The Love Quest

Decision

Magenta:

After quitting the council meeting, I still couldn’t believe my ears. Young Blaring wanted to threaten her life on a foolish lovers’ quest. That was the most preposterous thing I have ever heard from the young princess' mouth. Storming out of the castle, I made my way to my quarters where I had asked Zukor, my assistant, to meet me after he had the girls situated and comfortable. She has become suspicious of our relationship. I just explained I needed his help in keeping the grounds tidy. 

And that Ginger, I wish I could get away with ending her without Ms. Night ever finding out; but no way would happen. No, I would just have to see what the other councilmen would say about her request. There was only one thing to do. I raced to my special book, searching for answers. Zukor just stood staring at me as though he were a statue. “Are you just going to stand there or are you going to talk?” I question him as I flip through the pages.

“Oh, mmm, yeah… I apologize.” He stammered. I began removing my youthful disguise as he started telling me the contents of Blaring’s diary. It was always the same. She wanted to be free from these castle walls. Yadda, yadda, yadda. I look up at him, annoyed. “Have you found anything that will interest me?” I ask him. The words tasted sour as I spoke them. Shaking his head as he lowers it, looking down at his feet. This boy was a disappointment. Not remembering why I even drafted him into my plans, to begin with. I look up. I’d better go eat before I have to meet back up with the rest of the council. “Come on Zukor, we must eat before the meeting begins again,” growling. Stepping towards the mirror, I gazed into the image that stared back at me. I need to hurry with my plans. Thinking to myself. My face has aged even more from the last time I caught my reflection staring back at me. 

Casting my disguising spell back over myself, I make my way to the dining hall, with Zukor hot on my trail. We remained silent for quite some time. He knows better than to speak to me outside the comforts of my quarters. I wish I would have just got something to eat before meeting with Mr. Useless here. 

“I DON’T WANT HER TO GO ON THAT DAMN QUEST!” I yelled, steaming with anger, shaking the entire table. We had moved the meeting to a more private area until everyone had agreed. The problem right now everyone was agreeing with Blaring’s request but me. “Magenta, I just do not understand why you have taken such keenness to Ms. Night. She is a Princess just like the other three in the other kingdoms we serve. Yes, she may be magical; but that has yet to be proven.” Petal snapped at me.

 If I wasn’t in my disguise, I am sure I would be red as a tomato at this moment. Did everyone here suspect me? I push the question to the back of my head for the time being; I made a mental note to back off a bit. Regaining my composure, I address Madam Petal. “I apologize for my behavior. That was out of character for me. I just feel that as a princess, she should stay away from danger. And this quest is full of them.” I explain, trying to hide my authentic emotions. Petal looks away as if considering what I was saying, her features still holding doubt. “Well, the danger is in her history. If she takes the quest, who are we to stop her. Either way, the exterian stone will call out to her whether we want it to.” She plainly stated.

 She had a point. Blaring will be twenty-one in two weeks. If she took that damned quest, no one can stop it because the stone would just show up unless she were to pick a chosen mate. Zukor’s job was to get her to have feelings for him. After Mating, her true powers and form will release.

A thought crossed my mind as a smile spread across my face. They removed me from my schemes as Petal addresses the room. “Well, if everyone agrees, we can tell Ms. Night that she may begin the lover’s quest.” Petal explained. I cleared my throat, gaining the others’ attention. “How long will it be before you allow her to leave?” I asked, curious. “I will allow Ms. Night to make that call.” She blunt hissed. Nodding, I understood one thing. I needed to work fast. “Is that all now?” Petal questioned. I nodded, focusing on my plans to make Zukor work fast. She adjourned the private meeting. I skipped out on telling Blaring she was free to leave. There was a project that needed tending to. Plan B was now in effect, and I needed to find Zukor.

Blaring:

It felt like time had purposefully slowed down. Ginger wanted to watch Harry Potter for the umpteenth time. She claims she thinks it’s funny, the way humans depict ogres. I am not such a fan of the movie myself. I prefer Twilight, only because there is mention of werewolves in it. And also the notion of true love in its truest form. Getting bored with hearing Ginger laughing, I step towards the sliding doors inside my room that reveal a huge balcony. Quietly opening it, I welcome the fresh mountain air. Taking deep breaths, remembering what life used to be like when I was free. I miss the afternoon runs I shared with my mom in our wolf forms. 

Even though not that long ago; it felt like ages had passed. I wish all the time that I was not a princess. Royal life isn’t something I would celebrate. I wanted the freedom the pack and humans had. To come and go as I saw fit. Life changed when someone found out who I actually was and the council came, giving mom a deal she would not refuse. Offering us safety from whoever was after us. She never talked about what danger we went through when we were on our own. Only that it was not safe for us any longer. 

A tap on my shoulder causes me to jump until I see Ginger standing directly in front of me. “It has been three hours.” She informs me, grinning from ear to ear. My internal anxiety tries to surface as I played scenarios of my request being rejected over and over in my head. As soon as the anxiety moment leaves. I immediately race for my bedroom door. Glancing over my shoulder, Ginger was right on my trail. We continued to race to the council meeting, almost tripping over several loose stones as we made several sharp turns within the major part of the castle. Stopping suddenly, when I came to the stairwell that lead to the throne room. 

Sucking in a deep breath to channel in my emotionless alter-ego, I make my descent down the stairs. Everyone was there except Magenta, who never missed a meeting that concerned her. An uneasy feeling crept into my gut as I got closer to the Elders and Virtuous Witches. Madam Petal held a stern expression that made me hesitate. You can do this, Blare, I muttered to myself as I approached them. 

“Blaring, we have allowed you to begin the quest of finding the exterian stone. I will reiterate how dangerous this could be for you. I will do a locating spell with you present. You must be alert and aware that there may be dangers inside of the castle that may try to interfere with your task. We know you are wise, given how young you are. Please use that wisdom to guide you on your quest.” Madam Petal sternly said in a hushed tone. It was hard to contain the emotions I held inside. Instead of jumping for joy, I smiled, thanking them. “You may go prepare. We will begin tomorrow in the morning.” She dismissed me.

Ginger was waiting for me in the hall. I glided out of the room in her direction, still trying to hide my giddiness inside until we were far away from the council members. As I walk past her, she falls in stride with me, causing our synced footsteps to echo through the walls. I listen to the sound as we quietly make our way back to my room. Once I shut the door, I cannot suppress the instant roar that rumbled from my entire being. “I am going!” I continue roaring as I jump on Ginger, almost knocking her over.

 Bug-eyed, she shrieks in elation, grabbing my hands and joining my celebration moment. After we finished our little jump fest, I finally explained what had happened. I even mention not seeing Magenta and how Madam Petal looked like something was bothering her. After explaining everything, she helped me pack and now we are sitting here watching a movie together. I knew that after tomorrow, depending on how far away the stone was, I wouldn’t get to spend time with her. 

Zukor walked into the room, remaining silent and into the corner. He hasn’t seemed like himself since Magenta had taken an interest in him. It could be nothing, but I had a weird feeling in my gut that he was up to something. I just couldn’t tell what it was at this moment. 

“Have you noticed the way Zukor has just been standing in your room for hours on end?” She mind-linked to me. “Yeah, I’ve noticed.” I link her back. Her brows knitted together as her eyes searched me nervously. “I feel like Magenta has something to do with the way he is acting.” I continued. We continued to link back and forth, being sure to make sure he could not hear what we were discussing. 

Eventually, he got bored and claimed he was heading to bed. It wasn’t like we cared, anyway; he used to watch movies with us. But recently has moved into the corners of my room like he was spying on us. It creeped me out and Ginger. Because of the way he had changed, Ginger’s mom insisted on Ginger moving in with me and staying with me at all times. Unlike me, she could leave the castle. Now, Tomorrow it will all change. 

A thought crossed my mind, Since Madam Petal was the Eldest of the Witches, she was giving to the ability to link with werewolves. “Madam Petal, do you think Ginger could join me tomorrow?” I linked Madam Petal. “I do not see a problem with that. Seeing as she is your best friend, I wouldn’t expect anything less. She just can not attend the locating spell. But anything after that she can help with.” She informed, closing our link. Looking over at Ginger, she had fallen asleep choosing not to disturb her, I pull her cover over her; turning off the tv as I got into my bed.