Chapter 2

"You and the King seem to have a very close relationship, Teacher."

Those words, identified as neither a compliment or a sarcasm was heard but was not responded to. 

"By the way Teacher, what is this curse you spoke about?" Even with complete awareness of what is currently going on her master's head, she did not hesitate to raise the question she believes won't let her sleep later on. 

"Euphemia. . " Luckily, the answer is what's bothering her the entire trip, and as she reminisce that one particular event from the past, she spoke, ". . one of the three witches who once brought this country to ruin. It's hers. We sealed her power after her defeat, declaring victory as ours thereafter. However, unbeknowst to everyone, she killed herself and used her soul to activate it. Shame we were unable to figure it out 'til the next two rulers died from unknown causes before reaching the age of 30." 

Following a deep sigh, she raised her hand up to support the weight of her head, gently massaging it. "Now Wilfred and his incapable daughter is here disturbing my peace."

The concerned and curious look on the apprentice's face became more evident with the response she was just provided with. Is it the knowledge of the horrible past that bothers her, or the future they're yet to face? 

As if she already read her mind, the teacher once again spoke, "I won't be able to handle both the babysitting and all the Kingdom matters at the same time, surely. So, can I rely on you to assist me on this one?"

Being given orders on a regular basis have been her way of living with the witch. However, this time feels different — or rather, nostalgic. Hearing those words that clearly shouts 'more work to come' made her blush, her pointed ears that signifies her elven genes turned shamefully red. It may seem very random but the girl has only a single reason to defend her actions; being acknowledged. 

***

Perceiving the sound of the horse's feet from outside the window as nothing but the arrival of the house's mistress who's been away, the man swiftly composed himself to be as presentable as he must be to conceal the unnecessary excitement he has for the only woman he yearns to see.. 

"You had me waiting for so long, but I know you have quite the headache, darling. Come sit here with me."

Raising both his hands at the gesture of surrender, he defended, "Such cheap trick will not work on a witch, I know. I know."

Exhausted she has been, Serina did not falter to accept the invitation and chose to sat on the couch opposite his. 

"So you're aiding the Princess after all." he said, facing her while pouring warm chamomile tea from a porcelain fair cup he is holding. 

"You'd laugh at the how their faces personify hopelessness and misery perfectly and effectively back there."

As the image of such scenario crossed his mind, he couldn't help but laugh his lungs out in mixed emotions. Settling down in contention with a smirk on his face, he playfully asked, "Did you though?" 

With the usual cold expression on her face, she replied, "You know me, I won't be satisfied with that."

"That's my girl! Ehem—" realizing he has gone on an overwheleming state, affecting his posture, he relaxingly sat back with his legs and fingers crossed. "The royalties are real pain, huh. Misfortune must have been engraved on that crown they pass on, you think?" 

"And it would cause me more trouble if it falls into the wrong hands again," with an elegant movement, the sound of the porcelain touching the polished wooden table made a soft tapping noise. 

"Wrong hands, you say. Does that mean you have confirmed it already?" he asked, moving his head forward closer to hers.

"I have my theories. And I am afraid my strength won't be enough. Felix—"

"Oh-ho. And I am much more afraid your unreturned favours have piled up too high, darling. I've been with you for a hundred years now and—" 

"Ten years. Just give me ten more—" and yet another uncompleted utterance.

"Of course! That's a 'yes' then?! Ten years is nothing, darling. Where are we starting from anyway? You want me to wipe off those suckers already? I'll clear a path for you, just tell me," the joy of his satisfaction became more apparent as his low, manly voice raised in tone.

"Quit exaggerating. You're not touching any human, Felix and we have to be careful," she asserted.

"And they're not touching you either, Serina. Make sure you won't get into trouble or those humans will." The previously calm atmosphere became heavier with tension filling their every words. 

Then both surrendered in silence.

"How heroic of you," it was a sarcastic remark from the witch herself.

In an attempt to shift the topic, he raised a question, "Uhuh, anyway the bastard's still breathing as we talk now, ain't he?" 

"He still got to host an assembly. Although I bet the funeral invitation would arrive three days from tomorrow."

"Oh that's unfortunate of him," he mockingly commented. "Should I start working on a eulogy soon?" 

***

As the harsh summer heat vaporizes the water-engulfed ground from the short lasting rain shower that passed, the mourning crowd began to withdraw. With that, the several meter space between the Princess and her loyal servant, and the figures of a woman and a child seem to be less distant. After keeping a watch from afar, Serina decided to take the steps toward the wailing Princess. 

It was when she almost closed the gap between them, the clacking sound of a horse came into their direction. Turning her head, she spoke, "Oh you came."

"I apologize for the wait, darling. Apparently I was mislead by a letter which happens to be your doing— but that is absolutely fine," he jokingly said then effortlessly jumped down the ground to give the woman a quick peck on the cheek.

"Mr. Felix we cannot afford you to cause a scene, so we had no other choice," the apprentice frankly confessed. 

"I appreciate your concern but I also cannot afford to cause any more trouble to my lovely fiancée, so there is really no need to be cautious about my actions. You hear that darling?"

"Nonsense."

"Your Highness!"

At the loud, high pitched yelling that came from the direction they were progressing to, the three immediately made an instinctive move to find the collapsed figure of the Princess on the ground, lifelessly being held in the arms of her attendant. 

***

"You're awake at last."

Slowly opening her eyes followed by soft twinkles, the little child finally awoken with the sight of the familiar pointed-eared girl before her. Moving her head right and left, she noticed the two other figures on the coffee table not so far from where she is laying on. It turns out to be the Lady who came to meet her father three days ago, on her usual dignified bearing and an unfamiliar, strange looking man.

"H-Hi. . ." she greeted the girl she first saw.

"I am the lady's apprentice, you've seen me before."

"H-Hi?"

"Sherfy, your highness. I am an elf," the unfaltering stoic expression on her face effortlessly concealed the slight irritation she has over the unintelligible response she hears. 

"H-Hi, Sherfy. I'm. . . I'm . . . a human."

Without the need to look back, she automatically discerned presence of her approaching teacher from behind. 

"Is she dumb, teacher?" she whispered. 

"She's lamenting, Sherfy. But, you'll find that out eventually."

"I'm glad you seem better now. Anyway, allow me to introduce myself again," she uttered, gently touching the bed before actually sitting on it. "I'm Serina, an old acquaintance of your father's and I guess you've heard enough about me from uh— the elders. You see I've been living for a longer time than everyone you know so that makes me quite. . . famous."

"Y-yes."

"Anyway, everything's been settled even before the passing of your father, so to fulfill his wish I'll be taking over until you're of the right age and capable to rule this country. In addition to that, I'll be your legal guardian from now on." 

Due to the nature and effect of the curse, it happened every members of the royal family left out of fright for their lives soon as they learned about this hideous truth. Being the most qualified heir of that time's current head of the monarchy, Anne's father took the oath of ruling the kingdom until his anticipated death. 

"I totally understand how you feel about me, I am not supposed to be here first and foremost."

Collecting her courage to speak, she nervously delivered the most words she could exchange with her. "Uhm, father said I must not be scared of you, and he had been preparing me for this time to come since a long time ago, so. . ."

"Good to hear. Well that's kind of convenient for the both of us. Perhaps it won't take us much time to get used to each others' company, I hope."

Following three consecutive knocks, a servant came calling out Serina's attention. "Pardon my intrusion, but Lady Lourdemayne, there is a meeting for you to attend to."

"I'll be there," she replied. "You may rest now, I'll leave Sherfy to attend you and I assure you she's a nice girl so please do get along well." 

Then she stood, sophisticatedly tidying her long flowing dress. But even before she could take her first step away, Anne once again called her out.

"Wait, I just want to ask something. . . how should I address you now?" she genuinely asked.

Quickly recollecting herself from confusion, she replied, "Any way you'll feel comfortable with."

"Uhm-uhm I call you mom then?"

"Eh?" Serina and Sherfy reacted in extreme shock, meanwhile the supposed to be silent and inert Felix almost went hysterical out of mixed surprise and fury.

"The hell's with this child—!" he shouted as he aggressively stood, flipping the chair backwards.

"Watch your mouth Felix!"

"Darling, you know I'm absolutely fine with another adoption, but to be the second father of Wilfred's — ugh, I trust you won't agree to this one, right?" he reasoned out.

"That's seriously your concern? Uh, anyway Princess, I think that's kind of . . . off? What about, auntie?" Serina suggested.

"You fine with that?"

"Of course."

"Auntie. . . uhm auntie, please, come back here later. I'll wait for you," it was an adorable plea to mention.

"Sure. Let's go Felix."

***

As the two adults went to attend serious matters, the children were left awkwardly glancing at each other every chance there is. 

"Sh-Sherfy, right?" It was Anne who broke the silence.

"Yes, your highness. Is there anything else you need?"

"Can I ask you something? And please just call me Anne. . ."

"Uhm, yes Anne?"

Still at a state of doubt, she spoke, "Did you ever feel frightened being around Lady— I mean auntie? Like when you first met or something?"

"I've always thought she's a very nice lady." A straight answer, as expected from the lady's pupil.

"You're right, maybe I was just being swayed by the others' opinion of her." 

"You sure do."

Stretching her lips into a pout and charmingly acting as if recalling an event from the past, the Princess disclosed an honest assertion, "Judging by my father's stories, I could tell he did admire her more than anyone else. Couldn't blame him though, she's almost perfect. Makes me wonder why he did not marry her instead."

"There's more than just one possible reason, and they're obviously pertinent."

"Like?"

"I meant no offense but, I heard that the King was physically frail even before his illness affected his body," she stated. 

"That's true. . . and?"

"With that, do you even think he could at least stand against a dragon?"

"I get it. I get it." With those inquiry, Anne became more confused and curious at the same time. "But does that mean she greatly favour a strong and powerful man?"

"I cannot say, but that is not what I am getting into." 

"What is it then?" getting at the peak of her nosiness, Anne cannot help but ask for more. She even moved closer to improve her absorption of information from the innocent elf.

"I'm talking about her fiancé."

"Oh, that foul-mouthed Felix guy? He does look kind of fierce."

Initiating her feedback with a sigh, she seem to be preparing herself for a substantial yet trivial details to impart.

"You see, he is literally the dragon I was talking about."