Chapter Four
Narrator: Racing through the swarming enchanted woods, Giovanni chided his gallant steed to move faster. The cold blooded draft horse galloped as fast as its strong hind legs could steer as it nickered wildly. It was obviously uncomfortable with the speed at which its master had commanded him to lope. The cab rocked violently shaking the two anxious lovers it contained. Princess Bettina clinged onto Henrik while he encompassed her whole being with his left arm; the other gripped the cushion of the seat. Bettina's eyes were closed shut. She buried her face away into the Prince's neck, savouring the warmth he had to offer.
The Prince responded to her gesture and hugged her closer as he looked upwards to watch his determined driver, who almost seemed to be enjoying the rush of adrenaline. Though the Enchantress's evil minions were nowhere to be seen, Giovanni sensed they were very close by. He commanded his horse to quicken its speed yet again, although he felt somewhat remorseful for pushing the mare so hard. The Prince's restless, strident voice had suddenly interrupted his focus….
Prince Henrik: So…what changed your mind?!
Narrator: Henrik shouted among the ruckus. Even through mayhem….it was essential for the Prince to maintain some sort of dialogue. Princess Bettina had contemplated pinching his side but quickly decided not to. Really…now was not the time to be carrying on a "casual conversation". However…she was curious to know as well; especially after previously watching his features soften at the mention of her father's name.
Still keeping his intense gaze on the pathway ahead of him, Giovanni responded gradually…
Giovanni: I know Senoir Ignacio!…..He's a good man, and he's don't a lot for my family…..and myself!
Narrator: Giovanni paused when they approached a rather confusing labyrinth. As they swooped and swerved in between the thorny shrubs and intricate trees, he continued while they listened on.
Giovanni: Figured I'd be returning him favour…ya know…..least I could do for the great Ignacio…
Narrator: For a moment he glanced down to look at the princess, whom seemed to be watching him now as well. Strangely so, she did not look away. Her eyes fixed onto his….staring at him curiously, her brows furrowing by the minute. Her angelic qualities were highlighted by the light that shone from sun which was soon to set. ….it was the first time he had noticed…the loveliness that existed in Bettina…
Giovanni:…well, she's not a total loss….
Narrator: Giovanni abruptly thought for a moment. Quickly he averted his gaze, remembering their more than unfriendly encounter with each other earlier. She was rude, spoiled, and inconsiderate. That was all that there was about her, nothing more. Giovanni speedily settled on this notion. And to further decline his possible, diminutive attraction towards the princess….he unexpectedly added
Giovanni: though….It's hard for me to believe that such a kind and generous man can bear an annoying, destructive bitch for a daughter….
Bettina jerked her head around, knocking Henrik's wounded forehead in the process. He winced with pain, but she was not concerned. Her mouth ajar and her eyes glazed furiously through her quirky frames. She responded, fiercely looking at him while he continued with a tone of hilarity
Giovanni: I could've probably done him and the whole damn kingdom a big favour if I had dumped the pretty lil' princess down a swampy slope….
Princess Bettina: Why You-
Unexpectedly, the cab had jumped almost out of control, disorientating Bettina who completely had forgotten what she had intended to scream to him. Henrik held her supportively as she regained her composure. She looked around her surroundings as they entered a rather unbalanced and bumpy part of the forest. Gradually, the woods had seemed more and more familiar to her. As they vigorously passed through the recognizable forest, Bettina had remembered scampering away from Charla's cronies around the very same places….. before she was captured. Realizing that they were not on the right path, she hastily spoke with a panicky tone…..
Princess Bettina: This isn't right! We're going the wrong way! It's a trap! Turn back….turn back at once!
Narrator: Somewhat annoyed with the Princess and her interference with his knowledge of direction , he retorted.
Giovanni: Oh…and I suppose the princess has been around here more than once to just randomly point and direct the hansom cab driver of these central forested regions and tell him that he's goin' into the wrong direction!
Princess Bettina: Well, as a matter a fact, I have been around here more than once! AND, I don't care if you're the driver…I know what I'm saying and I demand that you follow my orders!
Narrator: Prince Henrik watched on helplessly, trying to intervene and also worried that this argument may lead to an eventual crash. Literally.
Giovanni sniggered to himself; incessantly bickering with the persistent princess.
Giovanni: okay…you have got to stop with the ordering and demanding…..
Narrator: All of a sudden, completely unknown to the trio, the Enchantress appeared before them with her frightening followers. Her menacing laughter echoed through the forest, finally catching their attention. Giovanni abruptly pulled his horse to a sudden stop, grasping the straps tightly in his hands. He gaped at the evil enchantress; her wicked and yet seductive manner sending chills down his spine. She was every man's nightmare.
The princess gradually turned her head to face her. Inside, she refused to believe that Charla had finally caught them. Bettina's eyes grew weary and defeated, feeling that all her dreams and hopes were soon to be crushed. As her eyes had finally spotted her form, the Enchantress stood tall and firm on the soiled ground, her mystical staff in one hand while the other placed proudly at her waist. Her brow raised teasingly as she gave a mischievous smirk. Prince Henrik gulped dryly and looked on almost frightfully. Completely miserable, the poor princess slumped onto her seat and bowed her head in utter grief. Feeling quite culpable of the situation that appeared before him…
Giovanni: oops…..
Narrator: Was all he could utter…