DUNGEON

It may not look like an ordinary cell with its 10 inches thick, unbreakable clear glass wall and lustrous stainless steel railings. However, it's still a dungeon, a torture chamber for some, maybe not in his kingdom, but still, it tortured York emotionally.

Surely his feet touched every inch of that cell's floor, pacing back and forth, pondering for possible countermeasures on his present predicaments. If not only for Thea, he can let his knights kill Tim and he will not be judged, but if he is right in his suspicion Thea is just in Nerie's body, then maybe there's something he can actually do to help her and have her body back. With those possibilities, he can't let anybody hurt her or destroy her body.

He may not get the idea over the probability of Thea being in Nerie's flesh, how she gets in there, and where could Nerie be, because as far as he remembered, they left Nerie unconscious. The same day that Thea's personality changes and becomes Tim.

But as what as he can comprehend right now, his adversity doesn't only lie in helping Thea back to her original self, but he also got his own at the same time. His kingdom is on the verge of chaos and perhaps might fall into some tyrant's hand. As of the present, he doesn't have even a minuscule of idea who his real enemies are. For now, he doesn't have any choice, and he won't have the quality of time to investigate and pick which is which and who is who. He's not anymore sure if there is still someone on his side and can help him out in this situation.

Knowing that even Obelius is not that loyal, in fact, is the brain of sending him into the dungeon. Who could else he can turn and trust to? Sure, Obelius has his reasons, and the king has his imperfection. Still, he doesn't regret the idea of upholding his father's covenant to govern this kingdom with democracy and give his people the right to fight for the kingdom, even against the king himself. They may persecute him if proven faulty with the dispute, yet still believes it's the right thing to do.

He ceases moving around when it seems that someone had flicked a switch to his brain bringing unexpected clarity when only a split second before, everything is fuzzy. He reckons that what he should do is prove his commitment, righteousness, and competence to his people. And to do that, he needs Thea back to his physical self and let the phyado decides.

First things first, he needs to head back to the human world, and he can't just simply do it in this situation. Even his power is repressed in this area, and it is meant to be built this way since everyone in that world, even offenders, have magical capabilities. There's only one who can help him, and he still trusts Amanda.

At the perfect moment, he sees Amanda striding towards him, with her very anxious look.

"My king, why did they do this to you?" Her mournful eyes glisten with the forming tears.

In his kingly demeanor and emotionless face, he says." Amanda, I need to get out from here. I need to clear my name."

"My king, my magic is as useless as yours in this place too. But, don't worry, I will not stop to find ways and get you out of here as soon as possible." Without delay, she moved back out of the dungeon.

*****

"Hey, Alasio, have you taste this?" Amanda, with two wine glasses in hand, seductively brushing her arms towards the dungeon guard.

"What is that for, my lady?" Standing still, the guard answered Amanda without moving an inch.

"I want some relaxation and somebody to relax with? With your virility, I wish to have this moment with you." She gulps from his supposed wine glass in a very flirtatious manner before feeding it to his mouth.

And he takes the bait. Together tugging each other, they run towards Amanda's bed-chamber and there, they continue their drinking spree. The spirit of wine ignited his sexual appetite, and Amanda makes sure they ended up in bed to his exhaustion. Until, Alasio is bushed enough not to notice her, for the next step.

With both of their bodies bare and only covered in a blanket, Amanda slowly gets up, making sure Alasio is in a deep sleep. Instantly and keenly, she dresses up and gets the key. Without spending another time, as fast and as cautious as she can, she scurries towards the dungeon to free York.

After unlocking York's cell, they rush towards the dungeon door, only to run up against a group of guards advancing towards them.

"There they are!" Yells one of the guards.

They whiz towards the other way, far enough from the dungeon and with York's signal, "Now!" together, they snap their fingers and disappears, leaving sparks of scattered white embers.

They landed together outside the palace, besides the river. Laughing amazed with the nostalgia of doing again the things they used to do in their childhood. Escaping the palace to play and have an adventure outside.

"Isn't it fun doing it again?" Amanda's face beams with their memories.

"Yes, it is, but we have more important things to do." York, back with his serious demeanor.

"I know, and good luck with your travel." Amanda's faces saddened.

"No, I can't leave you behind. They saw you with me. I'm putting you at risk if ever you will go back to that palace, you will be accused as my accomplice."

"Then you're gonna bring me to the human world?" Behind York, a sly smile appears on Amanda's face.

" Yes, let's go! They are coming." York pulls Amanda as they jump onto the river's clear water after seeing the knight appearing in the nearby meadow. They are already under the water when York commences his power, changing the transparent water to red and green, swirling, creating a whirlpool.

They are tossed insides York's pad. Amanda smiles, seeing her reflection in the mirror. The only changes that happened to her physically are her ear, from pointed changed to human-like, but her hair and beauty remain.

"You can use that room over there, it was used by Tim's, but you can use it for now. You can also change your clothes, use her's; our outfit isn't acceptable here." York, pointing the room to Amanda while moving towards his room.

"Aren't you going to show me around? Like, walk me outside?"

"Sorry, I can't, I got more important things to do. You can stay here or go around by yourself. I'll give you the door pin later." And he closes the door.

Amanda sighs in dismay.

Inside his room, York opened some pages on Thea's diary.

{This is the second night I dreamt of him. Why is my dream recurring? I've seen him again, and I saw his face. He's unbelievably handsome; it's magical.}

York smile; his heart skips a bit while reading.

'She's also been dreaming of me? We're both dreaming with each other, all I thought it's just only me who knows her, who's been seeing her in my dreams. Yet, even she has the same intuitions as mine. This only proves that we are surely meant for each other, that she is sure meant for me. She is definitely the one. She is my quest, and whatever this quest may show me, I'm certain that I will win it guided by the power of love.' York is more inspired to persevere; at least now, the situation is showing him more clarity. He's starting to perceive things he didn't recognize nor consider before. Knowing that everything is no more a simple game. He's now ready to be more vigilant and can plan things ahead of time.