The Curse

Chapter One

Year—1132, Day—87

‘KING HENRY: IT IS SO SIMPLE, IF I GO DOWN SO WILL THE KINGDOM BUT IT WON’T BE LINKED THIS WAY IF IT IS THE WAY ROUND’, this was written in the first page of the times newspaper, Henry ruined it and didn’t give a total control of his tongue in this stupid interview. He does have a temper and I don’t think that he will accept it so blindly, I wonder what kind of imprudent and in judicious reaction will he has on his next move.

I had my usual breakfast in the servants cafeteria in less than 10 minutes and was heading to the office to get today’s paperworkfor Henry to put in his signature and to show him today’s paper, to see how crazy he is going to react. Henry and I were once living a love story but it didn’t end like any love story has to end, ‘happily ever after’. He was so gentle, gorgeous, handsome, benevolent and caring but it just can’t live forever—as expected. He now treats me in such a different way than he used to, and this weirdtreatment began when I gave birth to William ( maybe cause he doesn’t want to declare him). I don’t know.

I’m now standing in fornt of his room waiting for the permission to enter. Joe came out in a total ceremonial way—which wasn’t awkward at all—and told me that the King has been waiting for my manifestation. I asked if he is in a good mood, he looked at me and shock his head. I don’t even remember Henry in a good mood—never laughing, joking, having fun and despite the fact I still feel him. Once there was a connection but when I got birth to William I couldn’ describe nor explain his face; he wasn’t happy nor sad. He was something in between. Henry has been always by my side, I remember the day when I was appalingly gruesome and he stayed by me a whole bloody night. He was romantic. I wonder where did this part of him go. I crossed the threshold of his room.

“Good Morning!” he looked at me in a discusding way with one eyebrow raised “What? What are you expected me to tell you?” he stood up and decreased the distance between both of us till it became approximately zero, I could breathe his air—his warm air—that I’ve been missing all this past 30 years. I missed him. All what I’ve ever wanted was a family that had this type of bond which would never be broken but pity me I’ve never had what I dream for before. The only reason of my existence is William and practically because I’ve never betray Henry. It was a while till he spoke up (a good while). He made me remember the times when we were younger and free in contrary to my position now.

Although, I’ve never wanted the while to terminate but he sighed “What I want is that you stay by my side and stay believing in me.” I looked him into the eye—that was sparkling and peaceful. It was everything I’ve ever wanted: atime when I feel I’m still consuming a part of his heart that was once mine.

“I’m...I’m by your side and always will be—” Joe interrupted by a soft knock and Henry ran to the other side of the room, I suppose he certainly knows how well can he use his powers. “It is Prince William, Your Majesty.” Joe said.

“Oh my—I totally forgot about it!” Henry stared at Joe for a while “Okay. Tell him that I’m sorry forgetting, and I’m going to do it for him; not now beacause I’m really busy.” Joe bowed and left.

“So—about the papers. What are you going to do?” I asked waiting for a proper answer that will solve the problem but instead of chatting he commands me to leave him alone. Since when we are this apart—when the curse is brought to his soul, more precisely when he felt the unconstrained, far fetched pain. Even though I knew that he needed to be a cursed King for the sake of William’s life, I acted like I wasn’t conversant of what is going to happen—but I was. I lied. It was complicated. Bright side: I got William. Dull side: Even though I sacrificed my life, Henry’s life, everyone’s life for Willaim....he doesn’t know me, as a mother at least!

My previous love supposed to fight for our story to end as good luck would have it, like a Romeo and Juliet’s love story. Unfortunately, I expected that won’t ever be given from Henry’s side. I knew he would hate me for the truth and he did hate me for the “not” truth. I better leave it this way—I don’t want the hate to be worse than hate—to be abhorrence. The thing is that I can’t stop my heart from beating his name nor stop my own self falling in love with my only mistake that I didn’t ever regret...but maybe he did can stop—he regrets me even though I forgave him, in a more complicated definition he regrets William. How sad I didn’t earn a family, that I was always in need for.

Walking along the corridor of the first floor, I heard screams, pain screams. It was coming from the hall that leads to the palace’s library. KATE? She was lying on the ground and shrieking, hardly. Her brain burns, she says. The amount of the light in the room begn to decrease simultaneously and the chandelier starts swaying left and right; it was an earthquake. Chris was there by her side asking what the hell was going on, but she didn’t answer. Her eyes rolled altering white. At one moment, everything around was now stable but she starts trembling and shaking in Chris’ pair of hands. What is happening is impossible; she didn’t practice magic since Year—1094. This was anomalous and bloodcurdling. Three hours habe passed and I’m waiting by her bed to understand what the hell was going on there at the west hall, and she finally was awake—in a terrified mood. I console her but still her breathe wasn’t taken in such a tranquil way, her heart beats was incredibly fast—it was easily heard. I gave her a cup of water. She took a sip and tried to stay unruffled. I’m then asking her—again.

“A curse...A strong one.” She says while taking another sip and looking throught the transparent glass cup “A member of your family, has the curse in his soul has passed the palace’s barrier.” No, it is impossible. I tried to convince myself that what was in my mind is totally incorrect and outrageous. After all of this years she can’t come back home—she won’t come back. “Marg! Whoever this person is, he has a great power. Be careful.” I was speechless, actually I didn’t know what to say—I didn’t have anything to say. Oh God this can never be true, it can’t be true. I will take Kate’s talk as a warning because ahe as I recall can’t be expected, I’m petrified. I better go and enlighten Henry of what wonderful news I have for him.

I was extremely fast, I was already inches from his room but she interrupted as usual—remember unexpected. I needed some time to put on the puzzle trying to solve the mystery but she didn’t give me the time nor the space.

“Hey, little sis. Happy to see you. Again.” I wasn’t able to reply back. It all turned black.