Epilogue 1: Desire
Chapter 4
A slight chill breeze was blowing through the open window, betraying the autumn season. It tossed about the curtains, and revealed a few loose strands of hair that had yet to be affixed upward in the bride's hair.
"You look beautiful Miss Vivian, but I see a couple that are loose. Please allow me to reposition them."
"Thank you Vi."
Ever since her regular attendant had fell suddenly ill about a month ago, her replacement had attended to Vivian's every need. The princess wasn't used to someone doting on her every move, as the last one was a homely old woman who gave Vivian her space. This one though, was a beautiful young lady, much the same age as Vivian was, and she had slowly, methodically, crept into Vivian's confidence.
The attendant was repositioning fasteners, and making sure every last detail was accounted for. "I really appreciate all your effort Violet, but it really isn't necessary. There won't be many people, and I want it to be over as fast as possible."
A smile crept out of the attendants face, "I know my lady, and I want it to as well." Vivian turned to face the girl, and the woman rephrased her statement, "I mean, I wouldn't want you to suffer any undue embarrassment because of my negligence. Everything about today will go smoothly, and it will be over in an hour."
It set Vivian's mind at ease, to finally have it be done with. She could stop terrorizing her mind with visions of what might have been, and begin planning her future. The Count was coming to live with her at the castle, she'd already designated a room for him down the hall. He'd expressed no interest in sharing her chambers, and she was fine with the maintenance of her privacy. The few discussions she's had with the man had conveyed his total lack of desire for intimacy, however it wasn't due to a perceived difference in compatibility. He simply had never desired women of any sort, preferring the idea of men, which resulted in his celibacy.
It would be fine, and she's convinced herself it would be so. He'd be a good father and companion, and that was paramount now.
Once the stray hairs were wrangled Vivian rose and looked out the window. There in the gardens below the ceremony had been constructed. She looked down at her future; the Count was standing there in finery, his family fawning over every detail while her mother was directing the servants to finish the preparations. It was almost time. She needed something to calm her nerves, and the overwhelming desire to run away. Normally she'd turn to music for comfort, but the instruments sat idle, as they had for over a month now. The music may never return, it belonged in the past, along with memories of Hugo listening to her play.
It was time. Her mother escorted Vivian to the garden, with her attentive servant following behind. The woman took up position with the other castle servants to observe the ceremony from afar, and Vivian approached the Count, and her less than exciting future.
Vivian tried not to look out at the people gathered; it was too upsetting to be on display in this way. Suddenly there was a commotion from beyond the assembled servants. Several of them looked anxious, but then quiet resumed. The Queen was immensely concerned, and discreetly walked back to find out what happened. Vivian was too distracted to pay attention to the words being uttered, and the ceremony effectively came to a halt. Soon her mother returned, and noticed that Vivian couldn't focus without knowing what had happened. The queen tried to administer comfort, "Don't worry dear, there was an intruder but your attendant stopped him, she threw a massive bag over them and dragged them off. No one really saw anything."
Violet was trying her best to be helpful, but who would want to disrupt the wedding? Vivian stood there, trying to reason it out. She looked over at the man she was to marry. He was, for lack of a better word, stout. Older than herself, he had a reserved demeanor. But looks could be deceiving; did he have a jilted lover who was trying to disrupt this? Her mother and the counts family were trying to cajole Vivian into continuing with the ceremony, but suddenly Vivian was having doubts. Not for herself, but for the man in front of her. She could live her life this way, but could he? Was there a man out there who loved him? Was propriety and the expectations of his family worth destroying that feeling?
Vivian stepped forward and pulled on the counts arm. She turned her back to the crowd, and scurried off of the platform and behind a nearby hedge with the count following close behind. No one could see them this way.
"What's the matter?" The man seemed genuinely concerned at her behavior.
"It's just, what if that person was someone who loves you?" The comment took the count aback. He looked out toward the direction of the ceremony, then back down at her. "I don't think so. I've… made peace with this, and I thought you had too."
"But what if… what if you're happiness is trying to find you. There is someone, isn't there?"
The count looked uncomfortable, but then steeled his resolve. "I was in love once… with the man who managed my stables. But we could never be."
Queen Cecily popped her head around the hedge, interrupting their conversation. "Vivian dear, please come back."
"We need another minute Mom." The woman nodded, and returned to calm the nerves of the small party assembled. Vivian turned to address the man, this needed to be done.
"I could go through with this, and your family would be happy. But would you be happy? Is this really what you want? Will making your family happy bring calm to your soul."
He looked down at his shoes. "No."
"Then go find him. He's hurting." The count looked up at her, and kissed her cheek.
"Thank you." With that he took off running, giggling a bit as he went. Vivian emerged from the hedge and saw his family running after him. Hopefully they didn't destroy the man's newfound confidence. Vivian couldn't help but smile, and her mother was completely confused. Before she could explain there was a commotion coming from inside the castle. There was shouting.
BOOM.
A massive explosion knocked out part of the wall. A man was running outside, covered with brick dust. Vivian recognized him.
It was Hugo.
"VIVIAN! Vivian where are you!" He was clawing at his eyes and running in a jagged pattern. What was he doing here? Violet was not two steps behind him, and she had… A WAND. She wasn't a witch… was she? She flung a spell at Hugo, and he collapsed to the ground.
"NOOOO" Vivian was screaming and ran toward Hugo. Violet looked up and saw everyone staring at her. She looked like a cornered animal, and flung her wand up straight at Vivian.
"Don't move your Highness. HE'S MINE."
"What are you doing Violet, please! We don't even know why he's here!"
The count and his father had emerged from the castle, also covered in brick dust and coughing. "Watch out Vivian, she's a witch and she had the man trapped!"
Violet looked around. The witch seemed overwhelmed and the wand kept swaying back and forth between where Vivian stood and the counts family. Servants were now rushing forward. Hugo started to stir, and looked up at Vivian. Everything was right there in his eyes. He'd come for her.
"Vivian!"
Before the princess could respond the witch had lunged forward and stuck the wand straight into her neck. Everyone froze. The witch wrapped an arm around her, and pulled her head close, whispering in Vivian's ear. "You were supposed to get married, and then there would be no more distractions for my Hugo."
Hugo was up on his knees. "Please let her go witch. I love her! She's my calming force, please, PLEASE don't take her from me."
Hugo had just professed his love. Oh, he'd really come for her. Violet spun her head, "Oh dearest Hugo, can't you see? She doesn't love you, she's marrying another. But don't you worry, I know exactly how to be the princess you want now…. Yes… I know now what you need…"
There was darkness in this witch. She'd hidden it well around Vivian, but now it was on full display. Vivian looked out toward Hugo, who had risen to his feet and was reaching out toward her.
"Hugo." As the words left Vivian's mouth the wand went deeper into her neck, eliciting sharp pains. It made her grimace, and Hugo froze.
"Please, please witch! Don't hurt her. Please, the music never left me, I need her." He was looking around frantically for something, some way to stop the witch. But there wasn't one. Zamuria had no royal sorcerer. Suddenly Hugo's demeanor shifted, "Let her go, and you can take me."
"No Hugo!" Violet clamped a hand over Vivian's mouth to silence her.
"Oh my handsome Prince… I knew you'd realize that you love me and the banishment was all a misunderstanding. We were meant to be together."
Vivian watched as full-blown anger flashed across Hugo's face. "I don't love you witch, but if it means you won't hurt Vivian I'll do what you want."
Vivian caught a glimpse of Violet's expression from the corner of her eye. The woman was practically in hysterics. Vivian suddenly realized that one false move could result in her death. Hugo was trying to save her.
Suddenly the woman flung a spell at Hugo, and the man shrunk to the size of a rabbit. Vivian tried to grab at the witch, but it was too late. In an instant a broom came flying out from behind a bush and the witch jumped on, taking Hugo with her. They flew off into the distance.
Vivian screamed, and guards were sent in pursuit of them. The wedding was ruined, and Hugo may be forever lost.
…
A day passed, and then another. Vivian spent it pacing the floors of her castle waiting for any word, any sign of what had happened to her Hugo. It had all been a misunderstanding. Somehow he still loved her, and he'd come to stop the wedding. She had to save him, but how? She knew very little magic, and would never be able to stand against a witch. With each passing hour the agony worsened. All this time, they could have been together if she'd just gone and asked him why he stopped visiting. There must have been an explanation. He said the music never left him… even though she saw him dancing with Amber at Sofia's ball, but there must be an explanation.
Another day, and she could wait no longer for her servants and guards to help him. She needed magical assistance, and there was only one person in the world Vivian implicitly trusted. Vivian was off to Enchancia.
Memories of the encounter with Amber haunted her through the entire journey. Amber had shown up unannounced the day after Sofia's birthday ball, and while Vivian was still trying to wrap her head around the idea of having a child alone Amber had stood there and demanded answers that she simply couldn't bring herself to provide. Amber had left with parting warnings about staying away from her fiancé, and it was enough to never desire Amber's audience again. She'd resolved never to return to the kingdom, even to see Sofia, but Hugo needed this help. Hugo needed her.
The coach landed and Vivian was absolutely shocked. She'd had no idea what had happened to Enchancia over the last months. No contact from Sofia, and the extremely private nature of her family meant they didn't socialize with other royals unless propriety demanded it of them. Vivian lurked around the destroyed castle, until she was happened upon by their steward.
"Hello Princess Vivian. I'm sorry for the mess, but it's been a harrowing few months. If you here to see Sofia you're in luck, for she returned this afternoon to save the kingdom yet again."
Vivian nodded, and the steward directed her out to the gardens, where the royal family had finished eating dinner. There was Sofia, leaning on Cedric's frame. For a moment it brought some happiness to Vivian, as she knew how much Sofia cared for the man. They'd finally found each other. The next moment brought agony, as Amber had spotted her. The look of rage in the girl's face was unmistakable, and she flew at the shy princess.
"Amber STOP!" Sofia had jumped up and grabbed the golden girl's shoulder. Everyone had risen, and was staring at Vivian. She felt wholly unnerved, but she had to do this.
"How DARE she come here, while our kingdom is like this!"
"Now Amber, that's no way to talk about Vivian." Sofia's mother was conciliatory as ever. Sofia ran up to Vivian, extremely concerned.
"Vivian! I'm so glad to see you!" She hugged the girl, "But why are you here by yourself! Oh no! Don't tell me he was too late!"
Sofia had pulled back, and now all eyes were staring at the shy girl. The worry, panic and fear at what had become of Hugo overwhelmed her, and she started to cry.
"Oh… Sofia… He came and he loves me… but a witch, she stole him away." Vivian flung her hands around Sofia's neck, and couldn't contain it. For her part Sofia stroked the girls head.
"Tell me everything Vivian."
Vivian sucked up the tears, "The girl. She came about a month ago, she's been impersonating a servant. I was supposed to marry the Count, but Hugo came, and she captured him. My guards, they just can't find him."
At the mention of Hugo's name Roland growled a bit, but Amber seemed concerned and stopped trying to tear into Vivian.
"Daddy, we have to help find him!"
Roland looked down at his daughter, torn. "But Amber, we have no idea where to look, and if she's a witch—"
"WE are going to save him." All eyes were on Sofia.
A very loud groan came out of the sorcerer next to her, "Uuuuggghhhh and I suppose we are just going to go running off into danger AGAIN, honestly Sofia is this ever going to let up? I thought you wanted to go after your homicidal maniac of a brother first."
"Cedric! Hugo is in danger, and without Lily helping him James is not going to do much damage, I hope."
Vivian just stared at her friend. "Your brother… is causing damage." The look Sofia gave her said it all. There was so much pain and anguish wrapped up in those determined eyes. Something bad had happened, perhaps many bad things. Sofia grabbed Vivian's hand and they ran back to the carriage, while Cedric trailed behind.
"Sofia! We really need to keep a check list of all the lunatics we're hunting, it'll do no good to loose track of them by some clerical error."
"Later Cedric, right now we've got to save Hugo."
"Right, well then, it's off on another doomed debacle. Hopefully no one dies this time."
Vivian watched Sofia's expression as he said the words. Cedric had turned and was facing forward as the coach took off, but Sofia had slumped down, and held her head in her hands. Eventually Cedric turned back around, and looked at Sofia's hunched over frame. He seemed more than a little upset, but leaned forward to kiss her forehead. Then he stood and stepped over the bench, taking up a seated position next to the driver of the coach. He was giving them some space. Apparently he knew Sofia needed it.
Vivian bent down to whisper quietly into her friends' ear, so quietly no one else could hear it. "Sofia, I see that something is wrong. Do you want to tell me?"
Sofia reached out and wrapped her arms around her dear friend, and whispered softly in kind. "Oh Vivian, it's been so hard. When I saw you at my birthday everything was so clear, but it all got messed up."
"It's okay Sofia."
"No, it's not okay. Someone dear to me died. Someone I… I… loved." Sofia started to cry, and held on to Vivian's neck. The way in which she'd hesitated; it wasn't a family member who'd passed, it was a lover.
"But I thought you were in love with Cedric?"
"I am, and he loves me too, but I just… It was my fault Vivian. He died and I couldn't save him because of the baby."
They spent the rest of the voyage whispering updates about what had happened, all the while Vivian listening as Sofia unburdened her soul to someone who wouldn't be heartbroken to hear the uncensored truth.
They arrived at Vivian's castle to news. The guards had tracked Hugo and the witch to the Menacing Mountains, where the witch had taken refuge. However there was no way for the guards to get past the magical traps set forth by the witch. Sofia turned to Cedric, and a small smile was all the encouragement the sorcerer needed. It was his time to shine.
A quick carriage ride later, and they were upon the mountainside. A short briefing by the guards, and Cedric set to work.
Vivian was extremely puzzled, "How does Cedric know how to beat the witch Sofia?"
A genuine smile crept out of the brunette. "Well, let's just say Cedric has a little more experience now fighting evil witches, and he might be more comfortable with a little dark sorcery too."
Vivian nodded, and they crouched behind the coach as Cedric unleashed a blasting counter spell.
"Stay behind me Vivian, I don't want her to hit you with a hex."
"Okay." And with that they were into the canyon. A set of boulders began to topple on them, which Sofia turned into daisies, then there were spikes trying to impale them which Cedric turned into bubbles. They finally heard singing. It was soft, and definitively on-key. All three of them peered over a rock to see Hugo sitting on the ground and restrained, surrounded by waves of magic. He looked intoxicated but had been restored to full size. To the side of him stood the witch. She was brewing something in a hollowed out stone, and it looked menacing.
Sofia jumped out from behind the rock and flung her wand at the witch. "You let Hugo go, NOW!"
The witch dropped the makeshift ladle, and flung her wand toward Sofia. At that Cedric jumped up, and his wand was now pointed at the deranged girl too. "I wouldn't try any funny business, as you can see we're got you outnumbered and generally out-skilled. Be a good little witch and release the priggish prince."
The woman let out screech, and Sofia shot her with the paralysis spell. The witch fell to the ground like a stone. Vivian ran over to Hugo, but Sofia stopped her. "WAIT! Those wafting energy waves, I don't like them."
Sofia looked at Cedric, who seemed to concur. "Hmmm…. Yes. He looks to be hexed, and it's a pretty powerful one too. I'll need to try some spells on him. Stand back and let a master sorcerer do his work." Cedric flung his arms out dramatically, and Sofia smiled.
It was lovely so see Cedric so happy. The effect Sofia's love had on him radiated through. The girls stood back, and Cedric shot Hugo with numerous spells. None seemed to be working, and one turned his hair decidedly purple.
That one made the sorcerer cringe, and he turned back to face them. "Not to worry, not to worry, just a little glitch. The next one will set it right."
Sofia giggled, and it set Vivian's heart at ease. The conversation of earlier incited worry for her friend, but with time she would heal.
Cedric never was able to fix Hugo's hair, but he eventually did make the energy waves subside. Hugo finally came too, and his apprehensive gaze came to rest squarely on Vivian. She reached out for him, and he ran joyfully into her arms.
"I love you Vivian. Please take me back. Please love me forever, I desire you and only you for all my days." It made Vivian shake to hear the words. "Vivian please, it's all a big misunderstanding. I listened to the rumors. It was all my fault. I love you. You're my calming force. Please be with me, forever."
Vivian pushed her face up toward the handsome man, "I love you too Hugo" and with that she kissed him sweetly. Cedric looked embarrassed and turned away while Sofia sighed contentedly, but while Vivian noticed she didn't care. She would be forever happy, with Hugo by her side.
The joyous celebration finally ended, and Hugo's attention turned to the witch petrified on the ground. "She should be executed for abducting a royal."
"No Hugo, there's to be NO killing." Sofia had taken up a fighter's stance and Cedric had backed off.
"I'd listen to her if I were you, arguing with the Blessed Enchantress about all things magical is sure to land you on the wrong side of history." Cedric was almost chuckling as he said it. He'd clearly been skirting the line himself. Sofia had turned to face him, and Cedric faced her as well.
Sofia relaxed, and took Cedric's hand. "I'm sorry. But, I was thinking—"
"You're always thinking dear girl."
"Yes, but you weren't able to banish Lily, right?"
"Just where are you going with this Sofia?"
Sofia looked straight at Vivian, who was still holding Hugo's hands. "It's love."
"Come again sweetheart?" Cedric seemed as confused as Vivian and Hugo who were standing there listening to all this.
"The banishment spell. It separates the darkness from the light, and the thing that does that is love. Pure love. The kind of love that makes people want to sacrifice themselves to save another. Samuel's mom and sisters were selfish and cruel so it worked on them, but Lily sacrificed her safety and goals for the love she had for my brother, and Sam too! He went to find you even though it killed him inside to do it because—" Sofia halted, and Cedric cringed. Her tone dropped decidedly as she continued. "It's love that the spell uses." Sofia seemed to be thinking hard about something. "Even Mabrook and world splitting, he was motivated by love for his daughter, a pure self-sacrificing kind of love."
Cedric seemed to understand the strangeness, and began nodding. Sofia reached out and hugged him, and they were whispering something between them. Cedric proceeded to kiss Sofia, which made Vivian turn away in shyness. Hugo bent down, "So these two nut jobs were the ONLY sorcerers you could find to help rescue me?"
Vivian smiled and nodded at him. "Yes, and Sofia is my dearest friend. I expect we will spend a lot more time with them now, considering we are both expecting."
Hugo's eyes went wide and his mouth flew open, but there was no time for explanations as Sofia grabbed both their arms and dragged them out of the clearing. Cedric had begun to chant something menacing sounding, and as they crouched behind the rock a massive shock wave of energy exploded.
Cedric emerged a minute later. "Well it's done. This one earned a one-way ticket to the other side of the world."
Hugo was still staring at Vivian, his mouth agape, "You're expecting?!" Sofia giggled and Cedric groaned.
"I suppose I'll be making more potion for this one too, yes Sofia?"
"Uh-huh. They're got a lot of catching up to do while you brew it."
They boarded the coach, and set off for Vivian's castle, their voices trailing off into the distance.
"Oh that just sounds delightful. I suspect you'll be having me open a shop so every sob story with an affliction can come be saved by 'Cedric the Sensational's' sublime solutions."
"Oh Cedric, I know you'd do it if I asked."
…
"I suppose you're right."
…
…
