CHAPTER 16: OF SECRET PLANS AND PLOTS

Perhaps, everything would turn out fine after all. He was sure that Raven could earn enough for at least two Titans to attend the masquerade ball. He's already given her the consent to start tomorrow, bright and early. He hoped the kind old woman she described will keep her word and pay Raven. The Titans could really use some money now.

Finally assured that all was going well, Robin closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

The Enchantress stirred the brew inside her black pot. A sweet smell wafted up. She smiled, it was almost ready. It was just a hair out of place. She chuckled at her little joke. Her eyes quickly flickered across her many shelves, and then, she found it. She locked her eyes onto an old lone, wooden box sitting and collecting dust on her topmost shelf.

She whispered a few words and the box glowed soft golden before returning back to its original colour and flew down right into The Enchantress's hands. She caught it deftly and unlocked the box with a silver key she took out from a hidden pocket in her dress. Inside, were four combs. The fourth one wasn't needed anymore, but she decided it wouldn't be the wisest thing to do if she threw it away. Anyone could discover it and recognise the Royal seal. It's best to keep it safe and tucked away right here …

Her fingers hovered over the three other combs and finally pulled out a silver one with gold patterns on it, criss-crossing each other. It was beautiful, and that's how she knew it was his comb. Carefully, she pulled out a single, delicate, strand of flaxen-hair from the comb. Closing the box shut, she absentmindedly sent it back up to the shelf as she turned her attention back to the pot, or rather, what was inside.

The Enchantress held the hair over the pot with one hand, her other held a strand of dark-coloured hair. One that she had prepared on her table earlier. Excitement coursed through her veins, this is it! Looking out of the window, she saw that the bright, full moon had risen to its highest peak in the sky. It was time. Without any hesitation, she quickly recited those ancient words which she had been saying, practicing to herself quietly, when no one was listening, all day.

The strands of hair glowed golden and were dropped into the pot with a sizzle. Timing was everything, and so was her pronunciation. She hoped she said those verses correctly, if not, she would not get the intended outcome. The Enchantress watched as the brew bubbled and foamed. When it settled down, she saw that the thick brew was now a clear liquid.

She tilted the pot to one side, and then, to the other. The liquid inside flowed about smoothly. The Enchantress smiled. Perfect. It was exactly the right texture it should be. Like water.

She poured the contents into ten glass vials. Five vials for each person. The Enchantress took a step back to admire her handiwork. The soft moonlight fell across the glass vials and the liquid inside shimmered just a bit. There was a baby pink hue to it and the reflection of the glass was bright and clear, beautiful.

She cupped each one in her hands carefully as she put them all in a hidden drawer under her wooden table. It was not safe to leave them lying about. But if people do discover it, she'll just say it was her medication. They'll have to believe it, besides, don't old people always get sick?

The Enchantress's smile grew wider as she thought about her plans. From the moment that girl walked in, she knew she was perfect for this. She could sense it. Her powerful, dark magic. The Enchantress was starting to give up hope of finding anyone like her when she came along. The girl was absolutely the one. It was as if she was born and brought up for this, that's how perfect she was.

There was only one flaw in her though. One single flaw. And that was the Boy. Somehow, she and he had a sort of connection between each other. The Enchantress couldn't understand it fully, but could feel it, and she did not like it one bit. For this to work without any mistakes, any accidents, the girl must have no attachments to anyone.

The Enchantress sighed, there's always someone in the way. But she will get rid of him. He wasn't much of a threat now, she could sense that though they had that connection, they weren't that close, not yet … And that is precisely why she must not let that connection to grow. She had sensed and foreseen that it would if it wasn't acted upon quickly but she'll put a stop to it. It was too risky to leave him alone, but at the same time, it would take up precious time and energy to keep him away. But since she wasn't one to take risks, The Enchantress mentally prepared herself for her work ahead. This whole plot was just too big to risk him destroying it.

Oh, but why should she fret? The Enchantress smiled, he was only a boy, after all. A clueless young lad who doesn't know anything about her world, her ways. She laughed, he wasn't a threat! A pest, would be a better word, perhaps. She doubted he knew that he was causing all the problems. The boy is just like a mosquito, irritating, not very big, but must be destroyed. Still, she shouldn't have any reason to frown. He isn't a large concern, and he won't get into the way of her plans. She'll see to that.

After all, who could truly match the powers of The Enchantress?

The very next day, Raven set out back to the village, to see the old woman. She'll be pleased to know that she's excepted her offer.

When she reached the shop, she was about to knock when a voice from inside called, "Come in!"

How did she know? Raven asked herself, but shrugged it off. Maybe it was instinct, a sixth sense. Sometimes, people don't realise it, but even though they don't have powers, everyone at least will have a touch of magic in their blood. That's what enables humans to sometimes make accurate guesses or sense that something was coming.

She entered the shop and it was just as dark as ever.

"Well, my dear?" the old woman emerged from the darkness, smiling.

Raven nodded and she looked pleased. Clapping her hands in delight, the old woman ushered her to the back of the room. Raven followed, maybe now she was going to teach her how to sew or something. Not that she needed much teaching, Raven could knit and sew excellently, it's just that, she doesn't do it very often. So she worried, she may be a bit out of practice.

"Drink this, dear." the old woman handed her something cool and glassy.

Raven hesitated, is the drink even safe? She didn't mean to offend, but its just that the 18th century can be quite a dirty place … But at the same time, it would be rude not to accept the drink. The old woman probably meant well and is worrying that she may get thirsty.

"I assure you, it is quite safe. I brewed it myself. Tonic, for the body. Work can be very tiring." the old woman hastened to tell her.

Raven lifted the drink to her mouth. And as soon as the cool, sweet liquid touched her lips, a strange sensation took over. She wanted more. And so, she gulped down the contents. It wasn't very much, and she was sure it wasn't alcoholic, but Raven felt slightly woozy after taking the drink.

The old woman grabbed her arm to steady her. Then, her head cleared. Raven felt normal again … and a bit confused. It wasn't like any tonic she's tasted before. The woman now led her to the front of the room and Raven's eyes swept the place.

"Where were yesterday's apples?" she asked curiously, the basket was on the floor in a corner, empty.

"Oh," the old woman chuckled, "I ate it all!"

Raven found it odd that an old woman could eat all ten apples in a day but she didn't question it. Maybe the apples were an ingredient in the tonic. Raven did taste just a bit of apple in the drink.

Then, she found herself in front of a stiff dummy. A model of a human body. The old woman started to give Raven the basics of dressmaking. She taught her how to cut fabrics properly, and how to choose the appropriate patterns for the dress. Raven was an excellent student and a quick learner. She caught on fast, and by about five in the afternoon, the old woman was letting her make a simple dress on her own!

While Raven was measuring, she suddenly remembered about her mission. Maybe she could get more information and details out of the old woman. "How did Princess Anne die?" she asked.

The old woman smiled, "You are not from around here, dear?"

Raven shook her head. The old woman smiled again, this time though, it was rather mysterious, it was as if she knew something, but when she spoke, her voice was full of sympathy, "Oh, it was a peculiar thing. Nobody expected it of course, for the Princess was in good health. The poor dear was probably poisoned, for there were no signs of struggle or any weapons used."

Raven nodded. So at least she knew that if there was an assassin out there, he was probably an expert in herbs and medicine. Also, he must be very experienced and good in disguise if he could sneak poison into the Princess's food or water. Raven started to stitch the skirt to the torso. It was silence for a moment before the old woman spoke up.

"So, my dear, I feel I must warn you, the masquerade is not safe if there is going to be an assassination of Prince Alexander."

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Raven felt angry. For some reason, she didn't want him to die and wanted to protect him, even if it means risking her own life. She didn't know why she cared so much, but she did. And she's never met him! Her fingers fumbled clumsily as she cut the fabric, making some adjustments. She was distracted and thinking about the Prince.

Prince Alexander. She said his name over and over in her head, liking the sound of it more and more. Prince Alex. Perhaps he'll let her call him that for short. Raven smiled.

That's when, the door to the shop opened and closed. In walked Beast boy. But Raven was so busy thinking about … other things, that she didn't notice.

"Raven! How's it going?" Beast boy spotted her and let out a cheerful hello.

Raven, upon hearing her name, jumped a little as she was wrenched out from her thoughts and back into the world of the living. She turned, and saw Beast boy, grinning at her.

"Beast boy." she murmured a greeting softly before spinning back around to concentrate on the dress. She was feeling odd all of a sudden. It was as if her emotions were mixed up and she didn't know what to think or feel about Prince Alexander and Beast boy. But wait, what was even there to think or feel about in the first place?

"Young lad, I would most appreciate if you leave your friend in peace." the old woman said to Beast boy.

He frowned, "But I wasn't disturbing her or anything … I was just -"

"You hinder her work." the old woman cut him off coldly.

Beast boy wanted to argue back but something in her eyes chilled him to the bone. He decided to back off, just for today.

"I … Raven?"

Raven turned again, and looked at him. She blinked, as if seeing him for the first time.

"Be back soon, 'kay?" he said before exiting.

Raven continued to stare after him.

"Come, child. You are almost finished. Let there not be any more hindrances." the old woman urged her to go on.

Raven shook her head a few times, trying to clear the onslaught of feelings and thoughts inside of her. Then, she went back to her work.

At six, she was dismissed and the old woman locked the doors. She pulled out another one of the glass vials. Now, for the next step of her plans.

"Next, next." he waved them away, one by one.

He was tired, he was hot, and most of all, he was bored out of his mind! What were his parents thinking? How could they torture him so? It wasn't humane!

"No. Definitely not. Ugh!" he waved each off. Not caring if he was being rude or not. Sometimes, the heat does certain things to people. And right now, it was just making him feel more irritable. Also, his bottom hurt from sitting on the hard throne for so long. He frowned, they should really start building thrones with cushions on them. Red of course, it was his favourite colour.

Sometimes people thought it was great being a Prince. But they do not have the least idea of the torture Princes have to go through. Princes were always expected to act properly, stiffly, regally. They had no freedom, couldn't be themselves, and had to sit through boring old meetings with the council, parliament and everything. And they were so old! Always droning about some boring story after another. It could last for hours!

And of course, there's always the old bride candidate viewing. This was when he had to sit in the throne room for hours and watch ugly, eager duchesses, princesses, countesses, basically rich, spoilt brats from all over the world, come visit him with their most flirtatious looks and elaborate dresses to seduce him, each falling over her feet to curtsey and gush about how great he was and what a kind prince he is.

It was disgusting. Fake, and disgusting. He scoffed at each one. He made a mental note to kill his parents after all this. The prince leaned sideways, sticking his head out and looking at the line of girls left, ignoring the one in front of him. He held up a hand and made a go-away movement without even a glance at her direction. The princess left, disappointed.

The prince leaned back down to his chair. Good, only about ten more to go.

When the last one came. The prince decided he'll at least listen to what she was saying, since, she is the last after all. Thank the Lord, he wouldn't be listening to any more stuck-up brats. The thing is, she actually seemed quite nice. She was the daughter of an earl and was very quiet and shy. She was pretty too. But the prince didn't want her to be his bride. She wasn't The One. He'd love to be her friend though.

Sadly, he didn't it was possible to allow her to come and visit him as often as she liked without marrying him. So he waved her away, but nicely and with a proper goodbye.

"My Lord, you have dismissed all 253 candidates!" his father's advisor exclaimed beside him, as if the world was going to end.

"So?" The prince felt parched, he needed water after sitting for hours at the throne and in the afternoon sun. Well, alright, he wasn't outdoors but the throne room was just especially burning hot today.

The advisor looked ready to tear out the remains of his whitish-grey hair on his balding head, "The King and Queen would want you to marry soon."

"I'll find a nice bride at the ball!" the prince growled.

The advisor sighed but bowed his head and retreated. He gave instructions to the soldiers to escort the remaining princess, duchesses, countesses out.

When Prince Alexander was about to leave the place however, he felt a slight ap on his shoulder.

When he turned, he saw the face of a kindly old woman, smiling at him. He frowned, how did she get in here? Technically she wasn't allowed in. Then looking, he noticed the guards were giving directions to a lost princess, she must have sneaked in when they weren't looking.

"Your royal highness, you must be so tired." she said in a motherly voice.

Prince Alexander felt himself nod. Then, he frowned again, why was he even listening to her? He should probably tell her to leave politely now. But it seemed rude, after all, she was just an old woman.

The old woman produced a small glass vial. The size of his palm. Inside, was some sort of clear liquid. It looked like water, but it had a slight, pinkish hue to it.

"What's that?" he asked involuntarily.

"Ah, that is what you need now, child. Tonic, to ease your thirst and erase your weariness." said the old woman, smiling.

The prince took it, the glass was cool. Which meant the liquid was too, but was it safe?

"I brewed it myself." the old woman assured him, "It is simply water with roses and apples in it."

Prince Alexander still looked a bit unconvinced but he was really desperate for water. And so, he uncorked the glass vial and gulped down its contents. He sighed, the liquid is cool, and sweet to. It was unlike any drink he's had but tasted nice and refreshing.

Then, he felt dizzy. He started to sway but the old woman caught him, "It is the sun, dear. You must go."

The Prince waited for a few moments before he was steady and nodded, hopping onto his horse. He glanced at the advisor, he seemed to be in a quarrel with one of the soldiers. Well, that was fortunate. If he had looked this way and saw the old woman giving him something to drink, he'd really pull his hair out. Food items as gifts were always supposed to be tested out first, to make sure they were safe.

The Prince wanted to say his thanks, but looking down, she was already gone. How odd, she was only there a mere minute ago. Ah well, his advisor has stopped squabbling anyway. It was time to go.

And maybe then, once he reached his chamber, he could get some peace and well-deserved rest.