Claire lays a crystal on a velvet cushion, then she places it on a table along with my dinner. A hot vegetable stew, a medium rare steak, roasted venison with brussels sprouts, and a freezing cold bottle of wine. Truly a mouthwatering menu after a long journey.
After setting up the crystal for communication, I then extended my hand closer to it and focused my energy onto my hand and used a simple spell to activate the crystal. With that the crystal created wavelengths to contact my father. It the flickered and emitted a light that soon portrayed the image of my father. It seems that his still stuck with work this late at night, as the crystal showed him sitting in his desk while signing paperwork.
"I see that you have decided to contact us, how are you?" He asked out of courtesy, as he looked up to see what I was up to. "Goodness!" He shouted with much sincerity, I guess.
"I see that he is also surprised to see me in my own body huh?" As I looked at Claire with a smirk on my face. "I think it's not your original body that he was surprised about your highness." She replied with a sarcastic tone paired of a look that seems to be pitying me. Well, it's not my fault to be wearing this right know. This blue silk abomination. However, as a man of honor, I replied in a gentle man like manner, "I see…" while I took a sip at the wine and my big first bite at the delicious stake. Truly delectable. Improving my mood.
Moving on to business, "So father as you can see, I am currently at my original body right now. I am calling you to ask if you might know something that might have changed me back. Like does the potion only work in a given time period?" I asked.
He replied in a serious manner, "No. The potion doesn't work that way, I specifically asked Matheo to get rid of flaws as much as possible." I then continued to eat my meal and pondered for a solution. So, it is not a time limit, what could be have triggered the potion that turned myself back to my original––"Ah… Matheo did bring up that the potion had some setbacks, he said that if your whole body comes in contact with water for a long period of time––the effects of the potion will fade." My father then quickly added. "Out of all the things that you told me before I departed that is the one thing that you forget?!" I snapped, how can he forget to bring up about such a very important information?!
Hesitantly, "Well, the good thing is that your brother saw this coming and created more that could last you about a month, since you had to take a bath every day. There are two chests inside one of your luggage, the first one is for your everyday use and the second one is for emergency." So, there is a solution after all. That is a relief… truly.
I then instructed Claire to get the two chests my father described. A few minutes later Claire came back with them. They were red colored chests, looks very antique, seemingly like an ancient artifact. Claire then puts it in front of me. And backed away as she stood beside. Both of the chests seem to have a sealing enchantment casted on them. With a release spell, I quickly opened it.
Inside the first chests contained thirty-one pieces of the same bottle of purple potions. I knew that my brother is a genius but to create this much potions by himself in two days is amazing. With that I then opened the next chest with the same spell, this one contained eight smaller bottles that could easily fit a small pocket as big as a thumb, however, to have the same effect as the bigger bottle––it seems that he made this one is more concentrated.
"Remember to drink one each time you turn back and keep one of the smaller ones with you if you go out, for emergencies." I then took one of the bottles, "I know, thank you father. You can go now." Flicking my hand, and making a 'shooing motion'. "Ahem… It appears that you can now handle this on your own. I will be retiring for the night now and don't worry I'll be sure to tell your mother and sister that you have arrived safely. Goodbye." He then quickly arranged the papers and closed the communicating crystal.
After that, I opened the bottle and proceeded to drink it. I felt the same sensation as before; I started to feel vision blurring due to dizziness with the feeling of my throat burning. The dress that I was wearing before started to outgrew me as my hair and body grew into that of a woman. I was yet again turned into this tiny little body. Clutching my overgrown clothes, "Claire could you perhaps get me my sleeping garments?" She then nodded and immediately followed my orders. After a while Claire then came back with black folded clothes. "I will be leaving this here, your highness and shall be retiring for the night as to not disturb your rest." After putting it down the table beside my bed she then put all of the dishes that I have emptied on the silver tray, placing it in the cart and pushing it as she left the room.
I took off the big silk dress and wore the night gown that Claire brought. Maybe it's because I drank the potion I felt much more tired than before. I laid down on my bed and quickly drifted into sleep.
As hours passed from my sleep, the dark blue starry night sky slowly faded and now hinted the pale color of dawn. The light from the sun slipped into the window and through my eyes. I seem to have forgotten to close the windows last night. "Ugh." Scrunching my eyebrows, bothered by the ray of light, I used my blanket to cover my face and turned over to continue my beautiful sleep.
As I was going back into the dreamworld––TOK! TOK! TOK! A loud knock was coming from the door. "Your highness, are you awake? It is time for breakfast. Let us come in." It was Claire. "Ugh." But I don't want to wake up yet. TOK! TOK! TOK! "Your highness?" You know what maybe if I don't answer they'll just go away––TOK! TOK! TOK! "Your highness, please wake up your breakfast will get cold." Shit… "Your highne––"
For goodness' sake. "Come in!" Claire then opens the door and came in with three maids each then started with their work. I then sat up from my bed, yawning with each eye taking their turns to blink. Claire then walked to me carrying a basin of water and a towel. "Good morning your highness." Placing it in front of me as I then rinsed my face the warm water and patted my face to dry. She then took the basin and laid out a small wooden table on my bed and placed my breakfast on it. Two sunny side up egg, toasted bread, and bacons with a salad. A mouthwatering breakfast indeed, I then picked up the knife and fork and ate.
After a few minutes it seems the maids finished their chores cleaning the room and stood beside the dressing table. Claire then glanced at them noticing that they have finished, "It is time to for you to change into your dress." I then got down from my bed and stretched out my hands, for them to start changing me.
"You may now start."
The maids then brought out a long wavy ended sleeve strawberry red dress, with a key hole neck, ruffled layers and white bows, and dark red embroidery. The maids then bustled around me, them carrying the fluffy silk garments. I stood still with my arms stretched out as they carefully lowered the dress over my head. The cool fabric then settled around me, as I felt a strong pull from the corset as they adjusted the bodice. "We are done now your highness."
"You may leave." The maids then shuffled and made their way out the room. "Do you perhaps want to go for a walk your highness?" Claire asked. I don't have much interest in walks, I would very much just stay here and start my plan on how to steal the–– ,Wait! "Good idea Claire! Let's go."
–––
"Your highness, look at the beautiful flowers!" Claire mentioned in a very cheerful manner. "Yes, quite wonderful, I see." I replied in a sarcastic tone. It seems that she is enjoying our morning walk. However, I didn't come here to enjoy the beautiful weather or marvel at the flowers. I'm here to find out the layout of the palace and if I'm lucky I might get some hints where the tree is. It appears that the west palace is a lot farther from the main palace where the king resides, which I think might be where the tree is located. As we were walking it seems that this west side part of the palace is specifically for noble guests, I have encountered some noble ladies from the west palace going here in the main garden as well, I see that they're all coming here for a chance to meet the king, well to bad for them I don't think that his majesty would go here just for them.
Well, it says it all that he decided to put all of his potential future queens far away from him rather than have them reside closer to his residence, so that he wouldn't be bothered by them. Seems like he doesn't care who his future king is going to be. Well, I don't care either way since it's better for me this way anyways.
I then heard squeals coming from a group of noble ladies gathered near the gazebo at the middle of the garden. They seemed to be enjoying the presence of a person. I then noticed the silhouette of a man. Don't tell me it's the king?! "Look its Duke Wynterton!" Oh, never mind it's not him. Phew…
But why is the duke of Malvern here? Shouldn't he be… well, in Malvern? I heard that he never goes out of his territory. Somethings up, did the king asked him to come to the palace? Why though? "My, the duke looks very handsome like the humors say. Right your highness?" Claire said as she looked back to me. I then stared at him from head to toe… meh, "Compared to me, his not that bad." Well, whatever it is his here for, it can't benefit me if I get his attention, he might report me to the king if I look suspicious, it seems that this is enough for the day. "Let's go Claire." Time to head back. "Already?" Claire replied. I then turned my back away from the crowd and headed towards the west palace.
After a while of walking, we are now back at my quarters. Finally, I can get some good rest. I then spent my whole day lazing around in my quarters until evening.
–––
"I shall be retiring for the night your highness." Claire bowed her head. "Alright." I answered. Giving her permission, as she already finished her duties. "Your highness should also sleep early tonight as the Eron ball is tomorrow." Claire then slowly went out of the room. What to do? "I already ate, took a bath, drank the potion… I seem to have nothing to do." Well maybe I should follow Claire and sleep early tonight. Wait, maybe I shouldn't.
–––
I stood up from bed and quickly changed my clothes into my horse riding one, with a few adjustments of course. Like taking out a few flashy and shiny accessories on it and adding a dark scarf and hood that I stole from the maids' quarters where we passed by in our walk. I need to collect more information about the tree. I then finished off with a concealing spell, since I should keep this discreet as possible and headed out by jumping off the terrace… secretly. "Huh… it seems that I still have my strength and skills in this body, looks like it's just my appearance and stamina that changed." Why my stamina though?
I easily bypassed the patrolling guards around the area by taking advantage of the dark surroundings, and went towards the main palace. I eventually found myself in the side part of the palace.
"Good, just as I planned." I whispered to myself. "Who's there?!" a pair of guards shouted as they run towards me. "Shit!". To avoid getting caught, I leaped to a random balcony in the fourth floor and quickly passed through the door with vitreous passage. A spell that makes me pass through thin surfaces without using or releasing too much energy that people might notice.
"Phew…" I sighed with relief. I almost got caught. I then looked around to find out where I am. Giant bookshelves filling the whole room with three floors filled with books, very different from the one we had in my kingdom. The scent of aging paper filled my nostrils, old, rare and books that I didn't even knew existed were inside, carefully organized in each shelf, countless secrets waiting to be discovered. Seeing this I couldn't stop the smile on my face,
"Jackpot."
I rushed towards the nearest bookshelf and scanned every book that might me connected to the fruit. After a few hours of searching, I reached the last bookshelf but couldn't find a book related to the fruit. That is when I felt a weak energy coming from the wall behind me. Surprised on my discovery, I put my hand on the wall to make sure. It appears that the energy was coming from behind the wall. I looked around to find secret lever to open the door. But as I was looking for it, I felt a presence coming towards the room, two of them.
I then concealed myself and jump down from the third floor to the second floor and down to the first floor and quickly run towards the glass door on where I came in. But it was too late as i see them open the doors. So, I hid on the back on one of the bookshelves near the door.
Meanwhile, two dark figures emerged from the door, one of them sat on the desk while the other one kneeled in front and bowed their head, "Your majesty. I have something to report." Your majesty?! What's the king doing here? And with who?!
"Come on, Lucian no need to be formal. It's just us here." The king chuckled. Lucian? Who's that? I didn't know the king was associated to anyone with that name.
Lucian then stood up and smiled as he looked up. "Well, you are the king. I should show a little respect." I caught a good glimpse of him. Tall, fair skinned, with black hair and green eyes. He looks… exactly like duke Wynterton?!
Duke Lucian Zephyr Caius de Valois, the little brother of the king; Raymond Guillaume de Valois. He inherited the title of duke Wynterton when his brother became king from his mother side, taking the territory of the north, Malvern. With strong magical energy and skills in swordsmanship, he was known as a strong defender and pillar of the kingdom of Eron. Winning many battles, I can somewhat see myself through him. A strong, intelligent, kind and sociable person, as the humors say. He has created a very good image throughout the years since people view him like that.
While, King Raymond Guillaume de Valois, a cunning and intelligent man. Blessed by the power of Zel, being born from it as all of the past kings in Eron. With the fruits blessing the king gained the same characteristics of the goddess; with hair as white as the winter snow complemented his white porcelain skin, and bright blue eyes. It is also rumored that he has the ability of the goddess with unrivaled magical energy, strength and blessed regenerating ability the moment he was born. That's basically immortal. Just as his brother, he is a very admired and cunning man, with always a smile on his face, as if purposely put on for people to see that seem to attract people like bees on a flower. However, for the past few years of him taking the throne, he rose the kingdom of Eron to greatness topping the five great kingdoms. These two brothers are both loved by the people in their kingdom.
"Now tell me, what did you find in your walk?" Raymond asked. Indifferent and out of interest, Lucian replied, "Well, nothing much. Princess Xena from Banh, and Princess Aureli from Malieu, stood out a little from their knowledge and great resources in their kingdoms. While some of the noble ladies like lady Clementine from the land of Leiten, lady Astrid of Eldoria, and Lady Yasmin of Aethel, all from the kingdom of Eron can benefit you for their influence and resources." Raymond then let out a sigh. "I need to find someone who can be able to rule beside me."
"Well, there is also lady Amir who seemed responsible, lady Leona has a little knowledge when it comes to politics, and business, and all of the ladies seemed to be interested on you. Maybe one of them are fit for you?" Lucian suggested. "I do not need their interest, I just need someone who will consume Zel, bear me an heir and rule as queen. Separately." Wow, the king is really a piece of shit. Talk about ruthless.
"Speaking of Zel has the tree progressed on bearing its fruit?" Lucian asked, bringing up the topic of Zel. Finally! Information about Zel! "Well, the tree did already bore its fruit, we are just waiting for it to fall off. As it can be poisonous if touched from the tree." Raymond replied. What?! Its poisonous?! Surprised as I was planning to steal it from the tree itself.
"Then when will it fall?" Lucian followed up another question. Yeah when?! I thought to myself, anticipating for an answer. "By the signs of early autumn." Raymond responded with a serious tone. But that's three months away! Lucian, in a playful manner, "Then I guess I will be the one going to Faerna to get the––" Raymond quickly cut him off, by raising his arm up.
"Shhh… I feel someone's presence." Raymond whispered, then stood up from his seat with Lucian unsheathing his sword as he slowly walked towards my direction.
Shit I'm in trouble. They noticed me. My heart then started to beat faster as they walked closer towards me. Without any warning Lucian pointed his sword towards my direction as Raymod stood near the shelf, unwavered. "What was it?" Raymond asked in indifference. Lucian then picked up something from the floor. "A piece of clothing? It looks like they got away." It's the fabric from my scarf that he sliced off as I dodged his sword and quickly escaped. He then looks back at the fabric. "It's embroidered silk. A woman? An assassin? Or maybe a spy?" Raymond then walked towards him, "Well whoever they are, they seemed to be a talented one to be able to hide their presence from us for that long and escape. Most of all, they heard us talking Zel." Raymond then turned to Lucian with a very serious look. "Find them, whatever it takes. What we talked about should never come out of this room."
Meanwhile, "Haaa…haa…haa…" Fuck, I thought I was done for, I thought to myself as a ran back to the west palace, after I reached the palace, I jumped up my balcony and head inside, took off my clothes, changed and hid it in the drawer inside my closet, as I got rid of the scarf by using a Disintegrating spell. Still panting and full of adrenaline rush, I tucked myself to bed.
–––
TOK, TOK, TOK. "Your highness, it is time to wake up." Its Claire and it seems she's here with the other maids to deliver breakfast. "Come in." I said, Granting them permission. Claire then opened the doors and came in with the other maids, I see that there are more maids this time. Claire then sees me in the balcony sitting while holding a book. She goes towards me with a smile. "I see that her highness woke up early today." She said in jest. "Well, what can I say… I am truly excited for the ball tonight that I simply couldn't help myself but wake up early." I then let out a chuckle. As the other maids laughed with me, as laughter filled the morning. Woke up early? It's not that I woke up early, it's because i was awake the whole night! Rather than excited, I would very much prefer not to go to the ball.
"Now your highness, let us go inside." Claire then gently pulled my arms and led me inside… the bathroom? Steam filled up the room coming from the bathtub filled with warm water, mixed with a very rosy scent from the fragrant oil that was put with the water. "Claire, where's breakfast?" I expected a morning meal not a morning bath. "You cannot eat your highness, you must start getting ready for the ball, and if you eat you will not fit on your dress. Just water will do." The maids then took of my clothes and carried me in the bathtub. Leaving me still in confusion, as they scrub my body with various fragrant products. What?! In my original body I would only start getting ready for a ball three hours before and be able to eat a full meal throughout the day. What is the difference now? Do all women take this much time getting ready?! "Don't worry your highness we will make you beautiful." The maids reassured with a smile.
This is not very reassuring. I then spent my whole day getting ready and filled with hunger.
–––
Spending the whole day with only drinking water to ease my hunger, treatments, make up, styling, and massaging. It is now the early hours of evening and twenty minutes before the ball.
"My, your highness you are truly beautiful!" the maids applauded and praised me. Well, I couldn't say less, looking at me right now I look amazing. Like a vision of ivory, wearing a gown made of exquisite silk, the color of fresh snow, with a bodice of masterpiece of intricate gold embroidery. The off-shoulder neckline, delicate ruffles, revealed the warm tone of my skin, while the voluminous sleeves gathered on my elbow, fell in soft folds. As the shimmering necklace, earrings and the beautiful violet bracelet that my sister gave me for good luck completed the ensemble. A vision of regal elegance indeed. I knew it just having the same characteristics as my sister truly is amazing. A breath-taking beauty envied and admired by all. Truly out of this world. I smugly thought, with a smirk on my face.
"Your highness, I have come to escort you." Its commander Windsor. I heard him talking outside the door. "Alright, open the door." I instructed the maids. They then opened the door and I made my way-out greeting Sir, Windsor. "Good evening, Commander." I smiled. "You look beautiful your highness." He said in awe. "Thank you." I replied with a smile. Hmph! Of course I am this is my sister were talking about. We then made our way to the main palace with a carriage. And went to the second floor of the palace where the ball is being held.
–––
"Princess Ellaine Zahra Gareth of the Flarite Kingdom, with Sir Rowan Cain Windsor, commander of the Flarite Kingdom!" the master of ceremonies announced our name to the people at the ball, making their heads turned towards us. Not to brag but as looked at my sister–––I mean towards me they marveled at my beauty left speechless and in awe. I could hear whispers in the crowd talking about me, "The rumors are truly real for the princess of the Flarite Kingdom have such beauty." A noble man said. "I have never seen skin such as hers. Truly a sight to behold." Another one added. Some of the nobles began to whisper at each other about me. And when I said some, I mean a lot. Even with the loud crowed I could easily hear their whispers.
The master of ceremonies then proceeded to announce all of the incoming noble guests in the room, and after a while. "Let all show their respect to Hi Majesty, Raymond Guillame de Valois, the king of Eron!" His here. "Accompanied by the duke of Malvern, Lord Lucian Zephyr Caius Wynterton." The master of the ceremonies added. The crowd then shouted and applauded, praising them both as they slowly walked towards the throne. Raymond then sat down on it with Lucian standing beside him, crossing his legs. Carrying himself in an elegant and intimidating manner. "Let the celebration begin." He proclaimed with a smile on his face. As the crowd cheered. But for me it didn't seem like a smile more like a façade, an emotionless smile. I looked towards the direction of the duke to observe his movements. However, the moment I looked our eyes met, catching his attention. I quickly turned away and feigned innocence, "Fuck." I'm screwed.
To be continued...