CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER TWO

That night of that day, I sneaked out from bed to find my mother’s book. It was an old book with all the spells, potions and enchantments written and organized by page.

I couldn’t sleep last night. My thoughts were battling inside my head. Peace left my chaotic mind. Images of my mother being chased by the royal guards were kept on flashing at the back of my head. She’s old now. It would be hard for her to leave this place and to find another one.

“Don’t even think of hiding, Sharifa. I will always find you in the woods.” his words were hunting me like wild fire. 

I took a peek once on that book when I was ten. As a young and curious girl back then, I even planned to steal it and hide it from Mother, but it was also that time when Mother caught me. She was left with no other choice but to explain to me everything. Starting from what we are and down to the moment why we ended up here.

After that, I didn’t try to take a look at it again, my interest faded when I learned the truth, but not until this morning.

After I found it last night inside the same old chest years ago, I decided to open it this morning thinking that Mother would wake up anytime last night while I was scanning her book.

“Book of Magic: Your Answers to Everything. 1876.” I uttered as I read the cover. It was fragile and filled with dust and dirt. I did a quick scan and found that some of the pages were crumpled and torn.

This would be the perfect time to see what was inside the book since Mother was away. She was in her usual routine, fishing.

I scanned every page and looked for the words ‘love’ and ‘potion’. I was lucky that my mother taught me how to read and write. She told me that it’s the only gift that she could give me that I could use for the rest of my life.

Spells, enchantments, curses, taboos.

It took me minutes before I arrived to the first page of the ‘Potion Section’.

“Animal Transformation Potion, Appearance Potion, Beauty Potion, Disguise Potion, Elixir of Life, Hair Growth Potion, Happy Potion, ..” every word was fascinating. I didn’t know things like these existed.

Then after a few seconds, “The Love Potion.” I mumbled as I found the page that would bring me into my own death.

“Two alive love bugs, three cups white wine, three cups red wine, nine apple seeds, and nine fresh rose petals.” I immediately read the ingredients and tried to familiarize the steps myself.

“At exactly midnight, put the ingredients together in a pot. Should be in order according to the list. The heat should come from the trunk of a fifty-year-old oak tree. Simmer while reading the enchantment until the color fades. It should be as clear as water. Cool down before serving.”

The procedure seemed easy but the power it carries could alter someone’s fate.

By then, I decided to risk my life and become a real witch.

--

My farewell including my reasons of taking this path was written in a piece of cloth. I used charcoal as my ink and my handkerchief as my paper. After I put the letter on the table, I held on tight to my knapsack. Things would be different from now on.

Prince Keeram was waiting for me outside. He was leaning on our small gate and was watching me walked until I closed our distance.

“All done?” he asked after I arrived in front of him. I just nodded as a response. He then led the way to his white horse that was resting not far from our house.

He untied the horse and stroked its head for a bit before riding to it effortlessly. He was strong and skilled. He really was a prince, but an evil one.

He then was looking down at me.

“Come on.” he said a little bit impatient.

“Don’t tell me you are just going to watch and let me ride that thing by my-“ but before I could even finish my words he dismounted. “-self.” I mumbled, trying to complete my argument.

“What a pain.” he uttered.

I had never tried to ride a horse by my own, Ameril was always at my side and would help me up. I might end up on the ground and I didn’t want that to happen.

Without any words, his hands found my waist. The sudden contact sent chills down my spine. I was caught off guard by his action. I was not ready for something like this. Then, I felt my feet left the ground and just found myself riding the horse with one swift.

“You are light as a feather.” he said before he moved to ride. But this time, he was behind me. His chest was touching my back. I couldn’t move. I hugged my things tightly as he started to maneuver the horse.

“Don’t be so stiff. Relax.” he whispered. “And breathe.” he added.

I tried to calm myself and control my breathing.

“You have the invitation prepared?” he asked. I could feel his breaths touching my hair.

“Yes, why?” I replied.

I wanted to turn my head around to face him but I immediately stopped myself. It might put me in a risky situation. I should keep my eyes forward. He’s a danger himself.

“It’s your one-way pass. Make the potion tonight. Bring it to me before the wedding starts and I’ll do the rest.” he said like he had the situation under his palm. It was a good thing that I forgot to throw it with the gifts.

“Is that all I need to do?” I asked, clarifying. This plan would be the death of me, so might as well make it precise.

“Just wait for my brother to fall for you.” he responded.

Thoughts of Ameril falling for me were overwhelming. My heart responded quickly. Ameril was next to the crown, and the one that he would choose to marry would be the future queen of this land.   

‘Let the one who drinks this potion shower me with divine love. Let his love be forever mine.’ These were the phrases that kept on echoing in my head since I read the Love Potion part. It would probably be the first and the last potion of my life.

True love was supposed to come naturally for everyone, people should wait for it to find them. But I chose not to wait and chase for it instead.  

The whole journey took us hours before we reached the end of the mountains. It was a quiet and an awkward path. None of us was talking and everything was just so uncomfortable. He was all serious and I was all hesitant.

The sun was about to set. We arrived in a place where people were gathered and were busy doing everything. It was my first time seeing a lot of people gathered in one area. My head was turning right and left. Everything was just so fascinating. This feeling must be freedom. I wished Mother could experience this. I wished that someday, she could feel the taste of freedom, away from the wrath of the people, away from fear.

I promised not to waste this opportunity. I will use this chance to bring back our right to live. To prove that not all witches are wicked, that not all evils are pure evil. If being a queen would give you the power to this land, Ameril must fall for me at all costs.