Wish retold: Chapter 3

So, folks, here we go! I will have a little more time now, so I assume that the next chapter will come out next week. From now on, we're on our own, even if there are still some similarities with the original movie 😊. Please enjoy!

Magnifico

He took a deep breath and let the pleasantly cool night air fill his lungs with dozens of wonderful, familiar scents. The sight of the quiet city below brought him peace and a relaxed smile to his face. The lights in houses were slowly extinguished and the only light that stayed, especially bright today, was the star-studded sky. Oh, he loved it so much. That feeling of peace, security and that nothing in the world could spoil this moment. Um, but maybe something could after all...

The memory of Asha's terrified face and look in her eyes flashed in his mind. The look of a scared but naive child. He didn't want to shout at her like that, but of course she had herself to blame for that.

A frown replaced the smile on his face. Asha... Who is she to teach the king what is right? After all... how old is she? Seventeen? Bah, that's enough for her to use her head and not get involved in things she knows nothing about. That people deserve more? More of what?! They have, well, everything they can think of! No one here ever had to worry about their family not having anything to put in their mouths. Children can safely run through the streets and frolic from morning to night without their parents having to even think about the dangers they might face elsewhere in the world. And who has ever heard of another king who would fulfill the wishes of his subjects?! Well?! No, that cheeky pup has no idea how lucky she and the others are that he lets them live here in comfort and peace. For today's performance, another king would have her...

That's enough! He sighed in frustration and gently massaged his temple with his fingers. His actions have never been questioned in this way. Yes, the feeling was unfamiliar, but he couldn't let it control him. The main thing is to keep a cool head. Heh, it's stupid that a little girl got to him like that.

Sighing again, he leaned his elbows on the balcony railing and once again gazed at the scenery below him. But this time he couldn't smile. Although he tried very hard to put today out of his mind, he could not completely banish the swirling thoughts. The truth was that he was insanely afraid of what could go wrong. Paranoia had consumed him since he founded Rosas and welcomed his first subjects. Yes, everything has changed since he lost his family. He had become one of, if not the most powerful wizard in the world and he wouldn't let something like that to happen again, but the feeling of uncertainty and fear was still there, lurking inside him, waiting for something to wake it up again and break through to the surface. Things like criticism from a seventeen-year-old girl.

"Oh, come on!", upset, he bounced sharply from the railing and marched into the study room with clenched teeth. He must do something to calm down, maybe a sleep potion could help. Um, or hot herbal tea with fresh honey? Hohoho, that doesn't sound so bad.

He was about to wave his hand and send a magical message to the kitchen to prepare his favorite drink and maybe a couple of Magnifico cookies to go with it when a distant sound reached him. Almost like... an explosion?!

His heart pounded and the blood in his veins froze. He immediately jumped back onto the balcony, gripped the railing with his fingers so tightly that his fingertips turned white, and stared into the forest in the distance, from where something unimaginable was spreading. A golden glow spilled over the entire city, like an unstoppable tidal wave. He didn't even blink and the beautiful light passed through him. For a moment, such an extremely brief moment, he was consumed by a happiness such as he had never experienced before. And immediately... His heart was pierced by the painful knowledge. The magic of the stars.

He gasped, his knees shook, and he lost his balance for a moment, but luckily, he stayed on his feet. He quickly looked up at the ceiling and watched as wishes lit up and went out again, bouncing in the air as if they were looking forward to something.

"No… Oh please, no…" he whispered to himself. He must act, there is no time to spare. He turned his attention away from the dancing wishes and strode over to one of the many bookshelves. His gaze moved from one book to another, occasionally he selected one of them, flipped through it and returned it again. However, after a moment of desperate searching, he began to pile them up on floor, returning them to the shelves and aligning them took too much time. So, where the hell is it?!

The door to the study room suddenly opened and Amaya walked in with a blissful smile on her lips. She danced right up to the still flustered Magnifico, standing behind him and snuggling up to his back. She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and rested her chin on his shoulder. She didn't even notice that he wasn't paying her any attention.

"Mmmm, my king, are you spoiling us with your magic?" she whispered so that only he could hear her.

"It wasn't me," he replied harshly, not taking his eyes off the text of the book he had just pulled from the shelf. Only his tone brought Amaya out of her reverie. She carefully pulled away from him and stood next to him so that she could see his face.

"Wh-what? But then..."

There was nothing in this book to help him either. Magnifico couldn't take it anymore. He turned sharply and threw the book across the hall with a roar. He started running from one place to another in a frenzy, smashing everything that stood in his way.

With a worried expression, Amaya took a few steps back so as not to get tangled under the feet of her husband who was marching up and down. She had never seen him like this before, but she was sure that what made him so upset must be extremely serious.

Magnifico stopped suddenly and stared across the room at the glass display case, a dangerous thought flashing through his mind. Maybe it's time...

No! He shook his head with violent movements, as if he was trying to expel something from it. He took a deep breath and held his breath. When he finally breathed out, he was himself again, a loving king and husband. Apparently, all his strength left him with anger, for a moment, he staggered and finally, with his back leaning against one of the bookcases, he slumped to the ground. He stared into the unknown without moving.

Amaya had been standing with holding her breath until now, but now she finally forced herself to move. She slowly walked over to her husband and gracefully knelt next to him. Looking into his face, she reached over and fixed his hair, which was now sticking out to every direction. Once the hairstyle was saved, she gently caressed his face and made him turn to her. He finally recovered and their eyes met.

"What was that?" she asked cautiously, hoping not to provoke another rage explosion.

Magnifico was about to answer, but he couldn't seem to find a suitable explanation. He looked at the ground and sighed. Amaya dropped her hand from his face and waited patiently.

"Stars…" he began. "T-that was star magic. The magic of wishes. I have no idea how it's even possible, something like this is only written about in books and I... I've never seen anything like it with my own eyes.''

"Star magic? And... what exactly does that mean?'

"Well, I'm afraid of that. Something like this... something like this only happens once in hundreds of years, if ever. It means..." he trailed off, a flash of horror in his eyes, "… that someone pulled a star from the sky."

"Wh-what? I guess... I guess I don't understand you. How could anyone…"

"Amaya," he cut her off, looking at her with a hard expression, "I think it was a threat."

The queen was horrified and tried to process in her head what she had just heard.

"Who would… Are you sure?"

"The only thing we can be sure of now is that we have to stay alert. The stars answer wishes and their magic," his lower lip quivered, "is the most powerful in the world. And the most dangerous. If it answered wish of someone who wants to stand up to me, then…"

"Then I have no idea if there is anything that could possibly stop them," he finished after a short pause. Fear pierced the queen. If her husband, the most powerful sourcerer she had ever seen, said something like that, then…

"Maybe… Maybe it was just a mistake? After all, who would dare to defy you? And why would they do that? You are the most handsome," she took his hand in hers with the warmest smile and kindest look, "and the most beloved king."

Magnifico gave her an uncertain look.

"If you don't know how to proceed and what to do, then turn to your people. Each of them will try to help you and point you in the right direction, my king," she kissed his cheek gently. "Ask them and you'll see that everything will be just fine."

Magnifico's face brightened. Maybe… maybe Amaya is right. Maybe it was a mistake after all, and the person who caused it might not even know what he was doing. And maybe... Well, "maybe" doesn't sound very encouraging. But what else is he supposed to do? He glanced once more at the display case with the forbidden book and sighed.

With a serious voice and a nod, he stated: "You're right. I am a handsome king."

Immediately, one corner of his lips lifted in a smirk and with this mischievous expression he winked at Amaya, who elbowed him in the ribs with a smile. They both laughed at that. Magnifico lifted Amaya's hand and kissed it tenderly, his gaze fixed on his queen.

"You have no idea how lucky Rosas is to have you. As am I."

They leaned on each other and enjoyed the moment together without another word.

Morning came uncomfortably early. Magnifico rummaged through books and old texts most of the night, but to no avail. Although many books mentioned star magic and even outlined the many dangers of using it, none of them explained how to combat it. He had a bad feeling that he knew the reason. Perhaps there is nothing that can resist it.

Although he was terribly tired, he did not believe that he would be able to truly rest until he had found a solution to yesterday's event. But Amaya was right, first he must find out who is guilty of this act and what are his intentions, and for that he needs help.

He had no time to waste. As soon as the sun rose, he gave the order to summon the subjects to the courtyard, while he prepared himself in the chamber in front of the mirror. He covered the dark circles under his eyes with charms and straightened his unruly hair, which didn't particularly want to stay in one place today. He dressed and straightened his cloak. And just to be sure, he ran through that damned hair one more time...

He pointed to his reflection in the mirror with his fingers and smiled contentedly, showing his white teeth.

"Wow, you look goooood today," he declared to himself. Enchanting the crowd, that's his real talent. Men are envious and ladies fall to their knees in amazement. That's right, he still got it!

Someone suddenly knocked and the door slowly opened. Magnifico quickly straightened up and brushed an invisible stain off his shoulder.

"My king, they have already assembled," Amaya entered her husband's chamber and approached him. With a smile, she fixed his cloak, which, despite his efforts, was a little crooked, but she left her hand resting on his chest for a while longer.

"It'll be fine, you'll see," she tried to encourage him in a sweet voice. She was the only person who saw right into his soul and could guide him in moments like this. While others saw a majestic and never-distracted powerful monarch, she saw a man who tried hard to hide his true self behind an impenetrable shiny shield of a charming smile and seductive gaze. A man who would do anything to protect what he loved, sensitive and vulnerable.

With a smile, he kissed her forehead and nodded to indicate that it was time to go.

They walked down a long corridor and down a wide staircase that opened directly to a gate leading to a stage in the courtyard. As they passed through this gate, there was a cheering crowd. The people cheered and shouted for glory to the king and queen.

Amaya stopped right at the entrance to the castle, while Magnifico walked to the very edge of the stage. Today, however, he wasn't smiling, standing firmly in place with a hard expression on his face.

"Citizens of Rosas, surely you all know about the mysterious light that…" he couldn't finish his sentence, people shouted over him. Some jumped, others thanked their king for the light that brought them those wonderful feelings of happiness and joy last night.

"Which I neither sent nor authorized!" he added quickly. This time, the crowd immediately fell silent except for the occasional "oops" and "ahems."

"The originator of this light is someone who used magic so dangerous yesterday that he endangered himself, his loved ones, and all of us with this act. It is a power that cannot be controlled, and therefore anyone who will try to use it is in serious danger. That's why we must, with joint efforts, of course, find this unfortunate person and... help him, how else, from this difficult situation. I'm sure it was just a mistake, an accident or something. And so, I am asking each and every one of you to come forward with any information regarding this treachery... erm, I mean unfortunate event and help save a peaceful and safe Rosas. Thank you for..."

"Wait! Are we not safe here anymore?!" someone from the crowd called out. Magnifico was taken aback by the question but forced himself to respond anyway. The smile on his lips grew as wide as possible, he narrowed his eyes and raised his hands, trying to look completely carefree, although inside he felt the exact opposite.

"Of course, we are safe. When we find the one who..."

"You said it was magic that couldn't be controlled! So, you can't do it either?" another voice added.

"T-that... You bet, I can control it!" he lied. "The person who caused it is an amateur compared to me," he faked a laugh.

"And what about our wishes? Are they safe too?" someone else asked.

"Yes!" "Exactly, what about our wishes?" "Maybe they're just after them!" "What if there's a whole group of them?" "You think they've come to destroy Rosas?" "Should we run?!"

As the crowd panicked, Magnifico was pushed closer to his limits with each question and challenge, until suddenly a sentence rang in his ears that not only carried him through those limits, but outright undermined them: "Maybe he can't protect us!"

Those words were enough to make their king lose his almost always smiling face.

"SILENCE!" he yelled so loudly that some people in the crowd jumped, and streams of magic shot out from his fingers, hitting the surrounding pillars, and knocking small pieces of stone off of them. Magnifico's face was contorted with fury for a moment, but when he saw his subjects' gazes filled with terror, the anger immediately subsided. Well, at least the worst part of it.

The king straightened up and tried to calm down with deep breaths, but he could not undo what had just happened.

"I… can protect everyone. BUT I need your help for that. Find the traitor and I give you the king's word—your king's—that I will make it right! And I will not stop until this unpleasant situation is resolved. I promise you this!"

However, the crowd did not dare to make a sound.

"Now go! And..." he raised a warning index finger, "until the traitor is found, I will grant no wish! However, anyone who helps me catch him I will reward and grant whatever they wish, whatever their wish may be. Thank you and goodbye!"

After these last words, he turned on his heels and walked quickly back to the castle. As he passed by the horrified queen, he didn't give her a single glance, but she immediately ran after him.

"My King..."

"How dare they?! THIS IS HOW THEY THANK ME FOR EVERYTHING I DO FOR THEM?! Ungrateful…"

"My king, they are afraid! You have protected them for so long that they don't even know how to react in such a situation. Please listen…"

"NO! I'm going to the study hall and don't you dare disturb me!"

Magnifico began to ascend the tall spiral staircase, leaving a stunned Amaya standing down below. He clenched his fists and gnashed his teeth in anger, mentally cursing everything and everyone. This is how they pay back for all that?! By questioning their king?! Distrust?! No, that was enough...

He finally arrived in front of the study hall and slammed the door open. He had a clear goal. He walked right in front of the display case and waved it open, summoning a book that contained the darkest magic of all. Unfortunately, if there is a clash of spells between him and the star, he has no chance of winning without the darkness. His spells cannot defeat the magic of the stars. He almost didn't hesitate and almost opened it. Almost...

For just a short moment, he looked up from the book he was holding in his hands and saw his reflection in the glass of the display case. He could have sworn the reflection shook its head in disapproval with a hopeless expression. Or did he do it himself? Dark magic... If he opens this book, he must pay with his soul or his life, he knows that well. But is he ready to do it? And what is more important: does he want it? At the thought of betraying Amaya and plunging all of Rosas into darkness with his deed, something stung unpleasantly in his chest. The feeling gave him a clear answer. No, this cannot be the way. He doesn't want to lose who he is.

With a defeated sigh, he returned the book to its place and gently closed the case to restore the protective charm.

Amaya... Now he must go to her. She will tell him how to proceed.

As quickly as he ran up the stairs, he climbed down again and made his way down the long corridor to the queen's chamber. When he arrived at her door, he stopped, because he didn't know what to say. If she wants to see him at all… Maybe that was a bad idea, he should go get some delicious cakes or flowers and apologize. Yes, it will...

He knocked. Why on earth did he do that?! What will he say? Don't panic, he'll figure something out. And if not?! So, he will stand here like an ox and let the door slam in his face? Well, and why not? Even so, this day cannot get any wors...

"Come in!" came a voice from the other side of the door. Oh, dammit!

Magnifico cautiously opened the door and at first only peeked in, but then decided to enter his wife's chamber after all. Amaya was sitting on her bed turned with her back to him. She was clutching an embroidered handkerchief in her hand. Oh no… He made her cry...

He hesitated for a long time how to begin. But in the end, there was nothing left but to try somehow. He closed the door behind him and slowly, almost without a sound, walked over to Amaya and sat down next to her. Together they looked at the ground, at the red-gold decorated carpet.

"I-I… I'm so sorry. You can't imagine how sorry I am. Those words out there…"

Amaya looked up and looked directly into his eyes, but there was no trace of anger in her gaze.

"I am one who should apologize. I had no idea how to stand up for you out there. They had no right to question all that you do for this kingdom, but try to understand them, my king. They are scared. Even more than you. They cannot defend themselves against such a danger, they put their hope in you. Now is not the time to show anger, now they need to see that their king stands firm and steadfast."

"Oh," he sighed, "of course you're right. Again and again, you are right. I'm just worried that…"

"You are someone else now. You are not a little boy anymore, but a man who built all this," she pointed with her hand at the open window, beyond which lay the beautiful city, "and you are no longer alone. I know that what happened in the past, you will never allow to happen again. And neither will I."

She rested her head on his shoulder, and he leaned back on her. Her words always reassured him and brought hope that tomorrow would be new and better day. She had this influence on him even when they met. He believed that with Amaya by his side, he could achieve anything. She was the voice of reason and heart at the same time, his beacon in the darkness. And he would give anything to make this moment last forever...

Knocking. An unbearable, insistent knocking that wakes him from a pleasant dream. Wait. Did he fall asleep? Not a while ago...

"Your majesty," said a nervous voice from the other side of the door. Magnifico recognized the voice, it was one of the boys who helped in the castle. The one with the big nose, who was allergic to probably everything in the castle, except the animals. Weird.

The king reluctantly opened his eyes and looked around quickly. Amaya was lying on the bed next to him and it seemed like she was just waking up from a nap as well.

Knocking again.

"I'm going!" Magnifico growled and forced himself to swing his legs over the edge of the bed. He picked up his brown tunic, which he wore under his beautiful robe, from the ground and clumsily put it on. He didn't bother with its adjustment behind the waistband of his pants. He got out of bed and walked to finally open the door.

In front of him was indeed the ever-sneezing boy, Safi. He was panting and looked as if he had just run around the entire island.

"Sir...Your Majesty...Sir..."

"Just calm down, breathe, nothing's burning, right?" Magnifico joked. But Safi stopped and let out a long, "eeeeehm" nervously.

"So, what is it then? Out with it!" now even the king was nervous.

"I-it's in town, your..."

"Enough with the majesty, just spill what's going on!"

"Excuse me, y-sir. The animals in the city. They've gone crazy!"

"What? What animals?'

"Well, all of them! Absolutely all of them. And not only those in the city! But even those from the forest, sir! They… they talk and run and bite and…"

"Wait, what are you talking about? Do animals talk? Safi, have you had anything? Or is it some kind of stupid joke?"

"N-no sir, I swear! Something very strange is happening. Talking animals are running around the city and destroying everything! They have already attacked some people."

Magnifico looked at him with a frustrated expression. What was that guy talking about?! Someone must have led him into this, he never behaved like this. He was about to teach him a lesson when horrified screams were heard from outside. And then another and then again and again.

"My king, what's going on?" Amaya asked in a frightened voice, clutching the blanket over her nightgown.

"I-I don't know, but... But..." Magnifico stuttered, trying to figure out what to do. Suddenly it clicked for him. A star... A star must have caused it. And if it's in town...

The king ran to the bed, picked up his sumptuous clothes from the floor and quickly began to put them on. He left some buttons unbuttoned, didn't even properly tuck his pants into his leather shoes, and didn't even reach for his cloak. He didn't have time, oh, he must be quick. He won't let that villain slip through his fingers.

When he was done, or so he thought, he ran out of the room and nearly knocked over Safi, who stood transfixed. He ran straight into town. However, he would never have imagined what was waiting for him there.