Aragon looked at me with trust. His golden hair and perfect smile attempted to enraptured me.

A distant boom pulled me from his gaze.

“Freya, we will win this,” he said with such determination, I almost believed him.

“Remember, place your men at the river bend,” I said.

He nodded.

Suddenly, he looked at me with such intensity, my heart began to flutter.

“Can I trust you, Freya?” Aragon asked, putting a strand of hair behind my ear.

Believe me.

“Yes, of course.”

He smiled.

He believes me.

The bells rung as I put my metal armor on.

“Freya,” Aragon said, running towards me. “Please be careful.”

I forced a smile. “I always am.”

His eyes assessed mine. “You look pale.”

My head was pounding. But I ignored it.

“I’m just nervous,” I lied.

Everything will be ok.

“Everything will be ok,” Aragon said.

We walked out to the battlefield together. My sword lied heavy against my hip.

In the distance, I saw Maven’s army, walking with their swords and shields. I could pinpoint Maven, riding atop his black mare.

My head suddenly pulsed with pain.

This had to end soon.

I walked behind Aragon as the battle horns blew. Men ran towards men, swiping this swords of death.

As I ran, I could barely keep my sight secure; my vision was hazy with dots.

I found Maven, his silver stare burning into mine.

Aragon immediately came to my side.

The clinks of steel were piercing my ears.

Just a few more seconds, Maven’s stare seemed to say.

“It’s over Maven,” Aragon shouted.

Maven smiled and slowly drew his gaze to me.

“Release the rest,” I managed to say.

I released my mind control.

Aragon froze, he wiped his eyes as if seeing for the first time.

“What have you done, Freya?” He whispered, seeing he wa shelf by my power.

I took slow breaths as weakness hit me.

I used my power too long.

“Didn’t your father ever warn you against mind controllers?” I said.

“How dare you? You made me believe my army would win. Hell, you helped plan…you traitor!”

He pulled his sword against me.

Maven moved forward.

“I can’t let you control my people any longer,” I said.

The memories of Aragon and his men burning my village down hit me.

“So this was all a lie?” He shouted.

“I’d call it manipulation,” I replied.

I need to rest. My breathing became weaker.

Maven stood beside me, waiting to help if I needed it.

Aragon shouted orders to his men, but he knew this battle was lost.

“Go home, Aragon, and think about your actions. You burn villages because you’re scared.” My vision blurs. “Stop fearing those you can’t control.”

Aragon shook his head in disbelief. “You really got to me, Freya.”

He sounded hurt.

Part of me felt bad, but he needed it.

This was his wake up call.

“Come,” Maven said to me, guiding me to his horse.

On the ride to Maven’s castle, my strength slowly regained.

“I can’t believe I pulled it off,” I said.

“I knew you could do it,” he responded. “I remember as kids you never gave up.”

I put my arms around him and lied my head against his back. “I’m glad I found you,” I said. “I thought after the village fire, you were gone.”

“I’m glad I found you again as well, Freya. Running a kingdom was hard without you.”

I laughed.

“Wake me up when we get home,” I whispered.

“Rest, Freya,” Maven replied.

I closed my eyes and breathed for once.

I never had to use my power around Maven, I didn’t need to.

He was my equal, a fellow mind reader.

I smiled as sweet dreams soon found me.