pool. His wet hair clung to his face.
"I asked her to teach me how to swim. Do you have a problem with that, Viggo?" His gaze locked on the guard, challenging him silently, leaving no room for argument.
Viggo didn't say anything. He just stared at Ovidia suspiciously, his brows furrowed. Ovidia avoided his gaze, looking anywhere but into his eyes, feeling the weight of his scrutiny.
Prince Jarl moved closer and stretched out his hands, gripping her arms and pulling her gently out of the water. She shivered as she stepped onto the poolside, water dripping from her clothes.
"As the guard in charge here," Prince Jarl said, "you should be careful. I know you haven't been doing your job lately. Missing shifts, neglecting your duties… you don't want me reporting this to my father. One report, and your position will be taken away."
Viggo's eyes widened in shock. He couldn't believe the prince knew about his negligence. He opened his mouth, but no words came. Silence filled the space as Ovidia glanced at Prince Jarl, impressed by him.
"But don't worry. I'm going to keep my mouth shut unless you do the same. Anybody who asks you about Ovidia here… tell them you brought her as a servant to me. That's all, Viggo. We are good," Prince Jarl said, leaving the pool with Ovidia and leaving Viggo in shock.
Viggo didn't know where the so-called weakling prince got such courage or moral authority.
Once inside, Ovidia hugged him tightly, scared that Viggo could have caught him using his magic, but they had escaped, thankfully.
Prince Jarl remained stiff, frozen, unable to move. He had never been hugged before. No one had ever shown him such affection in his life.