BeWitched, The Prince She Stumbled On

8 In The Crowd When She Saw

The beautiful, lovely dusk had set finally, calling for an auspicious event to begin. The cream of Belgracia's society emerged to gather with their sons and daughters in the Queen's castle. The soft, lovely golden hues of this evening had attracted many eligible men and women, including Prince Richard, Prince Edward, and his friend John Clare.

"Are you going to attend this ball?" He asked while preparing himself for the evening.

"Yes ..." Clare replied enthusiastically, "What do you think? I have accompanied you this far to eat nuggets."

Richard escaped a mild laugh, "Why am I dressing so elegantly while both of your habiliments seem to be rustic and homely?"

"Because my brother...." Edward replied, " It is not us who is going to attract an array of young ladies instead you going to accomplish that part. We need to get rid off your thoughts of that girl who is already dead."

"Stop....don't say much." He recoiled indignantly, displeased to hear in such a way. He knew he could not forget the woman very easily.

"She is alive in my heart." His words sound resolute, "And she will be alive as long as I live....." Richard conveyed a subtle gaze when he said this. He had made up his mind but there was someone, extraordinary in the room who was more determined and fanatical than Richard.

Prince Edward, was the son of Albert, the Old Duke of Scottland, a southern part of Belgracia. It was a land of rugged beauty, with amazing hills and landscapes.

A far away land known for lochs and glens, snow-capped peaks of the Highlands and vibrant culture. As soon as the abdication of Albert took place, Edward would be throned but this shining armour had its own plans.

He ran away from his place because he did not want to take hold of the responsibility of being the next Duke, nor was he ready to accept a marriage from a woman he did not love. And that's when he decided to go Belgracia upon receiving a letter from the Queen.

When he heard about his brother Richard's deteriorating condition, he assumed it a wonderful opportunity to escape from here and go there. He wanted to travel the different countries and places and the only nearest place was Belgracia.

Queen Clarissa and Old Duke Albert were brother and sister, while Clarissa assumed the throne here, Albert was sent to Scotland to be the Duke.

Upon arriving in Belgracia, Edward realized, it was difficult to approach people with the title he had. He knew of the formidable obstacles he might face if he told people, he was a Prince of the remote land. So, he became acutely aware of the problems if attempting to establish familiarity with individuals around him. That's when John Clare, his friend in need, expediently told him to adopt a pseudonym that would prudently fit to conceal his real identity.

"What should we call you then?" He asked the prince, "Thomas Middleton, what do you think?"

"That's very common...I want an unusual one." Replied prince Edward.

"Should we call you Mr Mark Flinch" He laughed while telling.

"Oh please, suggest me a better fictional name..."

"Beckford .... how about Hunterr Beckford?"

"That's sound pretty good. I will remain undetected and unshackled by the populace with this lofty name, no one would ever think me as a Prince of a far land.

"Hunterr ...you want me to call you this?" Richard reacted strangely when he heard this. "What on earth you thought to hide your royal identity. It is your pride."

"I am well aware of my pride, brother." Replied Edward while they were walking together for the Ball event, "I am here for a short trip and interestingly, I am not here to look for a bride. I come for you, for your health and well-being. Once this is done, I shall be off to where I was. You understand me, right?"