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

Part 15

Liam's Perspective:

While assisting Elara with a task, a sudden chill ran down my spine, signaling that something was amiss. I hurried out of the room to find Her Majesty in a distressing state. Her clothes were partially torn, and she bore cuts and burns all over her body, yet her face remained strangely impassive. What struck me the most was the coldness in her eyes. Upon noticing me, she instructed me to gather everyone in the village beneath a tree revered for its millennium-long existence. Her command echoed in my mind as I swiftly complied, rallying the villagers to the designated spot.

After a while, she arrived and commanded the attention of the assembled crowd. As silence fell, she proclaimed her intent to aid every citizen in improving the village. However, unbeknownst to her, her newfound power had grown too overwhelming and destructive. Despite the seal restraining most of her abilities, she possessed the potential to annihilate the entire forest with but a single thought and action. Laira had foreseen this before her passing. The only solution now lay in pacifying her and restoring her emotions to their happiest state—with the man who was once the emperor of this kingdom, Nathaniel Ringard.

I couldn't fathom what had transpired, but Nathaniel had undergone a sudden transformation. I had witnessed them share countless moments of laughter, leaving me to ponder what had transpired between them. It was highly unusual for a person, a human being, to behave in such a manner. Unfortunately, there was little I could do to alleviate Her Majesty's distress. Regrettably, circumstances had led me to summon him.

She pulled me aside, entrusting me with the task of guarding everything within the forest. As she departed, children approached her, seeking answers. Despite her outward display of a fake smile, I couldn't shake the feeling that her responses were equally insincere, leaving me deeply troubled.

This continued for two days, and the village thrived in a state of beauty. Everywhere one looked, there was joy, happiness, and teamwork. However, the scene was starkly different in the main castle; darkness enveloped every corner. Laura appeared outwardly joyful, yet she hadn't disclosed the reason for her actions. Every attempt I made to converse with her ended in awkwardness. Her demeanor had completely shifted. Seeking distraction, I ventured for a walk in the outskirts of the village, where I was tasked with keeping guard. As I contemplated the situation, I spotted him: Nathaniel Ringard. This was problematic, to say the least. If Laura sensed his presence, her anger would escalate, potentially endangering the forest. I vividly recalled Laira's warning never to provoke Laura's wrath, as it could lead to instantaneous destruction.

Surprisingly, as I observed Nathaniel closely, I noticed tears streaming down his face. I approached him quietly and sternly instructed him to leave the forest, providing a reason. He appeared deeply saddened by my directive and insisted on speaking with Laura. Initially angered by his audacity, considering his past actions, I softened upon seeing his despondent state. He approached me tearfully, apologizing. What had happened to him? I wondered. Suddenly, a sword whizzed past me, aimed at Nathaniel. Reacting quickly, I pushed him out of harm's way, though he should thank me later for that. Emerging from the foliage, Laura brandished her sword, directing it at Nathaniel. Seeing his condition seemed to catch her off guard; her eyes, once filled with fury, now radiated with hatred. Even from a distance, I sensed her calm inquiry as she questioned Nathaniel's presence, adamantly refusing to return to the castle, regardless of his demands.

Nathaniel, still in tears, humbly bowed before her, pleading for forgiveness. The dynamic between them remained unclear to me, but it was evident that Laura had ceased to love him—she had stopped loving him altogether. Engaging in a sword fight, Nathaniel attempted to explain himself, yet Laura remained deaf to his pleas, reproaching him for his past transgressions. Despite my efforts to intervene, I was unable to prevent the confrontation. Laura's love for Nathaniel seemed to fuel her fury, yet over the past five months, she had ceased to love him entirely. What had Nathaniel Ringard done to incur such deep-seated animosity from her? Just then, a man with red hair and hazel eyes emerged, halting their altercation. Laura appeared stunned at his arrival, her body trembling with fear, as another man approached her.