The Eyes of my Beholder

I paced back and forth on my bedroom floor, waiting for my father. I knew what he had decided, even though he lied about actually having to think about it. I’m the one who will have to endure everyday for the rest of my life, so I should be the one to decide who I should endure it with.

My father wants me to marry Lucian, a man who is fit to run our country. Lucian is not fit to have control of anything, and certainly not a country. To lead a nation you must be compassionate, strong, and be willing to sacrifice for the greater good. Lucian is none of those things. He is the complete opposite and no one else can see that. He puts on a good show for my father, but it’s not for me, it’s for the throne. He wants my father’s crown.

When my father dies, our country will die with him. Lucian thinks he will be the turning point, making everything better for everyone. He plans to make the perfect nation. Many innocent people will die because of him. But I won’t be here.

Mother says that I must stay quiet and do as I’m told, like she does, but I can’t stand by someone I’m so against. So I’ll run away. I have nothing to stay for, except my sister. She see’s Lucian for what he really is. My father, on the other hand, is blinded by the performance Lucian puts on every day, and my mother does nothing, says nothing. She has helped me cover the bruises and mend the cuts Lucian has placed on me and has said nothing to my father. I would do it myself, but anytime I’m near my father, Lucian is never far. I fear what he would do to me if I say anything.

When I heard the door creak, I stopped pacing and waited for my father to enter, but he didn’t. Instead Edwin, the black smith’s apprentice, came in, instantly relieving me of all heart aches. I run to him and throw myself in his arms. “I won’t stay here. Not with Lucian.”

He rested his head on mine, “I know.”

I looked up into his emerald green eyes, “Will you go with me?”

He sighed, “Where will we go? Lucian would send an army out to look for you.”

I shook my head, “No he won’t. Lucian doesn’t want me, he wants the crown. If I’m gone, he would think it was better.”

Edwin let his arms fall from around me, “Drina, I know you think it’s just the crown, but it’s not. He wants you too. Lucian loves you.”

“He does not love me.” I lifted the hair from the side of my face to show the bruise he had left. “Does that look like love? Does this look like a mark of love?”

Edwin narrowed his eyes, “Lucian did this?” He slowly placed his hand on the mark, gently sliding it up and down to feel the whelp.

“And this,” I lifted the sleeve of my dress to show the scar on my arm. “And there’s been more.” I pointed at my arm, “This one was to insure that I wouldn’t tell my father about any of the others.” Then I pointed at my face, “This one is from yesterday, for speaking out of turn.”

He caressed my cheek, “Does it hurt,” sadness in his eyes.

“No,” I lied. If I had learned anything it was to not show weakness. “This is the love you and my father speak of. But is it really love?”

“No,” he whispered.

“If I thought it was the best thing for our country, I could endure being married to a man whom I don’t love. I could even endure the beatings. But Lucian will be the downfall of this nation and I won’t stand by his side and act as if I support him.”

He hugged me and I whispered, “You would make a far better King, Edwin.”

“I know nothing of running a nation. I couldn’t even see the horrible acts that were happening right in front of me.” He brushed my hair back to look at the bruise again.

“Even if you did know about it, you couldn’t have done anything. My mother is an expert at hiding these marks.” It made me wonder if she has hid her own.

There was a knocking on the door, “Drina,” I heard my father.

I looked at Edwin and around the room. If my father saw him here, he would be thrown in prison. “One moment,” I told my father. “Out the window, there’s a ledge,” I whispered urgently, “No one will see you. Go.”

He brushed his lips against mine and then hurried out the window. When I was sure he was out of sight, I opened my door.

My father greeted me with a kiss and I smiled, letting him enter my room.

He sat on my bed and waited for me to join him, but I couldn’t. I was too tense to even put on the act of ease. “Get on with it, father. Don’t try to soften it.”

He gave me a warm smile, “I’m not trying to soften anything, Drina.”

“Then you won’t make me marry Lucian,” I shouted. I had told myself that I would not let my temper get the best of me, but I couldn’t help myself.

“What do you have against Lucian? He is the perfect man to leave my throne to and he loves you.”

I went to lift my hair, to show him the reason when Lucian walked in. “Your Highness,” he bowed to my father, “Princess,” he turned to bow to me.

I didn’t curtsy like I was supposed to, and I knew I would pay for it later. Instead I turned my head and refused to look at him.

“Have you told her the good news,” Lucian asked my father.

“I was about to,” he told him.

“Oh, I’m sorry, You’re Highness.” Lucian said, “Should I come back later?”

“Oh, no, dear boy. She knows anyway. I’ll just leave you two to start making plans.”

I snapped my head back toward them. He was going to leave me alone with him, already? “Wait, that’s it?” I asked, trying to prolong his visit. “You don’t have anything else to say to me?”

“Would it help?” he looked at me solemnly.

I averted my gaze, not wanting to answer him.

“I thought not,” he said, then left, leaving me and Lucian alone.

Once the door closed, Lucian walked up to me and gently ran the back of his hand across my cheek. “My dear, this can be either a pleasant marriage or a difficult one, your choice.”

I pulled away from his hand, “There will be no marriage.”

He smiled, making my stomach drop and my heart quicken. “Why must you be so difficult?”

“Because you are a wretched being and I despise the thought of being stuck with you my whole life.”

He stepped toward me and lifted my chin, “I’m not that bad. I can be a pleasant person…if you’ll let me.” He brought his face to mine, careful to not let them touch. His breath was heavy and sent chills of fear down my back. I began to back away, but he followed, keeping his face close to mine. I backed away until I was against the wall. “If you’ll let me,” he repeated.

There was a lingering question in the air, one he was waiting for me to answer. Would I go along with this marriage peacefully? Kissing him would ensure my obedience. I didn’t want to kiss him or go along with the marriage, but the thought of giving him that answer terrified me. So I quickly placed a kiss on his lips and then turned my face away.

Lucian quickly pressed me against the wall and kissed me with a fierceness that that sent terror and revulsion through my body. He held my wrist above my head and pressed with a force I knew would leave another bruise.

While his mouth explored my jaw I tried to make him stop, “Lucian, please. We can’t do this right now.” I pushed against his body, but he ignored my pleas and continued his search down my neck. “We have to wait until after the wedding. It’s what I want, it’s important to me and it would please my father.”

He stopped abruptly and looked at me.

“And if you stay in here much longer he will think the worst,” I said, trying to sound like my intentions were to help him.

“You’re right,” he said, letting go of my wrist. “Your father does admire me.” He traced the top of my shoulder and down my arm with his finger, “And I wish to stay in his graces.”

I nodded in agreement, and then stole a glance at the window wondering how much Edwin could hear.

“Drina,” Lucian said, making me look back at him, “I’m watching you…very closely. Don’t do anything foolish.” Then he swiftly walked out the door.

I took a deep breath before I ran to the window. “You can come back in, they're gone.”

Edwin grabbed the inside of the window and pulled himself in. He examined the room and then asked, “Did he hurt you?”

I shook my head, trying not to show my fear.

He placed his hand on my check and gave me a weak smile, “I have to go, before someone does see me.”

I nodded, knowing he was right. Edwin turned to walk away, “Edwin,” I stopped him. He turned back around. “I’m not staying here. I’m going to leave soon…whenever I get a chance.” He nodded and gave me another small smile, but didn’t say anything. “I want you to come with me. I know it doesn’t sound promising, and I can’t tell you where we’ll end up, but I need you.”

His smile broadened, “Drina, I love you. I’ll do whatever you want me to. Wherever you go…I’ll follow.” Then he quickly walked out the door.

It amazed me how I never really received the things I wanted most in life. For instance; I love Edwin and I want to marry him. He loves me and he treats me with respect. However, my father is making me marry Lucian, no matter how much I hate him. And Lucian treats me like an animal. Like my soul purpose is to obey his every command and I should do it without question or hesitation. But I refuse to do so.

* * *

When darkness made itself known, I threw my cape on and quietly left my room. The hallway was empty and silent. The torches lit the hall dimly as I walked toward the stairs. When I heard the guards approaching, I glanced around looking for a hiding place. I quickly opened my sister’s bedroom door and slid inside.

She sat up, alarmed and whispered, “What are you doing?”

“Hiding,” I answered.

“Why?”

“Josephine,” I sighed, not really knowing what to tell her. I walked over and sat down next to her on the bed. “I’m leaving. Father is making me marry Lucian and I can’, I won’t.”

She nodded, “I don’t blame you, that man’s a monster.”

I loved my sister. She was the only one who wasn’t blinded by Lucian’s charade and disliked him as much as I.

“I understand,” Josephine told me.

“You can’t tell anyone, not even mother,” I warned.

She nodded.

I hugged her and told her I loved her and she hugged me back and told me she loved me too. Then I stood up and walked back to her door. I pressed my ear to it to find out if the guards were still nearby, but didn’t hear anything. Slowly opening the door, trying to make as little sound as I could, I turned and waved goodbye to my little sister. She smiled and waved back.

The hallway was silent again, and I quickly made my way to the stairs. I peered over the side to see if anyone was in the foyer, but it appeared empty. Trying to be as swift and hushed as possible I made my way down the stairs.

It was eerily quiet. The kind of quiet that made you think you were being watched.

That’s when I felt his breath on my neck. I spun around to find Lucian looking down on me. “Drina,” he smiled, “what are you doing up at this hour?”

I took a step back. “I couldn’t sleep,” I lied, and he knew it.

He shook his head, “My dear, I told you not to do anything foolish.” He reached out to touch me and I quickly jerked away, making him smile more, “Such spirit. You would make a magnificent queen.” Then his smile left his face, “But I do not wish to see you unhappy. If you must leave then I won’t stop you.”

That was a lie, but I didn’t say anything, just stood still. I knew there was something more to what he was saying, a catch. I waited for him to elaborate.

“If you leave, your father will still have a way to leave me the crown. Have you forgotten your sister? She is young and not as lively as you, but she will do. She would do as she was told, which is more than I can say about you.” He smiled victorious, knowing I would never leave my sister in his hands.

I scowled at him. “I won’t make this easy on you,” I warned.

“I’m counting on it,” he said flatly. His eyes were harsh, and made the hairs on my arm stand. But I hid the fear he had given me, not wanting to give him the satisfaction he desired. I stepped around him and started my way back up the stairs.

“Sleep tight darling,” he cooed behind me. “We have a busy day ahead of us.”

* * *

The next day we announced our engagement. Everyone cheered and I smiled and waved, trying to put on a good show. Lucian was much better at it though. He made his way through the crowd basking in the glory. It disgusted me.

The maid’s accompanied my sister and me to the market, so we could look for the material to make my dress. They showed me whites and ivories that would make beautiful dresses, but I was more drawn to the navies and blacks. It seemed more fitting. Once I had picked out a color that was suitable, the maids gathered all of what the shop had and took it back to the castle, leaving me and my sister with two guards. I hated how we were never allowed to be outside the castle walls alone.

But I had every intention of breaking away from our small group. So I jumped around from place to place, making it hard for the guards to keep up with me. Once I found a crowded shop, I ran over and acted like I was looking through its items. When the crowd had enclosed me, I ran. I moved as quickly as I could, hoping the guards wouldn’t catch on in time to stop me.

I turned around when I made it out of the market, looking to see if anyone had followed me. When I was sure I was alone, and no one was watching, I lifted my hood and started walking toward the forest.

The forest was said to be haunted, but I didn’t believe in ghosts, so that didn’t scare me. What scared me was the witch that lived in it. I had never seen her, but I had heard stories about her putting cursing on people, changing their form, and the sacrifices she made. But I was too desperate to let my fear get in the way.

I walked for a long time, not knowing where I would find her. I looked around and could see nothing but trees. I didn’t even know which way I would go to get home, but I continued to walk. I wasn’t scared of getting lost. My father would send men out to look for me before too long, they would find me.

I finally came upon a cave. I couldn’t see inside of it, but there was a trail of smoke coming out. I slowly walked toward it, squinting my eyes trying to make out anything inside, but it was no use. I could hear noises coming from inside; bubbling, screeching, and every now and then I would hear footsteps.

Fear kept me still and incapable of going in until I heard, “Come in, child, come in.” The voice was old and scratchy, and the sound of it made my stomach drop, but I went inside anyway.

Despite how dark it looked from outside, I could see everything perfectly once I walked in. It smelt old and musty and there were bats plastered all on the ceiling; which explained the screeching. In the middle of the floor was a black caldron, releasing a blue and purple fog. I could hear it boiling, but couldn’t see anything except the swirling colors. On the back wall, there were shelves of books, hundreds of old, tattered books. Then there were more selves that had small bottles of assorted colored liquids.

When I heard footsteps I rapidly looked about the room trying to find who was making them. But the echoing made it hard to find the location. Finally, out of a tunnel I had failed to notice before, came an old withered lady. She had long stringy white hair and walked hunched over. When she smiled at me, my gut told me to run away, but I ignored it.

“I was wondering when you were going to show up,” she said.

“You…you knew I was coming,” I stammered.

She nodded as she looked over her little bottles. “Just like I know why you are here.” She gave me a side glance, “You wish to not marry Lucian.”

It wasn’t a question, but I nodded anyway. “Can you help me,” I asked.

“I believe I can.” She continued to look over her bottles, and then she grabbed one that held an elixir so white it glowed. “You will need your dear Edwin’s help for this,” she said.

“You know about Edwin too?” I asked.

She cackled, “My dear girl, I know everything.”

A chill ran down my back, and then I asked, “What do I have to do?”

“Your father wants Lucian to wear the crown when he is gone, correct?”

“Yes,” I answered.

“There is a way for everyone to win.” She smiled, then continued, “You must get Edwin to drink half of this potion,” she lifted the glowing bottle in the air, “and then you must get Lucian to drink the rest. Once they have both consumed their share they must clasp hands.”

“Then what?” I asked, not liking the idea of Edwin playing part in this.

“Then,” she croaked, “their souls shall switch and one will become the other.”

“They will switch bodies?” I asked

“Yes. Edwin will inhabit Lucian’s body making him heir to the throne, and leaving Lucian in the body of a black smith’s apprentice.” Her face became grave, “But be warned, if they clasp hands and are pulled apart before the transfer of souls is complete, both bodies will become hollow shells and their souls will be cursed to roam for eternity.” She started flipping through the pages of a book that was open on the table, and then she threw something in the caldron that caused it to hiss. She waited till it started bubbling again to speak. “Once the two men have consumed the potion, you have until the sun rises. Once the sun has risen, the potion will no longer hold its power.”

She handed me the small potion, and I just stared at it. It was beautiful in its oval glass bottle, with the silver wires crawling up the sides. The white glow shined so brightly in-betweens the gaps of wires, making it seem a gift from God. I stuck it in my pocket. “How shall I pay you?” I asked. I knew that everything the witch does comes with a price.

“Nothing, child,” she smiled, “I have seen the things Lucian plans to do to make his perfect nation. One of them is to have me burnt at the stake.” She paused for a moment, “However, if you fail…” her face became crucial, “you must switch bodies with me.”

The thought of being burned alive made me sick, but if that's what it took. I nodded, and then turned to leave when she stopped me, “Princess…”

I slowly turned back around, “Yes?”

“Remember, the eyes are windows to the soul,” she smiled.

I didn’t know what she meant, but I decided to listen to my gut and get out of there.

When I stepped outside, it was pitch black. The sun was still high in the sky when I had entered the cave, which meant I was in there for most of the day. It didn’t make any sense. I turned around to look at the cave but it was gone. Then when I turned back around I was in front of the castle. I didn’t know how she did it, but I knew the witch was responsible. I looked from side to side making sure I wasn’t going to go anywhere else, when a swirl of wind embraced me, whispering the witches last words, the eyes are windows to the soul. I quickly ran into the castle, away from the magic that had surrounded me.

I was greeted by my father, “Oh thank heavens. I was beginning to think the worst had happened.”

“I’m sorry,” I told him, “I didn’t mean to make you worry. I just lost my way at the market.” I hugged him and looked over his shoulder at Edwin. He didn’t move or make any gestures, but I could tell he was relieved to see that I was alright.

“It’s late, father. We should both get some rest.” I smiled and went to my room.

* * *

I had just crawled into bed when my door creaked. Edwin entered with a solemn expression.

“What is it,” I asked.

“Nothing,” he said. “I know you didn’t get lost at the Market, Drina. I also know that you tried to run away last night.” He paused, waiting for me to say something, but I remained silent. “Where did you go today, what did you do?”

I didn’t want to tell him. The plan was to keep him out of it and just get the deed done. However, now I needed his assistance. “Edwin, I need your help. This will benefit us both.” He didn’t say anything, just gave me a questioning stare. “I have a way to make you king and my husband and still make my father happy.”

“How,” he asked slowly.

I pulled out the potion the witch gave me, making the whole room brighten with its glow. Edwin stared in awe and slowly reached to touch it. “It’s a potion,” I told him. “It’s the key to preventing Lucian from becoming king, and a way for us to be together.” I smiled excitedly and waited for Edwin to show the same enthusiasm, but he didn’t.

“You went to the witch,” he said.

“I didn’t know what else to do.”

“It's witchcraft, it will kill us all,” he stormed.

“The witch said—“

“She’s a witch, “he cut me off, “They are deceitful creatures. She would have told you anything to get what she wanted.” He paused, then commanded, “Get rid of it.”

“No,” I told him.

“Why not,” he asked.

“I have already made a deal.” I averted my gaze before I continued, “If I don’t succeed, then I will burn.”

“Drina, how could you?” he cried.

“I had to. With this,” I pointed at the glowing bottle, “Lucian will not be king and you and I can be together. And if I succeed, that’s it. I don’t owe the witch anything because she doesn’t want Lucian to become king anymore than we do.”

Edwin rubbed his chin and pondered my words. “What do I have to do?”

* * *

Mother came in early the next morning to wake me. “Get up; we have to make you presentable for the ball tonight. You want Lucian to be proud to show you off.”

“Yes mother, I would hate to disappoint him,” I said dryly.

She sighed then sat down next to me, “I know he’s not your ideal husband, but Lucian has power. We need someone with power when your father is gone.”

“I don’t want to live the rest of my life being beaten, mother. I’m sorry if that disappoints you, but it’s a life of misery. Father has sentenced me to a life of misery. You’ve seen the marks Lucian has left on me.” I placed my hand on the side of my face to feel the whelt that had almost disappeared, “My father’s beloved Lucian,” I said in disgust.

“If you’d mind your tongue, none of those would have happened.” I widened my eyes in shock; I expected a little more sympathy from my mother. “When this is all over, you will be a better woman for it. When you become a better woman the beatings will stop.” She began to brush my hair, “You’d best not talk to Edwin anymore either. It doesn’t look good for the future queen to be so friendly with the black smith’s apprentice.”

I looked at her wondering how she knew.

“I’m not blind, Drina. I can also tell he is taken with you, but enough is enough. It is your duty.”

She said no more and I did not argue with her; it would just be a losing battle. Once the potion had done its task it would no longer be an issue anyway.

When she had finished with my hair she asked which dress I would prefer to wear. I told her the blue one, but she insisted that the pink one would be more flattering. So the pink one was what I wore.

* * *

It was a beautiful evening and the whole castle was lit with torches and candles. The sky was darkening and there was a cool breeze that carried the scent of lilacs from the meadow. As I walked outside I noticed my sister sitting out in the yard, picking a blade of grass, tearing it up, and then starting over.

“You better get up. Mother will be furious if you get grass stains on your dress,” I told her.

She stood up and dusted herself off, “Drina, what happened? I thought you were running away from all of this,” she gestured around us. “Not that I’m not glad you’re here, but I don’t wish for you to be married to that man.”

I smiled, “Don’t worry, Josephine. People change, things could work out just fine.”

“I doubt it,” she rolled her eyes. “He's awful and I’ve seen what he does to you, the bruises.”

I sighed, “Don’t worry,” I repeated, “Things will change.” Then we walked into the castle, arms linked.

* * *

When everyone began to arrive, night had fallen. The stars were shining brightly, like jewels in the sky. I watched out my window as carriages rode to the front of the castle and people stepped out, making their way to the festivities below. Some people were just walking in from town, and when I saw Edwin arrive, following Silas, the black smith, I became excited and bolted to the door. But before I could open it, Lucian was stepping in.

“Drina, are you about ready,” he asked.

“Yes,” I replied, then remembered to quickly curtsy.

“Good. Many people have shown tonight, so you will be on your best behavior,” he commanded.

I nodded in agreement.

“That’s a good girl,” he took my arm. “Now let’s go make our entrance.

When we got to the top of the stairs, he whispered something in a man’s ear. The man nodded then blew in his horn, making everyone stop and stare. “Now entering Mr. and Mrs. Lucian Ashdown, future king and queen of Leola,” the man announced. I tried to hide my disgust of his announcement; I wasn’t Mrs. Lucian Ashdown yet.

We walked through crowds, making sure to talk to everyone who had shown. Well, everyone of importance. If they were commoners then they stayed up against the wall, where guards could watch them and make sure they didn’t take anything. I listen to Lucian talk about his future plans over and over again, slowly winning over the crowd. I smiled and nodded, but never said anything. I was just looking for the opportune moment to slip the other half of the potion into Lucian’s drink. But the moment wasn’t showing itself anytime soon. There were so many people around and everyone was waiting to talk to us. Or to Lucian; I wasn’t allowed to speak unless Lucian allowed it.

When dinner was finally ready, everyone gathered around finding a place to sit; everyone but the commoners. Commoners could come into the dining hall but still had to stay against the wall and weren’t allowed to eat. They were there to simply show respect to the king and hope to gain his favor.

My father sat at the end of the long table, my mother to his right and my sister to the right of her. Lucian sat to my father’s left and I sat next to him. While the maid’s were serving dinner, I politely excused myself and scooted my chair back.

Lucian grabbed my arm, pulling my ear to him, “You best not do anything you’ll regret later,” he whispered.

“I’ll be right back,” I assured him, making him let go of my arm. I stole a glance at Edwin, who was twiddling his thumbs up against the wall, hoping my mother wouldn’t notice. Once I was out of sight, I ran to the kitchen. When I stepped inside, the maid’s were rushing about, trying to get everything done perfectly. I began looking for Lucian’s chalice. He had one especially for him because he thought he was too superior to have to use one that others have used. Luckily, for me, it made my job much easier.

Once I found his long black chalice, I quickly poured the rest of the potion into it. It made a sizzling sound as it mixed with the wine the maid had already poured. I looked about to see if the maid’s had heard it, but they were too busy trying to serve dinner to notice me messing with the cups. Slipping the empty bottle back into my pocket, I swiftly made my way back to the dining hall.

Lucian stood up at my arrival and scooted my chair once I was seated. I smiled at him; a sweet smile that I wouldn’t have normally gave him. He glared at me as he took his seat again, wondering what I was doing.

Moments later everyone was served and the maids began carrying in the wine. As always they made sure that Lucian was served with his special cup. He lifted it to his lips, about to take a sip when my father stood and interrupted. Lucian quickly placed the cup back on the table.

“I’d like to make a toast,” my father announced. “To my daughter and her fine suitor, Lucian, may they have many happy years and may they rule this kingdom with wisdom.”

Everyone lifted their chalices and shouted in agreement. I lifted my glass and gave a fake smile and watched as Lucian took the first sip on his wine. Then he took my hand and lifted it in the air, like I was a prize he had won.

I watched Lucian throughout the dinner as he ate and took sips of his wine. He laughed as he spoke with my father, and every now and then he would place his hand on my knee, making me cringe.

When my father had finished his meal, everyone made their way back to the foyer, where they proceeded with music and dancing. Lucian never asked me to dance, I assume it was for fear I would make a scene. However, my father led me to the dance floor and swayed me around.

This was the father that I loved; the one who smiled at me with bright eyes, and showed me that he cared. “I’m so proud of you,” he told me. “You will make a wonderful queen, and Lucian is very lucky.” He paused before saying, “You are very lucky to have Lucian as well,” he widened his eyes.

I smiled and nodded, but I didn’t feel very lucky. I felt like a slave with a duty to destroy her own life. When the music finished, I curtsied to my father, and turned to go and take my seat. Before I had taken two steps someone grabbed my hand and spun me back around into his arms. I looked up into Edwin’s magnificent emerald green eyes. I smiled and let him lead me around the dance floor.

“What are you doing,” I asked. “You are not allowed to do this.”

He smiled, “I figured I would either be dead or the future king by the end of the night, so I have nothing to lose.”

I tried to smile back, but I wasn't very confident. If something went wrong with the potion or it didn’t work, Edwin would die and I would have to trade bodies with the witch and be burned to a stake. Even though I had gotten half the potion into each of them, I didn’t know how to get them to clasp hands.

That’s when Lucian pulled Edwin away from me. “Do you know how inappropriate it is for a low life like you to dance with, let alone touch, the future queen,” he scolded Edwin.

“Stop it, Lucian,” I told him. “Leave him alone.”

“How dare you talk back to me,” he raised his hand, but quickly remembered he was surrounded by people and returned it to his side. “I will deal with you later,” he warned me under his breath. Then turned back to Edwin, “You’re lucky I don’t have you thrown in prison,” Lucian spat. “I’ve seen the way you look at her, but I will have no more of it. You will not return to this castle, ever. If you do, I will have you hung, do you understand?”

Edwin looked at me, and then back to Lucian, “I understand Your Majesty,” he replied, before bowing respectively and returning to the wall.

“You have no right,” I told Lucian. “It was just a dance.”

“I have every right,” he whispered angrily, trying not to draw any more attention. “You are mine, you belong to me now, and I will not allow a lowly commoner to make eyes at you and certainly not touch you.”

“I am not a possession, I am a human being,” I spat back. I turned to storm away when he caught my arm.

“Don’t make a scene,” he told me. “It would be in your best interest to play the role of a happy, future Mrs. Ashdown.” I curled my lip, which made him smile.

He tried to entwine me into his arms for a dance, but I pulled away. “I’m tired,” I told him, “I’m going to go sit with my sister.”

I walked to where my sister sat and took the seat next to her. I stayed there with her until the party ended, occasionally stealing a glance at Edwin. He seemed at ease and it made me feel better.

Once the Royals left and rode off in their carriages, the others were allowed to leave. Lucian and I stood at the Castle’s exit, thanking everyone for coming and for the nice gifts they brought us.

Edwin and Silas were amongst the last to leave. I began to panic; I had to have them switch tonight.

A watched as they walked away from us, wanting to cry. Then Edwin turned back around and trotted back to us. He bowed to us then said, “I wanted to apologize for my behavior tonight.”

Lucian burrowed his brow, “Apology not accepted.”

I gently placed my hand on Lucian’s arm, “Now Lucian, to be a great king you must be able to forgive the less fortunate.”

Edwin extended his hand and I urged Lucian to take it. He gave Edwin a disgusted look, and then said, “Very well, I guess this will be the first of many things I must endure.” He sternly grabbed Edwin’s hand and said, “Remember, you will not come back to the castle.”

“I won’t forget,” Edwin said, as he shook Lucian’s hand.

A bright gold light slowly began to come from their joined hands. My mouth dropped open and I looked at Edwin and saw him smiling.

“What is this,” Lucian yelled, “Guards!” He tried to pull his hand back, but Edwin held on tightly. “Guards,” he yelled again.

Guards started to flood into the foyer, making their way to Lucian, Edwin, and I. I didn’t know how long we needed for the spell to complete itself, but it was obvious we needed more time.

The light coming from their hands became so bright that I had to shield my eyes. When I looked over my shoulder, I saw the guards reaching for me, trying to pull me aside, but I jerked away. They quickly gave up on me and went straight to Lucian and Edwin, trying to pull them apart. I knew Edwin wouldn’t be able to hang on with the guards pulling him off.

I squinted my eyes, trying to look at their hands. Lucian’s hand was starting to slip out of Edwin’s.

“No,” I screamed, and ran over and grasped both their hands in mine, trying to keep them together.

Then the same bright light from their hands, shot out of both their eyes, right before they were pulled apart. Both men collapsed to the ground. I stood in-between them, not sure which one to run too. The guards began to pull Edwin’s body away. “Where are you taking him,” I whimpered.

“The dungeon,” one guard told me.

“What will happen to him…if he’s still…alive,” I asked.

“He attempted to kill the future king with dark magic. He will probably be burned, Princess.” The other guard told me. Then they both quickly bowed to me and continued pulling Edwin away.

The other guards lifted Lucian and took him to his chambers. I looked to the sky and said a short prayer before returning to my own room.

* * *

When morning came, I hurriedly got dressed and ran to Lucian’s room. When I arrived, my father was sitting in a chair next to his bed, speaking to an awake and alive Lucian.

“Lucian,” I asked warily.

“Yes,” he answered.

I waited for something more. Something to tell me I was talking to Edwin. A tear slowly fell down my cheek and I quickly wiped it away. I stared at Lucian’s body, wide eyed, hoping he would read my hidden message.

When Lucian looked away from me and continued his conversation with my father, I began to cry. If it was Edwin, he would have said something or gave me a sign. It was still Lucian.

Edwin was right. The witch had lied. It didn’t kill them, but now my precious Edwin would be burned. And it’s all my fault.

My father got up and came over to me. “It’s alright Drina,” he said, “Lucian is just fine.” He looked around the room and nodded to the guards, “I’ll leave you two to talk,” and then he left.

“Drina, come here,” Lucian said. I shook my head and continued to cry. “Guards, leave us.”

“But your majesty,” one guard protested, “The king has given us orders to stand guard until we are sure the magic has had no effect.”

“I said, get out,” Lucian’s voice boomed.

The guards quickly left, leaving me alone, once again, with Lucian. Lucian slowly got out of bed and made his way to me. I was sure I was about to receive the beating he promised me from last night, but instead he wrapped his arms around me, and held me tight.

I looked up into his eyes and was surprised not to find the dark brown eyes I hated so much. Instead, I found eyes of emerald green, Edwin’s eyes. Making me remember the witch’s parting words, ‘the eyes are windows to the soul’.

I gasped, “Edwin?”

He smiled and placed a long passionate kiss on my lips. “It worked,” he told me.

I laughed and hugged him tighter.

For once in my life, I got something I wanted. It may not have been exactly the way I had pictured it, but it was something. It was something wonderful. I would be able to be with Edwin for the rest of my life. And that was what I wanted more than anything.