“You’re finally back. I was so worried about you. It’s been how many hours since you left.” Queen Morrigan met us at the entrance of the cave. “How was your search? Did you find what you were looking for?” She took my hand and gently pressed them. I nodded and assured her with a smile. “That’s good to know then.” She noticed the little bunny I was clutching with my other hand. It’s still clinging to me like it didn’t want to get down. The queen reached out her hand to give it a pat on the head. “What a lovely little creature. Where did you find it?” She sounded amused and kept petting it.“He’s the one who helped us find what we were looking for. I was really amazed how he kept both of my stuff behind the bushes.” I giggled.“Really? How amusing.” She gasped.“Where's Kuu by the way? He’ll probably love this.” “He’s at the poultry house playing with Anika.” She answered. “Oh.” “I’ve prepared some food for everyone. I know you'll be hungry when you get back.” She invited us blithely
Amaris was still confused about what happened to his crow. "If it wasn't Nemiah, then who subtly messed up my crow's form?" He mumbled as he rode on his crow. "Was there really someone or something else in that place without us noticing it?" He then shook his head to clear up his mind and focus where he was going. He felt excited and nervous to read Nemiah's journal. He could already see the giant oak tree from afar but then he decided to visit his mother first. He wondered what she's up to and he was concerned about the eclipse that happened earlier.While he was still in the air, he noticed hundreds of shadow soldiers lined up outside the palace. He felt a bad feeling about it so he hurriedly landed right in front of the entrance of her mother's castle. He approached one of the guards and asked, "What is this all about?" "The queen has ordained us to be ready. She wanted to destroy the village and kill all the people living there in order for the chosen one to show up herself." The
"Druji? Where have you been? Why are you always leaving the cave? It's dangerous outside." Queen Morrigan fretted as Druji entered the cave. "I'm a witch. So don't bother yourself. Besides, you're not even my real mother." She talked back recklessly."Druji! Be mindful of your words." Caius scolded her."It's okay, Caius. I know she is still mad about what happened." The queen tried to calm him. Ciaus was currently sharpening his sword on the whetstone. Druji scoffed. "You should stop acting like a brother, Caius. Let's stop this faking to each other anymore." "Enough, Druji! That's not how I raised you. You knew we loved you and cared for you ever since you came to us. Did you just forget all about it?" The queen whimpered as she approached Druji. She tried to take her hands but Druji avoided her. "Please forgive us for taking you away from your mother. But know that we're still here as your family." She pleaded, but Druji didn't even budge. Her face was emotionless and she didn't
"I-I'm not really sure if it was because of me." I stuttered, still confused about what happened to Druji. As much as I tried to think what happened earlier, the more I doubt myself if I really did something incredible. I should've felt something at least. Or was it because I got distracted when I trampled on the rock?"I felt it right when you touched me. There was a sudden tranquility that filled my heart then I started poking. As soon as those beads disappeared, the heaviness of my body was gone in an instan. I don't really know how to describe it. But this kind of feeling is so amazing!" She explained blithely. She doesn't seem like the Druji she was earlier and it's creeping me out. It's like her bad temper also faded away. "I don't understand.." I gazed at the rose tattoo on my palm, trying to decipher what other things this tattoo is capable of. "It's probably because of your touch that Amaris's crow became white as well." Namir suddenly chimed in from my back. "But you were
I was soaking my body with the warm water that the queen had prepared for me. The wooden tub was too small for me but I still tried to fit myself in. While staring blankly at the steam filling that small curtained space, my thoughts were driving me to the plans I have in mind. What if it doesn't work? What if I was just assuming? What if it's really not me that made Druji well?"Nemiah!" Namir called outside the curtains. He could have forgotten that he's not a tiger right now. If he was, I would let him in. But come to think of it. How many times have I shown up naked in front of my tiger before? No wonder he looks away and pretends to sleep every time I change my clothes in front of him."Almost done! Please wait outside." I told him."Oh. Sorry!" He quickly ran away.I stood and took the white cloth hung on the curtains. I gently wiped it on my skin and took the clothes I've worn the other day. I only have two outfits that I alternately wear. Well, I don't have a choice. They're th
After pleading so many times, Caius finally agreed to help me rescue the girls trapped in that witches' horrible mansion. My conscience can't take it as I think of the abuses they do to women there. I almost fell victim too. It was a good thing that Amaris came before that perverted man did something to me. "But how can we get there? It's dangerous to travel on land. We might end up being caught on the way before we can even get to that mansion you're talking about." Caius asked anxiously.A strange thought came across my peculiar mind. It's like something inside me is urging me to explore what other things this rose mark does. If it's dangerous for us to travel by land, then our best option is to travel on air. So obviously, what we need is a bird who can carry us like that of Amaris's crow. I remembered he just called it by whistling. Should I try and check if something comes?I quickly went out to the cave to try. Caius and Namir were troubled by my sudden enthusiasm to get out so
We have notified the queen and the kids that we're leaving. Though she was against my plan, I was still able to convince her when she saw the giant eagle I was able to call from nowhere. Kuu and Anika really wanted to ride for a tour but I promised them I can give them a ride when we get back. It's actually not safe for them. But maybe we can sneak out for a bit."What are you waiting for? Hop on!" I invited Namir and Caius to get on the eagles back. It lowered itself and spread its wings on the ground so I could crawl up to its back. I really don't have any idea how to maneuver this. I already have the bow and I guess a hundred arrows on my bag. I hope this is already enough. I'll just recycle some in case of shortage."I bet I can just tell her when to go right or left, correct?" I sneered clumsily at Namir. I hope I won't lead everyone in the wrong direction."Yeah. She can read you." Namir responded blithely. Then he hopped next to Caius."Really?" I gasped in amazement. "So even
I grip tightly on the drawstrings as I wait for Caius to open the door. He counted one to three and pushed the door. I saw how shocked the girls who were there and the hunky witch watching them."Who are you?" As soon as the witch said that, I released the arrow and he was about to shield himself. But it still went through his chest and he fell heavily on the floor. He started convulsing, making the other girls scream but I signaled them to hush. They all trembled as they watched the dark smoke coming out from him."W-What's happening to him?" Someone asked and she was trembling."Don't worry. The bad spirit has now departed his body. He's no longer a witch now." I told her with a reassuring smile."Is that even possible? Who are you? Are you not witches too?" She pondered, holding the girl's hand beside her."Don't be afraid of us. We're not witches." Caius told them."Prince Caius?" One of them seemed to recognize the prince and she even ran towards him and jubilantly hugged him.
The crescent moon shone brightly on the open window of my room. The night sky looked so peaceful and Caius was standing there, watching the spectacular view. But seeing Caius's dropped shoulders, I knew his thoughts were clouded tonight. "Can't you choose to stay?" He asked in a melancholic tone, still has his back on me.I bit my lower. I can't. Well I don't know how I'm gonna get back to my real world but once my mission here is done, I'll probably be gone in this place. And I don't really belong here. I have a family in my real world who are waiting and might be worrying about me by now."I'm sorry, Caius. I can't." I gasped, almost sounding like a whisper.He took a deep breath, loud enough for me to understand that he wasn't happy about my response. He slowly turned around, trying to make a smile. "Maybe the place you really belong to is so beautiful and peaceful that you don't want to stay here." He muttered."Well…" I paused for a moment to look at his sullen eyes. "It's not t
"You're dazzling, honey!" Queen Morrigan clasped her hands in awe as she looked at me from head to toe. The dress perfectly fit me like the sewist seemed to know the exact measurements of my body, though nobody came to take measures.I turned around as I stared blankly at the mirror. The queen helped me a lot with all the undergarments. Though it looked so lavish, the weight of the fabrics were a bit uncomfortable. She also fixed my curly hair with golden pins. The messy bun perfectly matched the shape of my face. It looked elegant in a simple way. I didn't know the queen had such a talent for this. I thought it's her maids that style her all the time. "Let me put some tint on your face. You're looking a little pale. Are you sure you're already feeling better?" She took my hand and guided me to the couch to let me sit. "Yes, your highness." I forced a smile to convince her.She stared at me for a moment before. Then she sighed giving me a simper. "Can you stop calling me like that?
I still haven't talked to Aries since they figured out I'll be leaving this place soon. He walked out as soon as I confirmed to them that what the elders said was true. Caius was also speechless about it. He wanted to talk to me but I refused. I wanted to take a break first. I'm overwhelmed with this situation. And now, the elders held a ball to celebrate my arrival. I'm already flustered with agitation due to my mission. And I'm dead worried about Aries. How am I going to explain everything to him? Now I regret not telling him the truth right away.*Knock*KnockI was awakened from my misery when I heard soft knocks on the door. I was currently in an extravagant room prepared by the elders for me. The entire room was as big as our townhouse in my real world. Every piece of furniture has a touch of gold, making me feel suffocated with the luxury around me. This doesn't help elevating the pressure strangling me now."Do you need help, Nemiah?" Queen Morrigan called from the other side o
"What's wrong?" Dubheasa wondered why her soldiers came back to the shore looking frustrated."The houses are empty." One of the soldiers reported."What do you mean empty? Where will the people who live there go?" She snapped. "W-We searched each house but no one we're there. They left all their belongings but no one was found." The other shadow uttered in a trembling voice."What?! There's no way they've already escaped. How would they know?" The veins on her forehead showed how much she was enraged at the moment. Unconvinced, she sprinted to the village and checked some of the houses herself. She got more furious each time she wrecked the door and no one was inside. She tried to contemplate what could have happened. "Amaris. That ungrateful idiot!" She growled. She couldn't think of any other reason for the people to know about her conquest. Only Amaris knew she was going to attack the village tonight."Find them in every corner of this island and kill them! They have no other pla
The sky was dark and thunderstorms roared synchronizing with the heavy gushing of the rain. It was supposed to be a glorious day for Dubheasa but the weather doesn't seem to cooperate with her plans. She slouched on her throne while distressingly pressing her temples with her fingers. She was waiting for an alternate plan to destroy the village."My queen. The rain still hasn't stopped. Should we wait for it to cease before we proceed with the plan?" One of her soldiers came in to report. Dubheasa threw a sharp glance at him, making his body tremble in fear. He decided to bow his head to avoid the eye contact."Hasn't Jack come back yet?" She asked in a cold voice. Little did she know, the man she's waiting for has already turned into ashes."N-Not yet, your highness." The servant stuttered in fear."What could have happened to that old man? I just asked him to spy on Amaris and they both haven't returned yet." She straightened her back and took a deep breath. "I have a bad feeling ab
(While Nemiah and her allies were stuck in the mansion..)Druji was feeling dizzy, keeping her eyes on her mother as she walked back and forth near the entrance of the cave. The anxiousness was written all over the queen's face as she took glances at the entrance, hoping the people she's waiting to return would show up anytime now."Mother, you've been like that for an hour already. Please calm down. Maybe they couldn't return yet due to the incessant pouring of the rain." Druji stood from her seat and stopped her mother from wandering around."I just can't help it. It's almost dark and there's still no news from them." The queen fretted, her hands were trembling as she clasped and unclasped them."Your highness. Aries is with them so don't have to worry. They're probably on their way now. Let's just wait here." Gili sighed as he watched the pouring rain outside. He knew that Dubheasa and her armies might be on their way now to destroy the village. He's also wondering why they haven't
"Let's get inside, Nemiah. Everyone is waiting for you." Caius took my hand, about to lead me back to the portal."Hang on. How about the queen and the kids? I thought we're going to save the people too?" Aries pondered."The guy who welcomed us said that they're already inside. I haven't checked, though." I informed him. I began to wonder how they took the people and convinced them to come. I'm really curious about that place.Aries's forehead creased as soon as he heard me. He seemed faltered. I know he's also wondering how they're already inside. The rain almost stopped. Dubheasa probably has released her army to proceed with her evil plan. Just as I thought about it, the trees and nearby bushes rustled clamorously. "Let's get inside, Nemiah. I think Dubheasa's troops are already searching for us." Caius carefully looked around, tracing any shadows of the enemies."Aries. Come on!" I called him, who was also checking around."What did you just call him?" Caius's face dazed as he l
"What are you doing!" I was finally able to get my energy back. I pushed him as hard as I could. He started to faint and fell on his knees. He spewed some black pearls like that of what Druji has vomited when I touched her. It vanished in the air as soon as it touched the ground.I dashed to approach him and gently rubbed his back. "Are you feeling alright now?" I fretted.He raised his head and wiped his mouth with the back of his hands. Grinning at me, he said, "More than alright." Then his eyes lowered on my lips, making the blood rush throughout my body. I could feel my face burning so I quickly stepped away from him."Pervert," I grumbled to myself as I touched my lips with my shaking fingers. "Why did you do that? You could have just touched me." I complained. Amaris chuckled as he got up and dusted off his pants. "Because I want to remove the curse that way. It worked perfectly though.""I shouldn't have stepped out for you.""But you did. Why did you?" He teased me, gliding s
“What is this place?” I jumped off the horse to get a better look at the breathtaking view of the paradise we were currently in. I heard everyone gasp in awe as they entered the portal. We were on concrete pavement and it was leading to a stunning white palace ahead. It was three times bigger and extravagant than that of Queen Morrigan's palace. Looking from afar, everything was painted in white and the windows seemed to be made of dazzling gold. What kind of people are living here? Or are they even people? This place is terrifically marvelous. I badly wanted to ask the horses since they're the one who brought us here. But it won't make sense since I don't understand them. I wonder if Namir could do that for me. I wandered my eyes around. There are thousands of white roses along the path. It looks exactly like what we have in Kuu's cave. Did those roses come from here? I could also hear the calming sound of a gushing falls somewhere. I wonder how this kind of bewildering place exists