Cursed With You

Half or Whole

It all felt like a dream. Raffin had never cried before, but now he felt his cheeks wet as he carried Jacina into her bedroom. He laid her body on the enormous bed and knelt beside her. He heard Malyn say something through her sobs, but he didn't listen. His eyes couldn't leave Jacina's beautiful face, which looked so serene. Raffin still believed she would awaken any moment. He took her hand and stroked her hair.

Raffin couldn't believe that his declaration of love had killed her. He hadn't expected it at all. His whole body went numb. Something squeezed his chest, making it hard to breathe. He lost the love he had not yet had.

"I warned you, Raffin!" Ferula's voice filled the room as she entered. "Why are you so reckless?"

"Why didn't you tell me about the curse?" Raffin snapped as he stood. He spun around to avoid the servants' gazes. He rubbed his face and took a deep breath to calm himself. Both hands on his waist, Raffin looked down. "How could I know that expressing my feelings would kill her?"

"You stupid boy."

Raffin's blood boiled. He had always tolerated Ferula's disrespect, but this time, it fed him up. His feelings had broken down too much to deal with Ferula's presumptuous attitude. His chest was too tight. He needed an outlet. He turned and glared at her.

"I am your prince, Ferula. Watch your tongue."

Ferula held out a hand. Raffin felt something grab his neck. He could not move.

"You are nobody," Ferula hissed. "You're just a spoiled brat who thinks he can get whatever he wants. You love Queen Jacina? You may follow her."

The magical grip around Raffin's neck tightened. He couldn't breathe. His vision blurred. But he could see a white light glide from the door and strike Ferula's back. The dark wizard screamed, releasing her magical noose on Raffin.

"Damn light wizard," Ferula cursed. She turned around and a purple, writhing orb appeared in her hand, ready to counter Magus Ivys' attack.

"Stop it!" Malyn yelled. "If you want to fight, fight outside. Let us grieve in peace."

Ferula snorted and dispelled her orb. She stormed for the door. Raffin held the breath he had just caught. But what he feared didn't happen. Ferula shoved Magus Ivys hard as she left the room, but that was all she did. Magus Ivys' face turned red, but she didn't react and let Ferula go. Raffin and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

"Are you all right, Your Highness?" Magus Ivys asked.

"I'm fine, Magus. Thank you."

Magus Ivys nodded. "I'll keep an eye on her," she said before leaving.

Sobs erupted and filled Jacina's room. Malyn sat next to Jacina, holding her queen's hand. The others stood around the bed, downcast, their faces wet with tears. Not wanting to interrupt their mourning, Raffin went to the balcony. He needed some fresh air to clear his mind. Staring up at the orange sky, Raffin couldn't get Jacina's panicked face out of his mind as he tried to express his feelings.

"Your Highness," Malyn called from the balcony door after a while, her voice still hoarse from crying. "We—"

"She tried to stop me from saying it," Raffin interrupted. "But I was too selfish to listen. I should have left when she told me to."

There was no response.

"Why didn't she tell me about the curse?" Raffin continued. "Why did you all keep it a secret?"

"Because she didn't want people to know how easy it was to kill her," Malyn replied. "Not with a weapon, or magic, or a deadly kiss. Just a simple 'I love you.' Something no one would expect. And embarrassing for her. I guess that was the main reason she kept it a secret. She also said she didn't want to hurt you."