A Chosen Path

Attempt to escape

    Ella was still reminiscing about the past when suddenly, a knock came at the door. She immediately assumed it was Aurum. She ran to open the door and Aurum burst in closing the door behind her and locking it.

    “Did you get it?” Ella asked, anticipation filling her voice. Aurum pulled an ancient-looking book from behind her back.

    “Got it”, Aurum answered, her tone indicating confidence. “I’m one hundred percent sure that this is the right spell book.”

    “And you’re confident that the spell we’re about to use will override grandpa’s security protocol?”

    “It says in the book that this spell will undo any magical protection, no matter how powerful. It’s actually quite a simple enchantment, but with your powers, it’ll definitely get the job done.” A grin spread across Aurum’s face.

    “Let’s get started then”, Ella said, still not believing she was about to go through with this.

    Aurum put the book on the windowsill and opened it on the desired spell. Ella went to stand next to her friend. They both focused all their power and energy on the spell as they started the chant. “Aperta reserare magica factum solve.” Finally, when they finished chanting, Ella focused on the window’s lock and said “recludam”. All of a sudden there was a flash in the room and Ella felt a strong wave of magic throw her against the wall. She hit the ground hard. She opened her eyes to find that the same thing happened to Aurum. Both girls got to their feet quickly.

    “What the hell happened?” Aurum asked, holding her arm. As if in answer to her question, the bedroom door opened and the High King came in. As soon as Ella saw the smile on his face, she knew what happened.

    “You did this”, Ella said. She stared at her grandfather for what felt like hours. Eventually, the awkward silence was cut by Michael.

    “Aurum, would you please give me a moment alone with my granddaughter?” he said. Aurum nodded and left the room without saying another word.

    “Did you actually think that you’d be able to escape without me knowing?” Michael said, raising an eyebrow. He went to sit on one of the chairs next to the balcony.

    “Did you actually think that I’d just go along with this plan of yours without arguing? You’re trying to take over my life!” Ella retorted. She was so angry she couldn’t help but yell at him. It didn’t surprise her though that her grandfather remained calm throughout all the yelling.

    “Come and sit down my dear”, he said calmly. Ella went and took a seat opposite her grandpa. All he did was look at her with a kind look in his eyes.

    “How did you know I was going to try to escape?” Ella finally asked him.

    “Do you think you’re the first person to be forced to do something they don’t want to do? You know something; I had the same exact reaction that you did when I first learned I had to marry your grandmother. I even tried to escape myself.”

    “You escaped?” Ella asked in utter disbelief.

    “Sweetheart, you’re not the only one to rebel in this family”, Michael said. “I understand where your actions are coming from. But trust me when I tell you that I would never make a decision that will negatively affect your life. Now, am I correct to presume that you will not join us downstairs to welcome our guests?”

    “I’m sorry grandpa. I’m not capable at the moment of putting on a fake smile and greeting a bunch of strangers whom I don’t have the slightest inclination towards.”

    “Very well”, her grandfather said, his voice still calm and patient. “But I expect to see you at the feast tonight in honor of our guests.” He added the last part with such finality that Ella knew there’s no more room for discussion. Ella always did admire her grandfather because of his actions, strength, clear sense of right and wrong but mostly, because of his love and support and understanding. Most people would look at him and see a king and a leader, but Ella mainly saw a grandfather that would go out of his way to secure the happiness and safety of his family. The High King got up from his chair, kissed his granddaughter on the forehead and turned to walk out the door.

    “Wait”, Ella said. He stopped in his tracks and turned to look at her. “Why is it exactly that I wasn’t able to open that window?”

    “Your powers are legendary my dear”, he said with a big smile. “Your magic is strong, but it is yet to overpower mine.” And with that said, he went out of the room, closing the door behind him and leaving Ella to her thoughts.