Chapter Four: Curse At Eighteen
945 Words
Today is my eighteenth birthday, and it has already turned out to be shitty. My curse took effect right away. My handmaiden came in to wake me touching my arm as usual. The burning I felt spread over my body woke me up at the same time her scream did.
I jumped up my body feeling like it was on fire. I looked at her, my eyes tearing up. She was holding her hand to her chest. “Ally I am so sorry!” I say looking at her trying not to cry.
“My lady, what was that?” She asks me, her face full of fear.
I shake my head, “I can't tell you. Just know that you shouldn't touch me anymore. If you need to wake me just call out my name.”
She looks at me full of fear and confusion. But she knows better than to push the issue once I have made it clear not to. She nods and then grabs my clothes.
“Don't worry about that Ally, go take care of your hand,” I tell her. I felt horrible about it. But there isn't much I can do about it now.
She curtsies and leaves the room still holding her hand to herself. The burning sensation has finally subsided, so I get up and go to my washroom. I bathe and get dressed in a simple gown.
I had made it clear to everyone that I did not want a celebration. An announcement would be made and there would be a feast and cake for those living at the castle.
Today was not the day for having a ball. As I enter the throne room. The idea of murdering everyone comes to my mind. Instead of listening to me the servants had decided to throw me a surprise party.
I scanned the crowd looking for Eric. I gave him a look of desperation and he got to me quickly. I whisper to him, “Any idea how I can get through this crowd without touching anyone?”
He looks at me, the realization of what I was telling him dawning on his face.
“It triggered?” He whispered back.
I nod and smile at the crowd who is waiting for me to walk to my throne. I take a deep breath and begin to walk forward. Thankfully the crowd begins to part allowing me through.
I sit on my throne and look out over everyone. They all yell, “Happy Birthday!”
I smile and say loud enough for all to hear, “Thank you all so much for coming to celebrate my eighteenth birthday. It is wonderful to see all of you here. Please enjoy the celebration.”
Everyone applauds and Eric sits close by me. I look at him my eyes full of fear. He leans over and whispers, “If they come to you and offer their hand, give a fake cough. It will deter them from touching you.”
I let out a sigh of relief. That was a wonderful idea. So that is what I did. Whenever I was approached and a hand was given, I coughed and smiled.
A few times I even said, “Sorry, I am not feeling all that well. I don't want to get anyone else feeling ill.”
That excuse worked like a charm.
It thankfully kept me from having to shake hands or get my hand kissed by anyone. It was a long night, and I realized something I hadn't thought about.
I could no longer dance with anyone. Another thing I loved doing. Now I couldn't do it anymore. I felt awful turning down so many men for dances. But I felt even more awful that I couldn't join in on the fun.
I cry myself to sleep that night. Hoping the morning will be better...
Morning came. Eric and I began to prepare for our journey. We had everything packed and ready to go. I had already made plans to have my advisors stand in as the law enforcers.
Everything was going great. Until I tried to get on my horse. That was a stupid idea. Really stupid.
I almost got my foot in the stirrup and then it happened. My leg touched his side. Those witches are jerks. It's not just my skin people can't touch it's me and whatever is on me. I was wearing dark blue riding pants hoping it would work. Nope.
I touched his side with my leg and we both made a painful noise as the burning flared. I pulled away as quick as I could falling back and landing on my bottom. It was awful. He ran from me and wouldn't come near me again.
I should have known this was too easy. I let out a sigh and then Eric and I decided on what to do next.
“Well I can't come with you now, but I don't want you to wait any longer. Give me a few minutes, and I will write letters to all the others. When you find one of them give them the letter and then bring them here. I will have the blacksmith and wood builders make a carriage. That way I can go with you after you all return.” I tell him.
He nods and then waits for me to write the letters. I write Lilly's (Snow's) letter first. After I finish the others, I give them to Eric, and he leaves.
I let out a sigh and watch him ride away. I wish with all my heart he comes back with someone soon...
- Writer
