Chapter 3

James's head throbbed when he awoke. He had no idea what time it was, how long he had been out, or how he got to his room. The events that had transpired in the ballroom all seemed like a bad dream but considering how much his body burned and ached he knew it had actually happened. How dare the fairies and Cedric curse him like that? Did they expect him to stand down from his throne, his birthright, so easily? And who did they expect was going to take his place as king?

James tried to stand up but the pain was too great and he fell back onto his mattress defeated. Just then his door opened revealing Baileywick holding a tray of tea and sandwiches. When Baileywick saw James was awake he cautiously sat the tray down and moved back to the doorway

'Your majesty?' he whispered

'Baileywick, why are you still here?'

'Your majesty I had nothing to do with what happened last night, I swear. Please believe me' he pleaded sincerely still keeping his distance

James remained silent. He didn't want to believe Baileywick would betray him but he didn't know who to trust. If anyone.

'I brought you some breakfast, your majesty' Baileywick said making his way to the tray

'Who do they expect to rule my kingdom?' James cut him off abruptly

'W-well, your majesty…everyone has declared their royalty to…King...Umm...'

'Who, Baileywick?'

'King Silas, your majesty'

'Silas? Those backstabbing traitors. I'll make sure they all hang once I regain my strength'

'It may not be for me to say, your majesty, but it is that attitude that got you in this mess to begin with. Maybe it's time you remember the entire village isn't to blame. We did execute the men involved'

'You know Baileywick…your right. It's not for you to say. Now get out.'

Baileywick bowed and left the room leaving James to his pain. James forced himself onto his feet and struggled to pour himself a cup of tea and eat a sandwich, chewing was unbearable so he ate as much as he could before giving up and making his way out into the bright white and red hallway.

James's eyes began to water from the pain of walking but he needed to get to Cedric's tower to look for a counter spell. The room began spinning and he fell against the cool wall but pain jolted through his arm from the contact and he fell to his knees screaming.

'Your Majesty!' a woman's soft voice rang out

James didn't know who it was and he didn't have the energy to look up. He felt like he was dying.

'Lean on me, I will help you back to your room' she insisted taking his arm and helping him back onto his feet.

Her gentile touch seemed to sooth his burning wounds. It felt like ice on a sunburn and he didn't want it to go away.

'Here we go' she chimed helping him back to his bed

'Who are you?' he asked breathing heavily

'My name is Sofia, your majesty' she smiled sweetly fluffing the pillows up behind him

James looked her over, she didn't look like a servant but he faintly recognized her green and brown dress

'I'm sorry if I'm overstepping, your majesty, I just wanted to make sure you were ok'

'What?' he asked not sure he heard her right

'I was here last night, my mother and I saw what they did to you. I stayed behind to check on you and she is home right now planning a course out of the kingdom'

'Why?' is all he could say and he stared at her as if she was growing a second head

'We witnessed what happened to King Roland, my father was killed trying to stop the assassination. Our loyalties have always been to you and we understand why you treat us the way you do'

'And why is that, do you think?'

'You lost your father. You gained the power to punish the men that took him away and you blame all of us. I would be doing the same thing if I was able'

James was dumbfounded, maybe not all of the villagers were bad but it wasn't enough to change his perspective.

'Why is your mother looking for a way out of the Kingdom?'

'We overheard King Silas's guard at the ball talking about moving his troops into the village and taking over the castle. We won't switch our loyalties and we plan to hide out with a group of others that feel the same way we do until you come back into power'

Sofia's big blue eyes burned with rage as she spoke and he instantly knew where he knew her from

'I danced with you before the curse was instated, didn't I?'

'Yes, your majesty' she laughed musically

'Did you know this was going to happen?' he accused her taking her off guard

'No, we had heard rumors of a plan to dethrone you but no one knew how or when. Should have known it would have been a big gathering like that though'

'If you didn't know then why did you dance with me?'

'Your majesty, I have admired you for a long time. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity'

Her already light pink cheeks deepened in shade giving her a childlike appearance that was quite cute but he needed to focus on the issues at hand. Silas was preparing to take his Kingdom and his castle. James needed to come up with a plan quickly before it was too late and he was exiled. Or worse.