SPELLBOUND

As the ash-colored smoke-like magic swirl and curl out of her body, it picked up speed after a few moments, looking all to be like an ominous delicate whirlwind around her. Evie's eyes were wide as she wondered what it was with the magic that was surrounding her and looked at her father-in-law for answers.

"That day I restricted your awakening," Belial saw the questions spilling from her expressive eyes and started explaining as he continued pulling out the dark magic from inside of her, "… it was meant to simply delay your awakening. But I found out that the magic inside of you was just too powerful. It's a very quiet magic, almost unnoticeable, but it was something a weak magic could never block. I knew then that if I don't use a very powerful spell, I wouldn't be able to stop your magic from coming out. And I was right. Because even with the powerful spell I had put on you, you still managed to awaken almost half of your magic." King Belial smiled at Evie with a helpless and affectionate expression on his face.

"H-half of my magic?" Evie stammered, having a hard time believing what she was hearing. She had thought her magic was already so great and was very satisfied with her progress despite the troubles she was facing. But… to think that it was only less than half of what she truly has? Does that mean her powers were more than what she is wielding right now? Her head spun with the implication of what was told to her.

Belial smiled proudly. "Yes. Believe it or not, you're not some average light fae queen. I believe you could surpass all your predecessors." His verification only left her slightly short of breath due to the unexpected twist that had hit her so suddenly.

Evie could not speak and just stared at the dark magic leaving her body for a long while.

"Why? Why did you restrict my magic?" She then asked and an apologetic look flashed over Belial's aristocratic face. After much thinking, this was the one thing that stood out. Why was there the need for him to seal her magic powers? It seemed that he was so desperate to seal her magic powers to the extent that he even put such a strong spell on her.

Belial sighed a little forlornly. "I did it in trying to change my son's fate. I thought that stopping you from meeting him could somehow change something in the chain of events that would unfold. Unfortunately, I was wrong despite all my efforts. You two are fated to meet and no matter what anyone tries, what's meant to happen will happen. Of course, I know it's wrong of me to meddle and interfere, but I hope you can forgive me for doing it for the sake of my son." Evie could see the apology and slight regret displayed on the king's face.

"You really are a sly one your majesty," Evie gave him half a smile, helpless at the hopeful expression that shone from his eyes. "You helped me first before you confessed your wrongdoing and then asked for forgiveness." She huffed as she realised where the son had inherited this particular trait that irritated her many times from. Apparently, 'like father, like son' could be seen even in behaviours as well and not just in physical looks.

"Well, isn't that the right way to do it, young queen? Otherwise, you might have slammed me away before I could even help you." He smiled mischievously even as his eyes twinkled at her. "This way, you'll think twice before telling me that you would not consider forgiving me at all. At the very least, you would consider my request, right?" His voice was hopeful.

Evie's smile widened as she shook her head. "You're really my husband's father. Now I understand why he's the way he is. Though I still think that your majesty is worse in this department. In asking for forgiveness, I mean." She could not hold back the comment and just had to say it out, taking the chance to tease her husband's father.

"Oh my," Belial tilted his head slightly, "that's one harsh judgement, my dear daughter in law." He grinned, as if he was prouder instead of being offended by her 'harsh judgement'. Belial now thought that daughters are much better than sons. "To think you actually have the guts to say that this almighty king of the Under Lands is worse than his son right before his face."

A small but joyful chuckle came burbling out of Evie. Somehow, she felt like her whole being was lifted from all the tenseness and stresses she had experienced for the past couple of days. She did not know if it was because of the dark magic leaving her body or simply due to the companionship of this remarkable man. He should not be an approachable man in general – just judging by the title and position he held and the sheer amount of power that is within his command. He was the type to intimidate with just his aura and gaze alone. However, once you talked to him, he was incredibly charming. It would be very hard for anyone not to forgive such a man!

"What if I tell you I can't forgive you?" Evie teased with a serious gaze, realising that it will still take a little more time for him to fully pull out all the dark magic inside her. She had, in fact already forgiven him even before he had asked her for forgiveness. What he did was wrong, but she understood his reasoning. Like most of the parents, he just wanted to help, and if possible, to protect his son and do anything and everything he could. Perhaps, he was left without a choice and could only resort to doing that. And besides, she met Gav despite it all, so there was no reason for her not to forgive him.

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Dear readers, the first ever book i've written finally ended and there is a badge you guys can claim. It's very pretty. ^^ You can claim it by unlocking all chapters of my book I Love You, Monster. You can also read the side story now. ^^