"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.
We prepared ourselves for the second attack. My hands were uncontrollably shaking as I loaded three arrows on my bow. I guess Caius noticed it so he pressed my shoulders mildly to calm my trembling."We've already got this far. Trust yourself that you can do it. We're here to support you." He encouraged me with a smile. I can see the excitement in his eyes. It's been so long since the last time he fought when Vivar was still with him. I know his hands are itching to slay witches again. But this time, our aim is not to kill but to heal."I don't trust myself. I trust the one who sent me and gave me this mission." I told him. I know this is not really me working right now. It's the chosen one who's inside me. "Then that's much better." He snickered. "Shall we?" I dauntlessly nodded at him. Namir positioned himself on the door as well. They looked at each other and gave a cue to kick the door open. The door smashed open, surprising the folks having fun in the kitchen. I didn't waste my
After how many times I begged, Caius finally agreed to wear kirtles. I kept suppressing my laughter since he wore a pastel pink dress. The puff sleeves almost burst due to his big muscles. We weren't able to zip up the back completely the same as Namir, due to their broad back and shoulders. They just covered it with their cloaks and put on their hoodies. I hid my bows under Caius's cloak since I wasn't wearing one. I just need to stay close to him so I can grab it easily.Faye's facade was really impressive as we walked along the corridor. We pretended to bring bread rolls and fruits for the witches in each room. I just duck my head just in case I bumped into someone who might recognize me when I was brought here first. We approached the first door from the kitchen. Faye took a deep breath before she gently knocked on the door."What is it?" A croaky voice muttered inside."I brought some snacks for you." Faye responded. The door quickly opened and a tall man with a thick beard peeke