Chapter XI

Darling I Do

GUINEVERE

Her teeth chattered as she pushed through the surface of the water. Gwen was a few meters away, it looked like she had just gotten out of the water too–her hands wiped off the water from her face to dry it off. She glanced at Lorraine, her teeth chattering from the cold as well. "It's fre-e-ezing," she said through gritted teeth, holding herself to at least block the cold breeze from hitting her bare skin.

Lorraine, on the other hand, kept her whole body from the chin down, soaked into the water. Her golden hair glided behind her head as she creeped up slowly towards Gwen, who got easily scared when she suddenly pinched her thigh. Her expression made Lorraine laugh.

"You know, you didn't really answer my question," the princess said, letting her feet touch the ground. They were both now on the same level as each other–with only their waist up exposed. "What question?" Although Gwen exactly knew what question it was.

"Are you kidding me right now?" Lorraine said crossing her arms.

Guinevere gave her a mischievous look, and next she knew, her face was splashed with water, making her go blind for a second. As she recovered, she saw the dark-haired girl by a huge rock, with only her lips up seen; still wearing the same smirk as before, "Why are you so interested to know?"

Lorraine raised a brow at her, "Why were you so interested to know mine?" She asked rhetorically, slowly approaching her.

"Well?"

"Yes I have, her name was Jena and we were best friends; but it didn't end well anyway, so let's just stop it there."

"Nope, nuh-uh, how did you guys meet?"

"I met her on her wedding day."

The blonde stared at her in shock and amusement at the same time. "What?!"

"Yup, I did here flowers. Me and my sister did."

"Oh, you have a flower shop?"

"Yes, we do. It's a wonderful business. When we get home I'll take you to our shop myself."

"Alright, so wait, back to the story. Did she know? What happened? How did everything go?" Gwen rolled her eyes sarcastically at the princess's enthusiasm.

"Of course she knew," Gwen started. "We were both in love actually. But we also both knew we couldn't let things go further, and she soon then realized what we were doing was wrong in all aspects. That was a long time ago anyway, they're happily married for 3 years."

What are the odds. Both of them have gone through the most unfortunate event one could think of: heartbreak. Any physical pain hurts nothing like emotional pain. Yet, without it, one wouldn't learn compassion and acceptance. That's the thing about pain; it demands to be felt.

"The world is so unfair to us, don't you think?" Lorraine said, as she played with Gwen's moon necklace. She was now incredibly too close to Gwen' face for her to handle. "Why is it, we don't get the ones that we want?

The older girl stared at the blonde, watching her as she admired her necklace. She suddenly felt a shiver down her spine. The danger of slowly falling for the princess, creeped up to her like an old friend. She will not do the same mistake as before. But was it even a mistake if you wanted it? If you both wanted it?

"Maybe that's the one lesson life wants to teach us. We don't always get the ones we love. There's a reason me and Jena didn't end up together, and there's a reason why she left you and you never saw her again," Gwen flinched a shoulder, "Maybe there's someone else destined for you. Someone better," this time, Gwen knew there was no denying it anymore–she had fallen for the princess. The last statement hit differently among the rest; deep inside, she wanted Lorraine to be that someone destined for her. She didn't care if Lorraine wouldn't reciprocate her feelings; she's worth another broken heart.

Ocean blue eyes met silver ones, and both share the same emotions, but neither had the courage to confess. Both too scared, too damaged.

They were inches close to each other now, the space between their faces is getting smaller and smaller by the second. Gwen wasn't quite sure which of them was closing the distance between them—

"Like you are to prince Benedict."

She spoke ever so lightly that Lorraine had to ask one more time. "Y-you! And prince Benedict! Maybe you were truly destined for prince Benedict. No, not 'maybe', you are destined to His Majesty!" Guinevere stumbled through her words, but it seemed to cut the tension between them short.

Meanwhile, Lorraine looked rather dismayed, and finally the disturbingly very close distance between them was gone, "Well, yes," she laughed nervously. She wasn't quite sure what happened just then, "I suppose we are," another sheepish laugh.

Before they realised it, they already parted.

Gwen didn't see Lorraine in the morning. She didn't bother looking for her, actually, thinking that the princess's hanging out with Clockwise and Maurice somewhere in the Enchanted Forest.

She spent the day sparring with the ogres, taking down each and every one of them no less. It was fun sparring with them, they're all just cheerful creatures unlike how people usually see them as. They looked frightening and intimidating at first glance, sure, but getting to know what's truly inside them is glorious.

Gwen also did not see her at lunch, much to her suspicion. Especially when she found out she wasn't with Clockwise nor Maurice. She searched the tents and treehouses to see any sign of the blonde, but she's nowhere to be found. She asked the Ogres where she was, but none could tell. She also asked Arion, but neither he didn't know where the princess was. When she consulted Mama about it, she had a completely different response.

She had this unpromising look on her face, as though she couldn't bring herself to tell the news to Gwen. "Princess Lorraine is...taking some time alone for herself."

Gwen wrinkled her eyebrows questioningly, "Is she okay?"

Again, Mama made the same look, "I suppose she is, dear—for the most part. She just has a lot to process in mind."

Gwen blinked, "Can I see her?"

"I think it's best not to, lady Guinevere. She told me personally not to let you see her."

The dark-haired grew skeptical of this. They were doing just fine last night. What could possibly change Lorraine's mood?

"Was it something I did?"

"Oh no, it's far from that, petal." Mama said quickly.

She sighed. "I'm sorry, Mama, but I have to go find her right now. We were supposed to—"

Mama talked over her, "Please, dear. It's the princess's request." Guinevere stopped as she saw the seriousness of Mama's words. She considered this and grieved silently on her own.

Mama looked at Gwen with concern, and seemed to think for a while before speaking again. "Can you join me for a cup of tea?"

Mama led her to her own treehouse—smaller than the others. However, as she stepped inside the door, she was transported into a mansion-like interior. It was lit up with glowing pixies in jars, giving hues of different colors. It was decorated with peculiar ornaments and trinkets that are pleasing to the eye. Just by the front door, were two couches surrounding a round center table—also decorated colorfully. The sounds of pixies tinkering and the crackling fire by the fireplace echoes inside.

Gwen stood awkwardly as she watched Mama gently rest the tea set on the table. "Sit, dear. Don't be shy."

She obeyed, her neck twisting and turning as she admired the interior design. "Your house is lovely, Mama."

"Why, thank you!" Mama said, clearly pleased. "Decorated it myself, in case you're wondering," she said, giggling.

Gwen smiled, looking down at the tea cup she didn't notice Mama had gave her. "Lorraine did seem on edge yesterday. She was saying these strange things like...I don't know. She asked me if I can take her straight home today."

Mama sipped on her tea, looking anywhere but Gwen. Startled, her head whipped to the old Seer as she suddenly flinched violently on her seat. Gwen can only watch her wide-eyed.

"Oh stone me..." Mama muttered. "Princess Lorraine asked me personally not to tell you...but I think you have the right to know."

With a wave of her arm across the center table, the tea set disappeared, and was replaced by a sky-like substance. It was like a miniature of the galaxy, glittered with stars and purple cotton-like fog.

Mama turned to Gwen. "It's time you know of the princess's curse."

There was yet another feast that night. And Gwen knew all too well what it was for.

And although they only have a few hours left, the Enchanted Forest chose to celebrate in joy. For prosperity, peace, and life.

Nervous and uneasy, Gwen stood up awkwardly near the buffet while watching the dancing Enchanted creatures. Clockwise is enjoying himself in one area among the other animals. Fairies, witches, ogres and goblins alike are dancing merrily in an old English music. Mama sat atop the stage on her throne, who smiled and nodded at her when she caught her looking. Everyone is here, except for Lorraine.

Guinevere grew more anxious, and started to feel utter remorse for wearing this lovely gown. She has her long black hair tamely resting on her back, slightly curled and groomed with the help of Arion and his friends. She wore a dark blue off shoulder dress that ended to the ground, her hair was also decorated with small white flowers that are beautifully scattered, for the finishing touch, she wore the moon necklace Lorraine gave her back at the tower. Her lips and cheeks were slightly reddened too. She never felt quite this freshened up since Lorraine's 16th birthday.

"You look ravishing, Gwen," said a voice from behind.

Her face lit up with joy when she turned around. Lorraine stood there, radiant and lovely as she always was. Her blonde hair was tied in a braid, and a rose crown rested over her head. Flowers and leaves served as her dress's shoulder straps, some are on the ends of her deep red gown. Gwen's attention was entirely on the sun necklace around Lorraine's neck, and she just looked beautiful.

"You even more so, my lady," They giggled, and Gwen's thoughts had instantly washed away with the sound of Lorraine's laugh.

"Would you like to dance?"

"I'd love to."

Hand in hand, they walked along with the Enchanted creatures and danced to the music.

As she watched Lorraine cheerfully dancing, she dared not to pester her about anything, let along her curse. A pang of pain struck Gwen's heart. Lorraine is one step further to the lift the spell, yet she chose this, to spend her last days with the Enchanted Creatures, and none of them even know what the future holds for them. Mama had told her not to worry, that they will be in good hands no matter what.

"Taking her to Prince Benedict is the best option. He's the key to break her curse once and for all, but her Grace refuses him so."

"What can break her curse, Mama? Perhaps I can help."

"It's not for you to worry about, dear," Mama said, but she was wrong, it was something she had to worry about. It's Lorraine's fate they're talking about—the fate of the Enchanted Forest.

If only there's something she can do.

"Hey." Lorraine said, looking straight at her in the eye. "Is there something wrong?"

Gwen blinked, not registering it at first. "No, there's nothing wrong, Rain."

The blonde sighed, touching Gwen's hands, "I deeply apologize for ignoring you the whole day. I felt rather tired, my mind was occupied with matters that I prefer to keep to myself. I hope you understand."

"Sh, it's all right," Gwen smiled, "and please, you don't need to say sorry."

Lorraine looked a tad bit taken aback. Usually Gwen would push her more about it, but in all honesty, she's glad she didn't pry.

Meanwhile, something told Gwen that Lorraine had no idea that she knew about her curse, but she tried not to feel hurt when Lorraine lied right then and there. She was trying to protect herself, and Gwen understood that. Although, she still wondered why Lorraine had to keep it from her. Have they not formed a bond the past days at all?

"Do you still wish to come home first?" Gwen asked, trying to sound oblivious.

Lorraine nodded, "I was hoping we could postpone it tomorrow—"

"Yes, of course. I mean, that would be the only option anyway, wouldn't it?"

Lorraine laughed nervously.

"Let's deal with it later on, okay? Tonight, we must enjoy!"

Gwen and Lorraine had danced with Ogres and Nymphs and Fairies alike, and as they do, they were moved farther away from each other bit by bit. Both would take glances back to the middle, hoping to see the other, and every time their eyes met, there's a hint of expectancy and longing to reach the other.

And they did.

It was awkward at first. Really, excruciatingly awkward.

They were thrown off-guard for a while, distracted by the laughing and jumping and singing of the Enchanted creatures, until suddenly and quite unexpectedly, they were forced to collide with each other. So now standing face to face with arms around each other, the dance floor was silent, and everyone simply found it peculiar to see two women in such proximity. For a brief moment, Gwen was lost in Lorraine's eyes, looking straight back at hers with the same affection, but she was rather snapped back to her thoughts. Quickly, she pulled away from what seemed to be an embrace from Lorraine, looking around and laughing nervously.

She was shaking, and stuck in her mind is the thought of disgust and disappointment, a feeling she was most familiar with. She's not about to let it happen again.

Maybe one was right among other things. One thing that was right and excruciatingly insanely true: Guinevere does like Lorraine. Doesn'f matter if it is by friendship, or by the simple feeling of comfort in Lorraine's company, or by romance, she likes her – and if Gwen became more honest with herself, maybe even more than that.

How is it possible though? To feel such things towards someone you just met.

Her mind went completely blank after a hand grabbed hers. Gwen twisted her head to Lorraine, who's eyes were focused on the task at hand. She guided her hands to her waist, then rested hers comfortably on Gwen's shoulders.

Unbeknownst to them, Maurice had charmed his way to the band, requesting them to play a slower rhythm – to something more romantic and sweet. Gwen felt her heart pound in her chest, and she feared Lorraine might have heard it. She kept staring at Lorraine questioningly, but the blonde had the same emotion as before, her lips curved up slightly, eyes speaking to her more than words ever can. Eventually, Gwen gave up, let herself swoon into the princess's arms...and they danced.

Their bodies moved along with the smooth romantic tune, and all at once, it felt like they were back at the dragon's keep – dancing and rejoicing amidst the slowly creeping tragedy.

"Do not speak of this to the princess."

Yet looking right now in Lorraine's eyes, Gwen wonders what she was thinking, what was going on in Lorraine's mind, and what was her glassy blue eyes are trying to tell her. She wanted to know so bad – she wanted to help her, but she couldn't.

The blonde began humming to the music, and later singing with the singers.

Gwen listened, understanding the lyrics as it goes.

Golden leaves look brown to me
The world had less color without you

I know plenty of people with eyes closed
They don't see you like I do
Darling I do
Darling I do see you

Gwen never knew that a song could describe exactly how she felt, more than she ever can.

BONUS SCENE AHEAD (DELETED)

I'm back :D sorry for the delay, I hope you guys haven't gotten tired of the story yet.

Fun fact:

The "princess's curse" bit was originally supposed to be "accidentally" announced by an oracle–specifically a giant talking crab lady, like a woman with crabs legs. They also met another unique interesting character.

After the lake scene

Abruptly, a distant enchanting hum echoed around the lake. Both girls snapped out of their deep thoughts, and searched from the source of sound. The hum started to form some sort of lullaby, and soon after they finally found it: a glowing golden light from deep into the depths of the lake, not far from them. The two looked at each other, both have confused looks plastered on their faces. The mermaids are back.

The light approached them in quite a quick speed, and as it neared them, its features came into view. This one looked exactly like Guinevere again, and went straight to Lorraine. "Oh well, hi there," she said sheepishly. The mermaid started touching her face in an oddly loving manner, and it caused the princess to give out strange nervous noises. Gwen had to laugh at her embarrassment, it was definitely funny, at least for her.

Yet to their surprise, it abruptly pulled Lorraine into the water, and swam ever so fastly, farther and deeper into the water. "LORRAINE!"

She panicked, and her mind began going all over the place, there was one part in her mind where it tells her to go ask for help, but another part screamed 'Go chase them!'

Following the latter's order, she dove into the water without another question. She kept her eyes open as she swam towards the glowing gold light going deeper and deeper into the water until the pressure was too much for her