Magic in the Air

Chapter 2

The very next day, William noticed that every part of the castle was heavily guarded than usual. The knowing glint in their eyes made him fume.

"Father purposefully posted more guards to prevent me from going. What a smooth move" He muttered to himself not caring if anyone heard or not. Proceeding towards the study, the prince saw Rubin, his tutor waiting for him. The elderly man looked at him kindly and motioned him to sit down. Rubin had been tutoring him since William turned five.

"What are we doing today Master Rubin?"

"Philosophy and history" Rubin answered with a twinkle in his eye.

Finally the interesting subjects. History was his favourite and philosophy was next. The tutoring went by calmly until it was time for luncheon. Lunch was quiet and uneventful that day expect for King Elliot who asked him if he noticed something unusual about the palace. William knew his father was teasing him in a professional manner. Brianna smiled widely. The blush was evident on his face.

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A week passed. Other than exercising or reading the place seemed so boring. It would be so nice to just go down there see the village and talk to them. Freshly baked bread would invade his nose and lure him there. Ms. Potts, a kind old lady gave William bread every time he passed. The town library was a visual treat to the eyes. Great shelves of books towering above him. Stories, histories and even fairy tales were a part too. Sunday was the perfect day to do that. Rubin wouldn't come that day so it became relatively easy to escape.

Today, William could try in the evening. Heavy guard duty reduced and his parents had a lot of court meetings including discussion about an alliance with the neighbouring kingdom. Rubin too needed to attend some work early that day and would be leaving that afternoon.  His studies started at 9;00. The day dragged on and on until the prince thought 2:00 would never come. However, William wouldn't be free for another one hour.

"What will you do after this?" The elder man asked.

"Sword fighting and check the state of the military. Your homework, revise the mathematical equations and remember the names of the past kings that ruled our country." William answered immediately.

"Good your highness, I know you always complete your assignments." After saying that Rubin left promptly.

Completing the mathematical equations, he proceeded to practice sword-fighting, his favourite sport. 5 o' clock, time to do it. He rushed to the study and opened the secret passage. It was slippery and cold in there but none of that mattered now for William burst out a hole made in the wall. The path led to a meadow. Fresh air! The air in the Palace was nothing compared to this. He didn't have a moment to waste.

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"Good evening Willie!" Ms. Anne Potts greeted cheerfully.
Will smiled up the kind the kind face and politely returned the greeting. Anne was an elderly woman with a face so chubby that it was uncommon for her age. She was bit plump with a greying hair on her head. Her kindness and hospitality knew no bounds. That was the reason Anne was liked by so many people.
However, William felt a pang of guilt when he talked to her. She didn't know he was the Prince
and just convinced her that he was a peasant. Anne was like a second mother to William, he came to her for advice whenever he could. Ms. Potts had no children which is why she looked at him like her son. How wonderful peasant life was!

"Why haven't you come for so many days Willie? Sam and I missed you." The kind woman sighed.
"I had work to attend and continue a few um.. Things" He finished lamely. 'Partly true William, Partly true.' He thought to himself. Anne got a mysterious twinkle in her eye. It was as if she knew his secret.