The royal moon witch

Chapter 3 - Arrival at the palace

* Elvira P.O.V. *

The drive towards the palace was about two hours, this I knew from the few times my parents were invited to parties by the king and queen and I could come with them. I was bored to the bone. The two males in the front were quiet and only the driver sometimes looked at me from the rear view mirror. He seemed familiar but I decided to not break my head over it because I had the feeling I didn’t even want to know why he was familiar to me. I looked out of the window and saw the many lights from the city, it was quite a pretty sight and I sighed. Never had I thought about living in a normal house in the city, I liked my life and everything that came with it. But now I was on my way to a place that was at least a hundred times bigger than a normal house, maybe even a thousand times.

While in the car, I started to think about the fact that I was now actually trapped in a engagement with someone who I didn’t know but also someone that was hating me because of what I was. I sighed and closed my eyes. Why did they have to go for an arranged marriage? I could have gone to the palace to become friends with him. I looked at my leg, the bandages had a little red dot from the blood that was slowly coming through it. I laid my hand on the wound and started to mumble a healing spell. It was stinging a little when I felt how the wound was closing but I knew it would help to heal better and it would help me to walk normally once we were at the castle.

After I had healed myself, I sat back in the chair and look out of the window. Normally I wouldn't use a spell for healing myself but this was better than letting time do the healing. Or that it was in my opinion. I listened to the sound of the engine and slowly drifted away to a sleep. That moment of peaceful sleep didn’t take long or at least that is how it felt. The car stopped and the driver said something, I had my eyes still closed so I couldn't see what exactly was happening.

"Open the gate, we are back from the camp" I heard the driver say and a voice sounding like it came from a speaker only said: "Welcome back" and then a buzzing sound went off.

I slowly opened my eyes and saw a big black with gold detailed flowers gate open in front of us. It was at least ten meters high. We drove over a lane with on both sides perfectly trimmed trees and on exact the same distance placed spots that light up the way. It was quite impressive to see.

It took us five minutes to arrive at the palace and once there I tried to open the door but a "ahem" sound stopped me.

"Why can I not leave?" I asked and frowned a little.

"Royalty never open the door themselves miss" the driver said and he opened his door and got out. A few seconds later my door was opened by him and he offered me a hand. I sighed and rolled my eyes, ignored his hand and got out.

"I'm not royalty.." I simply stated and then turned around to see the palace. It was Huge! Yes, with a capital H. There was a huge stairs that leaded up to very high doors. At the beginning of the stairs there were two big statues of lions laying and on the sides were flowers planted in bright colors. I walked to the stairs and saw how men number two took my bag from the trunk and I held out my hand.

"I can take that.." I said and he looked at me. He opened his mouth and I raised my eyebrow.

"Its alright Alfredo.. If she wants to carry her bag you let her" a female voice said from the top of the stairs. He gave me my bag and I turned around.

In front of me stood a women in a grey trousers with a white blouse. The blouse had a soft ruffle on both sides of the buttons, the ruffles had a silvery stitch as on lay. It was a simply yet in a subtle way very regal outfit. I made a reference and almost fell forward but I could balance myself just in time. The women chuckled and walked downstairs on the highest heels I have ever seen. They probably were not that high but she walked with so much ease, it was almost intimidating.

‘’You will need some lessons in that I see’’ she said but her smile betrayed that she was joking. I smiled back and nodded.

‘’If I really am to become a princess, then there are quite a few things I’ll need to learn’’ I said and she gave me a warm smile.

‘’You will be a perfect princess’’ she said and I put my bag on my back. Then I grabbed the box with plants in it from the trunk and looked at the palace.

‘’Follow me, I’ll show you your room’’ the Queen said and walked back up the stairs. I followed her, wondering how long she could walk on those heels. They were thin and at least seven centimetres high! I shook my head and heard the Queen chuckle.

‘’What are you so surprised about?’’ she asked and I felt as if I was about to steal a cookie and was caught.

‘’Eh.. I’m surprised about the height of your heels’’ I said honestly.

‘’Oh really?’’ the Queen said and I nodded.

‘’Do you like them?’’ she asked.

‘’Yes, they are pretty but I could never walk on them’’ I said and she chuckled again. Somehow I felt good around her, as if I was talking to a coven member instead of to the queen.

‘’You will learn eventually’’ she said but that I doubted. I mean, I knew I was not very tall with my one meter and sixty-three centimetre.

But even if the prince would be two meters tall, I would make him bend for a kiss. IF of course we would ever come to that. The Queen and I walked for quite a while and I had to admit that I had not been looking where we exactly went, which was quite dumb of me.

‘’Eh.. Do I get a map of the place?’’ I asked as a joke and hoped she wouldn’t get mad. She had been quite chill until now but I don’t know how she would react if she found out I had not paid attention on the palace.

‘’No, you won’t but that is because you will know the way soon enough’’ the Queen said and I nodded.

‘’Eh.. Alright’’ I said and she stopped in front of a set of double doors. High doors, as they reached for at least sixty centimetre above my head.

‘’This is your room, go ahead and make it your own’’ she said and opened the door.

The room that I saw after the doors had swung open was not just big or large. It was Huge, again with a capital H. The first thing i saw was a living room space with a huge tv and a big light grew colored couch in the form of a U. The couch was filled with off-white and turquoise pillows. In the middle was a oval table with a marble look top and grey feet. On it was a pretty flower arrangement with five silver colored candles in it and on the ground was a fluffy off-white rug which covered the whole floor. I turned my head and saw a wall that was half up, a bit bar height and behind it I saw something that looked like a four-poster bed. The drapes were turquoise with silver and the bed it self was white. I walked into the room more and the big windows were not missing of course, they reached from the ceiling to almost the ground and each had a wide windowsill in which you could perfectly put plants or sit and read a book. There were five of these type of windows or no it was four and one set of glass doors to a balcony. I was stunned by the beauty of the room and the natural light.

‘’This is.. amazing’’ I said and put my bag on the couch and placed my box with plants slowly on one of the windowsills.

‘’I am glad you like it, this will be your room from now on’’ the Queen said and I nodded slowly.

‘’Thank you’’ I said and she chuckled.

‘’Come downstairs when you’ve freshened up a bit’’ she said and I nodded.

‘’I hope I’ll find the way ‘’ I said and before she left I heard one last chuckle.

I took some time to check the room. I had found a huge closet with a actual ladder to reach the top shelf's. I knew I would never need it because I would never spend that much money on clothes. Not a witch thing but a me thing, I am just not fond of buying so much items. Something my mother had always wished that would change but never did. I looked around more after I put my clothes in the closet and found the door to my personal bathroom. Now that had been a dream ever since I got a brother. My own bathroom. I chuckled a bit and put my shampoo, body wash and other shower and hair products. I took a look in the mirror and saw my reddish-blond hair. It could use a brush, that was for sure so I took out the ponytail I had put in this morning and brushed it out. I left it loose and threw some water against my face to get the sleep out of my eyes. Then I felt decent enough to meet the king, who I actually already knew and their son also known as my fiance.

After I walked out of the door of my bedroom, I looked around for something I could use as a mark to find my way back. My luck was that of course next to all the doors I saw the exact same plant stood in the same pot. I decided to work with numbers and walked to the same direction we had come from and counted the plants until I was at the staircase. Eleven plants. I then walked downstairs and looked around. Where did we come from again? I was quite bad with directions did you notice? I chuckled from my own thought and looked around. Just as I was wandering around, a male came around the corner with the royal crest embroided to his jacket.

‘’Hello Miss, can I help you?’’ he asked and looked at me. I looked up and saw the blond man that had actually threaten my sister. My eyes narrowed a little. He looked at me and then recognized me.

‘’You... How did you get in?’’ He asked and wanted to grab me but I quickly stepped back and got out of his reach.

‘’I am here as a guest of the king and queen’’ I said and he narrowed his eyes.

‘’Yes sure, why would they invite you here?’’ he asked.

‘’Because unlike the one that ordered your attack, they don’t want a war with the people from the woods’’ I said and then we both heard someone come closer who walked on heels.

‘’There you are’’ the queen said and looked at the guard.

‘’What is wrong?’’ She then asked.

‘’This man is one of the few that came along with the attack..’’ I said honestly.

‘’He is the one that almost got my sister.. If I hadn’t come on time’’ I said and the queen looked at him.

‘’Good to know.. You are now going to pack your stuff and you will receive your letter of resignation in your mail within three days’’ she said.

‘’But.. My queen’’ He started but she raised a eyebrow and he stopped right away and bowed.

‘’Yes my queen’’ he said and walked away. I looked surprised and couldn’t help but smile a little. I had not suspected this side on the women that had gotten me to talk freely in a mere seconds.

‘’Thank you my queen’’ I said and looked around.

‘’Follow me, I’ll walk with you to the dining hall’’ she then said and she started to walk. I followed her and looked around extra to see if I could find more marks to keep in mind. That way I could find my room back after dinner.

‘’Don’t worry, I’ll have a maid or butler walk with you back and forth the first few times and you can always ask someone if you forgot the way’’ She said and I smiled.

‘’Thank you very much’’ I said and she chuckled.

‘’I’ve been through the same sweety.. I’m not royal born either’’ she said and I nodded surprised but understanding.

‘’I didn’t know that’’ I said honest and she smiled friendly.

‘’That is alright’’ she said.

Arrived at the dining hall, I saw a large table with place for at least twenty guests and four plates on it. It was on one end of the table with the king his place at the head of the table. This I only knew because he was already sitting there.

‘’Ah, there is our guest of honor’’ He spoke, he had a warm voice just like my father but I knew that that same warm voice could most likely also give you the shivers when used with anger. I smiled and did another try at a reference. I failed again and both the queen and king chuckled.

‘’It is alright, no need for bowing’’ the king said and got up. He walked to us and held out his hand. I took his hand and we shook it.

‘’My name is Roberto and I don’t know if my wife already properly introduced herself..’’ he said while looking at his wife.

‘’I have not done that yet because I let her adjust a little bit before giving her more to remember’’ she said and turned to me.

‘’My name is Rosetta but please call me Rose’’ she said and I nodded.

‘’It is funny.. Both your names start with the R’’ I said and smiled.

‘’That is true, as if we were born for each other’’ Rose commented and I chuckled.

‘’I could check that for you but.. I don’t think it would be a good first impression if I find out it was otherwise’’ I said and they both chuckled.

‘’No, we are happy the way it is’’ Roberto said and I nodded.

We sat down and I looked at the empty plate in front of the queen across the table for me.

‘’Is your son not joining us?’’ I asked and Rose nodded.

‘’He is but he likes to show up at the last minute.. We are working on his punctuality’’ Roberto said and right after that, the door opened and my eyes widened. The male walking in was the exact same that has whistled the two men chasing me back. He had saved me even though he had also ordered the attack. He didn’t know this but he had.

‘’Just in time as always son’’ Roberto commented and a sigh was heard as reaction.

‘’I was working and lost track of time’’ the dark brown haired male said and sat down. That was the moment he noticed me and he raised a eyebrow.

‘’Why did no one tell me we would have a guest?’’ he asked and I smiled a little bit. He seemed to not know anything from the arrangement he was put in together with me. I didn't know if I liked that or not. I was bracing myself for his reaction though.

‘’Well, that has been my decision.. I know how curious you can be when we have visitors especially when they are female so I decided to not tell you until you would meet her here’’ Rose explained and her son nodded.

‘’Alright.. Well, nice to meet you.. I am Valentino.. How can I call you?’’ he introduced himself. I took a sip of water and nodded my head.

‘’It is eh.. Nice to meet you prince Valentino.. My name is..’’ I said and a feeling in my stomach made me stop halfway my sentence.

Somehow my guts told me I should not tell my full name. Names are a powerful source of magic and if he was truly hating me, he could use my name even against me if he would find out how. He looked at me and I saw how he slowly raised an eyebrow because he didn’t understand why I had stopped halfway..

‘’Vira.. My name is Vira’’ I finished after I had taken another sip.

‘’Nice to meet you Vira.. Where do you come from?’’ Valentino asked while the servant brought dinner to us. Rose looked at me and smiled, I was not sure what to say but telling a lie was not such a good plan.

‘’I’m from the woods about two hours away from the palace’’ I said and looked at him and his reaction. I could see him stiffen up a bit and he put down the knife and fork he had just picked up.

‘’From the woods you say..’’ he said and I nodded. I could feel the tension rise from his side and the king and queen acted like their noses were bleeding while they slowly had started to eat.

‘’Father.. Mother.. Why is there a witch at our table?’’ He asked through his teeth. He spit out the word witch as if it was a decease that would mutilate you when you get it.

‘’Tino.. I do not want you to talk like that’’ Rose responded and was very calm. He turned to his father and looked at him with narrowed eyes.

‘’What is it son?’’ king Roberto asked and looked up. He had a normal look in his eyes and he slowly put down his knife and fork and sat back a bit. He gave of a aura that even would have made my grandmother shut her mouth.

‘’Why is there a witch at our table?’’ Valentino asked again and Roberto looked at me for a moment and then back at his son.

‘’Because she is going to be your fiance’’ He said with the upmost calm voice. I was ready for the volcano inside Valentino to erupt from this message and that happened indeed.

‘’What?!’’ Valentino said and stood up. In this process he knocked down his chair which fell on the ground with a hard bang. I looked shocked and Rose laid a hand on my shoulder. I found it calming and gave a slight smile at her before turning my head back to her son.

‘’She is not my fiance! And she never will be!’’ Valentino now yelled and I sighed. This had been too good to be true.

‘’Listen.. Valentino’’ I said and he turned his head to me. ‘

’Why would I listen to you? You are a nothing’’ He said and that did make me angry. I narrowed my eyes and his glass broke from a simple spell I did. He had not expected that and did a step back, forgetting his chair was on the ground as he hit it and had to find his balance again for a moment.

‘’I asked you nicely to listen.. Because your reaction is quite volcanic and very unnecessary" I said and pushed my chair back. I got up and looked him straight in the eyes.

‘’Do you really think I want to marry the men that ordered a attack on my family? A attack that made me lose at least seven people of my coven.. Including my own grandmother and almost my sister had I not saved her’’ I said and he looked at me, in his eyes I could see hatred and it was clear that everything I said was useless but I didn’t care.

‘’And do you really think that I wanted to leave my house while they had to work on a funeral that big?’’ I asked.

He scoffed as answer and rolled his eyes. I walked past Rose and Roberto and stood in front of him. Shoot, he was way taller than me as he had to look down and I look up to keep eye contact.

‘’There are only two reasons why I am here.. One is for the protection of my family since my parents have promised me they would be protected by your father from you for as long as I am here and give this whole idea a fair chance’’ I said and he rolled his eyes again, making me want to poke them out. Even though they were beautiful dark brown pools of chocolate.

‘’Yeah well you can go back home because I am not going to give this a chance at all’’ Valentino said.

‘’Oh yes you are and she is staying.. You might hate them but we don’t and we are still the rulers of the land.. Your time hanging with those cheap women are over mister and you will listen to what I say or I’ll take away everything you are used to and banish you from our land’’ Rose suddenly said and she looked very serious. Even I got a chill down my spine from the look in her eyes, she was definitely not kidding.

‘’But..’’ Valentino said and I could see he was cooling down a little from what his mother just said.

‘’No buts sir.. Now you are going to bring our guest to her room and after that you will go back to your own room.. Bond during your walk there because tomorrow will be your first date’’ She said and Valentino sighed deep.

‘’Fine...’’ He said and started to walk away. I had not even eaten yet and looked at my plate.

‘’Don’t worry, I’ll let the maids bring you something’’ Rose said and I nodded.

I quickly followed Valentino and we walked towards my room. He walked fast and wasn’t slowing down so keeping up was a little hard but I managed. When we were at the stairs, he suddenly turned around and I bumped right into him. His body was hard from the muscles and I could feel he was still tense. He took a hold of my arms and looked at me, straight in the eyes.

‘’From here you know your way and if not too bad for you.. I have only one thing to say so listen well’’ he said and I looked at him. He was quite intimidating but I didn’t let this show.

‘’My parents might have a wonderful idea planned out for us.. But I’ll never ever marry you.. You will never become the queen of this country and once I get the chance I’ll work further on killing all of your murderous kind’’ He said and when a maid came by he wrapped one arm around me and pulled me closer so it looked like we were hugging.

But he whispered in my ear: ‘’And if we have to marry eventually.. I’ll promise you now that you won’t see the next sunrise because I’ll kill you during our wedding night’’. I swallowed and once the maid was gone, he let go of me and gave me a push so I fell on the ground.

‘’You are nothing more than filth to me so I’ll show you how I threat filth" He said and then walked away.

Once he was out of sight, I got up and quickly walked to my room where I sat down against the door until someone knocked on it because my dinner was brought. I opened the door and the maid seemed a little off. She gave me my tray and I nodded a thank you. Closing the door with my feet and walking to the table I thought the tray was quite light. I placed it down and took of the silver bowl that kept it warm and saw nothing but two little potatoes, one tiny bit of peas and no meat. A card stood next to it and I read it: ‘Enjoy your meal filth, this is all for you’. I sighed and stared at the card, it caught fire and burned until only ash was left. This was going to be a hard journey but I was not gonna give up that easily. He wasn’t going to break me that easily.