Chapter 12
777 Words
Ava's POV :
The word Princess echoed loudly in my mind.
My eyes widened as I looked at the old woman in shock.
“Grandma… he called you 'Princess,are you…?!”
Before I could finish she simply gave a soft, knowing smile.
Suddenly,a brilliant magical light burst out around her. Glowing vines and thick enchanted branches appeared from nowhere swirling around her body in a beautiful dance.The light was so bright that I had to shield my eyes with my hand.
When the light slowly faded,I opened my eyes again.
And what I saw left me completely stunned.
The old woman was no longer an old woman.
She had transformed into a beautiful young woman.
Her name was Vaelina.
She now had long dark mint-green hair that shimmered with magic. Her eyes sparkled in shades of light green and teal. On her head rested a breathtaking crown made of enchanted leaves and white-green gemstones.She wore a glowing emerald-green nymph gown and her entire body seemed to radiate living magic.
She truly looked like a forest princess.
At the same time the surroundings began to change.Soft green magical light spread everywhere.
The house slowly disappeared.The roof vanished.
All around me only flowers, trees and fluttering butterflies remained glowing beautifully.
I looked around in shock.The table and chair that I had been sitting on were still there but everything else had changed into an open magical forest.
My heart raced as I stared at Vaelina with wide eyes.
“Who… who are you?” I whispered in disbelief.
She smiled gently at me.
“I am 'Vaelina' the little princess of this forest.”
The moment she revealed her true form all the animals and even Albert dropped to one knee and bowed deeply, calling her Princess.
My legs trembled. I stepped down from the chair and bowed to her as well.
Vaelina then stepped close to me gently lifted my chin with one finger and said in a soft playful voice,
“Hey, little honey… do you know why you came to this place?”
I slowly shook my head.
She leaned close to my ear and whispered gently,
“From now on your life and your death are in your own hands honey… Your new life begins from this place.Enjoy your new journey.”
A chill ran through my entire body.
Does this mean I can never return to my world?
I thought in fear.
If my life and death are in my own hands… how will I survive alone in this strange world?
Seeing the fear on my face, Vaelina placed her hand gently on my cheek and smiled softly.
“Oh, honey… don’t worry so much. You can do it.
I know you can.”
Vaelina bid farewell to me with a quiet heaviness in her eyes.The animals gathered close their gazes filled with warmth and sorrow while Albert stood nearby in solemn silence.
I could no longer stay with them.I was only a normal human and in a place filled with magic and unseen threats danger could find me at any moment.
Thinking of my safety above all else Vaelina made the decision herself.
I would leave this place,with Albert.
_______
Walking beside Albert and his horse I slowly left the forest behind and stepped into a bustling marketplace.
The moment we entered my breath caught in my chest. Everything around me felt overwhelming,yet beautiful.
The people their clothing the rhythm of their speech,even the way they walked… none of it resembled the world I knew.
I kept turning my head, afraid I might miss something if I looked away even for a second.
Albert noticed my wide eyed wonder and spoke casually,
“We’ve been walking together for quite some time yet I still don’t know your name.”
I looked up at him and answered softly,
“My name is Maren Ava.”
He nodded in acknowledgment.
“Alright,,, Ava. I’m Albert. I live here.
I keep watch over this place,gather information hunt down enemies and send them to prison.”
As we walked on curiosity tugged at my thoughts.
“Oh… but why do you do all that?” I asked.
Albert’s expression turned serious.
“For whom else? For our kingdom.
Our king and prince have many enemies. Protecting them is our duty.”
“Oh…” I murmured,not knowing what else to say.
Albert gestured toward the lively market around us.
“Look around.See how happy everyone is? All of this exists because of our prince.He has a truly kind heart. Prince Warren loves not only his own people but even those who come from outside the kingdom.”
- Writer
