The Sleeping Prince [ Viktuuri ]

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

It was a cold winter day that she was born into this cruel world. Where only the winners survive, and everyone else dies. She didn't want this.

Her mother left once she could walk again, and the little girl grew up alone, as an orphan. The tough world made her heart as hard as stone. She grew up like a wild cat that roams the streets. Alone, mean, and a fighter.

But even the wildest pussycats can be tamed.

One day a woman found her.

The woman was dressed in a black robe, and asked the brave little pussycat's name. The pussycat spit on the woman and ran away.

But the next day, the woman in black robes came again. The same thing happened for a few days until the little pussycat had had enough.

"What is your name?" The woman asked.

The pussycat opened her mouth to speak for the first time in years. "I don't think I have one."

And then, the woman pulled down her hood, and for the first time the pussycat was scared.

"Don't be frightened, child." The woman said. "I'm here to teach you. But one cannot be apprenticed without a name."

The little nodded, her bravery quickly returning, and she bodily said:"As I told you, I have no name."

The woman chuckled. "Fine then. How about..Yuuko?" The woman said. The little pussycat was silent in thought, before she nodded.

"And what shall I call you?"

The woman smiled. "Witch."
~
The castle used to be full of life. Everyone was cheery. Instead of a prison, Yuuko called the place home.

She was young, but not innocent. The witch (who, grew to be her mother figure) taught her everything. How to fight, defend herself, poisons. She even learned magic. Her life was perfect.

Until that fateful day.
~
"But Mother!" Yuuko cried in annoyance. Yuuko was now a teen, but in honesty she was hundreds of years old. All practitioners in magic usually had a more spread out life span.

"I said no, Yuuko. You're not ready for this."

The ruler of the south woods castle was invited to a secret meeting. The witch was not allowed to share the details, nor was she supposed to bring anyone but one escort.

"Why are you taking Takeshi?" Yuuko whined. Takeshi was like her brother, since he was the witch's son. Of course, she wouldn't ever admit her romantic feelings towards him.

"I said no. Yuuko-just trust me. Please?"

Yuuko smiled. "Alright..but promise me when you get back you teach me that invisibly spell. I've been dying to sneak into the kitchens.."

The witch chuckled. "Of course, my child."
~
Yuuko was never taught that invisibility spell.

It had been weeks since both Takeshi and her mother have left. Yuuko started to get worried as people started leaving the castle. Then one day a weary traveler knocked on the doors. He nearly collapsed with exhaustion when he finally set his eyes on Yuuko.

"I bring terrible news, miss." He said.

"The meeting was raided. The witch that ruled this house was murdered Miss, and her escort's body hasn't been found."

Yuuko' heart stopped.

"Get out." She whispered.

The messenger looked at her with surprise.