The Enchantress's Treasure

Chapter 14: Starry Conversations and Mystical Puzzles

The group, tired from their long journey and the excitement of meeting Prince Edmund, decided to take a break and stay at the palace. Edmund pleaded with them, his eyes shining with excitement. "Please stay," he said. "I've never had friends my age. Being a prince means I'm often locked away in this palace, only going out for royal events."
They agreed, and the palace staff prepared rooms for them. The palace, with its majestic exterior, proved to be just as grand inside. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, and the scent of fresh flowers filled the air.
That night, Chloe found herself unable to sleep. She wandered through the palace halls, eventually making her way to a balcony that overlooked the vast gardens. The stars twinkled brightly in the night sky, and she felt a sense of peace wash over her.
From behind, a voice broke the silence. "The stars look beautiful, don't they?"
Chloe turned to see Edmund approaching. "Yes, they do," she replied. "I never see them like this back in Malibu."

Edmund leaned on the balcony railing beside her. "Malibu? That sounds far away."
"It is," Chloe said with a smile. "It's a beautiful place by the ocean. I miss the beach, but this adventure has been incredible."
Edmund nodded. "I've always wondered what it would be like to live somewhere else. To have the freedom to explore."
Chloe looked at him curiously. "You've never been outside the palace except for royal events?"
"Not really," Edmund admitted. "My parents are very protective. They want to keep me safe, but it gets lonely."
Chloe felt a pang of sympathy for him. "Well, you have us now. And who knows? Maybe this adventure will be the start of many more."
Edmund smiled. "I hope so."
After a moment of comfortable silence, Edmund said, "Do you want to try solving the puzzle box?"
Chloe's eyes lit up. "Absolutely."
They went to the room where the box was kept and sat down at a large table. The box was intricate, with detailed carvings and mysterious symbols. They carefully examined each piece, trying to fit them together.
As they worked, they talked about their lives. Chloe shared stories of her adventures with Emma, and Edmund spoke of his studies and the stories he had read in his many books. They discovered a shared love for mythology and ancient tales.

Finally, as they placed the last piece of the puzzle, the box revealed a hidden compartment. Inside was a map and a set of instructions. The map depicted the area around the sapphire rings, with a specific spot marked.
"When the sun sets and the light hovers over the rings, it will lead your way to the next adventure," Chloe read aloud.
Edmund's eyes sparkled with excitement. "It looks like we have our next clue."
Chloe nodded, feeling a thrill of anticipation. "We should tell the others in the morning. For now, let's get some rest."
They carefully put the map and instructions back into the box and returned it to its place. As they parted ways for the night, Chloe felt a sense of camaraderie with Edmund. This journey was turning into something even more magical than she had ever imagined.