Once upon a time ... Part 6

In midst of enjoyment, Maxim remembered the protocol. More than two hours had passed. He pushed past the crowd and found Princess Adele with her new found happiness. He grabbed her hand and took her away from the crowd. “ Princess, we need to go to the palace. Two hours are already over.  Let’s go.”, he said. 

Princess Adele had to rebound herself back to reality. She was princess who had run away from her royal home to have fun.  She had bribed one of her loyal guards and had promised them that she will be back on time. 

“Oh lord!! More than two hours! Mother will be crossed if she got to know. The guards!! They would be in trouble. Lets go!!”, she said as they ran as fast they could.

It was already dark. It was getting difficulty to walk in the woods. The sounds of wild animals that were melody during daylight had now become eerie to ears. 

They had crossed half the woods when they heard strange hustle near bushes behind them. They turned behind. “ Who is it?” Maxim asked loudly with all courage. The hustle stopped. A peculiar silence followed. They turned towards the path they were walked.

All of sudden, they felt something crept out of the bushes. “ Where are you going, beautiful one?” a familiar voice spoke. They looked back at direction where the voice came. It was Arcus. “ Arcus! What was he doing here?”, Maxim wondered.  “ Who are you?” Princess Adele asked anxiously. “ Didn’t your mother say anything about me? I am the one from whom your mother has been hiding you.”, Arcus replied.

Princess Adele didn’t understand a word Arcus said. “Maxim, won’t you explain your friend about our small agreement? Don’t tell me, you have forgotten your ultimate dream – to be a powerful sorcerer. That’s the reason I had sent you to the palace.”Arcus said with evil grin.  The ultimate goal! Maxim had forgotten about it. His aim of being a sorcerer was replaced by the love he wanted from princess.

Princess Adele looked confused at Maxim. She stared deeply into his eyes for answers.  “ Master, I have forgone that dream. I would rather be nothing than be a sorcerer. I love her. Nothing matters to me than her.”, he said. “ You are a fool! Is this one of your tricks? Are you involved with Queen Candice? You know that she is important for my power gratification plan.”, Arcus said.

“ I am not in anyone side. Please leave her, master. You could replace her with me.”, Maxim pleaded for mercy. “ Ha ha ha(he gave evil laugh)!  You have only half knowledge of sorcery, useless boy.” Arcus said firmly. In few seconds, he vanished from the sight with Princess Adele and left Maxim dumbfounded.

(To be continued)