Hard Decisions

NEXT MORNING

WITCHDOM PALACE, SHAWNA'S ROOM

SHAWNA'S POV:

I was sleeping unconsciously when the rays of sunlight hit my face, making me whimper a little. Gaining consciousness slowly, I began to feel the pain in my body. And then I remembered. I was attacked by the Sphere of Knight!!!!

I shot open my eyes and sat on the bed. I was breathing heavily. I looked around and surprisingly I was in my room. I scanned the room, it was just like before. That means I am alive!!!

I have heard the legends of that relic, which had killed many warriors. Though it would only kill the evil. So at least I am happy, that it proved my blood is no longer bonded. I am the pureblood of WitchDom.

I slowly removed my cover and got down from the bed. My legs were still hurt. But not much. I wonder how long have I been unconscious this time? I went towards the mirror to see a better look at myself.

I was only present in my room so I pushed down the gown from my body and looked at myself finding the wounds.

But what I saw made me shocked!!! There were still the marks of the wounds but it has healed. How? How can it heal so quickly? The Sphere of Knight was indeed a strong weapon, how can it be healed so soon? This was a bit odd. I frowned in confusion when I checked the wound once again making sure I am not hallucinating. But I was not. It is healed.

I chuckled in amazement as I murmured to myself-" Hmm.. guess the sphere isn't that strong!!!"

But what was making me think again, was how can a normal wound be healed within a few hours? Did Grandma use any spell? But the marks... Its shows it is still raw. Only I cannot feel any pain.

I sighed as I came back towards my bed. I sat on the edge of the bed and began to think. Do people of WitchDom not want me? Do they still think that I was the reason for all this? I accept the criticism they gave me because I know it would take some time to gain the trust of people after what happened before. I was at fault. I have trusted the wrong person, messed up with this world.

I looked at my tableside where the picture of my mom and dad was kept. I took it in my hands and said-" I miss you mom, I miss you dad. I am sorry... I cannot be a good daughter... Everything here is falling apart and I don't know how to gather things to put up again. I wish you guys were here... to help me. I am falling, weak dad. I am not a good ruler as you were. " Tears started rolling from my eyes remembering the last days with each of them.

But then I wiped my tears looking at their picture and said-" But I will not give up!!! I will prove that I am the daughter of the great king Jonny and daughter of a wise mother Gracious. I am Parshawna Macduff. The queen of WitchDom. I will prove myself at any cost.

I closed my eyes falling off the tears. Suddenly my head started burning like fire... I screamed a little in pain. I hold my head with both of my hands... Ahhhh!!!! It is burning like fire. Why is this again happening?

This was the same pain I felt 4 years ago... I feel this pain sometimes but this was a little painful than before. My breath hitched, while I was struggling due to the pain. I tried to call someone for help, but the lumps in my throat were preventing me to make any sound... The veins were about to pop out... Tears were falling to my cheeks, as I tried to control them. What is happening? What is happening to me? Ahhhh!!!!!!!!. The air inside the room started heating up, making me sweat at that time. I can see the blurred vision of the curtains which were ruffling due to the sudden breeze.

And then, it stopped. It all stopped. The pain and the fighting of the breeze, all stoped. As if nothing was going on so far. The door burst open revealing Grandma.

She looked at me with shock as she run towards me and said-" Shawna? What happened? Why are you on the floor?"

I looked up at her. I was still panting while kneeling to the ground. She helped me to get back on my feet as she asked me once again -" Shawna? Will you tell me what happened dear?"

I looked at her blankly. My head was blank... What just happened? How is this still... I looked around making sure this is not just a dream. It was not... It was all true. I sighed heavily as I blinked a few times. I looked at grandma who was looking at me with confusion and worry. I gulped my lumps as I forced a smile and replied-" Uh... I just... fell...".

I lied. I didn't want her to get bothered. She has enough of the responsibilities and worries right now. She helped me to sit on the bed carefully. She called the maids immediately -" Someone... Please come and help your queen!!!"

Two of the maids entered while bowing down to us. They made me lay on the bed carefully when Granny sat beside me, caressing my head. She asked-" how are you feeling dear?"

I replied with a smile-" Absolutely fine grandma."

She paused while squinting her eyes and asked-" You just got attacked by the Sphere of Knight!!! You want me to believe that you are fine? Come on Shawna... I know the responsibilities are too high for you now but don't underestimate your health, my dear... "

She kissed my forehead bending down as I closed my eyes while smiling. I smiled at her and replied-" I am okay grandma... See..."

I showed her my wounds which have already healed. She was also seemed to be shocked a little but then Hudson knocked at the door. We turned back to see him. He came close as grandma asked him-" Come in, what information did you get yet?"

He bowed before both of us before replying-" I went to the Kingdom of Doah myself to gain the information, my Queen!!!..."

I cut him off by asking-" Wait... The Kingdom of Doah? Why?..." I looked at granny and asked with confused eyes-" Is there something that I am missing?"

She sighed as she said-" Well... This is about marriage. Last few days I have sent a few proposals regarding your hand in marriage to some countries. But... I see the rumors were spread a long way already. No one seems to have the courage to take your hands on marriage. But there was this kingdom, named Doah have sent a proposal himself asking your hands in marriage. It was quite a doubt for me, as to why would they get interested suddenly whereas others countries are backing off!!!. But there was one thing more that has been on my mind for a pretty long... "

She stood up as she walked a few steps towards the windows and continued again-" The kingdom of Doah, had the very ancient history over the WitchLands. Known to be one of the strongest kingdoms. The king was fierce. He conquered a lot of kingdoms under his dominance by war. So one day, an old mother witch, whose innocent son was killed in the war has cursed him that he shall no longer have any son to take over the throne. Since then the kingdom started going down and became one of the weakest kingdoms."

She turned around towards Hudson and said-" That is why I was very curious who has sent the letter if the kingdom has no son to take over the throne?"

Hudson replied-" Your majesty!!! I have been there a few days ago and got to know that Kingdom of Doah has a new king. He is young and valiant. Quite fierce as the previous king. The new king has won over a lot of small kingdoms so far making Doah once again the biggest reign in the WitchLand. But..."

I asked-" But...?"

He sighed as he replied-" But... nobody has seen the face of the new king yet. He has promised to keep in shadow until he finds his queen. He shall come forth with his queen in the honor of the kingdom and his people. "

I frowned at his words at they sounded a bit corny to me. Was he an alien? Why is he hiding? I am sure there is something... I asked-" Why? What is the reason for this?"

Hudson replied-" Nobody knows about this yet"

I sighed as nodded. Granny asked him to leave. As he left from there, granny looked at me and asked-" Shawna...?" Her voice was concerned and worried.

I replied-" Yes granny?"

She sighed before saying-" I know I am asking you for too much... But you must take care of this kingdom. This kingdom was the dream of Macduff's and... I am a little upset and worried about its well-being. Your father had dreamt a lot about this kingdom my dear. He trusted you. This is why you must look after it too."

I just nodded my head slowly while agreeing. She was right... But how can I marry someone I don't love? Whereas I have someone in my heart. I have to see him once!!!

Grandma left from there... leaving me in deep thoughts. It was a hard decision for me. But it was time when I shall choose.

I was too tired today to get up so, I took a day off and slept all day. The thoughts were not leaving my mind as the planning of sleeping get ruined. I jumped from one side to the other all day long.

NEXT DAY

It was a bright sunny day. Probably the one I needed right now. It was already afternoon and I have finished off my work for the day. I was thinking about how to meet him for once, but I didn't get any idea yet. There is git to be some way to meet him before this marriage. May it be for the last time. I know if John is back he is probably too.

These 4 years nobody knows where he went. some said he has been sent to the final training before he take over the throne. Some say he was at the palace mourning his father's death. Whatever it was, he was gone. I tried several times to visit his kingdom, but I failed every time. Somehow the work has stopped me.

I didn't waste any more time before I put on my royal cardigan and rushed outside. I sat inside the carriage as I asked the coachman to take me to John's place. Yes, he is still here in WitchDom. He is staying at Jenny's old house as he didn't want to leave her memories behind.

Love can be painful and suffering.

Within no time I stopped before his house. I got down as the coachman opened the gate of the carriage. The guard knocked at his door. We waited for some time as then Patricia opened the door. She welcomed me with a wide smile as I hugged her back.

Patricia-" Queen Shawna!!! Welcome!!" She said while showing me the way.

I smiled and replied-" How many times do I have to tell you, that It is just Shawna for you. You are just like my friend Jenny and John, so you can call me by my name."

She nodded showing me the way to John's room. She said-" John is upstairs, In Jenny's room. You must be here to meet him?"

I nodded and said-" Yes"

I went upstairs to see John. He was sitting with Jonathan as our little Jonathan was studying.

I knocked at the door. John and Jonathan both turned around. Jonathan smiled widely before running towards me. In no time I took him in my arms while asking-" How is my strong boy doing today?"

He smiled as he replied-" Jonathan is good queen Shawna. But I miss Jenny... Do you know when will she come back?"

The smile on my face dropped as I was taken aback by his question. What should I reply to this little boy? Who didn't know yet, she was his real mother. I kept quiet and looked at John who was standing with a sad face.

I forced a smile towards Jonathan and replied-" You know... The royal guards have bought some toys for you... Why don't you go check on that hmm?"

His eyes sparkled at the name of toys and he giggled cutely before rushing down to get his toys. I sighed and looked at John who was standing there with a straight face. I asked slowly-" How are you?"

He chuckled sadly before replying-" How do you think I am Shawna?"

I know he was hurting... So I smiled sadly while nodding my head slightly. I said-" I know... I am so sorry for Jenny... But you know what John? While these years.. she had only loved you. She truly had. And might be... There is a possibility of you and Patricia's marriage getting stuck due to this love. Just know... Patricia is a good girl.. and she has done a lot for Jenny and Jonathan. Give love another chance."

He looked at me right in my eyes and said-" Can you?"

I stopped with a shock on my face., I wasn't expecting this. I blinked a few times as I gulped feeling ashamed to reply to his question. He chuckled bitterly as he said-" I know... You can't... And so can't I. I will only love Jenny for the rest of my life"

I walked towards him and kept my hands on his shoulder. I said-" Ask me...I am getting married to save this kingdom... I know how you feel. But this is why I came here. I need your help, John ."

He looked at me confusedly. I said-" I need to see him for the last time. If not now, I shall never get the chance forever"

His expression changed to a cold one as he walked away. He turned his back at me and replied-" He will not meet anyone now"

I frowned and said-" I know... But you... you can help me... Please, John"

He sighed as he turn back. His eyes were sad and guilty. He said-" I wish I could... But it was him, who said not to tell you about his whereabouts ever."

My heart ached. Why? Why doesn't he want to meet me? I-I know... we had lots of difference now... But.. for once... why can not he? I cannot wait any longer. I must tell him how I feel... Or else...

I pleaded to John several times, but he didn't say anything to me. He said-" I am sorry Shawna, But I am bound by my words."

I let from there with a heavy heart. I reached the palace with a sad face. Thinking ways to meet him for the last time. Granny noticed me while I was entering a room without noticing much. She called-" Shawna?"

I came back to myself as I said-" Huh?". I was being lost in the thoughts that I didn't notice that it was not my room. As soon as I got to know I felt a little embarrassed. I cleared my throat to look as normal as possible. She came towards me and asked-" Is everything okay?"

I didn't want to tell her anything now, I just nodded. She said-" Well.. where have you been today?"

I replied-" I went to meet with John."

She nodded and said-"There is something I need to tell you"

I frowned and asked-" What is it, grandma?"

She looked at me with a little worry in her eyes as she said-" The marriage is set for the next week"