Enchanted

Chapter 6 - Going Back

"So, Princess, what is this terrible news?" The Queen said to Avery with a smile. Clarissa knew that this news must be a big deal but she didn't want to seem weak in front of her son.

Avery did a small curtsy before talking, "Your Majesty, I was in the market the same day I had arrived here for the first time..."Avery started but the queen unintentionally interrupted.

"I believe the day when you said to us, 'You believe us, but you cannot guarantee anything."

..."Yes, yes that day... You heard me?"Avery nodded with agreement before realising what the Queen said.

"Of course, I heard you. It's called mind link. Fairies who are loved ones and/or are close by can communicate through a mind link. Me, being Queen means that any fairy can contact me, even you," Clarissa said with the proud tone she had used when she first explained the city of Enchanted to her. Avery was amazed. What else could these fairies do?

"Anyway, your majesty, I went to the market with my best friend Olivia for the first time without a 12-army escort and without my parents. I was very happy as my parents trusted me. I was having a lovely day with Olivia buying necessities and enjoying tasty foods with exotic flavours. However, I was almost killed by an arrow, twice. First time, the arrow missed me completely and the second time the arrow was heading my way but one of the villagers took it for me. I was so shocked at what was going on  that I didn't realise another arrow had come my way but this time it was heading for Olivia. She missed it and we were quickly taken away back to the castle. For the past days I have been in my room weeping and still in shock over the situation but finally today, my parents asked for my appearance in the throne room to lay down some rules. I am forbidden to leave the castle and I must always be in my room, no matter what the situation. I can no longer go to carnivals held by the public or even go into the castle gardens without at least a 12-guard escort. I am practically a prisoner which is why I have come to you, to tell you I don't think I can complete the quest you had set me."

Avery could see the royal families faces drop with disappointment and could see the distress in the Queen's face.

"You, however are okay though?" Prince Dylan asked. This was the first time Avery had heard him speak during her second visit here, and she heard his tone of voice sounded husky yet deep and strong unlike her first visit when he taught her to fly. Avery nodded making eye contact with the prince and he smiled back at her making Avery blush slightly.

"Did they find this murderer?" The Queen asked taking Avery out of her daze.

"Yes, they did and he is in the castle dungeons until further notice. But apparently, he was sent by someone to try and kill me. There is a cult that is against me being Queen and they are doing everything they can to stop me from ruling," Avery said to Clarissa. She saw the Queen's face seemed disturbed.

"And the man that was hurt? The man that protected you, is he OK?" Clarissa asked very concerned.

"He's fine, recovering and I'm very grateful to him," Avery replied.

Clarissa started talking to the King and it seemed like an intense conversation. She then turned to Dylan and whispered something into his ear while Avery stood there in silence. She felt awkward while the royal family talked among themselves. 

Turning back to the princess, Avery could see the worry on Clarissa's face.

"You say you cannot leave the castle at all?" Clarissa said finally and Avery replied with a nod. "Well, then you must stay here until I can certain that my plan will work," Clarissa ordered as she waved her hand for the guards to come. Avery saw this and shook her head.