Chapter 28 – The Bond of Trust
Kimo sat beneath the silvery tree, his body still weak from the intense transformation and battle. The scent of the forest palace was different—soothing, ancient, laced with magic that whispered truths he wasn't sure he was ready to hear.
Oki returned with a bowl of shimmering water, kneeling before him. "Drink, my prince," she said gently.
Kimo took the bowl but did not drink immediately. His icy blue eyes studied her. "This place… it's alive. I can feel it breathing. The trees… they know me."
Oki smiled. "They do. This forest recognizes your blood. It remembers your mother."
Kimo flinched slightly at the mention. "Why does everyone speak of her as though she's a spirit now? Is she truly alive?"
Oki hesitated, then slowly nodded. "She lives. But bound and hidden in a place where light can't reach. That is why we must prepare you. You'll need more than just strength to bring her back—you'll need clarity, control, and... trust."
"Trust," he echoed, his voice bitter. "That word means nothing in the palace."
"It does here." Oki moved closer, her aura warm. "You saved your father. Protected a kingdom that once turned its back on you. Even if they forgot… I remember."
A deep, glowing silence fell between them. Kimo's heart beat louder than ever. "Why do you care?" he asked. "Why do you always fight for me?"
Oki's eyes glowed faintly green. "Because I see the true you. The boy hidden beneath the frost. The prince who never stopped longing for love."
A storm stirred in Kimo's chest. He leaned forward. "And what if I want more than just your protection?"
Oki held her breath, her heart racing. "Then earn it," she whispered.
Just then, the sky above them shimmered with red—an omen.
Oki turned sharply. "They're looking for us. The palace is stirring again… and the queen has not given up."
Kimo stood. "Then we return. But this time… I don't return as a broken prince."
Oki touched his arm. "Wait. Let me show you something." She led him through the forest to a hidden pond. Within its waters reflected a vision—of Queen Elira, chained but fierce, resisting powerful forces.
Kimo's fists clenched. "Mother…"
Oki stepped beside him. "You asked if I was from here. The truth is—I was never meant to serve in a palace. I came to fight for you, to guard what she loved."
"And who ordered you?" he asked.
Oki looked at him, her expression unreadable. "Someone who still believes in the prince of ice and his burning heart."
The wind shifted. The forest darkened. Time was slipping.
"Let's go," Kimo said, his voice steady. "Let the queen try again. This time, she'll face the storm."
To be continued.....