Under Her Spell

THE MEETING ROOM IN THE ROYALE PALACE (In the kingdom of Adrix)

The maids served tea to the king and his guest-the King,Queen and Princess of Utaru, a kingdom very far away in Scotland .

They took a sip from the tea mug, it was their second refill as they have waiting for almost an hour for the very important guest to arrive - The prince.

There was an awkward silence as the sound of the king of utaru tapping his fingers on the desk was heard.

From the looks at things, it seems he was getting impatient

"How long are we going to wait again, King Cecil?" he questioned with his Scottish accent finally breaking the silence

"Yes! We've waited far too long, isn't the prince coming?" his Queen supported and Queen Rodney - the queen of Adrix got up angrily

"He was supposed to be here 30 minutes ago" she muttered to herself

"Pardon me, I'll be right back" she stormed out of the room.

Taking the stairs, she went straight to the prince's room, still very crossed at the moment.

She met the guards standing by the door keeping a straight face as they held their long spear

"Where is the Prince?" she asked.

One of them replied immediately "He hasn't left the room yet, your highness ". Queen Rodney heaved a sigh at his response.

" Cedric?" she called as she held the handle of the door and tried pushing it, but it was locked.

She banged vigorously, What's his problem?

"Cedric! Open this door immediately or else I'll break it! "she threatened but no noise was heard from the room.

"Break the lock! " she Ordered and the guards obliged.

With their spear-staff they were able to break the lock after many trials.

She pushed the door open revealing an empty huge room, there was no one in it.

She went ahead to search the bathroom, wardrobe, clothes cabinet, the lodge, the study room but he proved elusive.

Where is this guy? She thought angrily. It's not funny letting them wait like that. Her eyes then caught a glimpse of the window - it was open !?

She clenched her teeth immediately.

How could you Cedric! "Go and find the prince, now! " she ordered the guards at the door and they stormed out at once.

She stood there biting her lips in disbelief..

IN THE TOWNS MEADOW

The prince with a casual clothing is seen pacing back and forth like he was waiting for someone.

He gazed at the lake at regular intervals. He seemed to be waiting for something to happen or rather someone.

He went closer to the lake and sat on a bench gazing at the crystal blue waters. Picking up a bunch of stones he tossed it on the water and it did a triple flip before plunging into the water. He did it for like three times and then from the water reflection he saw it - what he's been waiting for.

He saw her pass behind him heading to the area where the ducks use to swim, He beamed as he looked at her, his heart palpitating with excitement.

He watched her steadily as she squatted and started feeding the ducks. She looked like an angel, with her regular sky-blue gown which always have an apron stuck to it.

Her curly blonde hair were like flowers and her skin, so smooth and shiny. She had a nice rosy cheeks that is conspicuous when she smiles.

Though he has never seen her face because he likes admiring her from afar. But today, no matter what, he has to talk to her, even for a second. It's been two weeks that she normally visits the meadow every morning.

He exhaled deeply and sighed.. Here goes nothing. As he sauntered towards her his heart was fluttering. It felt like a dream.

Finally reaching her, he realized that he couldn't say anything. He was shut of words. The only stupid thing he could say was

"Are you in love with the ducks? " He immediately regretting it, he turned around and smacked his head in annoyance.

Jeez I messed up, he thought and was about to leave when he heard his angel talking.

"Oh my Prince, of course not " she giggled and his eyes widened as his heart started racing. They are finally doing it- talking!

He turned over to look at her but she was still backing him standing.

"Then what are you in love with? " he asked huskily and she giggled again.

"A lot of things, bread, flowers, maybe a prince.. " she said and he brightened as curiosity was killing him. He wanted to see her face so he held her hands and turned her over to face him only to see

'BATTERY LOW, PLEASE CHARGE' What!! He removed his virtual reality goggles as it shut down and then tossed it on the couch beside him.

"Chill, chill Cedric " Diego, one of his friends, told him as he gently picked up the VR goggles.

"Seriously Diego! Why didn't you charge it?"he groused and brushed his fingers through his wavy brown hair, kicking the table beside him in annoyance.

"Cmon why are you getting so worked up?" Sanjay said as he came in with three wine glasses and a wine.

"I can even strangle you two, stop messing with me. Don't you know that I almost saw my...my princess charming" he said gazing at the sky and they chuckled

"Besides it's just VR, go and find a real princess charming" Sanjay said as he distributed the wines then Cedric scoffed .

"But I don't get why you're weird" Diego said sipping from his glass. Cedric shot him a surprised look raising his brow and he added

"Many princesses.. Beautiful princesses from other kingdoms are seeking your hand in marriage, but like a weirdo you keep on rejecting them" Cedric shrugged "They aren't my type or attractive, I'm pretty sure it's just their makeup that makes them beautiful" he cracked and they all laughed heartily.

"That's why I even come here every morning, you know, to get a rest from the palace and duties " he added as he drank from his wine. He then remembered that beautiful girl.. She was so pretty and her voice..

"You know sometimes, I wished I was in your shoes, I'd marry all those princesses "Diego cracked and he was jolted from his reverie as they laughed.

"Well apply for princeship, if you're that desperate "Cedric scoffed looking at Diego.

"Chill bro, it was just a joke " Sanjay snapped as Cedric got up and picked his laptop from the table.

"At least they'll never find me here, in this alcove "he said with a smirk.

Just then they heard a knock at the door. They exchanged glances as Cedric asked

"Did you invite someone? " but they all shook their heads. Cedric shrugged and returned to the couch turning on his laptop as Diego went to the door.

"Uh oh " Cedric heard him exclaim as he opened the door to see his mother standing at the door with guards beside her. She was looking very cross..

"Prince Cedric! " she yelled and he sprang on his feet.

"Hey queen Rodney, aren't you just looking gorgeously young " he tried to flatter but she immediately held his ears pulling it as she dragged him heading to the door. He winced in pain.

"You were supposed to be at the palace meeting Princess Anabelle and her family, what are you doing here?" she asked obviously annoyed, still dragging him by the ear.

Cedric could see his friends stifling a laugh and glared hard at them. Queen Rodney finally let go of his ear and he stood upright.

"Why should I be there? I don't want to see anymore princesses, I have already rejected ten, please don't bring more. Can't I just find who I like? " he pleaded as he left her sight

"What's wrong with you Cedric? Can't you appreciate the fact that you're a prince?" Queen Rodney scolded as they walked into the throne room.

The king was in deep thought seated on his throne, He jerked up as they arrived in, arguing.

"Mom, all I want is choose my bride, you can't force me" Cedric retorted.

But queen Rodney couldn't give up that easily

"Those princesses you rejected are pretty and nice, what else can you find in a girl?"she pouted. He sighed and then glanced at his father who was glaring.

"Good day, your highness " he made a slight bow and was about to leave when the king stopped him.

"Hold on Cedric!" Cedric stopped almost immediately but did not turn back.

"You said you want to choose your bride?" he asked but it was more of a statement.

"Well, I give you three days to find her if you're not able to bring a decent bride here to present to me, you'll have no choice but to agree to the next princess we bring or else you'll lose the throne" he declared and immediately left the throne room.

Cedric beamed a smile almost jumping in excitement. Queen Rodney gave a slight smile.

"Don't worry mom, my bride will be perfect" he said dashing out. The queen stared at him in disbelief.

"Oh boy, I wonder what he'll bring as a bride".

In the prince's room, he's adoring himself in the mirror.

"This is.. Perfect " he said as he wore a casual clothing - the cloth for commoners which is a brown short that's just above the knee, a high boot with a yellow loose cloth and a brown jacket.

He then carried a scarf and wrapped around his neck. "I don't know why I'll need this scarf, it'll probably be hot" he said and took it off, A knock interrupted him

"Come in" he responded. Diego and Sanjay came in and gasped in surprise

"Oh my eyes!" Diego exclaimed as he saw the princes outrageous dressing. So simple and filthy.

"What's this all about? " he added making him scoff.

"Wait... are you finally protesting that if they don't let you choose your bride you'll cease to be a prince and live with the villagers?! " Diego cracked.

"Yeah seems like it. He finally wants to be a villager so he'll not have to marry a princess" Sanjay added and they laughed derisively, But Cedric didn't mind, they can laugh their hearts out for all he cares.

Seeing he wasn't responding they became silent

"Are you done?" Cedric finally said and they busted into another laughter.

Cedric scoffed and headed for the door.

"Okay, okay we're done, for real this time " Sanjay said as Diego suppressed a laugh.

"So, what's up? " Sanjay asked and Cedric replied immediately

"Well my dad gave me three days to find a perfect, decent bride, so.. "

"So why are you dressed like a commoner.. " Diego interrupted and Cedric snapped

"If you'll just let me finish! " there was an awkward silence in the room. Cedric sighed and continued

"Thank you. I want to take the whole three days to find my bride that likes me for who I am not for what I am and who I'll love" they all nodded still feeling overly confused.

"But why would you ever want to stress yourself, you know girls like rich guys"

"Point of correction, some girls " Cedric retorted quickly. They all scoffed

"Just let him be, Diego, now that's your chance to marry a princess " Sanjay mocked.

"Anyways gotta go "Cedric said rushing out.

Queen Rodney came out of the art room just opposite Cedric's room. She saw him going out dressed so outrageously. She became confused and rushed to his room and met his friends.

"Good morning your highness "they greeted in unison.

"Diego and Sanjay! What are you two doing here" she said strictly that they became puzzled at once.

What's wrong? This isn't their first time here so why the strange question. Before Sanjay could say anything, she continued.

"Cedric is looking so preposterous and you let him go alone?"

"Well, it looked like he didn't need our help" Sanjay answered politely.

"Well, as your queen am sending you two after him and makes sure he doesn't get into trouble, you'll have to spy on him" she commanded and they left in obeisance.

"I hope Cedric knows what's he's doing " she said to no one in particular.

She went to the masters room - hers and the king's. The king was seated in his study table writing a letter.

"So are you replying to the queen of Urtwood? You know she wanted to bring her daughter for Cedric" she said sitting close to him.

"Well, am afraid I can't tell her not to come again" he disclosed rather sadly

"Why? "

"Because they're already here! So they'll wait in the visitors quarters. They'll stay there for three (3) days" he said as he dropped his pen.

Queen Rodney couldn't believe it..

"But Cedric was.. He was going to find his bride "

"Yeah, but there's a possibility he might not"

"But what if he does, then what will you do? Huh?" she said slightly quivering.

King Cecil thought for a while.

"Hmm, I'll host a party for the Prince's girl and the Princess of Urtwood and he'll have to choose who he wants as his bride, I'm sure the queen of Urtwood will understand" he concluded and Queen Rodney nodded

"I just hope they'll not be disappointed"

IN THE TOWN

Cedric moved around the village thinking of how he'll find his girl. Will it be possible?

As he was walking around he noticed that the town was almost empty except for some elderly people and a few kids.

"I've never been to this side of the kingdom, don't we have young people?" he mused as he gazed around.

Then suddenly a carriage passed by him nearly hitting him in the process.

Jeez, he didn't even see it coming. He heaved as he nearly escaped death.

The carriage stopped abruptly and out of curiosity he went to it. What could be inside such a beautiful red and gold carriage. He strained his eyes to see through the slightly opened curtains. Then suddenly a face of a beautiful girl sprang out and grimaced

"What are you looking at!" she yelled sharply and he scoffed, seriously?

"Can't you watch out! You coward " she rasped and closed the curtains at his face.

"Jeez, what a psycho " Cedric scoffed as the carriage moved. He went his way too.

Diego and Sanjay were secretly following him and when they saw the carriage about to hit Cedric, Diego sprang out of his hiding place and was about to save him. But stopped when he saw that he was alright and hid behind a big house.

So they kept on following him till he entered a dark alley. But surprisingly they didn't see him again.

"Where did he go to?" Sanjay asked confused. He can't just vanish into thin air like that, after searching around, they left.

Cedric came out of his hiding spot in a balcony and scoffed. He saw them following him, convinced they were gone he ran out.

He met a group of kids around the town square playing, he approached them smiling

"Hello kids" he greeted as some ignored him while some faced him

"Why are you kids alone where are your elder siblings" he continued and they giggled

"Today is national washing day, so they're at the stream" one replied smartly.

He hit his forehead in frustration, how could he have forgotten? He thanked them as he ran away.

He ran towards the direction where the stream was, so he can meet every girl there and maybe find his lady. Cedric was so determined to reach there that he didn't realize when he passed by Diego and Sanjay. So they finally followed him.

He kept on running getting closer to the stream, excitement flushing through him that he didn't see a ditch in front of him

But his friends did and yelled

"My Prince! Watch out for the ditch!" on hearing the word 'My Prince l' everyone turned to look at his direction and saw prince Cedric fall into the ditch.

"THAT'S PRINCE CEDRIC! " The girls screamed and ran to the ditch.

The ovation was too loud as the girls screamed rushing towards the ditch.

As Cedric fell into the ditch, he injured his left knee. It was a small bruise though.

Diego and Sanjay also rushed after him gasping. The girls swarmed the ditch that the boys couldn't even see him.

"Oh gosh, what have Diego done, now everyone knows me as the prince" he mumbled frowning.

"Are you alright?" one girl asked

"Give me your hand, I'll pull you out " another said making Cedric scoff. Seriously?

"Marry me!" a girl screamed and Cedric became annoyed immediately. He's here in a ditch all dirty and stuff, but all she could say was 'marry me 'instead of helping him.

He exhaled deeply and sighed

"Ladies, ladies, calm down" immediately everyone was quiet.

"Good. Now can you.. " he was about saying when a girl purposefully fell down into the ditch and he caught her immediately.

She blushed and everyone started screaming

"Wow!"

"Oh my, he touched her" another girl wanted to jump too but he stopped her

"Okay, that's enough! No more jumping in" he said as he dropped the girl in his arms gently.

"Now ladies, can you let the boys get me out "

"And me too!" the girl in the ditch said sheepishly grinning widely.

"so, can you call the boys" he said and they shifted so that the boys could pass.

"My Prince, are you okay?" Diego asked and Cedric rolled his eyes

"Sure I am, thanks for screaming my name" he said with sarcasm.

"Now will you get me out of here! "

IN THE PALACE

"Welcome my guest" King Cecil greeted acknowledging the Queen and Princess of urtwood as they entered the throne room.

"It is our pleasure, you know we are very excited to see the prince" Queen Elizabeth replied

"Yes, we know and you'll surely see him but... he's not available at moment, he went on a quest but he'll be back in three days time" king Cecil said but Queen Elizabeth wasn't satisfied with this.

"But what do we do now?" She asked referring to her and her daughter Princess Elaina.

Princess Elaina is a beautiful girl with black hair and gray eyes which was strikingly outstanding. It added to her beautyl which makes her look almost irresistible.

"Don't worry about that, I've got everything planned" he then signalled the Workers to carry their luggage.

"Take them to the guest quarters, they'll be there...oh and feel free to tour the castle.." he said addressing Queen Elizabeth and she left with her daughter.

Convinced they were gone Queen Rodney finally spoke up

"King Cecil what is wrong with you? Why did you say Cedric won't be here for three days?" she groused feeling uneasy.

"Calm down my dear, you know Cedric will be busy for three days till he find a bride, so it'll be easy" he replied

"But what if he comes back to eat with us?" she asked still unconvinced

"It's easy, we don't allow him to eat in the dinning hall until after three days" he said yet she still has bad feeling about it.

MEANWHILE, IN THE TOWN'S STREAM

The girl was pulled out of the ditch with a long rope that the boys were holding, then the prince held the rope and was dragged up as well.

Without giving him enough space to breath, the girls gathered around him trying to hug and touch him causing him to almost fall back into the ditch, but Sanjay caught him.

"Okay everyone, let the prince leave the ditch before he falls again" Sanjay said and everyone parted way for him to pass.

Sanjay immediately whispered

"Run" and Cedric took to his heels and ran as fast as he could with his friends beside him.

Behind them was a desperate mob of girls chasing after Cedric.

Cedric ran round the village and turned at every corner, but as he was about to turn to a corner, he slide and fell injuring his right knee. He looked back and saw the girls were catching up so he quickly got up.

Diego and Sanjay were way ahead of him. And because of the bruises he couldn't run fast, and the girls were catching up, he turned at a corner again and was immediately dragged into a house by a beautiful blonde girl.

She closed the door then used her hands and covered his mouth, while looking through the window.

She waited until the mob passed before removing her hands

"Sorry I dragged you that way, are you alright?"she asked but he just stared at her agape.

She looked at him from head to toe, he looked like he was beaten up by someone, since he had bruises at his knees and his clothes was dirty.

"Sorry where are my manners, have a seat" she dragged him to their table and made him to seat, that was when he then jolted.

He looked around, it was one of those small houses with few rooms, like 2 to 3, although where he was given a seat to sit was the living / dining room

"Tha... thank you" was what he could stutter, as he was lost of words.

She went out of the room and came back with a cup of warm milk, she gave it to him and he drank.

The house looked too big for a small girl in her early 20's to own, the prince wondered, Then suddenly an elderly woman and man - her parents came to the living room

"Oh, there's our guest, welcome" the woman said

"Thanks" he greeted

"We were just about to have lunch, care to join?" the girl's mom said

"Aurora, let him get changed" the girl's mom said and she showed him to a room, where he changed.

Lunch was served to everyone at the table, the prince thanked them for the delicious meal

"We saw you running away from the angry mob, so we told our Aurora here..." the woman pointed at the girl

"..To bring you in"

"Thank you ma, but those weren't angry mo..." he was interrupted

"What did you take? I'm pretty sure they chased you because you took something right?" Aurora's dad asked.

Cedric looked at them not knowing what to say, but found himself blurting

"Yes, I just wanted bread and they chased me" immediately regretting it

"Yeah, we understand, the king has stopped sending grains for the vilagersl" Aurora's mom said sadly.

"Mom, we forgot the most important thing to ask" she said trying to brighten the mom's mood and Cedric widened his eyes and looked at her.

She's so beautiful with her blonde curly hair, then he realized, is she the girl he usually sees in the virtual reality, although she's wearing green not blue, but she resembles her in the legs, hands and body.

Could she be the one? Did his VR girl just come to life, he was jolted by a tap on his arm

"Huh?" he asked, he wasn't even listening to what they were saying

"What's your name?" Aurora asked him and he smiled

"I'm prince..." he cough immediately, then stopped

"Sorry, I'm Cedric, just a regular villager" he lied and they all smiled back.

Aurora's mother noticed the way she looked at him and silently alert her father to see aurora, she looks so happy, is she finally falling in love? Aurora has never looked at a boy twice, it feels like she's drawn to him.

"Do you want more?" Aurora's mom broke the silence.

"I'm full" Cedric greeted and Aurora packed the plates.

MEANWHILE

Diego and Sanjay were not being chased again when the girls noticed that the prince wasn't with them so they all went back.

"Darn it, we've lost the prince again" Sanjay said

"We would be terrible babysitters" Diego cracked and they chuckled .