A Wish for You

Chapter four: The Meeting of Magnifico

Asha nervously followed Queen Amaya and Princess Cecelia up a grand staircase curved upward in a seemingly never-ending arc. The mirror lining the stairs reflected the wonder in Asha's face. She had never seen anything like it before. The castle was enormous, and she felt like a tiny insect in comparison.

The queen offered Asha some advice as they slowly made their way to the top.

"The apprentice should always keep the fire going, because the king likes his tea hot," the queen said.

"Uh-huh," said Asha, listening carefully.

"He also likes to talk, quite a bit," added the queen with a laugh. "Feel free to just listen."

"Oh, I'm a good listener," said Asha brightly. With each step, she felt a bit less nervous. The queen had an unexpected way of putting her at ease.

"He's very particular," Queen Amaya continued. "Everything has its place."

"Oh," said Asha with a hint of curiosity.

"Some items might seem strange, but why a sorcerer needs what a sorcerer needs is not your concern," the queen reminded her.

"Right," Asha agreed.

"And above all, do not expect to see the wishes," warned Queen Amaya. "Don't even ask."

"Yes, ma'am," said Asha. "I mean, I won't, your Majesty."

Asha was beginning to feel overwhelmed. She had never imagined that being an apprentice to a sorcerer would be so much work. But she was determined to do her best. She knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and she wasn't going to let it slip away.

When they finally reached the top of the stairs, Asha was amazed by what she saw. Magnifico's chambers were even more magnificent than the rest of the castle. The walls were lined with shelves of books, and there were strange and wonderful devices everywhere she looked.

"This is where Magnifico works his magic," said Queen Amaya. "He spends most of his time here, so you'll probably see him quite a bit."

"It's incredible," said Asha. She couldn't believe that she was actually standing in the 's chambers.

"Yes, it is," said the queen. "But it's also dangerous. The King is a powerful man, and he can be unpredictable. You must always be careful around him."

"I will," said Asha. She knew that the queen was right. The King was a force to be reckoned with, and she would need to be on her guard at all times.

"Now, I'll leave you to get settled in," said the queen. "The King will be expecting you shortly."

With that, the queen and Princess Cecelia left, leaving Asha alone in the sorcerer's chambers. Asha took a deep breath and stepped forward. She was about to embark on a journey that would change her life forever.

As she caught her own reflection dress, she looked just as small and overwhelmed as she felt.

Then her attention drifted to the books, she stepped towards the shelves and read the titles printed along the spines: "Fire Magic...History of spells..."

One book was locked in a glass case decorated with etchings. "Oh, wow." Asha murmured as she examined them, they were winged insect-hornets. "Hmm..." she reached out to touch one.

"No, no." Boomed a voice behind her. "No, no, no. Asha, that book is forbidden."

Asha turned to see King Magnifico standing before her and the mirror, when he stepped into the light, illuminated his handsome features-piercing blue eye, perfectly swooped silver hair, and an angled jaw beneath a closely shaved beard.