The Cursed Prince

The night passed by so slowly for the royal family. They didn't get a wink of sleep, thinking of Jared Strongmoor's fate. Mars didn't even have time to check on Ellena. He only received the report from Sir Heron the next day.

The knight said that Ellena tried to kill herself, so they had to watch her 24/7. They didn't want her to die before a fair trial. Mars nodded, looking satisfied by Sir Heron's proactive approach.

"That's good. You did well," he praised the man. "I don't want her to die before my wife returns home. I want to give her the satisfaction of witnessing justice being served."

"Understood, Your Majesty."

"You may go."

After he was dismissed by the king, Sir Heron took his leave.

Mars rubbed his face and sighed. He was starting to feel sleepy. He couldn't sleep all night, staying up with his mother to see if his father would show signs of recovery. Until morning, nothing happened.

Fortunately, Harlow didn't make a lot of fuss after she met her grandmother and Queen Elara took her over from Mars. The baby even slept peacefully in her arms, while the queen and her son were staying up all night.

So, this morning, the baby looked happy and energetic while her father and grandmother were distraught and drowsy. 

"Let me take the little princess to play, Your Grace," Bruinen offered when he entered the queen's chamber and saw Queen Elara rubbed her face, looking so tired.

"Thank you, Bruinen," Elara replied. "Actually she has two nannies, the Athibaud sisters. They are coming here soon."

"It's okay. I will take Princess Harlow while waiting for them to arrive," Bruinen smiled and reached out his hand. "I am good with little children. Usually, they like me reading books to them."

Queen Elara appreciated the gesture and finally gave her granddaughter to the young wizard. Harlow was energetic and happy after she was fed by her wet nurse.

She could also eat some soft food. As she was still teething, she was given a small pear on a stick to keep her busy.

Harlow was humming in her babyish voice when Bruinen carried her lovingly in his arms and took her to the garden. There was a small table with a lazy chair there, facing the small pond with several ducks swimming leisurely.

Bruinen sat down and put Harlow on his lap. Then he took out a small book from his coat pocket and opened it. With one hand hugging Harlow, and the other hand keeping the book open, he started reading for the baby.

"I didn't bring children's book with me, Your Highness, but we shall make do with the Book of Spells. I hope you don't mind."

Harlow chuckled and stopped biting her pear. She loved hearing Bruinen's calm and deep voice. It sounded mesmerizing to the ear.

Bruinen didn't lie when he said little children loved listening to him reading stories for them. Harlow was no exception.

"Okay. Let me start." He cleared his throat and started reading from his book. "A spell is a prayer or a blessing. It is a heartfelt wish, that is written down. The most important ingredient of any spell is intent! Know exactly what it is that you want."

"Think about spell aids. Although not essential, they can enhance the magic. Consider the specific materials you will use: candles, herbs, incense, stones, or crystals. Be sure to select those that correspond to your intention."

"The same ideas apply to your choice of paper and quill. For love magic, you might choose a quill that writes in deep red ink, while a parchment of earthly green would add strength to a prosperity spell."

"Now, you are ready to write the spell. Many charms, spells, and rituals use poetic language. Poetry has its own rhythm and when spoken aloud suggests a heartbeat that adds life to the words' impact."

"Coo...." Harlow batted her eyes in amazement and turned to look at Bruinen with a huge smile on her face. She looked at him like he was a candied pear, much better than her plain pear.

"Do you like The Book Of Spells, Princess? This is where I write down some of my spells and practice them." Bruinen said with a smile. When he saw Harlow nod nonchalantly, the wizard was ecstatic. "Oh.. you like it??? That's so nice. You know what, once you are big enough, I can teach you how to use magic. You seem gifted." 

Harlow chuckled and went back to her pear. Bruinen was happy to see her enthusiasm and continued reading his book.

His deep voice filled the beautiful garden, providing such a lovely background sound. Some maids who were walking nearby, halted their steps when they heard his calming voice.

Their ears perked up and then they exchanged glances and whispered among each other.

"Is it the princess' new nanny?"

"He looks so charming."

"Ssshh..  don't speak. I want to hear his voice."

The breeze was blowing gently, leaves were falling down from the trees, the ducks were swimming leisurely, and Bruinen's calming voice was reading some beautiful spells from his book. It was such a magical scene.

When they were having their moment together, suddenly Gewen came and interrupted the duo.

"What are you doing with my niece?" The handsome man spoke in a jealous tone. He reached out his hands to take Harlow away from the young wizard. "Don't you have other things to do?"

Harlow immediately dropped her pear on the stick when she saw Gewen. The child flapped her hands excitedly, asking Gewen to lift her. The man gave Bruinen a smug smirk before he took Harlow from him.

"Do you miss me, cutie pie? I know you do..." he hugged Harlow with one hand while the other was used to wipe his tears. "I came to say goodbye... sobs. After today we might never see each other again."

"Where are you going?" Bruinen stood up and asked Gewen curiously. "And why do you think you will die?"

"I just know, okay...!?" Gewen retorted. "I will be going to the enemy's land and they will surely kill me."

Bruinen furrowed his brows. He reached out his hand and touched Gewen's shoulder. "I don't see death in your near future. Don't worry. In fact... I see love."

"Huh?" Gewen's eyes bulged. He could hear well, however, Bruinen's words just now sounded like a foreign language to him. He didn't quite understand what the young wizard just said.

Love? What is that?

"I said, you will be fine," Bruinen repeated his words. "You might even find love in this journey."

Gewen shook his head vigorously. "I don't understand what you were saying... Use common people's language, please. I don't understand wizard's mumbo jumbo."

"I. Said. You. Might. Find. Love. In. This. Journey." Frustrated, Bruinen repeated his words. This time, more slowly and he emphasized every word.

Gewen's batted his eyes and he tilted his head, looking more confused than before. There was something in those eyes that suddenly made Bruinen feel suspicious.

The young wizard now realized Gewen truly thought he was speaking in a foreign language just now.

Was Gewen cursed by someone so he wouldn't understand love?