A Princess Reborn
Chapter 17

After a strenuous journey, we find ourselves back at the abandoned cabin. Hannah's strength has dwindled noticeably. During our journey back, Rune and Eric have supported her between them. With each passing hour, I've witnessed her vitality wane.

"The knight has a point, erm, Princess. My beloved is not herself," Eric remarks.

I glance at Hannah's unnaturally pale complexion.

"I wouldn't suggest it if it wasn't for the best. I trust you realize that by now... Your Highness," Rune addresses me.

I cringe at Rune calling me 'Your Highness'. It's all so bewildering. The events at the Stone Gods are too surreal to grasp in this moment. The topic has remained untouched, each member of our party choosing to avoid it entirely. Perhaps it's simply too difficult for anyone to comprehend. Certainly, for me, it is. "Perhaps you're right."

"Don't worry. We'll visit the Wise One and get her the help she needs," Rune assures.

"Thank you, Rune. Mara is our only hope."

"We'll let Hannah rest in the cabin while we journey to the village."

Hannah sits against the cabin wall. Eric has assisted her inside, and he's busy preparing the fire for the night ahead. A faint smile graces her face. "I'm so glad to see you again, Sarah."

"And you have no idea how delighted I am to see you." I kneel by her side, taking her hand in mine.

"Baa!"

Laya rests beside Hannah, affectionately licking her face. "And you too, Laya. It seems you're just as special as ever."

"Baa!"

"I can't believe Laya found you all the way out in the woods."

"Well, she's always been a remarkably clever little lamb." Hannah pats the lamb, her arms growing tired as they fall to her side.

"How should I address you from now on?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean... now that we know you're a royal, Princess Liana no less."

The words feel foreign, as if I'm watching a scene in which I play no part... "I can't be Princess Liana... I just can't..."

"Even a skeptic would disagree. The signs were clear."

I don't feel like Princess Liana. A part of me had hoped it was all a dream, that I wouldn't have to grapple with the consequences. "I'm your friend. You should address me as you always have."

"Very well... Sarah."

"It troubles me that you would think otherwise. I'm still me."

"But you're not just you. You're a legend come to life, quite literally. You're our legend incarnate." Under different circumstances, I could imagine Hannah leaping for joy, but she's so weak that she can barely manage a smile. "Your life has changed, Sarah. The sooner you accept it, the better."

"That may be true, but nothing has changed between us."

I extend my pinkie finger toward hers. "No weapon formed against us shall prosper."

"As we have spoken, so let it be."

"Baa!"

Hannah shifts uncomfortably against the wooden wall. She needs a place to rest her weary head.

"Hold on, Hannah. I'll make you comfortable in a moment." I swiftly arrange all available blankets I can find, near the fireplace, so that she'll be enveloped in its warmth when night descends. "You're a wonderful friend, Sarah. A princess making me a bed. I would never have imagined."

"Oh, come on. I truly hope you won't keep reminding me of... that... all the time."

"Allow me to. It's an honor to have a royal as my friend." Hannah and I share a laugh. Once we're done, I gesture toward the cozy spot by the fireplace. "There you are. Fit for a queen."

"You're quite amusing, Sarah. And an incredibly good friend. Thank you for everything. Will you come closer?"

"Of course, what's wrong?" I lean in to catch her faint voice. Her lips are dry, and her voice is barely audible. "Why is that little Romeo here?"

I can't suppress the amused giggle that escapes me. Even in her weakened state, she's still focused on Eric's presence. "He insisted on coming along to rescue you."

"I saw how terrified he was when the madman and I arrived."

"He cares deeply for you, Hannah."

"I suppose there was a certain courage to be seen. But no matter what you do, please don't leave me alone with him. He irritates me to no end."

"Oh, Hannah, he can't be that-"

My smile freezes. Hannah's eyes flutter wildly, then close. Her head slumps forward. "Hannah?"

I shake her gently, but there's no response. "Hannah!"

Rune and Eric react to my distress, rushing toward me. "Is everything all right?"

"Baa!" Little Laya licks Hannah's palms, but she remains unresponsive.

"What's wrong with her?"

"My beloved! No, it can't be. Is she... gone?"

"It's the dark magic. She's fallen into an endless sleep."

"What does that mean, Knight?"

"She's neither in our world nor in the realm beyond. And she might remain that way... Perhaps forever."

"No! I'd sooner cut off my own head than leave her like this."

"This spell was intended for you, Your Highness. Hannah is a courageous soul."

I shift my gaze from Rune to Hannah, my heart aching. Hannah

saved my life, and now she may have sacrificed her own. "We must take action." How could I ever forgive myself if she's trapped in this state because of me?

"Beyond seeking the aid of the Wise One, there's little we can do."

"But her condition is worsening. Time is running out! What about a true love's kiss? I've heard of spells being broken that way."

"In fairy tales, perhaps. But I doubt-"

"I'll do it. Hannah's true love is right here beside you."

I must attempt something. Maybe Eric's love for her can work. "Go ahead."

"There would be no greater honor in my life."

Eric leans forward, his lips trembling as he softly kisses Hannah. He steps back, and we wait. "Nothing's happening."

"A kiss won't undo this dark magic, whether it's true love or not."

"Then what can?"

Laya continues to lick Hannah's face, to no avail.

"Rune's correct. It's hopeless."

"I'm leaving at once. I'll return as soon as I can, with either the Wise One's potion or the Wise One herself, whichever is possible."

"I can't let you go alone, Rune. Hannah doesn't know you. I'll accompany you."

"And the last time she saw you, she was throwing you out of her herb shop." He's transformed significantly since the Stone Gods.

"I've made up my mind. There's no need for further discussion."

Rune's expression turns cold as stone. "Forgive me. I should be aware of my place."

"I'm going with you."

"As you wish, Princess Liana."

It's painful to assert authority, but I must. "Eric, you and Laya will care for Hannah until our return."

"It's my duty and honor, Princess."

"Please look after her well."

"Of course. I'll protect her with my life."

Hannah, forgive me for going against your wishes, but I have no alternative.

"Baa!" I affectionately pat little Laya's head.

"I'll be back swiftly. I promise you, Laya. Goodbye, friends."

***

Rune and I tread through the enchanted forest, en route to the village to locate Mara. I steal glances at the knight's countenance as he maintains a steady pace. He hardly speaks to me, and whenever his gaze meets mine, there's a conspicuous absence of the warmth we once shared. Clearly, he resents me, and I can't argue against it. This is the consequence of withholding the truth. "Are you angry with me, Rune?"

Rune doesn't decelerate, though I notice his jaw clench. "No, Your Highness."

"You may call me-"

"Yes, what should I call you?"

"I apologize for deceiving you."

"No use crying over spilled milk, Your Highness."

"You're angry. It's evident."

He halts abruptly. "Very well, I'm angry. But what does acknowledging that accomplish?"

"I panicked. I admit that I was wrong."

Rune hesitates. "You owe me no apologies, Your Highness. I am merely your devoted servant. Nothing more."

His words wound me more deeply than I anticipated. "I don't regard you as my servant, so cease saying that."

"Yet here I am... your humble servant. You need not worry, Your Highness. I won't forget my place again; I can assure you of that."

He insists on maintaining this standoff. "Can we not reconcile? Or do you intend to remain obstinate indefinitely?"

We stand at odds, neither of us yielding.

"My dearest friend is lying in that cabin, on the brink of death. I've been through a life-altering shock, and you persist in punishing me for a transgression I've apologized for."

I scrutinize his eyes, seeking any sign of my words affecting him, yet he reveals nothing. "I would never fathom chastising a princess."

I'm on the brink of surrendering. I march forward, Rune trailing behind, keeping a respectful distance.

My life has taken a vertiginous turn, and I'm uncertain if I'm prepared for it. I'm not convinced reality has fully dawned upon me yet.

As I reach the edge of the forest, the sound of cascading water becomes overpowering. This side of the lake is unfamiliar to me. I stand atop a perilously high precipice, watching the waterfall crash over the breathtaking rockface below.

"Princess, slow down."

"There's no time to waste. Hannah's condition worsens by the minute."

"Your safety is equally crucial."

I pause briefly, awaiting Rune's arrival. "Does your concern originate solely from duty, or does any warmth for me remain in your heart?"

"It's my duty."

Rune's words pierce me. He can't see me cry.

I pivot and quicken my pace.

"Please exercise caution. The path could be slippery-"

My tears blur my vision, yet I forge ahead. "We must hurry and- aaah!"

My footing slips on the muddy trail, and I begin to slide down a slope, careening toward the waterfall and the rockface.

Rune seizes my arm just before I'm about to collide with the rockface.

"Can you see now, Princess?"

My heart races once he pulls me to my feet.

I can't face him now, so the best course is to ignore him and continue walking.

***

We've returned to town and are swiftly approaching Mara's herb shop. "Rune, I'll enter the shop and converse with Mara alone. Please stay here and wait for me."

"I cannot permit you to go unaccompanied, Princess."

"Don't fret. I can handle myself."

"My lady, please heed reason."

"There's nothing to be concerned about."

"It's not safe for you to venture alone. You are a princess now."

"I'm still me. I'm not defenseless."

"True, but now that we're aware of your identity... you're in greater peril than ever before. Ryder still roams free."

"As I said, I can manage."

"My lady, as a knight sworn to serve the royal family, I can't, in good conscience, allow you to go without protection. It's my duty to keep you safe."

"I have a plan, dear knight. You'll have to trust me."

"But..."

"I have a plan."

Rune exhales. "As you wish, Princess."

I step into the herb shop. The instant the door closes behind me, Mara materializes. "Ah, I expected your arrival, child."

"You did?"

"The only uncertainty pertains to why you've come."

I'm relieved to find her less frightened than before.

"I need your guidance, Wise One."

"I hope I can be of assistance, child."

"My friend has fallen into an eternal slumber at the hands of a hunter."

"Ah... the hunter whose heart is entrapped by a malevolent witch."

"His heart belongs to her?"

"Yes, child. His heart has succumbed to darkness. But you are aware of whom I speak."

My dream... she must be cognizant of my visions. "Is this the darkness you warned me about? When you read my palm?"

"We mustn't speak so openly of it, child. One mustn't grant darkness a foothold in one's life."

"Did she enchant him?"

"Love isn't always pure, my child."

"What do you mean?"

"It can elevate you to great heights... or plunge you into profound misery."

"How can one distinguish?"

"It's discerned through actions, dear child."

Like Hannah saving my life... or Rune's unwavering presence by my side? No, Rune feels nothing for me... save for his sense of duty.

"I must return to Hannah... please aid me."

Mara furrows her brow. "The magic they employed on your friend-the endless slumber-it's magic I haven't encountered in eons."

"But you've seen it before?"

"Yes, though only a few dare wield its power."

"We must hasten. My friend requires your help urgently."

"There's naught I can do for her, my child. I deeply regret it."

"Please! There must be something! I implore you, Mara!"

After what feels like an eternity, Mara responds. "Perhaps there's a way."

"Anything!"

"Yet I require a favor from you first... a recompense for my assistance, naturally."

I'm not particularly in the mood for negotiation, but if it means saving Hannah... "Tell me, and I'll comply."

"A cherished old friend of mine, unseen for an extended period, is to visit me soon. It's for my granddaughter's wedding."

What relevance does this hold?

"The hitch is, child, I lack a granddaughter."

"I'm not following."

Mara shrugs. "I possess no family, dear child. No one visits me. My old friend and I... well, there's always been an element of rivalry between us, a competitive edge. I felt pressure and resorted to lying."

"But..."

"Yes, even an old woman like me is not exempt from shortcomings. I informed you that I'm no wiser than the next. All I possess is my clairvoyance and ancient knowledge."

"What would you have me do?"

"Find a young man and assume the role of my granddaughter, who's soon to be wed."

"Are there no other tasks you require? Perhaps someone to sweep your floors or clean your windows?"

"None, child. This, and only this, aligns with my

heart's desire."

"Very well. If it's the only way."

"You bring me joy, child. Do you have a suitable young man?"

"Um... yes, there's one I have in mind."

Rune looks visibly relieved when I rejoin him. I'm not entirely sure how to convey the news to him.

"I trust your plan succeeded, Your Highness?"

"Uh... about that..."

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