I DIDN'T EXPECT THIS FATE.....OR RATHER THE CURSE

Part 10

Duke's Perspective:

As I was taken back to my cell, his majesty stopped me once again. He offered a deal. He said, "If you bring her back and agree to forget you ever loved her, she will be in good hands with you, and for me you will be imprisoning her and she will be in your grasp."

I was given time to ponder over this offer. As much as I didn't want to accept the deal, I contemplated it for a long time. On one hand, it promised her safety and security, but on the other, I doubted if I could be the same person after forgetting her. For the first time in decades, tears streamed down my face as I grappled with this decision. While accepting the deal might seem better, considering my reputation as a ruthless monster, I feared the consequences of possibly being the one responsible for her demise.

Laura's perspective:

As I strolled toward a grand residence with Liam, he introduced me to a few individuals. Among them was Elara Blackthorn, the most warm-hearted person to be around. Although I hadn't shared anything about my recent experiences, she quickly sensed that I was in profound sorrow. Liam excused himself, mentioning that he had something to attend to, and departed. Elara and I wandered through a butterfly-filled field, engaging in discussions about various topics. I discovered that her unique ability was "plant manipulation," explaining the vibrant and expansive garden she tended. Later, I reached out to her to inquire about how they were aware of my existence.

Elara's perspective:

Her Majesty contacted me to visit, so I made my way to her house, happily collecting strawberries along the journey. Upon arriving, I discovered that she was waiting for me in the garden, and a guard guided me to her. I greeted her with a cheerful wave, but my joy turned to concern when I noticed her eyes bleeding.

Alarmed, I let out a scream, prompting the guards to rush into the garden. Her Majesty reassured them, explaining that it was a normal occurrence related to her frequent use of powers, and she calmed me down. Curious, I inquired about what had happened, and she shared that using her abilities too often resulted in her eyes bleeding, especially when she cried or utilized her powers extensively. It was quite shocking information to absorb.

Gently placing her hand on my shoulder, she assured me that everything was fine. When I asked why she had summoned me, she explained that she wanted to understand her true identity and how the villagers in our community perceived her. In response, I began narrating the story of Laira Natalee. I started by saying...

"In the past, when your mother was a teenager, she was an incredibly vibrant person. Her adventurous spirit led her to explore new things, and that's how she brought us all together. She invested all her power in creating this small village within the forest. Those of us blessed with magical abilities were often exploited, and she came to our rescue, saving us from our struggles. Liam, in particular, was immensely grateful and even took the initiative to establish a connection with you.

Your mother was our savior, but unfortunately, we couldn't save her from her eventual fate. She guided us on the path to happiness until she encountered your father. When she left, she left us with very little information, providing us with two letters. One she instructed us to open yesterday, and the other was meant for you. I'm uncertain about the details of what happened to her, but she made it clear that she wouldn't return, confirming her impending demise. She was also a mystical creature, unlike us, but she never divulged much about it, giving us the only hint that she was quite different from the rest of us.

In our lives, she was a hero, and so, in gratitude for the kindness she bestowed upon us, we decided to raise you, Your Highness. We all loved her, and that love extends to you. Our respect for her remains unwavering and will continue to endure."

Laura's POV:

I was startled by the revelation Elara shared with me. My mother possessed powers? She had saved these people's lives to ensure they could live in peace? The questions swirled in my mind. Elara approached me, noticing the wounds on my hands and legs. Swiftly, she applied a medicine delivered by a creeper, and I could feel my wounds healing. Grateful, I thanked her. She handed me the letter and the strawberries she had gathered, then excused herself. The frog that had guided me to Liam hopped onto my hand.

Making my way to my room, I took some time to digest this newfound information. After a warm bath, I changed into one of the nightgowns available and opened the letter with the frog perched on my head. A burst of magic ensued, and letters started appearing on the paper. It read: 

"Congratulations on reaching this point. To locate the weapon, head north where the estuaries originate, and they will guide you to your next destination. Keep this information to yourself as a precaution. Take the necklace; it will assist you.

With love,

Laira Natalee Emberstone"

I couldn't fully grasp the meaning behind her words, but I understood that a portion of the weapon was located in the north, where estuaries are found. It seemed perplexing, so I decided to set out the next morning, clad in more practical attire. Without hesitation, I embarked on my journey with a sword strapped to my waist and the necklace around my neck. I hadn't informed anyone, but I felt confident it would be alright. Accompanied by my frog companion in my palm, I encountered a stunning siren along the way. I praised her beauty and enchanting voice, and in return, she assisted me in crossing a bridge. With a grateful smile, I thanked her, and her surprised expression caught my attention. She asked for my name, and when I replied, "Laura Natalee," she seemed even more taken aback, saying, "We'll be meeting soon again," before disappearing into the depths of the ocean. As I approached the estuaries, I noticed a magical flower blooming in the midst of six converging waterways. Despite my inability to swim, I took the leap, feeling myself submerged when...

"Duke's Perspective:

After much contemplation, I... decided to..."

DOUBLE CLIFFHANGER <3