Curse of Enchanted Haven

Chapter 17

-Rumplestiltskin's House-

Rumplestiltskin was in his potion room when he heard a knock on his door. He grabbed a green cloak, put it on, and walked down the stairs. There was another knock.

"Coming!" he yelled as he wobbled to the door. "Humans need to learn patience."

He opened the door, and there stood Princess Snow White and Prince Jacob. The imp smiled evilly, remembering King Harold's last request.

"Well, hello, Princess. What brings you to my humble abode?"

Snow looked around and asked, "May we come in? I don't want anyone to hear our conversation."

He moved to the side and motioned with a bow, allowing the royals to enter. They walked in, and Merlin and Raven followed them in quickly before the door closed. Rumplestiltskin wobbled into his living room, motioning for the royals to sit. Snow and Jacob sat on the sofa while the imp sat in his designated chair.

"Congratulations! You and the Prince are expecting a little one."

She smiled, placed a hand on her still-flat belly, and replied, "Thank you, but that is not why we are here."

Raven looked at Merlin, and he weakly smiled at her. She wasn't an idiot. She knew what was happening.

"Tell me, what brings you here?"

"My brother is going to propose to Princess Evanya very soon. When he does, once he's crowned King, he wants to combine the North and East Kingdoms and then wage war on the Western Kingdom. Jacob and I don't want a war, and we don't want my brother and Evanya to do anything to her parents."

"What does this have to do with me?"

Snow and Jacob looked into each other's eyes. Jacob nodded, and Snow said to the imp, "You know what to do."

Raven's mouth dropped, and she quickly turned to look at Merlin. He closed his eyes, hung his head, and turned to walk to the door.

"Yes, princess, I know exactly what to do."

Raven's magic was going wild. She turned around, stormed to the door, opened it, and when she walked outside, she released her magic, and white lightning shot out of her fingertips; when they hit the trees, the bark exploded and flew in every direction.

"Why? She didn't hear the entire conversation! Uncle Jonathan isn't going to do anything to Evanya's parents. They won't join the kingdoms until Evanya's parents are gone and he and Evanya are married. I still can't believe this is the reason why Uncle Jonathan and Evanya got separated for twenty-five years."

Merlin placed a hand on her shoulder. "You need to listen to my advice that I gave Evanya years ago that she always reminds Jonathan. It would be best not to mix your magic with your emotions. We hurt others that way. I believe your magic has grown into its true nature."

Raven furrowed her eyebrows at the old wizard and asked, "What do you mean?"

He chuckled and said, "Conjure an energy ball, and you'll see what I mean."

She held out her hand and focused. A white ball of electric energy grew in her hand, and her mouth dropped.

"You are a powerful sorceress, my child. After all, you are the granddaughter of a very powerful wizard."

"Wait, my mother is also your kid? Damn!"

He chuckled and answered, "When a Queen calls for you, you better listen. If not, it would be hell to pay!"

"Oh, God! Now I have this image in my head! Get out!"

He laughed, and as they walked away, Raven heard her parents and Rumplestiltskin's remaining conversation.