Volume 60
It's the midnight hour. Everyone is fast asleep when Gwen quietly stood up from bed and hurried to where Anastasia was lying down. She checked to make sure Anastasia was fast asleep, then she carefully removed the necklace she was putting on then quickly hid it… The next day, Anastasia had just woken up from bed, didn't realize her necklace was gone. She yawns lazily and gets up from bed. She started to walk towards the castle hallway in search of Lex. He told me to meet him at the castle entrance. Where could he had gone to? Lancelot shows up smiling cheerfully. Are you disappointed it's me? Lex is with 'My father' as he has something important to discuss with him. He wanted me to relay a message that he will come to you a bit later. There was a long silence then Anastasia finally breaks it.
Do you want to go for a ride? Lancelot smiled. Definitely. They started to walk towards the stable to take a horse. Lancelot climbs unto the horse and signalled for Anastasia to take his hand. Immediately she took his hand, she started to breathe uncontrollably, then, she places her hand on her chest feeling excruciating pain. Lancelot quickly gets down from the horse looking worried. What's wrong Anastasia? You don't look so good? Are you unwell?... She fainted collapsing on Lancelot arms as he carried her all the way to see the physician who attended urgently to her.
The news get to Lex, Diana and Lucas that Anastasia had fainted. They came rushing afterwards to see her… Lex stared at Lancelot suspiciously. Did you do something to her? I know you've always being pushy trying to force her to accept your love? Lancelot astounded… You should know me by now, Lex. I won't do anything which will make the young princess feel uncomfortable. She wanted to go on a horse ride, we walked to the stable to pick a horse. Then, I climbed unto the horse stretching my hand towards her to lift her unto the horse. She started to act very strange as she fainted. I had to rush her to the physician because I was sincerely worried about her…
Lex apologised. I'm sorry I lost my cool. I'm just very sad I wasn't there to protect her when she needed me. Diana speaks up. Could her illness be acting up again. Maybe the magic of the necklace had lost its power. Added Lex. I remember when the guardian of Melolina revealed the necklace can only protect her until when it's magic evetually fades and she will have to go on carrying her curse… She isn't putting on her necklace!…exclaimed Lucas in panic. The others surprised. Why will she want to do that? Said Lancelot. I don't think she did. Someone must have pulled it off her on purpose, perhaps when she wasn't aware… Why will anyone want to do that? Lex speaks up. I won't forgive anyone who tries to harm, 'My love'. I think I know who did it? He stared at Gwen angrily who was also in the room and had started to panic. It seems she had been found out already… I'm so sorry, guys. I did it. She started to tear up. I was the one who tried to harm Princess Anastasia. I was jealous she was getting too close to Prince Lancelot and there was no way I could stop him from loving her. I knew about her curse and when I thought of no way to separate them, Diana cuts in. You decided to take away her necklace to make sure she and Lancelot don't have any chance to be together.
Lancelot exclaimed angrily. Do you even have a heart? Your actions had turned an innocent maiden in this state. Just take a look at her, Gwen. What did she ever do to deserve such treatment from you?! He yelled aangrily at her… Why will I ever want a woman like you for a wife when you will go to the extreme to do someone harm?! If you don't want me to get really angry, I will advise you leave for your kingdom, right this instant before I do something crazy! Just then, Anastasia wakes up. It's not her fault, 'Your Highness'. She did that because she loves you. I've felt what's like to be deprived of love. I remember when I did the same to princess Natalia just because I thought Lex was giving her special attention. I almost caused her harm. I think it's just Karma that I'm in the same situation. Please, forgive her just for my sake. Love makes people do crazy things… Gwen begins to tear up as she knees down begging everyone to forgive her. She returns Anastasia necklace to her and promised to let go of winning Lancelot affection since he has no interest in her.
I'm really are no match for you, 'princess Anastasia'. Said Gwen. You're pretty smart, beautiful and you have a good heart. I was always envious of you, 'My lady'. You had it all… the attention of the royal family and even the prince I was so in love with and even when I tried everything to win his heart, he only keeps looking at you. I felt really envious… Sorry for causing you so much trouble. I really regret my actions. She sadly walked away from the room… After a very long awkward silence, Lex speaks up. I won't believe she will do something terrible to you. We couldn't possibly understand a person's heart. I feel so relieved you're alright, 'Your Highness'. Anastasia smiled at his words. Thanks, guys, for looking out for me. Your concerns make me feel very special… How about I convince my father, 'The King' to organize a ball tonight? There's a need to celebrate princess Anastasia recovery. Said Lancelot smiling at Anatasia. I'm fine 'Your Highness'. Replied Anastasia. A party for my sake, is just too extravagant. How about we just go for a two days camp close to the sea. It will be so much fun. Suggested Lucas. Anastasia nodded. Perfect plan Lucas. Lancelot added. Then, we need to make preparations for the camping. Delicious meals made by the best chefs in the kingdom… Nice, calm music and performers to entertain us. Anastasia answered. I remember you use to like it when I sing for you when we go for camps like this as kids… Lancelot smiled cheerfully. You were such an amazing singer and dancer, 'Your Highness'. Anastasia blushes… You flatter me too much, Lancelot. Lex jealous. You've never sang for me before Anastasia… that's because you never asked. Replied Anastasia smiling. You're full of lot of secrets Anastasia. Tell me, what else are you hiding from me I don't know about?... Asked Lex staring at her with a serious gaze. Anastasia smiled as she winks at him. You will find out soon enough. I don't intend to spoil all of the fun…