Chapter 25 Confused

"Am! Am! My sweet heart you are awake!" Jocelyn ran to Amalthea's side. She touched her daughter's face, arms and hair to confirm she was in fact awake. Am's eyes rummaged around the room. There were so many people... lots of strange faces. The woman next to the bed, talking with the queen, she had seen her before... in her dreams singing with a choir of fairies and angels. It was a beautiful song in some idiom she didn't understood, but it woke her soul up and brought it from the cold and dampness it was submerged.

She felt so weak. Her sight was still focusing in the faces in the corners of the alcove. Her Mamah was crying and smiling. The queen hugged Jocelyn and cheered her up. Both of them were standing next to the bed. One of the medics came to examine her once again. He took her temperature, her pulse and checked her eyes and throat. He was as surprised as everyone. The medic found that everything was fine with her body. He couldn't explain what had happened.

Jocelyn sat next to Am.

"How do you feel, my dear?" Jocelyn voice was gentle. Am tried to speak, but no sound came from her mouth. Am's eyes opened wide with desperation. She was not able to talk.

"What happens Am? What is wrong with you? What is wrong with her! She can't talk!" Jocelyn cried.

Maev, who was talking with one of the medics before, answered. "A strong spell was casted on her. Someone with envy and hate in her heart wanted her voice to be silenced..."

Lord Roderick entered the room, followed by the Prince. Both of them were standing behind the witch and heard all that she said.

"But who could do that to her?" Lord Roderick asked.

"I demand you to tell me who did such an evil to Amalthea. That person will pay with his live!" The prince spoke then. The witch looked at the two men and told them. "Oh, I can see... Two strong lovers wrestling for the nymph's love... but only one will prevail when her heart is ready to choose. Do not push her for she is too weak to think clearly... And for your question, Your Majesty, I can't certainly give the name of the witch that casted the spell, but you will find the wrecked soul that ordered this closer than you think. Don't worry gentlemen, your Flanna will sing again, only when the right time comes. Now let her rest." Then, walking to the room's door she spoke again. "I think I've done my work here. I gave the instructions to your healers on the treatment to be given to your Flanna. Beannachd leat." And she left the room.

The queen ran after her, stopping first next to her son and whispered in his ear, "I will pay the witch for her services, but you and I will have a private conversation. Wait for me in the War Room." And queen Cephora left the room.

Lord Roderick was dismissing and thanking some of the medics that he summoned paying their honoraries, when the prince left the room. Only the three royal healers stayed in the room, organizing and discarding the unnecessary herbs and mixtures. The duke pulled a bench next to the bed for Jocelyn to sit. He stood besides the bed and spoke to Am. "Oh, Am I was so anguished. I feared for your life my lovely Amalthea. I don't know what I would do if something bad ever happens to you my love." His eyes watered. Am could only stare at him... silent. Then his faced flushed red I infuriated as he spoke. "I will find the person who did this harm to you. He or she would not live another day if I find it. I swear to God, Am. Nobody will hurt you and live to tell." And he left fuming the room.

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The Queen entered the War Room, where his son waited impatiently for her. She looked at him sternly. "Tell me what is all that nonesense the witch was talking about? Are you in love with Amalthea?"

The prince was surprised by his mother sudden question, but he answered with the truth without hesitating. "Yes Mother, I am in love with her."

"And when did this love emerged? I mean, you are betrothed to Katharina. I am confused at this state my son."

"Mother, I don't love Katharina and I never did. I was playing my part as the prince and only heir of the throne. It was all about politics since the beginning of this fake relationship."

"But Katharina is a beautiful and charming woman... Alasther, you need to consider what is the best for the future of our kingdom and the relation between the realm of Cadocia and ours."

"I don't love Katharina. I will be condemned to a fixed marriage with a woman I can't stand. Is it my destiny to be unhappy for the rest of my life?"

"As you said before, it is your duty as the Prince of Abhainn and its future ruler. You will learn to love her, she is gracious and charming. She was raised to be a queen, your queen..."

"I love Amalthea, mother!"

"Are you sure of that? You barely know her. Maybe you are charmed by her beauty and good character... spell bounded by her innocence and talents. Besides, I think Lord Roderick is somehow more suitable for her, and I do not want an inner crisis with Lannishire province, our richest possession... Darling, you have to think wisely and seek for the best for our kingdom. My advice, go and woo your fiancée, who you have avoided since the maiden's sudden illness... Do you think I am a fool? I noticed your attraction with that girl since your birthday feast, yet I wanted it to be untrue. You have to deal with yourself and start thinking as the next king of Abhainn, Alasther." The queen left the War Room.

Prince Alasther was alone. He needed to think with wisdom... but his heart was winning this fight. He loved Amalthea like he never did before. What he was going to do now? What his future was going to be? He needed to marry Katharina for his kingdom. He was the prince. But he wanted to be with Am for love...

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It was late in the night. Am couldn't move yet and even worst, she couldn't talk. She tried to remember what happened that night of the Masquerade before she fainted, but all she could recall were chunks of diffuse images. The maiden felt numb and weak. Am craved to get-off that bed and be back home, in her cozy cottage. She wanted to see her friends and talk with Maeh and the girls... and Maik. At least her mother was with her there, sleeping in a couch next to her.

Am felt extremely confused. There was an image repeating on her mind. It was like a dream but felt so real. There was the prince talking to her. He said that he loved her... That he would give his life for hers. Then he gave her the sweetest kiss of all. And suddenly, the darkness dragged him away. She extended her arms to reach him, but he was gone forever.

She also remembered the words of that witch talking about a spell casted on her. What spell was she talking about? And then she talked about two men in love with her... fighting... her to choose. It was bewildering and tiring. So many things had happened to her in the last months. Too many things and strange feelings: love, hate, fear, despair, and impotence were assailing her weak body now... she wanted to sleep and stop thinking... but that image gloated again above her head and then again she desired to feel the touch of that kiss... her prince's kiss.

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