Maledictio Verae Tenebrarum [The Curse of True Darkness]
Chapter 2
The sky gradually darkened as Bloom followed the shivering witch towards the famous school of witches. Dark storm clouds rolled in, and the sun was obscured. In the distance the imposing spiral towers of the dark school stretched into the heavens. It was built atop a mountain with a sprawling dark forest thriving below it.
To reach the gates of the school, it was necessary to travel through the dark forest. Bloom was unfamiliar with the directions through the forest; usually the Winx would fly straight there when their assistance was needed. Thankfully the witch didn't ask any questions and silently walked in front of Bloom towards the school. The long walk seemed to calm her down and she stopped shivering about halfway through the dark forest. Perhaps the familiar environment was comforting.
Bloom smirked at the thought.
Before long they were standing before the imposing dark-purple iron wrought gates of Cloud Tower, school for witches. The witch hesitated and Bloom nudged her with an accompanying savage glare. The women flinched and opened the gate with a squeak.
Once inside and sure she was past the wards, Bloom grabbed the witch's arm and immediately cast a mind-altering spell to make her forget about the last few hours.
Bloom was unaware that the mind-altering spell she had attempted to cast on Flora back at Alfea had failed, but she was acutely aware that she was lacking knowledge and experience. It was more important to get better at spell casting dark magic than it was to make friends with the witches.
Once inside the school, Bloom was more comfortable about making her way to Griffen's office unaided. It wasn't the first time she had been there; she remembered the way. The various cliques of witches recognised her as the leader of the Winx and wondered why she was there alone. She ignored the glances, hushed words and snickers directed her way.
Unexpectedly Griffen's door was wide open, and the former dark witch noticed Bloom approaching from down the hall. Her presence was unexpected, but the leader of the Winx had never given the Headmistress any reason to ignore her in the past.
"What an unexpected surprise." Griffen's gravely voice drifted over to Bloom as she reached the open door to the office. "How can I help you Bloom?"
"I wanted to make an unorthodox request." Bloom replied as she closed the office door behind her. She sat down across from the former dark witch with a nod in greeting.
"What is it?"
"I wanted to enrol in Cloud Tower." Bloom's voice was devoid of emotion.
"Excuse me?" Griffen was clearly shocked. "That's…Unprecedented. No fairy has ever been admitted."
"There is always a first for anything." Bloom replied with a small smirk.
"No. I don't think I am being clear." Griffen folded her hands together and rested her chin on them with a smile. "It will never happen my dear."
"What?" Bloom yelled louder than she intended in her slight shock. "Why not?"
"There is a very important reason why fairies learn at Alfea and Witches learn at Cloud Tower."
Bloom waited for Griffen to clarify. She didn't.
"What's the reason?"
"Oh, you don't need to know that." Either Griffen herself didn't know the reason, or it was a closely guarded secret among the magic schools.
"I see. So it's impossible?"
"Correct. Unfortunately you have wasted your time coming here."
"Clearly." Bloom dropped her mask of pleasantness, and the most disgusted grimace graced her pretty features.
She rose to her feet and towered over the sitting witch with an ominous expression before smirking and casting the rending magic for the first time on an intelligent creature.
Griffen's experience in combat kicked in when the hairs on the back of her neck rose and a chill slithered up her spine. A defence spell was already active and ready in her fingers by the time Bloom's magic hit her. The dark magic harmlessly deflected off the shield and fizzled against the brick wall.
"What do you think you are doing!" When her mind caught up to what happened and she spoke, the tell-tale signs of fire magic was already emanating softly from Bloom's body. The blast of fire magic ripped through her passive shield and hit her like a ton of bricks smashing her against the office wall.
When Giffen opened her eyes, there was only a scorch mark where Bloom was previously standing and her office smelled faintly of burning, but her magical wards held, and nothing was too badly damaged.
Only her pride was hurt.
Griffen coughed and spat out a glob of spit and blood before reaching for her crystal ball to call Faragonda. The call connected quickly as it was school hours and Faragonda was in her office.
"Its good to hear from you my old friend."
"Cut the crap Fara, why did you send Bloom here? What do you want?" Her voice was as sharp as glass.
"Pardon?" Faragonda's confused expression was genuine.
"Oh? Have you lost control of your 'star student'?" Her voice was laced with venom at the end of the sentence.
"What are you talking about Griff?" A sliver of annoyance leaked its way into her voice.
"Bloom just came into my office asking to be enrolled in Cloud Tower. When I refused her, she attacked me." The first spell Bloom cast was an unfamiliar spell to her, and she hadn't noticed the nature of the spell being dark thanks to the surprise attack.
"Are you sure?"
"You think it wasn't Bloom? Or that I am lying to you?" Griffen was not the type of person who would lie about something this serious. Nor was she a prank playing kind of friend.
"I will look into it." She sighed, believing her old teammate. "There…have been some issues with her lately."
"Keep your students in check Fara, I don't want to deal with your mess." She hung up after saying her piece and sighed. "Why do we always get dragged into your battles Fara?"
Back in Alfea, Stella was locked in her room and was refusing to come out. It was only when Flora used calming nature magic that the sun fairy felt safe enough to let the other women inside the room and they found out that Stella had lost all of her memories.
In order to not make her panic and hurt herself, Aisha brought Headmistress Faragonda to Stella's room rather than forcing Stella to go to Faragonda's office on the other side of the campus.
"Um…who?"
"Its okay sweetie, you can trust her." Flora pat Stella's hand and moved from her place on Stella's bed so Faragonda could sit across from the sun fairy.
"Hello dear, tell me how you feel." Faragonda's voice was its usual gentle pitch and cadence.
"Um, I'm so confused and lost and scared." Fresh tears glistened in Stella's golden amber eyes.
"What do you remember?"
"I don't know, its…" she buried her face in her hands. Faragonda waited patiently. The terrified sun fairy spoke through her fingers. "Its blank. Like…everything is painted white."
"I see. May I?" Faragonda gestured to Stella's hand, and she slowly nodded. The two of them held hands and Faragonda entered Stella's mind to see the extent of her memory lost. Like the sun fairy described, it was indeed empty inside, but that didn't mean it was impossible to solve the problem.
"I can see traces of dark magic; don't worry dear I will be able to return your mind to normal."
"What do I need to do?"
"Remain as still as you can. Everyone else leave the room and guard the door, we must not be disturbed, this is extremely delicate magic. One wrong move and both of us could be left without a single memory between us."
The rest of the Winx did as they were asked and took turns guarding the door to Stella's room for the next three days. The school continued as normal with Assistant Headmistress Griselda stepping up to fill in where Headmistress Faragonda was needed, but unable to attend.
The Winx girls were anxious, but aside from whoever was scheduled to guard the door, the rest of them diligently returned to class. Although it was difficult for them to concentrate, Tecna made sure they knew that the best course of action was to wait patiently.
On the fourth day, Faragonda gently knocked on the door and spoke to Tecna. "Please gather the rest of the Winx. I have succeeded, but there is something they all need to hear."
"I wont be long." Tecna replied and immediately left to gather Flora, Aisha, and Musa.
Once they were all standing together outside Stella's dorm room, Faragonda led them away to her office.
"What about Stella?" Tecna asked as they walked.
"I will explain in my office. We need the wards to keep this information secret." Her words made Flora anxious. She immediately thought of Bloom and started sweating. Aisha caught her eyes and nodded. Flora calmed down a little when she realised she wasn't alone in her knowledge and anxiety.
The girls piled into the office and made themselves comfortable while Faragonda locked the door. After spending a moment to refresh the wards in the room, the older woman quickly made her way to her desk.
"Alright." She sat at her desk with a heavy look on her face. "Swear to me this information will not leave this room."
They each did as she asked.
"The person who erased Stella's mind was Bloom."
"You're kidding?" Musa exclaimed in shock, while Flora and Aisha shared a knowing look.
"What is your evidence?" Tecna immediately asked before anyone else could speak.
"There were traces of Bloom's magic going out of control in Stella's mind. In addition there were fragments of a broken dark spell. I believe Bloom was trying to cast a dark mind-altering spell on Stella and failed." Faragonda seemed to age ten years when the words left her mouth, and the sound of a heavy sigh filled the room.
"Dark magic…" Musa whispered and glanced at Tecna. "There must be some mistake…Bloom wouldn't…."
"Its…" Flora chimed in with a grimace and tears dripping down her face, "not the first time!"
"Flora…" Aisha cradled the nature fairy's face into the crook of her neck and brought the other women in the room up to speed.
"I see." Faragonda aged another ten years. "I respect your sense of loyalty, but you should have informed me the moment you suspected her of having any contact with dark magic."
"What's wrong Headmistress?" Tecna was quick to pick up on what she wasn't saying.
"I was always afraid that Bloom had been mildly corrupted by Lord Darkar's magic. It seemed like that wasn't the case, she was doing very well, and I was proud of her efforts in beating her nightmares…"
"What nightmares?" Musa asked and looked at the sobbing Flora.
"Well, she wanted to keep it private so as not to worry anyone. Only Flora and I knew she was struggling at night, but we both thought she beat them." Faragonda sighed sadly again. "I taught her personally."
"Alright. Let me lay out the facts: Bloom was having nightmares. She was in possession of a witch magic book, which only Flora actually saw. She cast dark magic on Flora and Stella to erase the conflict between them. She cast dark magic on Stella and failed. Is that all?" Flora wanted to argue that the book was really there, but kept her mouth shut when she realised Tecna was right; Stella never saw the book.
"Seems like it." Aisha replied.
"Where is she now?" Tecna asked.
"The last time I heard any news, she was at Cloud Tower." Faragonda added and recounted her conversation with Griffen to the Winx.
"If Bloom doesn't want to be found, it is unlikely that she would remain at the school for witches after being seen there." Tecna added.
"I will find her." Aisha vowed softly while making eye contact with each of the Winx. "For now, we don't tell Stella anything, we will only tell her that Bloom has gone missing."
"I agree." Faragonda added. "She has been through enough and her Princess Ball is just around the corner. Stella has enough she needs to worry about. I will put Aisha in charge of finding Bloom for now as she has the most resources behind her."
"I don't know if my parents will agree to help."
"All I can ask is that you do your best with whatever resources you have at your disposal. I understand that the King and Queen of the Surface of Andros will think this has nothing to do with them."
"Hopefully we can find her before she hurts herself…" Flora's muffled voice drifted over them from Aisha's damp shoulder.
"Or someone else…" Aisha added sombrely.
The girls glanced at each other and silently left the room.
Time passed quickly without any news of Bloom or her whereabouts and Stella's Princess Ball was upon them. Only the blonde woman was excited about the event as she was the only one not bogged down by the secret surrounding Bloom, however each of the Winx did their best to match her energy for her special day.
They spent days helping Stella organise her dress, makeup, and hair plans for the party. Stella was feeling very generous and offered to buy Tecna, Flora and Musa any dresses they liked for the day. She was attempting to distract them and herself from thinking about the missing Bloom. Of course she was successful, which young woman didn't love dressing up and feeling like a princess?
The day of the ball arrived quickly and a familiar bright red, drop-shaped ship circled above the pink fairy school before slowly touching down in the empty quad. Once the ship landed fairies took the opportunity to walk to and from the various buildings around the school before it was time for it to take off again.
Two handsome young men exited the ship. The tall brown-haired and gentle looking young man swept up Stella with a chaste kiss before placing her near the entrance of the ship and bowing.
"Silly Brandon, you don't need to bow to me!" Stella giggled as she helped him up. "But you can help me bring my bags into the ship."
"Your wish is my command your highness." He replied with a suggestive wink. She giggled in response and ran inside the ship to get comfortable.
"You can leave your luggage with us girls." The second young man spoke to the remainder of the Winx as he reached out to Flora's bags. "Also the others are sorry they couldn't come. The training mission could only spare the two of us."
"Don't worry about it, we are grateful the two of you can fly us there." Flora replied with a smile and walked inside with Musa and Tecna.
"I can carry mine. Thanks Sky." Aisha didn't let the young men grab her bags, feeling sympathetic for them.
"Is Bloom late by the way?" Sky asked as he looked towards the school expectantly.
"Ah…" Aisha sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder. "She isn't here Sky."
"What?"
"Come inside and I will explain." She left him and Brandon to carry the other girls bags inside the ship. It only took the strong young men one trip to carry the bags inside, Tecna was able to convince Stella and the girls to pack only one bag each. It was after all, only a day trip.
Brandon pat Sky's shoulder and motioned his head to the empty seat next to Aisha before beelining straight for the pilot's seat. Stella naturally sat next to him in the navigator's seat. It was a familiar trip from the school to her planet, she was the best person to direct them.
Anxiously, Sky sat next to Aisha and buckled himself in.
He waited to ask her what was going on until everyone was seated, buckled in and the ship really took off without Bloom. It was strange to be going anywhere without her.
Once the ship was safely in space, Sky turned to Aisha and was about to ask her what was going on at the same time that she turned to him and the two of them headbutted each other.
"Ouch damn boy, you have a hard head." Aisha complained while rubbing her forehead.
"I'm sorry, are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Now sit still and let me speak." He did as she demanded, and she explained to him that Bloom had gone missing. As agreed with Headmistress Faragonda, nothing they spoke about in her office left her mouth.
"Where was she last seen and when?" Sky immediately asked after absorbing the information.
"A few days ago she was seen in the city of Magix."
"Did she look okay? Was she alone?"
"She was alone. I don't know how she looked."
"Did she look hurt is what I meant?"
"Oh," Aisha realised what he was worried about, "I don't think she has been hurt or kidnapped by anyone if that's where you were going with you questions."
"I see." Sky fell silent.
"Rest assured that I am using all of my resources to look for her."
"You mean?" Sky looked hopeful.
"Yes, Mot- The Queen of the Surface of Andros has agreed to help me for a week."
"Eraklyon could," Aisha cut him off with a grimace. Another Kingdom could make things messy if news of Bloom using dark magic became public knowledge.
"No. Faragonda has asked us to keep this lowkey."
"Will you tell me if you need my help?" Sky looked lost.
"Sky you can absolutely help us look, with your own strength, not that of your Kingdom."
"I understand. Thank you." He looked resolute.
"We're here~" Stella announced in a sing-song voice over the intercom, "Welcome to the home of the Twin Suns, the Shining Kingdom of Solariaahhhh!"
Her voice ended in a scream that shocked all the passengers, but her reaction was understandable when they flew through the clouds obscuring the view.
Two dulls orbs hung heavily from the heavens, obscuring the view of the dim light of the stars, and bathing the Kingdom in a deep, depressing darkness. The view wasn't helped by the dark oppressive clouds that emptied heavy drops of water over everything, further obscuring the view with rain and mist. The landscape was eerie and still, save for the candlelight that flickered in windows like wisps amidst a graveyard.
"What happened here?" Musa asked in slight shock.
"According to my readings, the Twin Suns of Solaria are gone." Tecna replied after tinkering with her instruments.
"Gone? How?"
"Stolen." Aisha replied so softly that only Sky heard her. He pursed his lips but didn't push for an answer from her. It was clear to him that something beyond his understanding was going on and if the Winx needed him or the other specialists, they would ask like they have done in the past.
They slowly and quietly landed in the Royal Airstrip and disembarked without fanfare. Each of the girls carried their own bags, except Stella who was so distraught over the state of her country that she was walking with a dazed expression. Brandon was behind her with his and her bags and carefully watching out for her in case she fell or fainted.
They were greeted at the airstrip by the red and gold dressed Royal Guards of Solaria and taken to the Palace of Solaria so they could settle in and get ready for the Princess Ball that night. Even the guards looked sombre and the walk to the palace was short and silent.
The entrance of the Palace loomed in the distance like an open maw with golden teeth and a blood red tongue. In reality it was just a red carpet welcoming them, but the shadows in the kingdom seemed to distort distant objects into horrors drawn from nightmares.
They split up at the gate, Stella and Brandon were taken to see the King in his office and the others were shown to their rooms. Thankfully, the inside of the palace was brightly lit with candles and light magic. The light reflected off the golden adornments and sparkly polished marble floors. It was very warm and inviting compared to the outside.
"Stella!" King Radius was ecstatic to see his only daughter and he rushed over to give her the biggest hug he could muster. Normally Stella would complain and try to escape his embrace, but this time she held onto him for dear life and tears escaped her eyes. "Don't cry, I know things look tough right now, but we will pull through."
"How do you know what I'm crying about daddy?"
"Oh Stella, of course I know. Your friend has gone missing right? Who was it, Princess Bloom of Domino correct? Then you come home and see our Kingdom like this, I know exactly what you are feeling sweetie."
Stella didn't have the energy to question how he knew, although it should have been obvious that the King had someone who would keep an eye on her at the school. She just wanted to lie down and cry, but they didn't have time for that today.
"Brandon."
"Yes, your majesty." Brandon replied from the kneeled position he had been in since entering the room. "Thank you for taking care of Stella for me. I'm glad you are the one she has chosen to be by her side."
"Thank you, your majesty." The King's words shook Brandon's heart and he couldn't help the genuine smile that graced his handsome features.
"Now Stella. You need to go with the High Priestess to be cleansed and prepared for tonight."
"Yes, Royal Father," Stella replied obediently after plastering her princess mask on her face, but it didn't quite mask the sadness in her eyes. "I have prepared my own dress."
"Excellent." The King replied and a female servant stepped up to take Stella's bag from Brandon's outstretched arm.
Stella exited the room with the servant.
"Brandon stand up."
"Thank you, your majesty."
"I said what I said with a reason behind it. Do you understand me?" The King pat the young man on his shoulder with a smile.
"I think so?" Brandon had an inquisitive look on his face.
"Take my words as the acknowledgement of a father, even if I can't do so as a King. I am entrusting Stella's happiness to you."
"Yes, your majesty! I will do my utmost to protect her smile."
"Good man." The King laughed and patten him on the back. "Now go join Prince Sky and get ready for the party."
Stella took hours to get ready. There were many ceremonies and rituals that she needed to attend to before she could be officially Crowned by the King at the party. The crowning was considered to be the final step a Crown Princess must take and the least important in the eyes of the Shrine and the Law, but it was the most symbolic to the public. It was the first moment she would wear her crown in public and would be required to always do so in public settings, except at Alfea where noble status was put aside in order for all fairies to learn equally.
'Prince Sky and Crown Princess Aisha's companions' as they were called by the staff, were presented with dessert and tea courtesy of the King. A way to distract Stella's guests while they waited for said princess to get ready.
Aisha did her best to distract the group, especially the girls, from thinking about Bloom so that Sky would not feel compelled to ask them questions. None of them felt comfortable with lying, least of all Tecna, but they made a promise to Headmistress Faragonda and so, they lied.
Now they avoided the topic and instead listened to Tecna and Aisha talk about the weather and what might have caused it. Sky didn't mention hearing Aisha say the Twin Suns might have been stolen on the ship.
Like a breath of fresh air, Stella sauntered into the room, dressed in the most dazzling diamond encrusted white gown. The skirt was massive and made her small waist look tiny, while the strapless bodice bravely held up her ample breasts. White silk arm length gloves covered her arms and a single diamond rested around her neck. Her makeup was natural aside from the diamonds starting at the side of her eyes and spreading out into her hairline, which was pulled back into a high bun. The bun was constructed to support the crown she would soon wear.
The amount of light glittering off of Stella made it seem as if she was a small sun.
"I didn't think you would be dressed already. I was hoping we could get ready together." Flora was slightly sad, reminiscing the days when they could carefreely joke and get dressed together as a group of five.
"I apologise for not informing you prior. You have time, but I would advice you to begin your preparations." Stella replied, with her princess mask and voice firmly in place.
"Thank you for your candour, Your highness." Aisha replied and the two of them nodded to each other.
Stella made herself comfortable at the tea table by the giant window overlooking the gloomy garden and a servant brought her a fresh pot of tea, where she waited like a small glittering sun.
It didn't take the boys long to get ready in their formal Red Fountain attire, which consisted of a dark blue suit, beige shirt, brown shoes, and a pin in the shape of the Red Fountain logo: a dragon, with a gemstone encrusted eye in the colour of their chosen weapons. Sky blue for Sky and green for Brandon. Their hair was neatly brushed and styled as usual.
Brandon and Sky sat with Stella and drank tea in tense silence as she gazed at the depressing exterior of the castle. A slight frown marred her beautiful face, but otherwise she seemed unperturbed by the sight. It was impressive how good she was at hiding her emotions behind her princess mask. A talent all Royalty was required to nurture.
Soon, Flora stepped into the room, dressed in a pastel pink and green chiffon gown that fell around her waist like delicate lotus petals. A simple pink ribbon wound around her waist and disappeared into a bow behind her. Her bodice was overlapping pastel pink and green panels growing up towards her breasts and over her shoulders, seeming as if she was hugged by nature itself. Her makeup was subtle and looked natural. Her hair was curled slightly and bounced behind her when she walked.
Tecna walked in from behind her in a bold silver-purple coloured gown that covered her from neck to ankle. Intricate shapes were embroidered around the high neckline, down the sleeves, over the bodice and around her waist in a subtle silver thread. There was a small slit up the back of the dress to allow her to walk. Hanging from each of her shoulders was a deep purple half cape that met in the middle. Her eye makeup was subdued, but she wore a bold purple lipstick. Her magenta hair was worn naturally.
Musa sauntered in with a cheeky smile hidden behind a bright red fan. Her slender arms were bare save for a single gold arm bangle on her right arm. She lowered the fan which matched her bright red qipao styled gown. It had a traditional neckline, held closed in the middle by an intricate red knot. The sleeves were short, going no further than the top of her shoulders. It was decorated with golden embroidery of musical notes and birds native to her planet. The waist was pinched at the front to create interesting folds in the silk fabric which flowed around her like a song. This was one of the few times she didn't have her hair in ponytails, and it flowed elegantly behind her like a black river. Her lips were adorned with red, and her eyes were subtly decorated.
Finally Aisha walked in, assisted by a servant who was holding the long trail of her teal gown which shined silvery gold when it was hit by the flickering light of the candles. Like Stella she had a strapless bodice, but it was shaped to resemble shells where it cradled her breasts. As the fabric fell around her in waves it looked like she was walking through the sea. She wore a simple ribbon of the same fabric around her neck which trailed down her bare back like dripping water. Her hair was done up into a formal low bun. A drop shaped teal gemstone hung over her forehead, held in place with a silver gold chain running through her hair. The symbol of her status as the Crown Princess of the Surface of Andros. Her eyes were decorated with shimmering powder that matched the colour of her dress and her lips were covered with clear gloss.
"Absolutely beautiful girls. I am proud to call you my friends." Stella commented as she elegantly rose from her seat at the tea table.
Flora blushed, Musa smiled shyly and hid her lips behind her fan, Tecna nodded, and Aisha stepped forward to nod at her fellow Princess.
"Your assistance will not be required tonight." Aisha commented to the servant, who left. "I think the trail is a bit much."
At her words, Aisha reached behind her and unclipped the fabric from the back of her bodice that created the trail. Even without the extra fabric, the beauty of the dress was not diminished.
"A wise idea." Tecna nodded with a smile as the servant bowed and left the room.
"Shall we, your highness?" Brandon extended his arm and Stella slid hers in naturally. The two of them looked perfect together.
"I wish we had a camera." Flora lamented. "I want to remember how everyone looks forever."
"I have one." Tecna replied and pulled out one of her gadgets. They quickly took photographs of everyone dressed in their splendour. "I will send them to you later Flora."
"Thank you Tecna."
Now it was time to enter the party. Tecna, Musa and Flora would enter as unmarried bachelorettes first. Next would be foreign Royalty: Prince Sky escorting Crown Princess Aisha. Finally the star of the show, Princess Stella escorted by Brandon.
As she entered the party the guests fell silent. Stella was like a small shining sun walking up to the podium where her father, the King, and the High Priestess were waiting with a small delegation of ministers with her crown.
Brandon elegantly led Stella to her place beside the King. He handed her over to him before he stepped back and waited beside an unfamiliar minister. As Stella's boyfriend he had the status required to be on the podium near her.
The High Priestess stepped up and recited the scripture of the Temple of the Twin Suns, ending with the prayer 'Eternal Sun'. Everyone present repeated the words and nodded in a sombre manner. At this moment, Brandon stepped up to hold Stella's hand as she knelt next to the King.
"I now pronounce you, Crown Princess Stella!" The King announced as he placed the elegant gold and diamond encrusted tiara on Stella's head, careful to let the weight of it rest against the updo of her hair that was styled for this purpose.
Feeling the weight of it upon her head, Stella opened her mouth to pray, "Eternal Sun."
Brandon released her hand, and the King helped her to her feet. The light glittering off of her seemed to shine even brighter as the guests inside the ballroom clapped and cheered for the new Crown Princess. Stella smiled softly and waved elegantly as a princess should.
Once the ceremony was completed and everyone had been able to greet the new Crown Princess, it was time for her first dance. Which would of course be with her father, but before that, the King wanted to make an announcement.
"At risk of upstaging my daughter I have something I want to announce," the king smiled, and the guests chuckled softly at his joke. "I am announcing my engagement to Countess Cassandra!"
The King's booming voice reverberated through Stella, and she opened her eyes wide in shock.
"Looks like Stella didn't know." Aisha commented to her friends softly as she noticed the look in her eyes threatening to break her careful princess mask.
Countess Cassandra walked up to the podium with a modicum of elegance, not quite on the level of Royalty, but elegant enough. She held the King's hand, kissed the back of it, curtsied and said "Eternal Sun" loud enough for everyone to hear. When she got to her feet, she held his hand tightly and stood beside him. He gently kissed her cheek then released her hand and walked up to Stella so they could go dance.
"We will talk about this later." Stella replied to her father's expectant expression. Then she took his hand and ignored the proud look on his face so they could take their places on the dance floor. A younger Stella would have made a public fuss right at the party.
In the meantime, Countess Cassandra made herself comfortable on the podium on a seat beside the King's seat. From her new position she glanced at her daughter, Chimera, who was standing alone beside the window and gave her the signal for their plan. Chimera nodded and began muttering to herself.
She suddenly vanished from view and a howl escaped from the King as he pushed Stella away from himself.
"Father!" Stella exclaimed as she fell to the ground, breaking the heel of her shoe and ripping her dress.
"Get this imposter away from me! She is not my daughter!" The King drew the ceremonial sword by his waist and started swimming it around himself wildly. "Get away!"
"Shit." Musa swore and spat out her drink. "What the hell?"
"Father?" Stella whimpered from her place on the floor as the crowed backed away from her like she was diseased.
"Where is my daughter!" The King was distraught and looking around himself in a panic. He dropped the sword at some point and was walking around like a drunk man. Countess Cassandra had come down from the podium and grabbed his arm so he wouldn't hurt himself.
"Your highness!" She tried to get his attention to no avail.
"Get Stella out of here!" Tecna turned to Sky who was already moving. Brandon was already by her side and helping her up, the guards were moving slowly, unsure what was happening.
Aisha, Musa, Tecna and Flora rushed to the door and opened the way for the two young men leading a distraught Stella out the door. The crown had fallen from her head at some point, but they were able to get outside the ballroom.
"We will get her to the ship." Tecna turned to the boys and grabbed Stella's hand. "You need to recover our things and meet us there. Can you make it?"
"The guards will be confused for a while, we can run." Sky answered while Brandon tried to console Stella.
"Go quickly!" Aisha commanded and grabbed Stella's other hand. The four of them took off their heels and ran for the ship. Uncaring about their dresses or hair or delicately done make up. Getting Stella to safety was their first priority. Then they could figure out what happened.
The boys were quick as promised and they made it to the ship without any issues. Brandon went to sit by Stella while Sky and Tecna got them out of there and back to Alfea.
"What happened?" Brandon asked.
"I don't know we were just dancing, trying not to talk about the Countess when he suddenly…"
"Its weird how suddenly he changed." Musa commented.
"My thoughts exactly, this has to be the result of a vicious spell." Aisha agreed.
"Don't worry Stella, we will figure this out and fix it, okay." Flora consoled the shocked Princess.
"What are the chances it was the Countess who did it?" Stella asked timidly.
"She was on the podium, everyone was looking at her, someone would've noticed if she did." Aisha replied.
"Why do you ask?" Flora asked.
"We are not on friendly terms and Chimera, her daughter, impersonated me in Magix when I went shopping for my dress."
"What the hell?" Musa asked.
"I think Chimera might have done this…I didn't see her anywhere today."
"What does she look like?" Brandon asked.
"Light skin, ankle length black hair with a straight cut fringe, steel blue eyes and a mole under her left eye."
"Oh, I saw her!" Flora exclaimed. "She was standing by a window alone with a nasty expression."
"Did anyone see her cast magic?" Brandon asked.
Everyone shook their heads, no.
"Well she is at least a suspect then." Aisha commented and rubbed Stella's back.
To be continued in Chapter 3...