𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧 - 🌹

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬

YVONNE LOCKHART

The coven and I had to take a few breaks every now and then, either because I had to sleep for the night or eat something. William offered one of his coven members to carry me so that the journey would only take an hour but I refused. Mostly because I felt uncomfortable with a stranger carrying me.

"We're only a few minutes away. Once we get to the end of the forest, The castle gates will be there to greet us." William said, looking at me as we walked.

It had only been 2 days since I left my village and I could only wonder what kept my friends busy while I was gone.

"How big is the castle?" I ask him, trying to make small conversation.

"Very large. It's been up for a lot of decades and well maintained since it was built." He replied, clearing some branches in front of us.

"Oh dear, does that mean the tour will take a whole day?" He laughed at my comment and shook his head.

"Presumably not. It'll take longer for you to remember where all the doors lead to, though." 

The rest of the coven laughed and I looked away, embarrassed.

We continued walking in silence 'til we reached a clearing of the trees, a small river in the middle of the path. The moonlight was reflected on the water so clearly, the light dancing on the crystal clear water in front of us.

"There's . . . a river." I said, my gaze traveling along the stream.

"As if it wasn't obvious." One of the coven members said.

I turned my head up to where the voice came from and I was a bit surprised. It was only me and William on this side of the river with the rest on the other side, waiting impatiently.

"Do you mind if I carry you? It will only take a split second." William asked, waiting for my reply.

I didn't know what to say to that. Even though he was so sweet to me, the face was clear that he has to bring me to the queen.

The coven clearly noticed my silence and I heard a faint hiss from one of them.

"Don't refuse. We're so close already! Just a few more feet from here and we'll be seeing the gates." He said, a disapproving expression on his face.

"I could find a few big stones for you to cross the river if you're that uncomfortable." William suggested, giving a look to the person who just mocked me.

"It's alright. You can carry me." I replied.

"If you insist."

In a blur, I felt cold hands lift me from the path and into his arms. A split second later, I felt the same hands drop me onto the path.

I turned my head around and I realized that I was on the other side of the river now.

"I-" 

"Let's keep moving." William interrupted, causing my mouth to shut. 

We continued walking and I noticed that his tone changed. It used to be quiet and calm but now it was sort of . . . regretful? Maybe I'm just imagining things.

Regardless, I shrugged it off and continued walking with the others.

After a few minutes, my eyes squinted to a distant structure. No-it isn't a structure . . . It looks like a big pair of steel gates and behind it was a manor? No, this was too big to be a manor. 

"Is that . . ." I started, before being interrupted by Scarlet.

"The queen's castle? Yes, It is." She said with evident pride.