Chapter 6: A Fragile Bond
"Today, we begin your training, Miss Shapira," the court mage said, his voice calm, yet it held a deep resonance. "We will focus on the fundamentals, Shapira. This is your first step in mastering magic for self-defense."
Shapira, the young woman, nodded, her gaze filled with determination as she looked at the crystal ball on the ancient table. "I'm ready, Master," she replied. "I want to be able to protect myself in this world. Especially after what happened yesterday."
"Very good," the mage replied, a faint smile on his face. He gestured to the crystal ball. "Focus your energy into this object. Imagine a light, a power flowing from within you."
A few moments later, Prince William, a handsome man, strode into the quiet training room. His gaze, once gentle, now sharpened as he saw Shapira and the mage standing close together.
"What is going on here?" William asked, his voice cold and questioning. He stared at the mage, who then bowed respectfully.
"Your Highness," the mage said, "I am training Miss Shapira in basic magic. It is the King's command. He wishes for Shapira to be safe in this palace."
William let out a low growl. "I see that. But why must you be the one to teach her? Do you not have other duties?" William looked at the young woman. "Why isn't Master Elyon, the female mage, teaching you?"
Shapira turned to William, frowning. "William, what are you saying? He is the best mage in the palace. I just want to learn how to protect myself," Shapira replied, her voice tinged with annoyance. "I want to be strong enough to face any threats that might come for you. For us."
"I don't like seeing you so close to another man," William said, stepping nearer to them. His face had grown somber. "Especially that man. The way he looks at you … I don't like it."
"Don't be ridiculous," Shapira hissed, her eyes flashing with disappointment. "I didn't ask for this. I just want to learn. Don't you trust me? I'm doing this for both our sakes." She stared at him intently, trying to break through his wall of doubt.
William sighed, his shoulders slumping. "It's not that. I'm just … afraid. I don't want anything to happen to you," he said, his tone softening, hinting at a vulnerability. "I'm sorry, Shapira. I just … I don't want to lose you like I lost Anya."
"I understand," Shapira sighed, her anger fading, replaced by gentleness. "I'm not going anywhere, William. And I will always be honest with you. You are my world in this place."
William nodded, reaching out and taking the young woman's hand. "I trust you," he said, his gaze softening, full of regret. "Continue your training. I'll watch from a distance."
After that, the mage nodded and resumed the session.
That evening, William brought Shapira to the top of the palace tower, where a cool night breeze swirled. The city lights of Astellia below them twinkled like fallen stars. William took a deep breath, the scent of night-blooming flowers carried on the wind filling the air.
"I used to come here often as a child," William said, gesturing toward the city below. His voice was melancholic. "Back then, I would come here whenever I felt lonely or confused. It was my hiding place in this palace."
"Why did you feel lonely?" Shapira asked, her eyes tracing his silhouette in the darkness. She wondered about the memories that bound him to this place.
"My father is the King, always busy with the affairs of the kingdom. My mother … she was a gentle woman, but she was also bound by protocol. I felt like I was just a pawn in their game," William explained, his voice full of nostalgia. "Anya often kept me company here. We would talk about our dreams, about how we would change the world when we grew up."
"That must have been difficult," Shapira whispered, her heart feeling a strange wave of sympathy. She imagined a young, lonely prince seeking solace in this high tower. "But you're not alone anymore, William. I'm here with you."
William turned, a faint smile on his lips. "I know," he said, taking Shapira's hand gently. "Your presence in my life has changed everything. I don't feel lonely anymore. But .…" William trailed off, his gaze drifting to a dim light in the distance. "Our stations, Shapira. You're a servant, and I'm a Prince. Can this ever work?"
Shapira took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words. "I don't know, William. I've been thinking about that too," she answered, her voice trembling. "Our worlds are so different. But I can't deny my feelings for you. I want to fight for this. I truly love you."
"I love you too," William whispered, pulling the young woman closer. They held each other under the moonlight, two souls bound by fate, yet separated by the hierarchy of their world.
On another day, Lady Isabelle, the cunning noblewoman, sat with several ladies-in-waiting in the palace's central hall. Her voice, always sweet but laced with venom, was now more distinct.
"I hear His Highness Prince William is to be betrothed to Princess Elmira of the Valerius Kingdom," Isabelle said in a tone of feigned concern. "A most crucial alliance for Astellia. Of course, that would put an end to all these inappropriate rumors."
One of the ladies-in-waiting replied, "Is that true, Lady Isabelle? Prince William seems so devoted to Shapira, that servant girl."
"Puppy love, my dear," Isabelle chuckled, raising a slender hand. "A Prince must know his place. I have already spoken with several members of the council. They agree this is what's best for the kingdom. I will also arrange their meeting as soon as possible."
It wasn't long before William heard the news. He immediately sought out Isabelle, finding her in a palace corridor. William's face was flushed with anger.
"Isabelle, what are you doing?" William demanded, his voice sharp with rage. "I hear you've been trying to arrange a betrothal for me. And you're spreading rumors about Princess Elmira? Who gave you the right to do such a thing in this palace?"
Isabelle smiled sweetly, completely unfazed. "Oh, Your Highness. I am merely thinking of Astellia's well-being," she replied, her eyes glinting with cunning. "A Prince such as yourself must have an equal partner, someone who can bring the strength of an alliance to this kingdom. And Shapira, she is just a servant. This is not her place."
"Enough!" William snapped, his hands clenched into tight fists. "I will be the one to decide who my partner will be. Not you, not the council, not anyone. You will never interfere in my personal affairs again, Isabelle. And you will never disparage Shapira in this palace again. She is a woman of worth."
Isabelle's face paled with shock, but it was quickly replaced by an expression of hatred. "Very well, Your Highness," she said, each word dripping with ice. "But remember, this decision will have consequences for the future of this kingdom. And as for Shapira, she will regret this." She turned and walked away, leaving William seething in a silent rage.
Later, in the palace library, Shapira found an ancient book with an old, worn leather cover. As she flipped through its pages, a small chapter caught her eye: 'The Curse of Nymira: A Tragic Love Story.' Shapira's heart pounded as she began to read. It was the story of Anya and the curse that bound her to a terrible, fatal destiny. Every word felt like a dagger's thrust.
"It can't be," Shapira whispered to herself, her eyes fixed on the last line, which mentioned the names Anya and William. "This curse … it's just like my dream. It says the curse binds.