Hi, guys! Guess what? OUAT is back and me too! lol xD
First of all, I'm very sorry for this eternal delay, please, please, accept my most sincere apologies :( These months at work have been crazy, I couldn't sit down and write 'til this week. Hope to get back on track with this fanfic because we're in the last chapters! OM! I'm so happy! This dream is almost completed! xD
I don't know if you missed me and my super happy face "xD" lol but I really missed you guys. Thanks for those who took the time to send a PM and for those who asked for this chapter. If you haven't send a PM before, don't be shy, do it when you wish! I'll happily reply to each one of you, answer your questions, share your CS feels and even read any complain lol
And something that I was dying to announce! I finally found a beta reader! You guys are amazing and deserve this. She is wonderful and is helping me to improve my English. All my other stories and the first five chapters of this fanfic are available now. BTW, nope, this chapter is not edited yet, my beta reader is as busy as me hehe, but she will send me the next chapters as soon as she can. Oh, and thanks for staying with me so far despite my lack of skills in English.
So, that's it. Hope you enjoy this chapter. There are a lot of things happening and well, some secrets are starting to reveal. Yes!
Enjoy! xD
SPARKLE OF A NIGHT
Chapter 20. Face the Devil
The sun shines in the clear skies. Its rays infiltrate naughtily through the high and large windows in the castle's living room of the Kingdom of the North.
"Ouch!" Princess Emma utters quietly – as Prince Phillip is sitting in front of her, trying to heal the injury in her forehead with a clean cloth.
"I apologize, my lady, but I'm afraid this is the only way to cure the wound," Phillip explains, stopping briefly and lightly touching her forehead again with the cloth – and adds - "It would be a terrible loss if the wound became infected."
"I get it," Emma says quietly, her tone serious, still a little reluctant, unable to take her eyes of the young Prince - without his knowledge.
The Prince is very close to her face - though he keeps a respectful distance - while he seems concentrated on taking care of the wound.
Emma swallows hard - hiding her nervousness and the uncomfortable feeling that comes from having so close her supposed "fiance".
"So what do we do now?" Emma asks, nervously, her tone a bit suspicious.
Princess Emma's not only far from home, but she's in uncharted territory, with unknown people and an upcoming future husband and Father-in-law. Also, she senses something's off - she cannot trust in anyone right now. Everything is suspiciously strange.
Prince Phillip notices - once again - the seriousness and the almost coldness of her treatment toward him - this has been her behavior since he rescued her from that forgotten and old cottage and during all the way back to the castle. In fact, the Princess has been very secret - she doesn't talk any more than is necessary. However, he doesn't pay much attention to it - after the recent events in her life is normal not to trust anyone, especially a stranger who claims to be "her fiance". A topic that certainly both have left in the silence's grave ... for now.
"Well, I'm sure my Father, King Hubert will be delighted to see you, Your Highness. He was very relieved to know you're finally safe," Phillip responds gently, with a warm smile - as he cleans the wound.
Emma complains slightly in pain once again, so Phillip touches her forehead more carefully with the cloth.
"And of course we will communicate the good news to your parents as well. They will be very happy. Your Mother especially ... maybe I can take you back to your home, Princess," Prince Phillip offers kindly.
"How did you know I was ..." she rephrases her question. "How do you know about my Mother?" Emma asks suspiciously, her tone still serious - he does not notice.
"Oh, that!" he exclaims, a bit ashamed - as he stops the cleaning of her wound and lets the cloth on a table next to him. "Um ... My Father and I went to the Enchanted Forest a few months ago. There we learned about ... well, we were told about the terrible news of your disappearance. If I may, your Mother was very worried for you."
Emma finally smiles slightly - it's a delight to hear about her family, plus her parents will be very happy to know she's fine – when suddenly, realization hits her.
"So you ..." Emma starts, nervously - uncomfortable to say the words aloud.
Phillip smiles shyly, lowering his gaze a bit embarrassed, then lifts his gaze back to her.
"Yes, I-I offered myself to look for you. Although, I must say that your Father has moved sea and earth to find you, Princess. I was just another one of the enlisted men," he confesses, humbly.
Emma smiles - touched at hearing about his Father; if only she could have got to his side back there in the woods...
She lowers her gaze and then looks up at him - regardless of her lack of trust in the young and handsome Prince, she cannot deny the fact that it was him who rescued her from those hooded men.
"Still ... Thanks for rescuing me," Emma expresses, her tone a bit serious, but sincere - her manners and Royal Education first.
With that, Prince Phillip places his hand over hers delicately – Emma startles at the sudden touch.
"You should not fear, my lady. For I'm on your side," Prince Phillip assures her, looking right through her beautiful hazel eyes.
That very night …
Princess Emma exits the bathroom – in a delicate pale nightgown - and walks to the center of her chamber, then she stretches out on the large and cozy bed - her eyes look at the ceiling, a smile on her face; after sleeping on the hard grounds of the forest several times, a night like this feels like heaven.
But, she doesn't only smiles because of the warm bed and the reminder of the benefits of being royalty. She smiles because of her family. It appears that after all, she will see them again - very soon. The thought makes her happy despite the issues she carries within her about her parents with the famous "Arranged Marriage".
She would be lying if she says this is the only reason for her happiness - her sudden change of fate. If she finally goes home, she will talk to her parents and will clarify things for Killian … her Captain, her handsome and brave Captain.
Is he thinking of her right now?
Emma's smile fades quickly – her hands brush her golden hair anxiously.
Gosh, he must be worried for her! She heard him screaming her name in the woods when those hooded men took her away. Or, maybe it was her Father's voice - she isn't sure. Everything happened so fast – it "is" happening so fast. And now she is here with her suspicious "fiance and Father-in law" in person.
What is she going to do with all of this? She can't trust them! There's something telling her she shouldn't.
Emma licks her bottom lip anxiously, and then presses her lips in a thin line.
It's not the time to think about those two "problems". She will deal with them later. Now she has to focus on getting back home as soon as she can and explain to her parents how things really were.
Once again, her mind leads her to Killian.
Emma gets up from the bed and walks towards her chamber's private balcony.
When she is there, she places her hands on the railing and looks to the horizon – as the fresh wind touches gently her face and arms.
"I'm fine, Killian … soon will be together," Emma murmurs under the light of the stars – hoping for the wind to take her words and whisper them softly into his ears.
Meanwhile …
Somewhere – among some leafy trees - Captain Killian Jones is alone, standing under the night – his eyes on the shining stars; his heart aching for her.
"I won't give up, Emma. You will see me again, I promise," he whispers to the fresh wind surrounding him.
He keeps looking up the sky – waiting for something - and says tenderly, with all his love, with a faint smile. "… Goodnight, my love."
Next day …
Near midday, the tall and luxurious doors of the throne room open from side to side as Princess Emma enters; her shoes step on the bright red carpet, her eyes look around her as she passes – the servants are dressed in their neat robes; there are guards in the corners of the room with their heads held high with honor; and standing in front of the thrones, on the left, an old man in fine clothes next to the King who is in the middle, his young and handsome son, Prince Phillip at his side.
Despite the warm and welcoming smiles on the faces of both the King and Prince, Emma is so overwhelmed by the moment as she walks closer to them – she's not just surrounded by a bunch of strangers, but finally, she is presented before King Hubert, the King of the North, the man who claims she is his "daughter-in-law".
Emma sighs – to calm herself; this is going to be extremely uncomfortable.
Once she reaches the thrones, she makes a bow with courtesy along with the King and Prince and the rest of the people present in the room. Then she offers a smile to the ones in front of her – hiding her suspicions.
"Princess Emma … Oh, what an honor to have your presence here in our humble home, even if it had to be for these, um, circumstances," King Hubert recites kindly, faking relief, moving closer to the Princess and giving her a fatherly hug much to her surprise. "We are so grateful to the heavens, you're finally safe! We were so worried about you, Your Highness. The entire Kingdom indeed."
They break apart gently.
"Um, thank you for your hospitality and everything you have done for me so far," Emma simply replies politely, with an attempt of a smile – still a bit disconcerted by the sudden hug, but doesn't take it much further.
Prince Phillip smiles at them.
"We don't know what could have happened if Philip wouldn't have rescued you from that horrible place and those bandits. My Son's such a heroic man, don't you think, Your Highness?" King Hubert implies, his tone chanching to a joyful one at his remark – as he places a hand on his Son's shoulder.
The Princess notices it.
"… Very much," Emma simply responds, fighting with her tone in order to sound kindly, forcing a smile – hiding how much that comment bothers her, and adds quickly to change the subject - "So, about those men … Have you been able to capture them?"
The body of the man in fine clothes tenses up and looks at his King – waiting for him to respond.
"Oh, don't worry about it, Princess! Now that you are safe here, you can forget those terrible people," King Hubert says, casually – without making a big deal of it.
"I much rather find out who they are, Your Majesty," Emma ventures to affirm, her tone as kind as possible – she can't believe the King is implying she must give up; her parents would never accept anything of the like.
"Ah, I like your boldness, Your Highness, you're a semblance of your Father and your Mother's bravery, as I recall," King Hubert mentions naturally and nicely.
Emma can't help but smile slightly at that.
"Oh, by the way, remember to send a messenger to the Enchanted Forest as soon as possible, Phillip. We need to tell King James and Queen Snow you have found their daughter," King Hubert orders to his Son - turning to him.
"We don't want them to be more anguished when there's no more reason for it, right? They will be so grateful and happy about the good news," King Hubert mentions, tone friendly – turning to the Princess.
Emma smiles, very relieved – It's weird that the suspicious King and Son are so willing to do such a thing, but this is what she needed to hear after all; her parents will come for her to take her home and very soon all of this will be resolved for the better.
"Of course, Father, I'll do it once the meeting is finished," Phillip confirms humbly.
"Good. But what about the men?" Emma insists once again, her tone serious.
The King notices her insistence on the matter, but remains calm and in control.
"I assure you, Princess, the royal guard is behind those barbarians right now and soon they will have the punishment they deserve," King Hubert declares solemnly – hiding the thruth.
"I see," Princess Emma utters, not truly convinced - something's off about this.
She's ready to put more pressure on the topic when the King speaks again - Her mouth stops in the act.
"Well, we should talk about more pleasing matters, shouldn't we?" King Hubert offers nicely, with a smile – changing the conversation abruptly.
"Yeah, of course," Emma simply responds a bit suspiciously – maybe she is just paranoid because of the frenzy of the last days and the sudden reunion with her "fiance", although something is telling her otherwise.
"I apologize if we couldn't make this meeting before, Your Highness. I was attending some royal duties and well, I thought the best for you was to enjoy a good rest after all you have been through," King Hubert explains casually.
"There's no need, Your Majesty, my Father is also a King and I know how demanding it can be to rule a kingdom, and as you said, I really needed that rest," Princess Emma comments – still serious.
"Are you enjoying your time with us, Princess?" Prince Phillip finally speaks, kindly tone, a smile on his face – catching her attention.
"Yeah, thank you. Everyone has been very kind to me. There's nothing I can do to repay you for this," Emma affirms - a bit nervous.
"I'm glad to hear the service has been of your much delight, Princess," Prince Phillip says kindly.
Emma simply offers a polite smile to the good-looking Prince – his deep gaze makes her feel completely uncomfortable.
King Hubert looks between the two young royals – an idea pops into his mind.
"Well, you don't need to stay here all day, young people! There is a wonderful weather out there, why don't you take the Princess on a tour, Phillip?" King Huberts proposes quickly and cheerfully, with fake delicacy.
"Um …" Emma starts, not really sure of how to decline politely – Seriously? Now she has to spend some time with her "future husband"? This must be a joke; a very cruel one.
"Would you like me to show you the castle, Princess? It would be an honor," Prince Phillip asks her kindly.
Emma tries to articulate something, but no words come out of her mouth, luckily – and unfortunately - the King speaks before she does.
"Oh, Phillip don't be ridiculous, you boy! Of course it would be a pleasure for your fianceé, is it not, Your Highness?" King Hubert points out blissfully, turning to the Princess - leaving her no more options.
She should have spoken first! And she also has to stop this "arranged marriage" as soon as possible! Well, of course not now. It's not the moment. There's still time for that when their parents show up in this kingdom seeking for her. That will make it easier.
Emma fakes a smile.
"See?" King Hubert says, turning to his Son. "Besides, you two are about to get married, you better enjoy and procure this time to know each other."
Emma and Phillip glance at each other briefly, both feeling completely uncomfortable – this is so wrong! Plus, she is so bothered for the King's assumptions. No-one here has asked her if she agrees to this marriage in the first place!
"Now go ahead, young people!" King Hubert starts cheerfully – as he places an arm on his Son's shoulder and the other over the Princess'.
Princess Emma and Prince Phillip are together, very close - between the King - while they start to walk toward the gates to leave the throne room.
"Be sure to tell the Princess about your sword fight practices, my Son," King Hubert implies excitedly.
Prince Phillip simply nods at his Father with much respect.
Emma's rolls her eyes without their knowledge – this is going to be difficult, no need to be wiser.
"And the great service you render to our Kingdom of course! We don't know what we'll do without his fighting skills, Your Highness," King Hubert declares - faking modesty.
"I see," she simply utters – still nervous whenever her eyes meet the brown eyes of the Prince and bothered by the King's commentaries.
"Have to say, he is very much loved in our Kingdom, especially for the ladies. But I don't blame them, my Son is a very good-looking man, don't you agree?" The King continues, his tone casual, still acting nicely – hiding his deep and dark motives.
Prince Phillip simply remains quiet - respectful.
"I don't really think that is appropriate, Your Majesty," Emma points out, her voice a bit harsh – as the three of them keep walking.
"Oh, but don't you worry, Your Highness! My Son is a complete gentleman. He only has and will always have eyes for your outstanding beauty," King Hubert affirms, trying to flatter her – enjoying the moment; it seems soon his secret wishes will come true.
Emma makes a face - luckily no one notices it, including the King, who is so busy trying to impress the Princess and pair her with his Son.
The King breaks apart when they reach the gates. Prince Phillip offers his arm to the Princess, which she – reluctantly – accepts.
"Have a good time, lovebirds!" He exclaims, waving at them animatedly – as they walk away.
Emma rolls her eyes - this is going to be a nightmare before her parents arrive.
King Hubert smiles widely – Princess Emma will fall for Phillip and his irresistible charms, no doubt.
Meanwhile …
Somewhere, in the irony of the welcoming and colorful fields, it's taking place a heated discussion – the Jones' voices fly freely in the air, despite the presence of the rest of the group there with them.
"That's why I told you we didn't need to make a stop!" Captain Killian Jones alleges angrily.
"We needed to know what to do next, Killian! We can not appear in the Kingdom of the North without a plan," Liam Jones affirms, annoyed, completely frustrated. "Don't be so stubborn for once!"
"Stop calling me that, Brother, because I'm not!" Killian shouts back, looking right through him furiously – and adds indignantly, looking at everyone around him - "It seems I am the only one here who's really interested in saving Emma."
"Everyone here wants to save her, Killian. Plus, you know better than anyone else that the one who wins the war is the one with the best plan, not with the best army," Liam states, holding his gaze – trying to make him come to his senses.
Liam knows that his younger brother is not having a great time, and that his heart is aching and full with the seek of revenge, but his attitude is not helping at all.
"We cannot just break into the Kingdom and take her!" Liam points out, in disbelief.
"Why not? That's what they did to me! They took my love away from me just like that!" Killian defends angrily – without caring in the least make a scene in front of everyone at this point.
A brief silence follows.
Liam regains control and everyone else – Ariel, Robin Hood and his merry men - simply remain silent, letting the Jones brothers settle their differences.
"Look, I understand your frustration and pain. I know you're hurt Killian …" Liam starts.
"Oh, I'm beyond that, Brother," Killian assures him, his tone almost cynical.
"I get it, Killian. You're right to be angry, but you have to understand that you can't appear just like that and be the Prince in charming armor and rescue the Princess. Someone seems to be very satisfied that you're the one to blame in this," Liam explains firmly, his tone more calmly.
"Yeah, that King wishes nothing more, but see my head hanging on the gallows," Killian confirms angrily, cynical tone.
"What? How did you get to that conclusion?" Liam asks – completely confused - as everyone else look at Killian as well.
"A beautiful Princess, an attempt of an arranged marriage, a group of the hooded men in service of a King, and a very prosperous Kingdom which is being attacked by the way, I think is pretty clear, Brother," Killian recites, his tone still cynical – everyone keeps looking at him.
"And just because of that you assume it is King Hubert?" Liam asks incredulously.
"Oh, I bet my life on it," Killian assures him and everyone - his voice without a hint of doubt.
Minutes later …
In the castle of the Kingdom of the North, Princess Emma and Prince Phillip walk the empty, but luxuriously furnished halls – still arm in arm.
They have been walking in silence for quite some time when Prince Phillip finally breaks the quietness. "Do you like the castle, Princess?"
"Yeah, it is … magnificent," she replies – trying to sound excited about it.
Phillip notices her seriousness.
"Is there something you would like to talk about, Princess?" Phillip offers kindly – his best attempt to make her open up to him.
This is a very good chance for Emma – an opportunity that should not be missed.
They stop and unlocked their arms slowly.
"I'm interested to know about the advances in the search of those hooded men," Emma affirms bluntly, her tone serious – looking up at him.
"I see," he says, and chuckles a little – Emma looks at him suspiciously.
Both start to walk again.
"I understand your insistence, I probably would do the same if I'd lived the same. I don't even want to think about it, though I'm sure that's all you can think about, Princess," Phillip explains – and adds – "In the battles I have been, I've met those kind of people. I know how cruel they can be. A man like Captain Jones has no scruples."
An anger seizes her immediately when those words express such terrible things about Killian, her Killian.
"You obviously know nothing about that," Emma states firmly, her tone a bit harsh, looking determinately into his brown eyes, and then storming out of the Prince's presence.
Prince Phillip remains there completely astonished by her reaction, while Emma walks impatiently towards her chamber to lock herself inside all day. She needs to get out of this place! She doesn't even want to clarify anything, there's no point in doing it, soon she will be home, right?
At night …
In the office of King Hubert, the loyal servant in fine clothes is pouring him a glass of wine. The servant extends his hand with the glass and the King takes it and sips a little.
"Well, tell me how did it go with the Princess this morning, my Son?" King Hubert asks cheerfully – impatiently to hear about his progress with her.
"Fine I guess, though I still don't understand why she got upset," Phillip replies confused – he is sitting on a small couch next to his Father's desk.
"What do you mean by that, Son?" King Hubert asks casually, not really giving it more importance – as he sits on his chair; the glass of wine still in his hand.
"Well, we were enjoying the morning until I mentioned something about the hooded men," Prince Phillip informs.
King Hubert raises his chin defensively at that – the faithful servant eye's attentive to the King.
"Oh, you two talked about that, I thought I told the Princess enough of it to be pleased," King Hubert implies, his tone slightly insulted – taking another sip of wine.
"Oh, no, Father. She's just really interested in knowing the progress of the search. I think is understandable," Phillip quickly explains.
"I see," the King says – as he exchanges a brief glance with his faithful servant before he takes another sip of his wine.
"And what exactly disturbed her so much, Phillip?" the King asks curiously – hiding his real intentions.
"I simply mentioned, I know that kind of bad people, like the Captain," Phillip comments.
Realization hits the King – something's off.
"Oh," King Hubert utters – and adds with better mood – "Well, you should not worry about it, my Son. Princess Emma has suffered much indeed, you simply need to show her the man you truly are and she will marry you more than willingly."
"You think so, Father?" Phillip asks politely.
"Of course, my boy. And for the sake of this family and the Kingdom it better be that way. Now go to sleep because you have a meeting in the village first thing tomorrow morning," King Hubert informs.
"Yes, Father. Good night," Phillip replies politely – as he rises from his seat to leave and the servant makes a bow to him.
"And Phillip …" King Hubert says before he goes. "Don't talk about those men and the Captain with Princess Emma again. You better be concentrated in winning her heart."
Prince Phillip smiles gently and nods, with that, he goes. But before the King and his loyal servant can exchange a few words, Princess Emma knocks on the door - though it is open.
The King immediately rises from his seat.
"Princess Emma, how good to see you! Please come in," King Hubert offers enthusiastically, with a smile.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Emma says politely - as she walks into the room.
As she stands in front of his desk, the King and the servant make a bow. The Princess responds with the same courtesy.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence this night, Your Highness?" King Hubert asks, overly friendly.
"I want to know if the messenger was already sent to the Enchanted Forest, and I wish to know how long will it take for my parents to be here," Emma says, her tone serious, just a bit kindly.
"Phillip sent the messenger this morning, just before you ended your tour in the castle, Princess. And I assure you it won't take long for your parents to arrive before that, merely a week," King Hubert informs, with a smile.
Emma smiles at that – good, this will end sooner than she thought. It better be that way, otherwise she isn't sure if she can stand another moment here with them.
"Although, if you wish to get there faster, Phillip can take you there in no time, Your Highness," King Hubert suggests, his eyes shining - extremely happy with the possible idea of his Son returning the Princess to her home.
"Oh, no, I mean … thank you. He has already offer to escort me home, but I prefer to wait my parents here," Emma promptly manages to say – of course she doesn't want to be alone with the young Prince for such a long time.
She manages to form a smile on her face.
King Hubert simply stares at her – studying her. This is his chance to know more about her and the time she spent far away from home. He just has to choose his words wisely.
"Well, I understand why you don't want to travel without the security of your parents, though I'm sure Phillip would protect you with his own life, Princess," King Hubert comments friendly, with a fake understanding tone – hiding his real interest.
"No, it's not that. I simply rather wait here, Your Majesty," Emma manages to say.
"Don't need to deny it, Princess. We are all well aware of your, um, circumstances, it's normal to be scared to end in the same place," King Hubert insists.
"I assure you it's not that," Emma affirms seriously - fighting to sound kindly.
"That 'barbarian Captain' will never do any harm to you again, Princess. You have my word," King Hubert says, casually, his tone a bit solemnly at the end of his statement.
Emma gets mad immediately – she has to be discreet, but she is furious! How dare he call Killian like that?
"I think you have misunderstood, Your Majesty," she implies firmly, her tone slightly kind, with an attempt of a smile – hiding her angriness; trying to control herself.
King Hubert simply stares at her – studying her - but says nothing more.
"Well then, I'm sure we can talk about that later," King Hubert offers kindly, with a smile. "Something else I can do for you, Your Highness?"
"That is all, thank you, Your Majesty. Good night," Emma responds gently – recovered from the anger.
"Good night, Princess," King Hubert says, with a slight bow of his head.
Princess Emma leaves.
The King seats again in his chair and taking his glass of wine, takes a sip.
"Did you see that?" King Hubert asks to his servant, his tone curiously.
"What exactly, my Lord?" the servant in fine clothes asks - as he still remains at his right
"Her reaction when I made that simple commentary of the Captain, it was … weird," the King simply points out – as he leans back in his chair.
"Probably she is thankful with him. After all he was the one who saved her from the men you sent after her in the woods, my King," the servant comments casually.
"Yes, probably," King Hubert responds – and adds after taking another sip of wine – "But there's something more there, underneath."
"What do you mean, Your Majesty?" the servant asks, tone curiously.
"I'm not sure, but ..." King Hubert starts casually, leaning in the chair, still processing that moment in his mind – and adds, his tone determinate - "… I'm more than willing to find it out."
Next day, near midday …
Somewhere, in a makeshift camp, some guards prepare the last details concerning their soon departure once again – they have been moving from place to place without rest; the King hasn't stopped the search of her daughter, the Princess, not even for a moment.
As they do their primary task, a group of horsemen arrives – the dust flies in the airs at their rush.
King James is the first to get off his horse. The captain of his guard quickly approaches him as he sees him.
"Your Majesty," the guard salutes – as he follows the King around the camp.
"Are the guards ready, captain?" The King quickly asks – as his eyes search among the guards, looking for someone.
"Yes, my King," the captain of the guard responds – as finally, another guard approaches the King and hands him some important stuff to him; the King gives him the proper thanks.
"We're ready to leave as soon as you order," the captain of the guard confirms.
"Good, because we're leaving now," King James states, his tone serious – as he turns around and walks toward his horse once again.
"Your Majesty, if I may, you haven't rested in days, not to mention your food has been poorly, you need to …" the guard ventures to point out worriedly.
"All I need right now is to rescue my daughter," King James states fervently, his voice expressing anger, turning to him – and makes clear – "I won't stop until I find her."
The King gets quickly on his white and vigorous horse – he is exhausted but he can't stop. He won't stop for the sake of his daughter.
"Your Majesty!" another guard calls for his attention – as he approaches the King in apparent urgency before he leaves again.
"You have received a message from the Enchanted Forest, My lord," the guard informs him – as the King pulls the reins of the horse to stay in place.
"Who signed it?" King James quickly asks - his face expressing worry.
Is it something wrong?
"The Parlament, my Lord. It is apparently urgent," the guard points out politely.
The King grows anxious.
"Well, read it then," King James asks him – no time to waste.
The guard unrolls the piece of paper in his hands and proceeds to read it.
"Your Royal Majesty, King James. We're very sorry to inform you about the increase in the robberies in the Kingdom and the very reason for this message, about the deplorable state of your wife's health, her Royal Highness Queen Snow. The measures taken to stabilize her health have succeeded without further recovery thereof. Thus far, her highness, Princess Belle has remained by her side with much far kindness and goodness we're sure Your Royal Majesty and the Kingdom itself will always be grateful for. Knowing the reason for your Majesty's sudden departure, we leave in your hands the decision concerning your urgent presence in the Enchanted Forest," the guard reads out loud.
King James's face pales – the attacks in the Kingdom intensify considerably, his beloved daughter is kidnapped and now his dear wife is ill; His happy ending is falling apart.
"Snow," he whispers worriedly.
Well, what are your suspicions? What do you think will happen next?
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