Protector of the Enchanted

The night was peaceful, a bright moon illuminating the sky amidst twinkling stars. Trees swayed gently in the night breeze outside the arched glass window. A welcome companion to the soft voice murmuring a bedtime story to the little girl laying in the four-poster bed.

 

She lay cuddled up to her mother as a soft hand swept through her hair. Her eyes were becoming harder to keep open, but she still kept her ears perked, her hand clutching onto her mother’s robes to urge her to keep talking. With a muffled chuckle and a fond kiss to her head, she did.

 

“Once upon a time in a land now forgotten there was princess.” She had begun not so long ago. “She loved all those dwelled in her lands and was beloved in return.”

 

The story continued to detail her kind acts and how they’d caught the attention of a spiteful queen in a neighbouring kingdom. She didn’t like this because it meant it would be harder to wage war on the kingdom. But more specifically she was jealous of the love she received.

 

So, she made a deal with a witch to have her kidnapped. The princess was trapped in a tower for several days with no one to save her. All those that attempted were thwarted by the vines growing at the bottom. Which threw them out before they stepped foot in its vicinity.

 

“Did she ever get out mama?” The girl asked in between yawns.

 

“Of course, she did.” A soft kiss to her head. “She wasn’t just a kind princess but an resourceful one was well. Watching every failed attempt allowed her to see the pattern of attack that others wouldn’t be able to. She began to write it all down on a parchment she’d stolen from the witch.”

 

“Then what?”

 

“Then she waited. Until a man reached her tower, one who wasn’t a prince or a noble at all. No. He was a knight she’d met many times before. A friend she’d grown up with.” At her daughter’s expectant stare, she shook her head before continuing. “If it were anyone else, they may not have listened.”

 

“They worked together to defeat the witch’s trap and the witch herself. In the fight, the man almost did not make it, but the princess shoved a dagger into the witch’s back through her chains to stop her in her tracks. And they were able to go home at last.”

 

“And they lived happily ever after?”

 

“Yes.” A beaming smile. “They lived happily ever after?” She ruffled her daughter’s hair gently before meeting her eyes. “Do you know why I’m telling you this?”

 

The girl shook her head. Her face contorting in confusion as she tilted it up expectantly. “No. Why?”

 

“Because my darling, we wouldn’t be here if the princess hadn’t escaped that tower. The history of this kingdom starts with her. You see when she defeated the witch, some of her power remained and formed a crystal. A large red gem that was placed on the centre of a crown to remind her to always take care.”

 

“And?” The girl’s eyes were wide, an expectant gleam lining their surface. “What happened to the crown?”

 

“It still remains.” Her mother answered patiently. “Although now it’s generally only used to swear in an heir.”

 

“Does that mean I’ll get to wear it?” Her voice was pitched in excitement even as a yawn followed soon after.

 

“Yes, you will.” A soft smile as she leaned over to press a kiss to her forehead. The smile grew as the little girl giggled. She tucked her in before getting off the bed, “Now I believe it’s time you got some sleep. That’s enough stories for one night.”

 

“Okay!” She nuzzled into her pillow. “Night, Night mama.”

 

“Goodnight My Celeste.”

 

A yawn escapes my mouth as I stretch my arms, a hand immediately coming down to cover it. My eyes blink blearily as I try to dispel the cobwebs and force myself awake. When that doesn’t manage to get rid of them entirely, my hand moves to rub them away.

 

What a nostalgic dream. I can remember my mother telling me that like it was yesterday. My mother. A smile pulls at my lips at the thought. Gods. Even knowing what I do now, the idea of having parents still seems like something out of a dream.

 

It’s an odd feeling to have considering I now know exactly what circumstances effected that state. Why we even got to where we are right now. I suppose, it’s hard to shake off the feeling of being orphaned even when you know it’s not true. If only…

 

No. I shake my head, getting out of bed and walking into the kitchen. Nothing in it has changed. Considering it’s been a thousand years give or take since I was last here, the concept is truthfully a little alarming. The implications of it are even more so.

 

A wry smile pulls my lips as I get to work on our breakfast. Last night’s shenanigans used up all our stores. It may not have been the best use of our time, but I find that I don’t personally mind all that much. The curse isn’t going anywhere.

 

“Good morning!” Cylen walks in with bedraggled hair just as I’m flipping the final omelette.

 

Looking up a pang of fond amusement colours my smile. His hair looks like a bird’s nest. “Morning.” I slide him a plate of the finished omelette and pancakes. “Is Mira still not up?”

 

His eyes narrow on me. “What exactly are you trying to imply?”

 

I lift my hands in mock surrender. “Nothing,” I singsong playfully, “Anything you’d like to tell me?”

 

“…”

 

“No?” My head cocks to the side, “but you mention that you’ve been together forever.”

 

The answering glare has no effect when I can see his lips twitch with it. “Are you really bringing that up now?”

 

I widen my eyes, “Am I bringing up that after so much angst, you’ve finally managed to get together?” I tap my chin, a grin spreading over my lips. “Yes I am. I thought you’d never get around to it.”

 

“Are you seriously insulting me first thing in the morning?” He throws me an annoyed glance, sinking into the wooden stool, and rolling his eyes.

 

“Insulting you? No. Pointing out all the unnecessary angst you held on to? Yes.”

 

“You’re not saying all this to Mira.” He says in between bites.

 

I raise my eyebrows, “Mira was never opposed to it. Unlike a certain angst-filled captain of the guards.”

 

“Shut.”

 

“No.” I smile at the red tinging his ear, “As your friend, it is important that I remind you of your questionable actions so you don’t decide it’s a good idea to repeat them.”

 

“Astri…”

 

“I mean all of the times you told me it was impossible. The yearning glances and then being angsty…” I shake my head, “You didn’t want to listen to me at all.”

 

“Celeste-”

 

“Honestly,” I tsk, “I thought I would really have to lock you two into a room before you realised it didn’t matter. It was like the oddest torture to watch, I…”

 

“Amara!”

 

“Yes?” I smile at the disgruntled look on his face.

 

“You’re absolutely impossible.”

 

The smile grows. “And proud of it, Captain Spears.”

 

Whatever was on his tongue when he opened his mouth seems to disappear as soon as he registers my words. A familiar look of fond exasperation taking its place as he shakes his head and goes back to his meal. Deciding I’ve teased him enough for now, I allow him to eat in piece. The smile on his face is satisfying enough for now.

 

Moments later, the peace is broken by two sets of footsteps walking into the kitchen. A yawn escapes my cousin’s mouth as she takes a seat beside her boyfriend, whereas Theo comes around to help me add the finishing touches to our breakfast. Very little communication is needed, muscle memory taking over as we go through the motions.

 

“So,” Theo starts as he places his plate into the sink, “What did you find?”

 

Gem doesn’t reply for a few long seconds, staring at him blankly. Then she gets up and walks to the bookshelf, not wasting time before pulling out a thick blue leather book. She places it on the island with a thump and starts flipping through.

 

“Well, at first I was looking for generalised curse cures, since I doubt this exact one has been done.” Her eyes briefly flick upwards to meet mine, “but then I got to thinking and remembered that I read something about conditional reversals.”

 

“Conditional reversals?” Cylen asks her.

 

She gives him a brief smile, still focused on flipping pages. “It’s something I read when I still thought this was simply a memory curse.” She shook her head and gave Theo a pointed look before sighing. “It didn’t seem relevant at the time.”

 

Before I can ask how it may be relevant now since most conditional reversals require the same variables that go into it, she stops flipping. A grin spreads over her face as she skims the page and turns the book around so that we can see what she’s pointing to. My eyes skim over the passage before jerking up to meet mirrored wide eyes. This…

 

“I know that normally conditional reversals don’t work without the ingredients,” Mira is saying, “but if this is true, then I don’t think it’s relevant.”

 

Flickering back to page, I read over the passage again, attention focusing on one line. Some curses can be tricky. Especially when you can’t find every variable that went into it, but never fear. Most curses can be lifted regardless of conditions if reversed by a person of equal or higher power than the castor.

 

“It’s…worth a try.” It’s definitely the best idea I’ve come across.

 

“I agree.” Theo hums, face settled in contemplation, “however, the wording is a little ambiguous. Powerful could be just about anything.”

 

“Not to mention, there’s still the small detail of who we’re taking to be the ‘castor’. Would that be you or that witch?”

 

Huh. I hadn’t thought of that. My eyes turn to focus on him at the same time as Gem’s head jolts up and Theo turns to give him a raised eyebrow.

 

“What?” Cylen says with a shrug, “I might not to know much when it comes to magic, but it just seemed to be kind of obvious that that’s the kind of stuff we should be thinking about.”

 

Comically, Theo’s expression turns even more incredulous. Which of course gets him a glare and a middle finger in return. Along with a muttered “asshole.” Gem snorts a laugh at the interaction. I shake my head at them, but the smile pulling at my lips would definitely give me away.

 

“Getting back on topic,” Mira coughs to draw our attention, “that’s a good point.” She tilts her head to stare questioningly at Theo. “Who would you say we should take to be the castor?”

 

“I…Most probably me.” Theo grimaces as the words leave his mouth.

 

“Wouldn’t that mean you could break it as well?” Cylen points a finger at him accusingly.

 

“Not necessarily.” I take a sip of my drink, “If we’re going by this particular one, yes. But it’s not the only one. We also need to consider the one she cast to unleash this madness to begin with.”

 

“What?” Cylen and Gem state in unison as their heads snap towards me.

 

“I told you about this.” I blink my eyes in confusion, “Why do you look so surprised?”

 

“No, you didn’t!”

 

“I don’t think you told them the details.” 

 

Partially ignoring Theo, my focus stays on my cousin. “Did I not tell you about it?”

“No!”

 

“You didn’t tell us there was another curse, only that we would need to restore past memories!”

 

My eyes flicker between green and grey, before I lift my hand to run it down my face in resignation. And a little bit of embarrassment, but that’s beside the point. I had a lot of things to consider, but I can’t believe I forgot to tell them one of the most important points.

 

“Well, she did.” Flashing them a sheepish smile, I start to explain. “It’s why all of those shades started showing up after…my death. She used it to power the awakening of darkness and altered some memories.” My eyes flicker towards Theo for a second. “She’s also the one who created the current one.”

 

“That…” Cylen starts to curse only to stop with a yelp when Mira elbows him in retaliation. She shoots him a stern look before turning towards me again.

 

“And you still think this,” she waves at the writing, “would work?”

 

“It does say any curse.” Theo points out, humming in consideration.

 

“I agree. Also, back to my initial point, Theo might have cast the current one, but the layering means he’s not the only ‘castor.’ So, it would take more than him undoing the initial one to fix it.”

 

“Ah.” Cylen nods sagely, “Thus the hunt for those treasures.”

 

“Honey, that was to get Rose’s powers back, remember?”

 

“Oh right!.” He freezes and turns to stare at me, eyes narrowed and flickering over the length of my body. “Doesn’t that mean you could break it?”

 

I hesitate. I would say with my guardian status and returned powers, I could feasibly break it, but…there’s something about the wording that bugs me.

 

“Possibly. She did use my blood in the concoction so-”

 

“She did what!?” Theo’s face is suddenly in front of mine, fury building in his eyes. “How the fuck did she even get your blood?”

 

“She…Picked it up from the puddle pooling on the ground… And kept it preserved…Until she needed it.” I say the words slowly, knowing he wasn’t the only one who would be angered by them.

 

“From the incident?” Cylen’s incredulous voice interrupts, Gem’s eyes wide and mouth agape in fury mixed with horror.

 

“I need you all to calm down.” Theo looks like he’s ready to go after her right this second. My hands go up to pull his face towards me. “Please.”

 

Please. My eyes plead with him. Please don’t let your anger make you do something rash. I can’t lose you to this. Let it go. We’ll collect this particular debt later. I promise.

 

Our eyes stay locked for what seems like forever before he exhales harshly and nods. A glance to the side shows the resigned fury is mirrored by our companions. It’s not exactly the atmosphere I was going for, but I’ll take it for now.

 

“Anyway…Because she used my blood to try and get me away from this world, theoretically it should be easier for me to break it. But with power being an ambiguous term, I’m not quite as sure.”

 

“Raw power wouldn’t be a problem,” Cylen points out.

 

Gem nods, “In either case for castor.”

 

“She might be an entity, but your guardian status matches it.” Theo also chimes in, fingers tapping his chin in contemplation.

 

“I still feel like something’s missing.” I purse my lips, bitting into my bottom one. “I don’t know what it is but my intuition is telling me there’s something we’re not considering.”

 

The room had descended into silence at my statement, but Gem’s sudden gasp breaks it. Her eyes widen, lighting up with exhilaration, hand going up to click her fingers.

 

“I’ve got it!” She grins. “The crown! If we truly want to cover all of our bases than you’d need to be crowned.”

 

“That’s right,” Cylen’s confusion melts away, “if you want to be equal ‘power’ with this asshole in every way, you’d need the title to go along with it.”

 

Theo shoots him a bemused glare before turning towards me again, “is that it?”

 

I consider it for a second. “I believe so.” It feels right. I still feel a little uneasy, but the sense of forgetfulness is gone.

 

He nods. “If I recall correctly, the ritual would need to be conducted on a full moon.”

 

“Yes,” Gem nods, “she’d also have to be crowned by a family member. Traditionally, it would be one of her parents, but I think a cousin could work as well.”

 

“We’d also need to find the traditional robes.” Cylen adds, shooting me a mischievous smile, “After all, our heir can’t be sworn in without them.”

 

I roll my eyes. “Yes. Yes. I’ll wear the hideously long robes.” I’ve always hated those things and they know it. I shoot them a glare when the have the audacity to laugh. “The full moon also adds power to spells, so we could use the ritual to break the spell as well.”

 

Cylen perks up, humour vanishing, “we could?”

 

“Yes.” I nod, “I think the heir swearing ritual would also make the counter spell more potent.” At least theoretically. “Besides, I don’t see any reason why we need to wait much longer.”

 

“Great! All we need to do now is find the diadem.” Her eyes are glittering with excitement. “I know auntie had it put somewhere in this manor, so that’s very convenient.”

 

“Where in the manor is the question.” Theo’s eyes narrow. “I doubt it would be easy to find it considering how long it has been since anyone was here.”

 

“Maybe not.” Cylen agrees, “but we’ll find it.”

 

“The full moon is in three days!” Theo points out in exasperation.

 

“It’s not like we haven’t been up against worst odds,” I give him a pointed look, “three days is certainly longer than the few hours we had when we had to create a potion to beat the monster terrorising Yveroon.”

 

“Didn’t you destroy half the village in the process?”

 

“That’s besides the point.” I tell my captain of the guards, “It’s a reminder that as short as a timeframe as we have, it’s still manageable.”

 

I see his shoulders loosen and his blue eyes soften. “Nothing’s impossible when it comes to you.”

 

“So, it’s agreed!” I give them all a smile.

 

It’s not long after our conversation when we split up to try and find the diadem. Gem seemed much more awake than when she’d woken up, her excitement palpable as she dragged Cylen with her to begin searching. Not that I can blame them.

 

Not when I know exactly what it is that they’re feeling. The anticipation of seeing their family and being remembered. A sensation that would have only grown stronger with the new memories we now have. Memories that are still messing with my head.

I shake that thought off. Later. I’ll address the building migraine and flashes of loneliness later. Just stuff it behind a door and come back to it some other time. That’s what I’m thinking of doing. A problem for future me.

 

But that doesn’t stop me from feeling the building anticipation and overwhelming feelings of loss that lead me to lavender room down the hall. That make me cross the threshold into it and walk towards the fountain at the centre. My hand skims over the water.

 

A slow breath leaves my mouth at the cool feel of the water beneath my fingertips, eyes closing. Imagine what you want to see, and it’ll show you. My mother’s voice floats through my mind. Not that I need the reminder to know what to do. It only takes a few seconds for the water to ripple, my eyes snapping open to watch the memory unfold.

 

“What’s my little warrior doing?” King Darius calls out as he steps forward to scoop up a squirming toddler from the ground. He starts tickling her when she refuses to answer, leading to peals of laughter engulfing the room.

 

“Put our daughter down.” Cordelia says as she walks into the room. A fond smile pulling at her lips. “You know she’s too stubborn to answer you.”

 

“Never!” He says dramatically before running off with her in his arms.

 

His wife rolls her eyes, but doesn’t miss a beat before playfully chasing after him. They run several circles around the room before she finally manages to scoop their daughter from her husband’s clutches. She steps back with a triumphant grin.

 

“I’ve got her now.” Now it’s her turn to make a run for it.

 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t take him long to catch her. Instead of simply taking her though, he instead scoops up his wife along with their daughter. A smug smile forming at her surprise.

 

“Nowhere to run now, is there darling?”

 

“Al! Put me down.” She laughs, holding Celeste protectively in her hands.

 

He doesn’t listen. Instead, choosing to start walking around the playroom again. “Al!” She once again reprimands in fond exasperation. “Put me down please.”

 

“No.” He leans in until they’re a few breaths apart, “I’m not letting you go. The ring on your finger means you’re mine to annoy forever.” He puts an emphasis on the last word, drawing it out to make his wife laugh.

 

“Mama! Papa!” Their daughter interrupts, squirming a little in her mother’s arms.

 

It draws both of their attention, and they share a smile before leaning down to press a kiss to the crown of her head. When a small giggle escapes the toddler in response, Cordelia leans down again to trail kisses all over her face to her husband’s amusement.

 

But as soon as she pulls back, he’s leaning in to do the same. Contentment lining his features to as her giggles get louder. He wished the moment would last forever.