“How will we do it?” Gloria wondered, feeling excited, her excitement building.
“I was thinking of using a spell from one of these spell books.” He indicated to the books on the shelves. Maybe I can curse them,” Julian thought. Gloria nodded.
“We'll figure something out. But I have to get back to work now. Matilda's gonna start suspecting something if I don't come back,” Gloria said. Without another word to Julian, Gloria left and the conversation was over.
* * *
Gloria spent the next few days thinking up ways to kill Nar and Simina. She rummaged through Nar's library and the King's study for spell books and read them. She read about curses and spells, but she didn't have the right materials to do any of them. She talked with Uncle Julian about it daily in secret.
But later, Gloria did manage to find something in a Deadly Potion Book. It was a potion mix, something called The Choking Death poison. It collapses your lungs and causes them to fail within two hours. The ingredients are:
Gloria had seen all of those ingredients in the King's study, on the shelves. Upon finding out this information, Gloria left the house to meet with Julian. It was Saturday and she had told him to meet her in a far-off alley, behind the Jewelry Shop, which led to the darkest, slummiest area of Lazera's Right Side. No one goes there so it was the perfect spot.
She found out about it in the castle and found Julian in one of the castle's corridors. Gloria told him that she'd found something, but she'd couldn't tell him right then because it would have been too risky. So, she told him to meet her in the alley in the slums, behind the Jewelry Shop.
Simina was coming home from Etiquette School when she saw Gloria leaving the house. Simina wondered why Gloria was leaving. She noticed Gloria looked suspicious. She wore a dark cloak, hood pulled up, covering her face. She looked suspicious, jumpy, and she kept looking behind her. Simina watched her walk behind the Jewelry Shop. This confused Simina. Why was she going down there?
Luckily, Gloria didn't see Simina out there. Simina, getting a bad feeling, decided to follow Gloria. She kept a good distance away from Gloria so she wouldn't see her. Simina pulled the hood up on her cloak. She followed Gloria behind the Jewelry Shop and down a long, dank alleyway.
As Simina walked further down the alley, things started to look dirty and really slummy. Some of the walls were covered in graffiti. Trash was all over the ground. Gloria turned a few corners, twisting and turning. Simina followed close behind Gloria, but not too close.
After Gloria turned a corner, she suddenly stopped. Simina stopped and peeked around the corner. Gloria was talking quietly with Nar's uncle, Simina recognized. Why was Gloria meeting up with Nar's uncle? Simina strained her ears so she could listen.
“What did you find?” Nar's uncle asked. Simina didn't know his uncle's name.
“I found the directions to make a certain potion. Poison,” Gloria whispered.
“So, you want to poison him?” the uncle responded. Simina wondered who they were talking about.
“Yes. It's called the Choking Death. The instructions are in the Deadly Potion Book. The ingredients are in the King's study, I saw them. We can make it!” Gloria said enthusiastically.
“That's a perfect plan, Gloria. Let's do it,” Nar's uncle agreed. Gloria giggled.
“We just need to figure out how to get him to drink it,” the uncle whispered, thinking. Simina's mind spun. Who were they talking about? Who were they plotting to poison and kill? Simina reeled.
“How about we just give it to him and tell him to drink it?” Gloria inquired. The uncle shook his head.
“No, Nar's smarter than that. I know he already doesn't trust me,” he surmised. Simina held back a gasp. She clamped a hand over her mouth. Nar! They were plotting to kill Nar! Simina couldn't believe her ears. But why? Why? Huge worry bloomed inside of Simina. This is bad. Simina wanted to cry at the thought of Nar dying from drinking poison. It hurt her. No, not Nar, please not my Nar. Simina's thoughts became panicked.
Simina managed to gather herself and keep listening. Gloria gasped and held up a finger.
“Ooh! I know! Since the ball is in a few days, we can do it then! We can just slip it in his drink and give it to him. Then he'll drink it, and then, bye, bye Prince,” Gloria sneered evilly. “And then, we can do the same to my annoying, stupid cousin,” she added.
Simina felt her heart stutter. Her knees buckled. What? They were conspiring to kill her too? Simina couldn't believe it. She knew Gloria hated her, but she didn't think Gloria hated her so much to want to poison her. Simina wanted to cry, but knew she couldn't because her crying would make noise and draw them to her. It upset Simina that someone would hate her enough to want to kill her. Simina had never done anything to Gloria, Gloria was just jealous. Gloria hated her the moment she walked through that door.
“And then the throne will be as good as ours,” the uncle said. Then they both started laughing deviously.
Simina knew one thing. She wasn't going to let them get away with it. She wouldn't let them. Simina had to tell Nar. I have to tell Nar! Panic set in upon her. Thinking that she'd heard enough, she quietly ran away, back the way she came, in a hurry. Simina ran all the way back home to the stables. She mounted her horse Wind Rider and took off at a gallop for Nar's castle.
“Hiya!” Simina shouted and kicked her horse into high gear. She bounded at full speed, speeding towards the castle. She arrived at the castle in a few measly minutes. The castle came into her view. Simina caught sight of Nar walking through the Snowy Woods. Nar heard a horse galloping towards him at a great speed. He turned to see Simina riding towards him on her horse.
“Nar!” she called out to him urgently, “Nar!” He noticed her voice sounded panicked.
“Nar!” Simina shouted. She skidded to a halt on her horse. She swung off Wind Rider and jumped off, landing on her feet in the snow. Nar liked watching her body move as she jumped off that horse. Her face was flushed and pink and her brown hair wisped about her face in swirly waves, bouncing gaily in the wind.
“Nar,” she breathed out once more, out of breath. She ran towards him, air puffing out in short breaths.
“What is it, my Lady?” Nar asked her sweetly, his voice calming her with its mellowness. Simina grabbed his arms.
“Nar, Gloria and your uncle are conspiring to kill you,” she warned him, voice cracking with panic. Nar somehow wasn't surprised.
“I figured as much. It's my uncle, he isn't to be trusted,” Nar told her. Simina put her arms around him.
“They want to kill me too,” she whined, voice growing high. Tears started to pool in her eyes.
“How do you know this information?” asked Nar.
“I heard them talking about it privately, in a deserted alley way. Oh please Nar, you have to believe me,” Simina pleaded. A tear leaked from her eye. Nar ignored her tears.
“What did they say?” Nar's voice sounded serious, curt and tight. Simina gulped, swallowing down the throb in her throat.
“They plan to put poison in your drink at the ball, and the same to me. You have to stop them, Nar! Please!” Simina's beautiful face marred with worry. Nar didn't like her looking like that. She was too pretty to cry and be worried.
“I can't do anything,” Nar said plainly. Simina did a little “hmph.”
“Why not?” she complained.
“There is no evidence. So far, you are the only witness to this. It's only your word against theirs,” Nar explained. Simina squirmed.
“Then at least cancel the ball Nar, you can't go through with it!” Simina begged him. Nar smiled, amused at her concern.
“Or, I could just not eat or drink anything at the ball,” he said. Simina calmed.
“Oh.” She fell silent and let her tears come. Simina hugged him and buried her face in the crook of his neck. She cried into his neck, pouring out all of her sorrows and worry onto him. Simina sobbed and her chest heaved. She cried so hard that her chest hurt. Nar held her, and let her cry. He placed a hand on her head and stroked her hair, saying nothing. Simina breathed out and sniffed.
“I don't want them to kill you. Nar,” she whimpered and let out a strangled sob and then a shaky sigh. She was so worked up and upset she almost blurted out all of her feelings for him, but she kept her mouth clamped shut.
“My Sweet Lady, they will not kill me. I will not let them. Thank you for warning me. Now I know,” Nar assured her. He pulled away from her and looked closely at her face, which he took in both of his hands. He offered her a small, sweet little smile and wiped away her tears with his thumb.
“Oh, my sweet lass,” Nar sighed, stroking her cheek. Simina leaned into his hand.
“Walk with me?” Nar offered. He thought a walk through the Snowy Woods might calm her down. Smiling slightly, Simina nodded. Nar took her hand, clasping it tightly and they started walking side by side through the woods. Simina squeezed Nar's hand.
“I'm sorry for crying,” she apologized, feeling ashamed of herself for making such a fuss.
“It's okay. You were worried. It's fine,” he said. Trees surrounded them, snowy white trees. Though the snow was a light, frosty blue, sometimes the snow looked white by how the sun shined. Enjoying the forest's beauty, Simina reached up a hand to stroke a tree branch covered in snow. She watched a white bird fly from tree to tree. She watched the Boolu creatures-kind of like Zormonia's version of squirrels, but a whole lot cuter-run around chasing each other and play. Simina smiled. She liked the peaceful tranquility of the Snowy Woods.
“It's very pretty here.” She looked at Nar. “Why is there always snow here?” Simina noticed that all year around, it was always cold here, always covered in snow.
“I've enchanted the land so it'll always be winter here. Winter's my favorite season, mainly because I enjoy the snow,” Nar answered. Simina didn't mind winter.
“I like autumn,” Simina told him. “I like all the colors.” Nar changed the subject.
“I'd actually really like it if you'd come to the ball. I'll send a personal carriage, just for you,” Nar wisped softly. Simina took her hand out of Nar's and turned around to look at him. She looked worried again.
“I don't know now. After I found out they're trying to kill me, I don't think I should go,” Simina cried. Nar shook his head.
“They are trying to kill both of us, Simina. And you don't have to eat or drink anything,” Nar tried to reassure her. Simina leaned back against a tree.
“But what if I don't remember?” Her voice cracked. Nar came closer to her and chuckled.
“You will,” Nar told Simina. He sighed and brought a hand up to her cheek. He cupped her face with his hand.
“Now I know that you must love me. You warned me of this threat because you care about me. If you didn't love me, why would you care?” Nar surmised, murmuring softly to Simina. Simina began to blush and Nar knew that he was right. Even though she didn't say yes, she also didn't deny it either.
Nar observed Simina, taking in her beauty. Her cheeks were red from blushing. Snowflakes dotted her hair, landing on her eyelashes. Her eyes were a dark, sugary honey and her lips were plump and bright pink. Nar traced a finger across her bottom lip. He yearned to kiss them.
“Close your eyes, Simina,” Nar whispered. Simina felt a nervous lump rise in her throat.
“What are you going to do?” Her voice shook.
“Nothing to hurt you, my Lady. Only to pleasure you,” Nar purred. Simina obeyed and closed her eyes. She waited. A moment passed. Simina felt Nar's soft lips press gently upon hers as he kissed her.
Alarm started to sound off inside of Simina's head. She wasn't expecting this. She didn't know what to do. Nar moved his lips against hers and as she grew accustomed to it, her shoulders relaxed. Simina kissed him back, feeling a strange but pleasant electrical sensation run through her. Nar cupped her face, pulling her closer in and tilted her head back slightly, deepening his kiss. Simina liked the feeling. It felt like their bodies fit together like two puzzle pieces. She liked Nar being against her.
Simina felt the heat from his body pulsing into her hand beneath the fabric of his shirt. She liked the feeling of his lips on hers. Simina's breathing turned rapid and she felt her face heating. Nar heard a soft little squeak of a sigh escape out of Simina just as he pulled away. Immediately, Simina felt a rush of guilt. She knew how her father felt about the Dark Prince. Simina felt like she was betraying him by kissing Nar. If he knew what she was doing right now, he'd lose his head and go nuts. But her father wasn't here, now was he? Still feeling guilty, Simina slapped Nar. Not hard enough to hurt, just a small, scolding slap.
“You brute,” Simina snapped, though there was no heart in it. Nar laughed.
“Don't act like you didn't like it, Simina. I felt you kiss me back,” Nar mused, aroused. Simina saw a twinkle of desire gleaming in Nar's eyes. She had liked it, but didn't want to admit it. Simina was shy when it came to expressing her feelings. Instead she said:
“Kiss me again.” Nar smirked and granted her request. He kissed her again, but this time more passionately. Simina put her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Her fingers threaded through his hair, wisping through each strand. Nar took her by the waist, pulling her close to him so their bodies touched. Simina had never been so physically close to him before. The kissing soon progressed and got hungrier, wilder. Simina never thought it would be possible to want someone until this moment. Their breathing got heavy, really heavy, and every time their lips broke apart for a short moment, Simina would let out a sigh. The sound of her sighs turned Nar on and his hands moved down to her hips.
“Nar...” Simina sighed, breathing out his name, caught up in him, his smell, the feel of him, his lips. Nar held his lips on hers for one more long moment before finally breaking his lips away. Nar breathed out, letting out a huge breath, panting. Simina breathed heavily too, feeling winded and very out of breath, face flushed a deep, rosy pink. Their breath puffed out into the air in white vaporized clouds.
“We have to stop,” Nar breathed. He licked his lips, the look of arousal in his eyes.
“If we keep going, I'm going to do a whole lot more to you than just kiss you.” Nar's voice dropped down to a low, seductive growl. Simina felt a thrill in her stomach at Nar's words. Simina was also quite aroused and was having very intimate thoughts about Nar. Nar wanted to kiss her more, but knew if he did, Nar would probably deflower her right in these woods. Neither Nar or Simina wanted to do that until they were married, as was custom. Well, they wanted to do it, but would rather wait, just to keep up moral standards.
“I should probably get home. My aunt will be wondering where I am if I don't hurry along,” Simina gasped. Nar pushed away from her.
“Okay,” he huffed. Simina pushed away from the tree. She stood up on her tiptoes and gave Nar a goodbye kiss. Nar sharply inhaled as she did so. Simina gave him a long, sweet kiss. She did not want to pull away from his tempting, juicy lips. It took quite an effect for her to pull away, but she finally did.
“Bye,” she breathed against his lips. Before Simina could turn and walk away, Nar grabbed her arm.
“Your ripeness is mine for the taking. I will not let another have you,” Nar swore to her, very passionate. Nar thought Simina his and would not let another man try to take her from him. Simina didn't say anything; she just nodded. Simina did not want any other man. She wanted Nar, and couldn't dream of having anyone else besides him. Amused at her agreement, Nar smiled and let her go. Simina walked away, towards her horse. Nar watched her. Simina, as she mounted her horse, realized that that was her first ever kiss. She smiled and blushed at the fact. Simina gave Nar one more glance until finally riding away. Nar didn't take his eyes from her until she rode away out of sight.
Once she was gone, Nar straightened and composed himself, and walked back to the castle, trying to fix his hair.