So, this is my first official update for 2020

To my friends, fans, readers and supporters here, wherever you are in this world, I want to wish you a fabulous NEW YEAR!

2020 is finally here!

Take risks!
Explore!
Succeed!
Smile!!!

Your Crazy Writer loves you from the bottom of her heart💓

~~~~~~~~•••~~~~~~~~

There were just two days left to the ball. Ella felt giddy at the thought of dressing up in that beautiful gown Arthur gifted her.

She flipped the pages of a Historical book that had kept her busy for the last four hours.

Today, she didn't feel like socializing with anyone so at the first cock-crow, she secured herself in Arthur's library. There were quite a number of books she could get lost into and although her stomach cried for breakfast, Ella did not budge from the spot where she was on the wine-red coloured rug, in-between two book shelves.

After the First Arian war, King Burnham signed a treaty with the King of Shulda, King Osperwald.

King Burnham lost his wife to cancer and his two sons in a suspected assassination. Grieved, he gave up the throne to his brother, George and disappeared without a trace.

Ella hoped she wasn't seeing the last name right?

George, that's Eric and Charity's father?

King George began a major reform on a lot of policies. He built on the good work his father started. He and his wife Lilian , daughter of King Osperwald began a revolution that has since then brought smiles on the faces of the people.

Ella sighed. What an insightful history. Only that Brian's treachery had not yet been included in history. She laid back her head on the wall and was soon fast asleep clutching the history book.

~~~~~~~~•••~~~~~~~~

Ella.

Ella.

Ella.

Ella was certain she could hear her name called somewhere. With a single upward motion of her eyelids, Arthur's frame came into view. He smiled gently down at her.

Ella wiped her mouth with her handkerchief and sat up straight. Her bottom and neck felt sore from the awkward position she had been sleeping in.

"What time is it?"

"Noon. We were wondering where you ran off to but I figured you might need some time to yourself." Arthur said, his eyes noticing the yellow-covered history book on the floor beside Ella.

Ella nodded. "I was reading."

Arthur chuckled. "With your eyes closed? I believe you."

"That's before I fell asleep."

Arthur's eyes lost the humour in them and Ella was confused. "Do you mind if I sit with you for a moment?"

Ella was gobsmacked by his request but she moved for Arthur to sit on the rug too.

"Are you okay?" She asked, full of concern for the young man seating beside her.

Arthur hung his head low, his shoulders sinking in depression. "No."

His response was plain and honest. It was all that was needed to melt Ella's heart.

Of course he wasn't. Arthur had put up a facade, a front to deceive people that he was fine.

Ella understood even without him saying anything. He didn't want to be pitied, he hated being pitied. She hated that too.

"Do want to talk about it?"

Arthur breathed heavily before raising his face and looking straight at Ella. "How much can a man possibly take?"

Ella did not ask what he meant. She kept mute and let him talk.

"After my parents died in that fire two years back, I was distraught."

Three years ago? He must have seventeen years then.

"It all happened so fast. Imagine having lunch with your parents and not too long after, someone stops by to tell you that they're dead. I felt like sh#t, Ella."

He relapsed into a moment of silence. Then...

"I've been having these dreams."

Ella arched a brow. "What kind of dreams."

"Dreams that have my parents in them. Each time I see them, their bodies are badly burnt, their clothes have blood splattered across and there's this eerie smile on their faces that are barely recognizable."

Ella gasped in horror. How tragic. She couldn't believe this.

"How long have you had these dreams?"

Arthur glanced away refusing to look in her eyes. He thought she would judge him. "Ever since they died."

Ella's fingers flew over her mouth as she was overcome with shock. Two years and...did he even tell anyone about it? Did he bother getting help?

"Have you told-"

"It's just you I've told." Arthur replied.

"Not even your best friend or Charity?" Ella asked again.

Arthur shook his head. "Not them. I'm scared they would see me differently."

"How come you're telling me? I could see you in a different light." Ella tested. How come he was comfortable telling her this instead of the people he had known for a long time.

"I know you Ella, you won't."

~~~~~~~~•••~~~~~~~~

Ella did not divulge the details of her whereabouts to anyone. Prince Eric obviously looked curious to know where she disappeared to during the day.

Earlier on, he had been talking to a couple of servants about a topic he didn't want anyone knowing. When the time was right, he would use that information to his advantage.

Arthur's friends came to visit and Ella, the prince and the princess stayed away from the little gathering.

The fewer people that knew they were here in Basewood, the better.

Restless, Eric fumbled with the piece of paper he had been staring at for half an hour now. He made up his mind to tell Ella about the plans he had drawn up.

Sucking up some air, he left his room and headed up to Ella's. He knocked twice. Ella opened the door smiling and blushing at the same time.

"How are you, Ella?" He enquired.

Ella pushed back her hair. "I'm fine, thank you."

Eric scratched the back of his neck, nervous about what he wanted to say. "Can I come in? There's something I want to tell you."

Ella blinked and peered back into her room. "Uh, sure. Ismat, could you excuse us for a second?"

"Make that an hour, but sure, why not?"  A happy voice piped up and soon a frail-looking girl slipped out through the door, eyes widening at Eric.

"Your Majesty." She curtseyed in respect.

Eric waved her off and Ella ushered him into her room. After shutting the door, Ella hid her sweaty hands behind her dress and stood rooted to a spot.

Amused by her frozen state, Eric walked to her dresser and examined his reflection in the mirror. He was lean. His cheek bones were more prominent now.

"Did you just come to my room to stare at your face in my mirror?" Ella mocked, catching Eric's eyes in the mirror.

He spun around, leaning on the edge of the dresser. "Yes."

Rolling her eyes, Ella stalked to her bed and sank in it. "What did you want to tell me?"

Eric unfolded the paper in his hand. Ella had been wondering what it was all the while. "I've concluded my plans on how to get back my father's kingdom."

"How?"

"I need an army."

"Obviously. And how are you getting that army?"

"I know where to find that army. It's in the heart of the Alasian Forest."

Ella's mouth popped open. "What?"

The Alasian forest was the most dangerous in Aria, notorious for habouring criminals, bandits and low-life folks, the scum of society. Why would Eric be planning on going there.

"Yes, Ella. At the crack of dawn on the third day from now. We ride to the Alasian Forest. Are you coming or not?"

"I have no choice."

And so, it was settled.

~~~~~~~~•••~~~~~~~~

I smell adventure up ahead, do you?

In case you're wondering about Benjamin's plight, shortly I'll be making a revelation. Keep your fingers crossed.