The One with The Enchantress

Eight.

Seven.

Six.

Five.

Five more steps and-

Can he really do this?

Yesterday, he made it as close to seven, probably seven and a half step. Now, with an extra ounce of courage he found hidden in his pockets, he actually made it to five. Can you believe it?

Looking at the wide variety of trees before him, hundreds of it lining up like a protective wall encasing the deepest, darkest part of the forest, he suddenly felt a sense of inferiority creeping up his toes.

He was used to admiring the view from the window of his room, mocking it like he always did when he played with the miniatures in the play room. But none of his usual playful script came into mind as he was now standing face to face with real thing.

He can almost feel the roughness of the woods, the whistles of the wind through the leaves and most of all, he can almost touch the tempting hand of the wilderness, drawing him closer.

Four.

As he came a little closer, the forest didn't seem so intimidating anymore. It's as if it's welcoming him, alluring him like it always does at night in a form of the softest whisper.

Three.

He couldn't feel the heat of the sun on his skin anymore, the generous shade of the trees keeping him from taking a step back. He was already in too deep. There was a reason why he always kept it at seven. It's like his safe distance, one last barrier of doubt before he indulges himself with the sweet comfort of nature.

Two.

"Don't go near the forest, it's dangerous." His father's words rung in his ear. He often asked why and his father could've given him a million reasons but he knew none of them would be able to suffice his ever curious mind. There was something about the forest that can reach out to every fiber of his being and who was he to defy such intimate calling?

He takes another step.

One.

It's like the forest has devoured him whole, in every corner lies a different tale of mischief. The air is filled with enchantment, the more he relishes at the scent, the more he finds himself going deeper into the heart of the forest.

He didn't understand why his father forbade him to see such beauty. He's very adamant about him exploring the wonders of the forest when he always thought it would be as magnificent. And he wasn't wrong.

Maybe his father couldn't appreciate beauty anymore?

He always wondered where the cheerful, optimistic version of his father in Uncle Cisco's stories had gone. He barely see him smile or laugh but he's always been loving. Don't get him wrong, he loves his father more than anyone in the world but sometimes he longed for his smile.

Oh, he suddenly remembered. How can he forget about that? He had always reserved his smiles when it's night, just in time for his bedtime stories. He only heard one story from him time and time again but he never dared ask for another. He loves the story so much and so did his father.

"You know," his father would often start, "she had the most beautiful eyes, the warmest shades of brown you'll ever find. I could stare at them all day, lose myself in them for the rest of my life. Her hair is like a waterfall of auburn curls, soft and shiny. And her voice, oh her voice is like music. You'll never get tired of hearing it. She's perfect, my-"

"Enchantress."

They would both say as his father's story would come to a close. He already memorized the story, from beginning to end but he'll always ask the same question nonetheless. And without fail, his father's smile would fade and his famous words would tumble of his mouth, "Your mother loved you very much, so much more than you can imagine. Everything she did, she did it for you."

He never met his mother, not even once. But he never felt a single ounce of hatred towards her for his father always made sure that he knows how much his mother loved him. It's strange, in so many ways, but sometimes he'd like to believe that she's always there, looking after him. It's an unexplainable sense of comfort, the same feeling he'll get whenever he'd set his eyes on the forest.

"Who's there?"

He asked as he heard a branch snap just behind him. He was suddenly aware of his surroundings, tracing his footsteps but they had vanished without a trace.

He tried his best to appear brave, remembering all that his father had taught him. He was the king's son, the only heir to the throne, and courage is something that should naturally run within his blood.

It's still early in the afternoon but the trees' shade did a lot more than ease him of the sun's heat. It made his surroundings a lot darker than it was supposed to be. He had goosebumps in his arms when he heard a growl from where the branch has just snapped.

He runs.

He ran as fast as his 7-year old feet could take him. He didn't make it far, his clothes of silk isn't the best one for running as he later realized. He at least made it to a clearing, a cliff dangerously waiting for him in a close distance.

He picked up a stone from beside his trembling foot, the only piece of protection he could find at the moment. The sound became louder and louder, his foot taking a step backward with every sign of whatever it is that's chasing him getting closer.

Three.

Two.

One.

Caleb woke up to the feeling of a hand caressing his hair, gently stroking his cheek from time to time. His vision's still blurry but there's no way he won't see those mesmerizing brown eyes as clear as daylight.

"She had the most beautiful eyes, the warmest shades of brown you'll ever find."

He slowly sat up, his hands supporting him as he clutched the soft material of the bed. He winced in pain as he noticed the huge gash on his knees, a few cuts lingering his face and arms as well. He must've fallen down the cliff but how come he's still alive?

"I'm guessing the king was unaware of your little expedition in the forest, young prince?"

"Her voice is like music to my ears."

The sight before him is like nothing he'd seen before. Sure, he heard rumors about how magical the forest can be and how it serves as a home to mythical creatures he only hears in Uncle Cisco's stories but this-it's beyond his wildest imagination.

He recognized he was inside a cave but instead of rocks, it looked like the ceiling was made of crystals, looking like sculptured ice as it glistens every now and then. But what captured his attention the most is the woman before him. Her back was to him but he knew it was her hand that caressed his hair, her eyes that he'd seen when he first woke up. He was so sure of it because what can match such alluring eyes but the locks of silky strands flowing effortlessly with the wind?

"Her hair is like a waterfall of auburn curls, soft and shiny."

"I...no. I actually snuck out of the palace grounds."

"He'd be very upset if he finds out you're here. Are you aware of that?"

"Yes. He...he has strict orders for me not come near the forest but I-"

"Clearly, you disobeyed. The forest is such a dangerous place. You shouldn't have come here."

Just as she said those words, she finally turned around to face him. If he thought she was beautiful then clearly he was wrong. The word beautiful wouldn't even begin to describe her, such a word does not exist.

He watched her intently as she made her way to him, holding what looked like a bottle of whatever it is she has been concocting just moments ago. She took the space beside him and he fought the urge to hug her. It was strange, he's very much aware.

Caleb was sure it was his first time seeing her but he couldn't deny the connection he feels for her. Could it be? Could she be-

"Are you...I mean, is it possible that maybe...you.."

She didn't say anything, she just hugged him and kissed his forehead. Just minutes ago, he was dying to know the answer but in this moment, nothing seemed to matter. He hugged her back without hesitation, a few tears managing to escape from his eyes.

"I'll fix your wounds, okay?" She said after she reluctantly pulled away from him.

He watched as she dipped her fingers in the bottle and placed it above his wounds. Her eyes turning a beautiful shade of blue and her hair turning from auburn to platinum blonde. His mouth hung open at the sight and he noticed his wounds were gone, not even a scar in its place.

"Th-thank you."

"You're welcome. But I want you to keep this a secret between us. Can I count on you, young prince?"

He furiously nodded his head, too amazed to even utter another word.

"That's my boy."

Later that night, Barry was pacing nervously inside his room. His son was missing and the search party he organized came back unsuccessful. He can only think of one other place he could've gone but he was well aware of the pact they made a few years ago.

Neither of them wholeheartedly agreed to it but they knew of the consequences. They didn't have much choice but they knew they can't risk the safety of their own child. So with one last night together and a lingering kiss goodbye, she was gone.

And she took his heart with her.

There was not a day that he didn't miss her as same goes for her. Many times he thought of abandoning the kingdom and run after her but he knew she wouldn't allow it. She has manipulated the forest too many times just for him to be thrown into a loop and never find a way towards her but only a one-way trip back to the palace.

It frustrated him to no end but when he thought about how she may be hurting as he was and him wandering around the forest is adding up to the pain, he eventually stopped. But the love he had for her was always there.

He was startled by the familiar sound of the wind coming from his son's room. He knew that scent everywhere so he didn't waste a single second and went running to the room. Soon enough, he found his son peacefully sleeping on his bed.

But he wasn't alone.

Barry stood frozen by the door. He couldn't believe it, as if the world stopped turning. Maybe because it did. He took a hesitant step forward, afraid she'll vanish the moment he gets close. But she didn't.

"After all the sacrifices we've made, I was actually expecting so much more effort from you in keeping an eye on him."

She was standing in front of the open window, eyes transfixed to moon shining brightly in the clear night sky. He instantly fell in love with her all over again. And it pains him to know that they couldn't be together.

"I-I was trying my best. It's just that I..."

"I know it's hard but he should be our top priority."

"Of course. Thank you for looking after him."

"He's my son too, Barry."

Her eyes finally met his, full of unshed tears and longing for him. It's killing her to see him this close and not be able to rush in his arms.

"Cait, I-"

"Don't."

Before he could utter another word, before he could touch even the tip of her fingers, she was gone.

And he was left feeling more empty than before.

"Father?"

Barry rushed into his son's bed upon hearing his voice, gently stroking his forehead with his hand.

"Caleb? Is everything alright? What happened?"

"I'm so sorry for disobeying you. I shouldn't have-"

"It's okay. It's just that you really got me worried there."

"I'm fine now. Someone helped me to get back safely."

"Really?"

"Yeah. And I..I think I know who she is."

"Who?"

"The Enchantress."