Curse of Enchanted Haven

Chapter 19

-Enchanted Haven-

Evanya got out of her car and began walking to her office. A cloud of black smoke appeared before her, revealing Rumplestiltskin standing before her. She narrowed her eyes and sighed in disgust.

"What the hell do you want, you pot belly vertically challenged monster?"

"Well, hello to you too. I come to warn you and Jonathan that your time is almost up. Raven turns twenty-six tomorrow. I hope you have the information you need to break the curse. Oh wait, you don't. You're down to hours to save your beloved, or he's gone forever. Bye!" He disappeared in a cloud of black smoke.

Evanya briskly walked into the building, passed Wendy without acknowledging her, and entered her office. She slammed the door, walked over to her desk chair, and sat.

"Raven heard what I told you, and she's trying to communicate with you but is not strong enough to do the spell again."

She sighed and said, "You're not helping, Jonathan."

"I just wanted to let you know that she's trying to show you how much she wants to help. Don't worry, my love. You will break this."

"I hope you're right."

* * *

-Mystic Kingdom-

Raven and Merlin appeared outside Northawhal Castle in the back by the river. Evanya was dressed in black, and her father was lying on a wooden raft by the bank of the river. Raven quickly turned to Merlin.

"Are you kidding? Her father, too!"

"I'm afraid this is no joke. Just like her mother, her father also died of a broken heart. Their hearts were broken because Evanya was suffering from losing the love of her life and their unborn child."

"So, she really has no one around to love her. Now I see why the curse was cast."

Merlin motioned toward the crowd with Evanya in the front. She kissed her father's forehead, touched his cheek, and turned to face her people.

"Citizens of Northern Mystic Kingdom, today, we lay our beloved King to rest. My father, King Albert, was an honorable man who protected his family, friends, and kingdom. His words were true, and his deeds were great. When it came time for battle, he was the best swordsman, and his strength couldn't be matched. His anger was brutal to manage, but his beloved wife and my mother, Queen Alanna, knew how to calm him. Today, they reunite in paradise and will be together for all eternity. My father's legacy will live on through me as I take his place as Queen. I promise you that this kingdom will continue to thrive on what my father built and will punish those who caused our broken hearts. As we give our final salute to our beloved King, let us pay our respects with one last bow to him as a thank you for his years of kingship."

The men bowed, the women curtsied to King Albert, and Evanya nodded to the captain of the guard.

"Salute!"

The Royal Guard saluted the King, and Evanya placed a Sunset Rose in her father's hands. He always gave her a Sunset Rose to show his love for her whenever he thought she needed a reminder. She kissed his cheek one last time.

"Crowned Princess." Evanya looked up at the captain, and he continued, "Let us know when it is time to send him off."

She lowered her head, rubbed her father's head, and said, "Goodbye, Daddy, I love you. Kiss momma and my little one for me."

Evanya walked away from the raft, looked at the guard, and said, "Captain Drake, it's time."

The Royal Guard walked toward the raft, placed their hands on it, and pushed it into the river. Captain Drake gave the signal for the archers to prepare their arrows. When the raft reached a specific spot in the river, Captain Drake signaled to fire. One flaming arrow soared into the air and landed on the bottom right corner of the raft. A fire began, and another flaming arrow hit the raft. The fire grew as all twelve archers shot their flaming arrows. The entire raft was engulfed in flames as it moved down the river. Tears just poured from Evanya's eyes as she watched her father's raft drift out of sight. One by one, the people gave their Crowned Princess their condolences and left. Evanya smiled and thanked each one for coming. When all that was left were the castle staff and Royal Guard, Evanya stood tall, exhaled, and smiled weakly.