Chapter 23: Amnesia Potion
"The blasted spell didn't work I'm telling you!" Princess Carmela shouted as she fisted her hands.
"Did the Prince not tell the truth?" The average-looking witch asked.
"Well yes-"
"Then you have nothing to complain about." The average-looking witch began scurrying about her workplace as Princess Carmela groaned.
"If you're trying to get him to fall in love with you, don't bother. He's in love with the Princess."
"I don't want him to fall in love with me, I just want him to . . . forget she ever existed." Princess Carmela smiled devilishly as she looked over at the average-looking witch.
"Now that I can do." The average-looking witch went over towards her spell book and cracked open the pages as she hummed to herself in a strange language. Then the cauldron began to boil as she threw in animal body parts, a dark black liquid, and strange dried herbs. She stirred the concoction several times. Clockwise. Counterclockwise. Then clockwise again.
"Fine, fine." The average-looking witch said.
"Oh?" Princess Carmela stopped snooping around as she peered over to watch the witch pour the liquid into a small vile.
"Now listen closely. This is a strong potion. It can be used just once, be sure to remember this! You must give this to the Prince in a glass of cool water when outside under the moonlight. Talk to him about the Princess, mention her name just once, then say obliviscatur. Be sure to remember this and he will surely forget the Princess. But know he will not fall in love with you."
"Over time will he?"
"Perhaps, but I make no promises." The witch shrugged as Princess Carmela nodded her head. She paid for the potion and went back to King White's castle.
The moon was out and a cool breeze swept across the palace grounds as Snow White felt a sudden chill.
"Snow, you feeling ok?" Prince Merlin asked as she nodded.
"Just got a weird chill all of a sudden."
"Hmm. How about some milk and a piece of strawberry cake?" Prince Merlin asked sweetly.
"That sounds good!"
"I'll be right back." Prince Merlin got up as Snow White snuggled under a blanket, waiting for Prince Merlin to return. When he walked into the kitchen, he was surprised to see Princess Carmela standing in the center of the kitchen.
"What're you doing here?" Prince Merlin asked.
"Oh, I was rather thirsty, so I came down for some water." Princess Carmela shrugged as she began to walk away.
"Merlin, there's some snacks I left for you there on the counter. Along with a nice cool glass of water. It would be awfully romantic to take Snow White on a walk tonight don't you think?" Princess Carmela continued walking as Prince Merlin shrugged. He walked over to the plate with cheese, salted crackers, and grapes. Prince Merlin took a bite as he savored the flavors, then his mouth went dry as he picked up the glass of water. He walked outside and looked up at the moon as it's light shown down on his face. Prince Merlin reached into his pocket and looked at the lucky charm Snow White gave him before his curse was broken. As he was drinking his water, Princess Carmela mentioned Snow White's name once and said obliviscatur. Suddenly Prince Merlin dropped his glass along with the lucky charm and stumbled forward. The entire world stood still as a haze came over him. His head spun for what felt like hours when it suddenly stopped.
"Where, where am I?" Prince Merlin looked around for a moment.
"You're at King White's castle. He needed a favor from you, but now your services are no longer needed." Princess Carmela said as Prince Merlin nodded.
"Right. And what are you doing here Carmela? I haven't seen you in ages."
"Oh, I just thought I'd pay this part of Fairytale Island a visit. I'm on a holiday of sorts." Princess Carmela looked around and sighed.
"I suppose you should be getting back, the rest of your friends will be worried." Princess Carmela batted her eyelashes as Prince Merlin nodded, bowing low as he kissed her hand.
"Good night, fair maiden."
"A good night to you too." Princess Carmela smiled as she watched Prince Merlin leave. Princess Carmela knelt down to pick up the lucky charm and tucked it away as she made her way towards King White's bedroom and knocked on the door.
"What, who is it at this hour!?" King White was clearly upset, but stood still when he saw Princess Carmela crying in front of him.
"What's all this?" King White asked as Princess Carmela calmed down for a moment.
"It's Prince Merlin. He's called off the courting proposal. He just left, but I don't know how to tell Snow White. She'll be crushed." Princess Carmela began to cry hysterically as King White consoled her.
"This is grave news indeed. And I had such high hopes for him. I thought he was a good man; seems I thought wrong." King White sighed as he rang for a maid to escort Princess Carmela to her room. He then called on an attendant to tell Snow White that Prince Merlin had to leave unexpectedly. Soon the entire castle was fast asleep as the sun rose and a strange mood crept over the land—like something out of a nightmare.
"Papa, why are you so quiet?" Snow White asked as King White nearly chocked on his spam and eggs.
"Well, I have . . . something to discuss with you, but first let's finish this delicious meal." King White put on a fake smile as everyone tensed slightly.
"Ok Papa. Where's Princess Carmela?" Snow White asked as King White sighed.
"She, resigned last night." King White took a sip at his coffee as Snow White looked rather shocked.
"Oh, well that's strange." Snow White looked at her cup of tea.
"Has, has anyone heard from Merlin? He went out to get some snacks last night and never came back. It's not like him to just leave without saying goodbye." Snow White's brow's furrowed as King White's heart fell.
"Snow, dear, Merlin . . . he won't be coming back to the castle anytime soon. If at all. Ever."
"What!?" Snow White stood abruptly as the servants tensed; beads of sweat trickling down their faces.
"He, he's withdrawn the courting proposal."
"What? What's . . . when . . . who told you?" Snow White's mind was spinning as King White cleared his throat.
"Last night, Princess Carmela came to my room in hysterics. She told me that Merlin has broken off the courting proposal and went back to his 'princely' duties." King White scoffed.
"No, something's not right. I have to talk to him." Snow White began walking towards the door as King White stopped her.
"No Snow. If he was a true prince, he would've explained himself. He's clearly showing his true colors. I- I never liked him. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't growing fond of him recently. Which makes me all the more furious at his cowardice. Well, we must address the situation yes, but let's all calm ourselves first. Please, have something to eat. Take the day to address your feelings and tomorrow we'll both pay a visit to Merlin. I'm sure we'll have our closure then." King White hugged his daughter as she sighed.
"You're right Papa." Snow White hugged her father tightly as she took two bites but tasted nothing. Not even the sweet honey-lavender flavored tea could produce a flavor. Everything just seemed so bland.
The day felt an eternity long as Snow White did her best to keep busy. Going from lesson to lesson without the constant interruption of Princess Carmela or the visits from Prince Merlin or the other F7 left Snow White feeling rather empty and alone. Snow White was torn: Should she cry? Should she be worried? Did something happen last night that she was unaware of? Did Princess Carmela kidnap Merlin? Did a dragon swoop in and take him from her? Anything seemed plausible; except for Prince Merlin leaving willingly without telling her goodbye. Finally, the day was over and as Snow White laid in bed, her mind wandered as she imagined the F7 had been cursed again or something else befell them. Perhaps they all caught a cold? Snow White just couldn't imagine that Prince Merlin simply ceased to exist. Once the sleepless night was over, Snow White did her best to go through her morning routine as her father looked worried.
"Are you alright Snow?"
"I'm fine Papa, just tired. What time are we leaving?" Snow White had some coffee as her father sighed.
"Well, we should at least have breakfast."
"Oh, but Hans makes such wonderful donuts and pastries. Fresh out of the oven."
"Oh, that does sound delightful."
"I'm sure he'd be happy to make you some." Snow White smiled as King White agreed. He had the carriage ready as they set off to visit the home of the F7.
"Merlin, why are you actin' so strange?" Arthur watched Prince Merlin pace about as he readied to go out.
"Me? I'm getting ready for a date . . . or several probably."
"With Snow?" Arthur raised a brow.
"Who's Snow? Are you talking about the weather? I thought we were closer friends than making small talk." Prince Merlin teased as Prince Hans popped his head in from the kitchen.
"See, I told you. He's been like that since yesterday!" Arthur turned to look at Prince Jack and Prince Hans.
"Maybe he hit his head?" Prince Jack chimed in.
"Hit my head? No, I'm fine. Why do you all keep mentioning snow?" Prince Merlin chuckled as Prince Hans, Prince Jack, and Arthur crossed their arms.
"What do you mean 'who's Snow'?" Arthur asked.
"I mean exactly what I say. I don't know who this Snow person, or thing is." Prince Merlin shrugged.
"She's your intended!" Prince Hans had to run back into the kitchen to finish making breakfast.
"Your fiancé." Prince Jack said in his eloquent French accent.
"My what?" Prince Merlin turned quickly to look at his friends.
"You heard us." Arthur said as Prince Merlin scoffed.
"Well, I don't know what you're talking about. All I know is I managed to get the most beautiful woman in the world to kiss me, as did you two, and now I'm me again." Prince Merlin went back to prepping as Arthur grumbled.
"Well you can say that again. Back to the old you that never knew how to appreciate a woman." Arthur shook his head.
"What? Of course I appreciate women."
"As objects." Prince Jack walked out the door as Princess Ella kissed his cheek and the two went for a morning stroll.
"Merlin, look, I get it if you're playing games here so we're not all jealous of you and Snow. But you need to seriously stop playing these games before someone gets hurt." Arthur got up and walked off to his room, took his Excalibur and went out the front door.
"What's with everyone today?" Prince Merlin went to walk out the door when King White began knocking.
"Hu? Company, this early?" Prince Merlin groaned as he opened the door and stood erect, bowing low.
"Good morning your highness. Please, come in."
"Thank you Merlin." King White's eyebrows furrowed as Snow White went up to Prince Merlin and curtsied.
"Merlin." Snow White tried to meet his gaze, but he seemed distant and distracted.
"To what do I owe the please of this visit?" Prince Merlin closed the door as Prince Hans came in with a freshly baked tray of pastries and donuts.
"Oh thanks Hans!" Snow White smiled brightly.
"Anything for my favorite Princess, but don't tell Rosa." Prince Hans winked.
"Thank you Prince Hans. These look delicious." King White smiled brightly.
"Now Merlin, I thought it would be best to discuss just what happened the other day." King White's smile vanished as he sternly looked over at Prince Merlin.
"The other day? Oh, when I was at your castle? I'm not quite sure why. Princess Carmela mentioned I was there for favor of some sort."
"A favor? That's what you call your intentions with my daughter?"
"What? Intentions? With your daughter?" Prince Merlin was clearly confused.
"Me. Snow White. Princess Snow White. The one who asked for your help finding my missing father."
"That was Red Shoes I thought?"
"Well that was me, wearing a pair of magical shoes what changed my appearance. But we, kind of had some chemistry. And we were courting with the intention of becoming engaged and getting married in the distant future. Or so it appeared we were." Snow White began twiddling her fingers nervously.
"Oh? That doesn't sound like something I'd do. No offense." Prince Merlin smiled as he began putting on his charms.
"Care to explain?" King White ate a donut as Prince Merlin cleared his throat.
"I tend to appreciate a princess, dote on her, rescue her, though I've never been the marrying type—or the courting type for that matter. Which is why I'm confused by all this. Perhaps you mean another prince?"
"Merlin, it was you. I- I would never lie about that, about us. We are- were, in love." Snow White's heart was slowly breaking as she watched Prince Merlin's body cringe as his eyes darted about the room.
"Your highnesses, I swear upon my magic, I've never met the two of you in person before. I'm sorry if I've caused some confusion, but I'm just not the serious type. I'm deeply sorry for this situation that we're in."
"That's enough. I've heard enough. Snow, let's go." King White stood up as Snow White nodded. She bit her lower lip as she curtsied.
"Goodbye." Her voice was scratchy as it sounded foreign to her: weak and quivering. Snow White cried the whole way home as her father comforted her. Snow White went up to her room as King White ordered his guards to keep Prince Merlin off the palace grounds.
"Well that was just bizarre, and awkward. Why would I ever intend to marry her?" Prince Merlin scoffed as Prince Hans burst into the room.
"How dare you humiliate her!" Prince Hans swung his frying pan at Prince Merlin as he ducked just in time.
"Hans! What's the matter with you!?"
"Me!? What's the matter with you? You're the one who's acting like a crazy person! You were in love, before any of us. You were the first to break the spell and really change. How could you do this to Snow White?" Prince Hans put down his frying pan as he began weeping.
"Hans, I really don't know what's going on ok? I don't remember ever meeting her, so how could I be engaged to her?"
"I don't know, but fix it!"
"How?"
"Read one of those books you have!" Prince Hans walked out the door slamming it behind him.
"Sheesh, what's got him all flustered?" Prince Merlin sighed as he dusted himself off and walked out the door heading toward Golden Goose Avenue. Women flocked towards him. His little red address booklet was filled to the brim with pages upon pages of several addresses of princesses and maidens. Prince Merlin hummed to himself as he spotted Princess Carmela shopping alone.
"Hello Merlin." Princess Carmela was clearly in a good mood.
"Carmela. What're you doing here?" Prince Merlin tucked his address booklet away.
"Just doing some light shopping. I've met a few of the princess and was invited to some birthday parties."
"You're actually buying people gifts? Has the world gone mad?" Prince Merlin cringed as Princess Carmela laughed.
"No silly. People change, and besides, I've realized how lovely people can be. It's nice to give gifts rather than receive them." Princess Carmela shrugged.
"Right. Well, I'm meeting a friend for lunch, so I best be off." Prince Merlin scurried away towards a local brewery where—to the shock of the other customers—he was greeted by the staff with warm smiles.
"Merlin! Long time no see my friend!" A tall muscular man made his way over to Prince Merlin.
"Adam, nice to see you old friend. It has been a while hasn't it?" Prince Merlin smiled as he asked for the usual and found a seat at the bar.
"So, what have you been up to?" Adam inquired as he began cleaning up behind the bar.
"Nothing much. I'll tell you, the other day it felt as though I missed a month or more of my life. It's really strange." Prince Merlin took a long sip at his drink.
"Life's just funny that way. The other day I looked at my children and couldn't believe they're old enough to attend school all on their own."
"School? Already? Where has time gone. How's the Mrs.?"
"Fine, fine. She's been asking about you. Said she read somewhere that you're courtin' Princess Snow White." Adam winked as Prince Merlin cringed.
"Are you kidding? That's a lie."
"There were drawings of the two of you together." Adam looked rather serious. Prince Merlin laughed.
"It must've been taken out of context. I hardly know her. Besides, I'm not the courting kind." Prince Merlin polished off his drink. Adam served him another.
"You were with that other princess for a while. What was her name again?"
"Carmela. Ugh, don't get me started on her. She was so deceiving. Had me thinking she was a sweet little maiden, when really she was a toxic little thing with a very large ruby-encrusted tiara." Prince Merlin chugged down his drink as Adam chuckled.
"Let me tell you Merlin, if you're looking for the picture perfect girl, you'll never find her. Look at Prince Eric, if he didn't go out to sea and nearly drowned; he never would've met the love of his life."
"And next I suppose you'll tell me that I need to kidnap the next woman who seems to match my expectations of a perfect wife and get her to fear me, then fall in love with me." Prince Merlin rolled his eyes as Adam shrugged.
"I'm not sayin' anything other than don't judge a book by its cover and give second chances from time-to-time."
"Ah Adam, how is it that you managed to marry one of the most beautiful women around and still have to work here? Giving advice to scoundrels like me." Prince Merlin put his mug down as he watched the golden ale swish around in his glass mug.
"Oh don't think you're so much better off. You can't always depend on that Arthur to pay off your debts. Him or the rest of your band of fearless princess. You may have been fearless, but you're also foolish to think you're living a fulfilled life." Adam put his towel down and patted Prince Merlin on the back before going to check on his other customers.
"Maybe a fulfilled life isn't what I want." Prince Merlin finished his drink, paid his tab and left—stumbling slightly.
At King White's castle.
"Papa, I'm going out for a walk." Snow White grabbed her cloak as her father simply nodded his head. Snow White took a deep breath and decided she'd go to Golden Goose Avenue to pick up something sweet. She'd been crying so often that she needed a distraction. She had always told herself that pushing people to do something they weren't comfortable with was never the right decision, but something was seriously strange in her situation. She'd never known Prince Merlin to simply forget the person he'd been around for long periods of time for several days in a row. They had both told one another that they loved each other. How is it that he no longer knows who she is, or that he was ever in love with anyone? Snow White sighed to herself again as she noticed two familiar faces walking towards her.
"Hans, Rosa." Snow White warmly greeted them as Rosa ran up to her.
"Snow! I've been thinking about you a lot lately. Listen, Sleeping Beauty is having a slumber party tomorrow night. Please come! It'll be so much fun." Rosa pleaded.
"Oh, I don't know about that." Snow White sighed.
"Well, at least think about it ok? Let me know and I'll pick you up." Rosa smiled earnestly as Snow White nodded. Prince Hans held Snow White's hand for a moment as she knew he was telling her that everything would work out on its own. They said their goodbyes and Snow White continued on towards Golden Goose Avenue. People were openly warm with her, though she struggled to smile. Yet Snow White put on a brave face as she greeted others, finally arriving at one of her favorite bakeries. The smell of freshly baked sugar cookies, pumpkin bread, chocolate, and coffee all mixed together creating a unique aroma.
"Princess Snow White! Lovely to see you again!"
"Hello Jaq. How are you?" Snow White gave a small smile as he sighed.
"What can I do for you today?" Jaq sweetly asked as Snow White made her order and patiently waited. She stood in a corner while staring at some macaroons in a bright pink box with a rose-gold bow. A sudden memory flashed back when Prince Merlin took her there on a date. A tear trickled down her check as she took a deep breath and turned away.
"Princess, what's wrong? And don't tell me nothing, you appear to be distressed." Jaq leaned forward while Snow White made her way towards him.
"I, I don't know how to describe it. I just feel like; my heart was torn out." Snow White felt the frog in her throat increase in size as the tears began to flow and Jaq walked around the counter and hugged her.
"You don't have to tell me what is bothering you, but please, remember how special you are. Let nothing make you forget, or doubt your kindness and your warmth." Jaq slowly let go as Snow White sniffled.
"Thanks Jaq. I'll be ok, it's just the first few weeks that're the hardest." Snow White smiled.
"Hmm." Jaq nodded.
"Well, I better head back before Papa gets worried." Snow White gingerly took her bag of goodies and walked home. She tried to have a new outlook, until she saw Prince Merlin talking with Princess Carmela. She stood still for a fragment of a minute before walking past them. Prince Merlin looked down at Snow White as he noticed a tear roll down her flushed cheek and felt something strange within him, as though he was compelled to comfort her. Then a second later the feeling vanished along with Snow White.
The next morning, Snow White decided to attend Sleeping Beauty's slumber party as Rosa suggested. Thus, she began baking some cookies and brownies to take with her. She packed her things quickly, suddenly there was a clanking sound, she turned to see a picture of herself and Prince Merlin had fallen over. Snow White did her best not to cry. She simply tucked it away in a box where she wouldn't come across it any time soon. Next thing she knew, it was time to leave for Sleeping Beauty's castle. Snow White picked up a book to keep her mind off of the hurt from the the memories that continued to flood her mind. Nearly two hours later, Snow White arrived at Sleeping Beauty's castle. She took a deep breath and hopped off. Rosa ran up to her and embraced her tightly.
"I'm so glad you came! Come on! Everyone's so excited to see you." Rosa giggled as Snow White smiled meekly.
"I brought some treats for everyone." Snow White held her tray of cookies and brownies.
"Oh wow! These look yummy!" Rosa helped Snow White carry the other tray as they headed in. Snow White saw Ariel, Aurora (who they usually teased and called her Sleeping Beauty), Jasmine, Cinderella, Belle, Tiana, and Princess Carmela.
"Hi Snow White! Thank you for coming!" Sleeping Beauty smiled and embraced Snow White.
"Oh it's so lovely to see you Snow." Cinderella held Snow White's hand as the others flocked around her and greeted her. Then she was face to face with Princess Carmela.
"Hello." Princess Carmela said shyly as Rosa rolled her eyes.
"Come on! Let's eat!" Rosa charged into the kitchen as everyone followed her. There were several conversations going on. Snow White was sitting with Rosa, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine, and Ariel.
"So Snow, how have you been?" Jasmine asked as she munched on a brownie.
"Oh, I'm ok. Just been keeping busy." Snow White shrugged.
"Well it's lovely to see you again. And your treats are always so tasty." Ariel happily ate her cookie. They all continued chatting and eating. Snow White was eventually able to keep her mind off of Prince Merlin and was beginning to enjoy herself. They eventually joined in a large circle when Tiana smiled brightly.
"So girls, what have you all been up to?" She asked.
"Oh! We're sipping tea!" Ariel giggled as she bit her lower lip.
"It's spilling tea Ariel." Rosa corrected.
"Right!" Ariel nodded as everyone giggled.
"Well, Prince Charming and I are going on a trip soon. I'm just not sure if I'll be able to take my mice with me." Cinderella pouted.
"Aladdin and I were talking about a staycation. We've been so busy lately." Jasmine sighed as she laid back.
"Eric said he wants to visit Atlantis, so Daddy said he'll get to work on it." Ariel said dreamily.
"Well nothing new on my end. Prince Adam finally started going to anger management and has been relatively calm. I've just been busy with my education." Belle shrugged, only putting her thick textbook for a moment before picking it back up and continuing to read.
"Well Sleeping Beauty and I want to start interior decorating my castle, and planning for my engagement party." Rosa giggled as she filled them in on Prince Hans.
"Prince Naveen and I are thinking about starting a family soon, but the restaurant has been keeping us busy." Tiana took her cup of hot cocoa and sipped at it for a long time.
"And you Snow?" Sleeping Beauty asked as Snow White froze for a moment.
"Oh, nothing much has been going on." Snow White said nonchalantly as her chest felt as if it were tightening.
"Oh come on, you can be honest with us." Jasmine smiled genuinely.
"Yes, we're your friends." Cinderella picked up another cookie.
"How about we change the subject?" Rosa shifted her seat as she looked over at Sleeping Beauty, who nodded in agreement.
"And you Carmela? It's been a while since we've all seen you." Belle didn't bother looking up from her textbook.
"Well, something exciting just happened. Merlin offered to start possibly, maybe . . . courting me" Princess Carmela said with a bright smiled as the others (all but Snow White and Rosa) began giggling like school girls.
"Oohh, details girl!" Tiana leaned forward as Princess Carmela started describing them bumping into one another a few times, and earlier in the afternoon he asked to take her to dinner at the end of the week.
"I thought Prince Merlin was courting Snow White?" Belle put her textbook down as everyone froze, looking at Snow White who turned bright red, then pale.
"Oh my." Ariel gasped.
"Guys, it's not a big deal. People change, hearts change." Snow White shrugged as she did her best to keep herself from tearing up.
"Well Carmela, what do you have to say for yourself?" Rosa looked fiercely over at Princess Carmela, who began crying hysterically.
"I- I thought they had broken up. Merlin never mentioned being with Snow White, and- and I've been missing him terribly. We, we used to b-be engaged." Princess Carmela continued to ugly cry as Cinderella, Ariel, and Sleeping Beauty comforted her.
"Are you serious!?" Rosa fisted her hands as she stood up abruptly.
"Rosa." Sleeping Beauty said in a warning tone.
"No cousin, this is wrong. Prince Merlin and Snow White were going to get married! They were already courting. Anyone who saw them together knew they were truly in love." Rosa sat by Snow White, who was doing her best to prevent her lower lip from quivering.
"I agree with Rosa." Belle said simply as Jasmine and Tiana nodded.
"Well, shouldn't we hear both sides of the story?" Sleeping Beauty asked.
"I'm sure Snow White and Merlin were in love, but I've known Merlin for so many years. We, we had a misunderstanding several years back, but I want to rekindle our relationship. And when I was reacquainting with him, he never mentioned courting Snow." Princess Carmela finally began to calm down.
"Love isn't always easy, I know what it is to be in love with someone who is engaged to someone else." Ariel rubbed Princess Carmela's arm as Cinderella nodded.
"Yes, I've experienced having a loved one come back to me after many unforeseen events." Cinderella gingerly handed Princess Carmela a handkerchief.
"Well, I'm sure you can all believe me when I say I saw the look in Merlin's eyes when he talked about Snow. And I saw them together constantly. So I know for a fact that they were in love!" Rosa defended her friend as several conversations erupted. Snow White sat back silently as she watched her friends lashing out at one another and she noticed Princess Carmela looked conflicted.
"Guys stop." Snow White stood up as everyone went silent.
"But Snow-"
"No Rosa, this isn't right. I appreciate that you're all trying to come to defend your friend, but what I'd really appreciate is to hear from Princess Carmela herself why she did this to me. I understand if she and Merlin are really in love, but if it's just to win him back after he broke off the engagement, I don't know if I can fully accept that." Snow White looked over at Princess Carmela, who looked rather surprised.
"Well, it's just as I said. I wasn't sure if Snow White and Merlin were all that serious. True I was their chaperone for a while, though Merlin never looked happy. And yes perhaps I did want to regain the relationship we once had, but that's only because I've had loved ones abandon me before. My parents abandoned me, and my kingdom didn't accept me as their new queen. I came here in the hopes of finding happiness. I don't think you can fault me for that. I'm truly sorry if I hurt you Snow. Merlin and I never intended for you to get hurt, I just . . . love him. And I think he loves me too, but maybe he's afraid to admit it." Princess Carmela gave Snow White a meek and remorseful smile.
"Well, what can I say to that. I forgive you Carmela, and I wish nothing but happiness for you and Merlin." Snow White nodded as everyone appeared stunned. But after this heated conversation, the party returned to normal. The night was over, and Snow White was sure to leave early the next day. Though she was pulled aside by Rosa.
"Snow, what're you doing?"
"I was just on my way home."
"No, I mean what're you doing with your life? You and I both know that Carmela's lying, or she duped Merlin and doesn't deserve him."
"Rosa, please. I'm fine. This decision is something I've come to terms with. Everything's fine. Ok? Besides, I've been wanting to travel, and now I can." Snow White gave Rosa a small smile.
"It's annoying how sweet you are, but that's why I love having you as a friend. You're just such a sweet, kind, and even-tempered person. And that spoiled brat of a princess doesn't deserve your kindness, or your compassion. They'e wasted on her. But, I'll respect you and your decision by not bringing this up anymore." Rosa hugged Snow White, who gathered her things and waited outside for her carriage. There was a slight breeze as the clouds overhead were swirling around. Snow White took a deep breath and tried to focus on something aside from the mixed emotions she'd been conflicted about.
"Snow! Wait!" Princess Carmela went running towards Snow White as the dust from her approaching carriage came from around the corner.
"Oh thank goodness I caught you before you left." Princess Carmella caught her breath.
"Did you need something from me?" Snow White's voice was weak, but still carried a warm tone.
"I just wanted to say thank you for what you said the other night. I really appreciate your support of Merlin and I courting." Princess Carmela took up Snow White's hands.
"Oh, um, sure no problem." Snow White shrugged as Princess Carmela gave her a hug.
"I'm sure you'll find a man who really loves you and shares the same interests as you." Princess Carmela said, though there was something suspiciously cruel within her tone.
"Thanks." Snow White nodded.
"Well, there's your carriage. Safe travels home." Princess Carmela nodded.
"Thanks." Snow White turned to leave.
"I'll be sure to send you an invite to my engagement ball." Princess Carmela waved. Snow White simply continued walking towards her carriage and decided not to look back; she knew Princess Carmela would be smiling victoriously.
A week passed by and the entire kingdom noticed Prince Merlin and Carmela courting. There was a mixture of opinion on the subject. Some congratulated their happiness and wished them a blissful future together. Others were suspicious of their courting, as though Princess Carmela had some sort of secret which she used to blackmail Prince Merlin into being with her—these were the opinions of those who knew how happy Prince Merlin and Snow White were. And there were those who were much too self-absorbed in their own lives to become involved in others. Arthur was the latter, growing frustrated with Prince Merlin's behavior, but still needing his help had decided to ignore the rumors in order to help Red Riding Hood.
"Arthur, look here." Prince Merlin looked at a page from his reversal spell book he'd been staring at for days on end, but finding very little confidence from the spells involving true love.
"What is it?" Arthur did his best not to snap at Prince Merlin.
"I've been reading this over and over, honestly I think it's ridiculous to believe in true love's kiss to break any curse. But I figured, something allowed me to break my curse, as did Jack and Hans, so why not?" Prince Merlin shrugged.
"Let me see that." Arthur snatched the book away in order to read the reversal spell for himself.
"Well?" Prince Merlin shrugged.
"Yes, yes! This is it Merlin!" Arthur put the book down.
"Alright, let's get the ingredients and we can try and break the curse tonight. It'll be a full moon, so we'll know if it works." Prince Merlin grabbed a bag and went to collect the herbs and other ingredients necessary.
A several hours passed, the reversal spell was nearly finished, Arthur brought Red Riding Hood over, and the sun was beginning to set.
"Right, now I just need to add the rosemary and rosewater. That should be it. Now, Red Riding Hood just needs to drink this and receive a kiss from her true love." Prince Merlin said matter-of-factly.
"This isn't going to taste very good is it?" Red Riding Hood asked timidly.
"Well with the other ingredients being something personal, a tablespoon of raw honey directly from a honeycomb, a tablespoon of red wine, milk from a cow; I doubt it." Arthur cringed as he held Red Riding Hood's hand.
"Ok, here it goes." Red Riding Hood shut her eyes as she chugged the potion with a crinkle in her nose and a chill down her spine.
"Ok, now Arthur, kiss her." Prince Merlin ordered as Arthur blushed.
"Merlin! You can't just say it like that!" Arthur's green skin turned bright red.
"What!?" Prince Merlin shrugged indifferently.
"We, we've never kissed before. Not on the lips." Arthur turned away embarrassed as Red Riding Hood blushed slightly.
"Well, I guess today's the day." Prince Merlin smirked as he snapped his fingers, creating a romantic setting with dimmed lights, pillows, and romantic music. Prince Merlin stepped out of the room as Arthur cleared his throat and Red Riding Hood giggled.
"Um, I uh-"
"Arthur, first I want to thank you. You've been so patient and kind." Red Riding Hood leaned in as Arthur took a deep breath.
"Even if we don't break your curse, I'll always be there for you. I- I love you Red." Arthur cupped her face as they had their first kiss. They waited for a few minutes after their kiss, but nothing miraculous or magical appeared to happen to Red Riding Hood, but Arthur's spell was now broken.
"Well, I guess we wait until the moon comes out." Red Riding Hood leaned on Prince Arthur.
"I suppose." Prince Arthur smiled, though still feeling anxious. The sky was clear and the moon was out, and Red Riding Hood remained the same.
"It worked." Red Riding Hood jumped up and down.
"It worked!" Prince Arthur held her close as the two began kissing.
"Well what do you know." Prince Merlin appeared rather shocked.
"Merlin, you're a real pal!" Prince Arthur shook his friend's hand.
"Honestly, I didn't think the reversal spell would work, but I guess I can be proven wrong." Prince Merlin said in a flat tone.
"Yes you can. Thank the heavens for that." Prince Arthur smiled ear-to-ear.
"Do you honestly believe in true love Arthur? You meet one pretty girl that wants to be with you. And you settled." Prince Merlin rolled his eyes and went to walk away when Prince Arthur stopped him.
"Let me tell you something." Prince Arthur took Prince Merlin by the collar, "Don't you for one second think you're cool by being aloof and apathetic. You believed in true love once, then you lost yourself and reverted back to the block-head you were before meeting Snow. I'm sick of it. I've been holding back because the others have been saying to be gentle. Well I'm done going easy on ya. You need to shape up or ship out."
"What? Ship out? You'd kick your best friend out of his home?" Prince Merlin looked into Prince Arthur's eyes, searching for some form of resolve.
"You're not my best friend. You're some stranger who just looks like him." Prince Arthur put Prince Merlin down as he turned, took Red Riding Hood by the hand tentatively and they walked outside. Prince Merlin stood there speechless. He snapped his fingers and returned his library back to normal.
"Well, I guess I'd better pack." Prince Merlin felt his chest tighten as he pulled out a magical bag in order to store away his things without the bag growing in size. He saddled a horse from the barn and was on his way. Prince Merlin eventually found himself at the doorstep of Princess Carmela, who was renting out a quaint cottage on the outskirts of King White's kingdom.