It's been a week. Juniper has been adapting to say the least. She still fully doesn't understand that her father has the potential to become a very cruel king. The reality is too painful for her. I've been trying to be as supportive as possible, but in my mind it was high time for her to realize her true abilities. For the past couple of days, Sorren has been training Juniper in some very basic spells. She's able to make the easiest of things such as a bright light without using a trinket like us mere humans do. It's exciting to say the least.

                                                                                            ~*~

         "You're accelerating at a fast rate, Princess," Sorren smiled brightly as Juniper completed a fire spell. A spark of fire briefly burst from her hands as she concentrated her magic.

         "Have you been getting the swirls lately?" I asked. Sorren had quickly learned about the swirls and informed us that warlocks went through a similar illness as "the Spots." Sorren's form of the swirls appeared in purple spots all over his arms whenever he tried to hide or ignore his magic abilities in shame. Juniper shyly nodded.

         "It hasn't been as bad, but I still get them every night. They just spread less," she explained. As our eyes met, Sorren and I grinned with anticipation. Sooner or later the princess would be "curse free," and then our mission would be complete. Of course, there was the issue of the king's power-hungry plan to take over the other kingdoms as an overseeing emperor. Juniper brushed her hands against her pale blue dress and closed the spell book.

         "I only have time for this much today. Princess lessons, I'm afraid," she said wistfully. It was clear she was curious about her newfound trait.

         "Princess lessons, does that include having to put books over your head and walk in a straight line? Or learn how to properly dance with handsome strangers?" I joked. Juniper gracefully smiled.

         "Actually, most of it is learning how to take on royal duties and perform ceremonial traditions such as the cutting of the great veil for the new year." Juniper sighed. "I haven't left the castle since my curse has been at work. Especially when they come from these horrid things." She covered her freckles in shame. Sorren looked at me in confusion.

         "I don't really see what the problem is, Princess. Your freckles look fine to me," he said. I elbowed Sorren in the arm. With a yelp, he started packing up the rest of his books. Gently I nudged the princess to face me. Out of the corner of her eye, she looked back.

         "You know, everyone has something ugly to show." I jokingly pointed at my long, crooked nose and my unkempt hair. "It's kind of reassuring actually. It reminds us that we're all human, and not scarily perfect beings that are devoid of anything real." I slowly removed her hands off her face, revealing her puffy red cheeks and watery blue eyes. "I think if anything, it might help the citizens of your country connect better with you. You're not some heavenly stranger out of nowhere. Like them, you're human too. And you'd have to be blind to not know how pretty you are. Even with those freckles." I laughed and squeezed her hands. From out of the corner of the book shelves, Sorren gave Juniper a reassuring smile.

         "It's quite alright. I have bent legs that never line up." He laughed. "Plus, I'm shorter than Alma," he said. I scoffed and shook my finger at him.

         "Being short is not that bad," I said. The three of us burst out laughing. For once, it felt nice not to hold up any niceties or care about how we looked. The three of us could enjoy each others company as ourselves.

 

         Juniper went back to her lessons, and I decided to take my time and find Ernest to see what he was up to. After the incident of the necklace, Nicholas had returned home to his family. I received an elaborate letter that smelled of mints and cherries. It described in detail that Nicholas was no longer looking for a princess to marry or save, but had rather took to learning how to improve living conditions at the castle. Finally the man knew what filled his soul up the most. It was good to know that in some strange way, Nicholas valued connecting with me through letters. Looking around the hallways of the main entryway, I searched for a grumpy, sandy haired man that would most likely be practicing his sword skills. But I saw no sign of him in any of his usual visits. As I ran through the main courtyard, a sudden hand grabbed me from behind. I quickly turned and smacked the person in the face. A pair of familiar angry green eyes glared at me in return. I gulped.

         "I'm so sorry, but I thought we agreed not to grab people like that. You know that after all the things we've been through, I don't like surprises," I said sheepishly. Ernest sighed and rubbed his slightly red face.

         "I know, I know. But you were running like a crazy person so I had to." I smiled at the thought of Ernest chasing me around but not saying a word. He clearly did not know how to use his voice. Quickly updating Ernest on the recent things that had occurred, we discussed future options.

         "So what's the plan? Jump the king when he's sleeping? Attack into his personal chambers?" Ernest's eyes shined brightly as he blurted out possible methods of attack. I rolled my eyes.

         "We need a better plan than just eliminating the head ruling power of a country. It requires skill, planning, and most of all…" I tried to think of the word I was looking for.

         "What...wit? Cleverness? Trickery?" Ernest asked. He narrowed his eyes in frustration. I laughed at his suggestions. They were typical of the traits of heroes in stories that were often told to us as kids. "He used his wits," they would say, or other things like, "He tricked the dragon that time." It was weird being in that situation now, because I was neither witty nor a man. Life never goes the way people expect.

         "No…" I said, thinking more clearly. I was not a typical hero, and I didn't really think of myself even as a hero. I was just a girl who was trying to help people out. But there was one thing I knew we would need in order to fight. "We need hope." Ernest raised his eyebrows in surprise. Feeling particularly motivated, I spoke louder. "We've gone through some crazy things in the past couple of months. I'd be lying if I said there were never times when I thought I was going to die. But the reason why I'm in this – why you're in this, must be because we know we can do something to make things better around here." I smiled as I felt passion slowly boil within me. "I hope that one day a corrupted king won't rule our country. And our princess won't be trapped in a tower just because her father doesn't recognize her true magical potential." Ernest’s fishball eyes popped.

         "You WHAT?!" he shouted. I froze when I realized that I had told him the very thing I was hoping to leave out. Sighing, I told him everything. Juniper's mother, the swirls, and her magical potential. Ernest broke his serious character as his mouth opened in shock. I smirked as I realized that his initial, cold mask was really just a cover to reveal a goofy, silly comrade. He slowly smiled as he began to make sense of everything.

         "Wow, who would have thought that the old king had a soft spot for magic! Or rather, he barely knows anything about it, and yet wants to use it to take control of the other kingdoms." Realizing how loud he was, Ernest cleared his throat and resumed his cold, stoic demeanor. I grinned. It was fun to watch while it lasted.

         "There's not a lot of time. Soon the kings from the other countries are going to meet with him to discuss the voting of a new emperor. We need to figure out how to stop him before then." Before Ernest could protest, I shook my finger. "But no killing. I don't want blood on our hands. That would mean a lot of mess to clean up." He slumped his shoulders and frowned. We sat in silence for a couple minutes, each immersed in our own thoughts, fears, and the horrifying possibilities that could soon come true in only a matter of days. Suddenly Ernest snapped his fingers.

         "Maybe, if the Princess confronted her father, if we all confronted the king secretly in his chambers, that would not only save him the utter humiliation, but that would also give us the chance to change his mind. If you stole the necklace, you could change his mind with magic!" He gleefully smiled. I shook my head in amusement. But as other possibilities ran through my head, I began to see the feasibility of his idea.

         "Sorren does have that map I used to get to the princess's room without running into the guards. If we use that and all of us get the king's chamber, you and Sorren could distract him as Juniper talks some sense into him. Then I'll grab the necklace and do my thing." I clapped my hands in excitement. It was a peaceful attempt to stop the king.

         "Good job, you've managed to learn the ways of a somewhat forceful diplomat," I said as I patted his shoulder. Ernest stuck out his chin, looking incredibly smug.

         "I am not only brawn. I have plenty of brains as well." He laughed loudly as his voice boomed through the courtyards. As the servants stared at him oddly, he regained his composure. I threw back my head and laughed. He was slowly losing his cold shell.

         "You only have one brain, so I'm glad to hear that you're using it well," I joked. Swearing him to secrecy one last time, I left him to update Sorren. It would be the simplest yet craziest thing we had ever did. My cynical heart didn't believe it would work, but then as per usual, we didn't have a lot of options.

 

         At half past twelve, the old man from the beginning of the tournament entered the main courtyards. The old man unraveled the message. It ran past his legs.

         "The King has decided for a grand tournament for who will win the princess's hand. All the princes from the neighboring countries will be participating," he said, his voice dry and monotone. It was impossible. I ran up to him. Barely coming up to my stomach, he pushed his glasses and stared at me.

         "But Ernest and I were the only ones who finished the three tests!" I protested. The old man shrugged and showed him the message.

         "Don’t ask me," he sighed as his round glasses slid down his nose. "The man spends months preparing for a grand hearing for all the kings, and suddenly he decides that a tournament in front of them will be some entertainment." Rolling up the message, the old man left without another word. People began to murmur as the crowd dispersed. From behind I saw Sorren and Ernest run up to meet me.

         "Does this mean I have to fight you?" Ernest cautiously asked. Making a face, he contemplated the idea seriously. "I mean, I would try to treat you as any other opponent, but I don't want to actually kill you…" Sorren smacked Ernest on the head.

         "This is foolish. Both of you aren't competing. The King has been using both of you to get rid of the nearby 'trouble.' He's using this opportunity to get the strongest prince to marry Juniper," Sorren groaned. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Time briefly stopped as I tried to think of what we could do.

         "We have to change the plan. Ernest and I will pretend to be the princes and enter into the tournament," I said quickly. Sorren and Ernest looked shocked.

         "I was joking when I said I would fight you…" Ernest said.

         "You don't have to do this, there's got to be another way," Sorren gripped my shoulders. Taking another deep breath, I smiled calmly and looked at both of them with clarity.

         "Don't worry, Ernest and I won't really be fighting." My smile slowly grew into something more mischievous as I tapped my finger against my chin. It was clear that my sanity was long gone at this point. 

         "I have somewhat of a plan. Just remember to tell Juniper to help us. We can't do it without her." Patting both of them on the shoulders, I began to run after the old man. Perhaps there could be some negotiating.

 

         "I don't really know how to wear a royal prince's robe," I grumbled. Bracing myself, I stuck my arms through the velvet shirt. The thick material flowed over me with ease.

         "So, what is this great plan that you have again?" Ernest tied a bright red cape around his neck. Observing him, I burst out laughing. Shooting me a one of his classic glares, he straightened his flowing cape.

         "I don't really have a plan. Move first, think later remember?" I joked. I groaned as the velvet hooked over my bag. Before Ernest could help, I quickly threw off the robe and put on my overcoat.

         "I can't wear this. I'm no prince. If I'm going to fight, I want to fight in my own skin...robes." I slung my bag over my shoulder and gripped my knife. Ernest grinned.

         "It wasn't like you'd really trick them. If anything, your hair would give it all away," he laughed. I growled and playfully punched him in the arm.

 

         The grand arena was huge. Like a large wooden bowl, it circled around a dusty field where two men would fight to the death. Cheers and shouts erupted from hall. I grimaced. It was a full crowd. Motioning Ernest over, I braced myself. Four guards staunchly waited in front of the gates where the princes were supposed to enter. Checking both sides of the arena, I took one step back and nodded.

         "Thief! Over by the tomato carts!" Ernest shouted. Flipping a woman's cart, we watched as the red tomatoes toppled over and began rolling all over the dusty ground. Women screamed as Ernest stepped on the tomatoes. Watching the guards run over to stop him, I launched myself towards the gate. I followed the halls to where pockets of light seeped through the wooden walls. The light grew as I entered the main arena. I held my breath.

         There were two princes, holding swords and fighting each other. What could have been a glorious fight for the princess's hand looked more like an empty desert with two well bred men who didn't actually want to kill each other. From the right corner, I saw a golden-haired woman sitting next to a golden throne. I rolled my eyes. Bringing the throne into the arena seemed like such a waste of energy. "Princess, please use your power" I silently begged. My throat felt dry, my legs wanted to collapse, and my hands began to shake. My hands instinctively reached for something that was not there. My knife had fallen out. Biting my lip, I slowly started walking out.

         At first, the crowd did not notice. But as I walked closer towards the two men fighting, they suddenly fell silent. There they all were. Like a perfect row of jewels and gold, the seven Kings of the greater empire stared at me in confusion. With a great diversity of grayish brown beards and painfully shiny crowns, each one looked pretty similar to the other. King Alberdeen recognized me. His tired eyes grew dark and ugly.

         "Grab the girl! Do not let her ruin this tournament," he roared.  I swallowed whatever was left in my mouth and kept walking. Sounds of clinking metal grew around me as the guards ran after me. I ran towards the two princes. One was blonde with crystal blue eyes. The other had hair like fire with emerald eyes. Like a bittersweet memory, I found myself smiling. Of course they looked perfect. Just like Nicholas. Just like the crowd, they stared at me in confusion and utter shock. I threw my hands up and gently approached them.

         "I need both of you to stay calm," I said. "It doesn't have to end this way. There are other ways." Furrowing their very straight brows, they continued to stare at me, but cautiously dropped their swords. As I tried to explain what was going on, seven swords suddenly appeared, pointing right at the small of my neck. From the corner of my eye, I saw Juniper scream.

         "Please father, don’t hurt Alma. She's done so much for you," she begged. King Alberdeen brushed his daughter off and apologetically smiled to the other kings.

         "My apologies, it seems a young foolish girl thinks she can interrupt our grand tournament." The seven kings frowned, for they knew that something strange was going on. Holding onto the necklace, King Alberdeen smirked. Then he quietly spoke.

         "Silly pigs, pair of wings, cannot fly, but things you fix. Listen closely to my spell, and living souls will cease to dwell," he whispered. Suddenly the blues, greens, and golds from the eyes of the kings were washed away to an empty grey.

         "Now, gentlemen perhaps it's a better idea to have the girl killed, wouldn't you agree?" King Alberdeen pleasantly asked. The seven kings nodded their heads in unison. "And perhaps I would be a splendid choice for emperor, since I'm the one who knows the most about these lands," he laughed maniacally. The seven kings laughed with him, their voices empty and weak.

         "Juniper!" I screamed. "Do something!" The swords came in closer as the cold metal stung against my skin. I yelped and tried to hold still. From afar, I saw Ernest and Sorren fighting the other guards but it was no use. This was the end. Juniper wiped her tears. Her usually soft eyes turned into a strong deep blue as she slowly turned to the king.

         "Let go of my friend, father," she demanded. King Alberdeen jumped as he saw his daughter's determined glare.

         "I thought you were properly taught not to speak against me," his voice grew low and harsh. He raised his hand back, threatening to slap her. Juniper stood unaffected. His face grew proud as he flashed a crooked smile. "You are only here to be beautiful, to be married, to be a King’s wife." Slowly, as if to mock her, he poked her freckles with his index finger. "If your freckles are already a mark against you my dear, don't you think you should at least be amiable and listen to your father? That's what a good girl does." With each word, he painfully poked his daughter's face. Juniper tightened her fists until her nails dug deep into her pale skin. Briefly she closed her eyes. From afar, I saw a soft glow of orange surround her body.

         "She's doing it," I whispered. "She's using her magic." Everyone stared as the bright orange aura grew bigger and bigger, until it engulfed the princess's entire body in light. It was as if the light was alive, swirling and flickering like fire. The king stumbled back, gripping his throne to keep him from falling.

         Juniper's face brightened as she walked closer to her father. "A child only listens to a father when he seeks to do her good. You clearly do not care for anyone but yourself." Her eyes grew cold and icy. "My freckles are not a mark against me, but for me. They make me what I am." Slowly she raised her right hand towards her father. "I may not be the most beautiful in all the land. But I'd rather have something that infinitely lasts then something that only fades with time." The orange glow was now like a flaming fire, like a phoenix.                             "Imperium,” she whispered.

        Immediately a white flaming light burst from her hand and seeped through her father's body. When every part of the King's body lit up, the light refocused on the center of his heart, and shot out of his body, disappearing into thin air. The king slumped against his throne and curled up on the floor. The tired look on his eyes faded to that of a young, lost child. Suddenly, the sound of clanking metal spread the hall as all the guards dropped their swords. Their king had been defeated. Gently, Juniper grabbed the necklace from her father and threw it into the arena. Without thinking, I ran towards the necklace. Dusting it off from the ground, I smiled. The pigs were still winged. With a deep breath, I spoke the familiar spell that was ingrained on my lips.

         "Silly pigs, pair of wings, cannot fly, but things you fix. Listen closely to my spell, and return the souls back to where they dwell," I said. With a soft twinkle and the sound of giggling pigs, the seven kings awoke from their soulless slumber and began to scratch their heads. I laughed as I realized it would take them weeks to really understand what just happened. Juniper's light flickered joyfully as she approached her father. With great care, she guided her father away from the throne and onto a wooden chair. The servants crowded around him. From a distance I saw Sorren and Ernest running towards me, their faces bright with relief. Tears ran through my face as the adrenaline finally released me. Closing my eyes, I fell back and hit the ground hard.