07.

Richard was in a majestic room, surrounded by people with loud voices. They were arguing, but he was thinking. It has been a few years since Tamaran's leader has declared war against his kingdom. His father left him in charge of the battle in the east, and they were not doing as Richard hoped. They were in the middle of the war zone. They had to withdraw two cities back; the last few battles were something that they could never be proud of. Tamaran's warriors were fierce and undeniably tough, just like their princess. Starfire herself was a great warrior, but she could do only so much against thousands of her own people. The current situation wasn't good, but the prince hated to send a word to the King for backup.

Richard closed his eyes tight. Only by winning this war can his wife-to-be, Starfire, sit on her rightful throne again. Then he would be able to have more power and authority as well. But his people were growing anxious and uneasy, causing minor conflicts within the kingdom. The elders were starting to look at him the way Richard could never stand. He finally spoke, making up his mind.

"There is a way."

The room was instantly quiet. Victor Stone, his loyal companion, was the first to respond.

"Finally. Let's go beat their asses."

Only a few seemed offended by his language. One of the elders spoke.

"Pray tell, Prince Richard."

Richard had to take in a deep breath. After all, he was breaking a long-kept promise.

"Years ago during my absence in the court, I have befriended... a witch."

His subjects exchanged looks. He never spoke of the happening that occurred years ago.

If his words were spoken before this war, they would have not taken the word 'witch' seriously. But these people saw the superior strength of Tamaran's warriors as well as the exotic princess's, along with their ability to crush stone with bare hands.

"And this.. witch, sire. What is it that she can do to help us?"

"She had extraordinary powers of her own."

The elders were far from being convinced.

"What can one witch ever do in such a huge enraging war? Mix herbs and potions?"

Richard was instantly reminded of the scent of her herb tea. It was so clear, he could almost smell it. He sighed heavily.

"She.. defeated a dragon with magic."

A rushed shock of excitement instantly filled the room. Dragons were rarely spotted, but they were known for their dark magic. Whether to believe a dragon still existed was as difficult as to believe there was a witch who can defeat one by magical powers.

"Well, what are we waiting for?"

At the eager tone of Victor's, the elder frowned.

"And how can we trust this witch of yours, your highness? Isn't it said that witches draw power from the dark demons?"

"I highly doubt that your highness would have a way to make such a treacherous being obey your command?"

Richard, feeling slightly annoyed and irritated, stood up and looked down on them.

"That shall never be one of your concerns."

By that, they knew they were all dismissed.

...

...

Richard went into his room, tired and weary from all the discussion. He sat on the chair, looking at something on the desk. It was Raven's mirror she gave him, and it looked just as odd and mysterious as the owner. He really hadn't given a look at it until now, and he felt a pang of guilt when he found it waiting in his old traveling bag. He gave out a long sigh. For some reason, he had a feeling he was going to regret this someday.

"…Azarath Metrion.. Zinthos."

The three words she always chanted felt strange with his voice. There was a small gust within the room, and he waited. He expected to see her face in the mirror she gave him or something like that. At least something. Crickets cried and the candle lights flickered, but nothing out of ordinary happened. He panicked, sudden questions exploding in his head. Did he say the spell wrong? What if she never showed up? Was she angry at him? What is he to do now? How can he save his people?

Despite the sudden panic, he felt awful exhaustion engulfing him. He hadn't slept properly for days, and the short amount of sleep he managed to have would always be disturbed by nightmares full of smoke and fire. He gave out a long sigh, longing for a decent sleep. Maybe he should try the spell again, but his body felt too heavy to be moved by his will.

"…You look awful."

Richard's head snapped up. He stood up in shock. There she was, in the room, a shadow lurking and resting in the darkness of the corner. He couldn't exactly see her. He could make out the outlines of her figure and the deep purple eyes like the jewels he used to look at when he was a child. Clear and mysterious, beautiful but cold. She seemed to be taller than he remembered, but since he was in his manhood, her eyes seemed to be looking up to him.

"I didn't think you'd show up. I, uh.. I thought if you did, you'd show up in the mirror or something."

Why was he feeling nervous?

He tried not to clear his throat. He didn't want to give away the fact that he was nervous at the sight of her. The stunning eyes stared into his. Silent was the room, and Richard suddenly remembered how comfortable he used to feel with the silence between them. This one was choking him, her emotionless stare stabbing his heart.

"Raven, I need help."

Maybe it was the desperate tone of his voice. Maybe she already knew what was going on. Whatever it was, it softened her eyes and made her step out into the dim light. The moon rays shined upon her, making her flawless grayish skin glow like silver.

She was no longer the young teenager he used to remember. She was tall, graceful and silent like the moon. She was beautiful.

And for some reason, that struck him as a shock. The curse was broken- of course, how could he have forgotten? Whenever he tried to imagine her, it was always the girl he used to remember. But that shock was rather underwhelming compared to what came next.

"Speak, your highness. I am nothing but your servant."