After the two left the witch's house, they kept riding their horses to the castle. The night fell and the sky started to cover with dark clouds warning of an upcoming storm. Nevertheless, they both finished their way ignoring the nature signs in hope o reach the castle before midnight.
An hour later the rain started dropping heavily making the view hard, add to that the strong sound of thunder made the horses bolted and span around from fear that took over them, snorted at the scary sound from the angry sky.
Mal and Kieran tried to calm down the horses caressing their neck. In a flash, a lightning strike hit a tree near to them making the pets jump hysterically in fear. The two riders fell down and the horses run away.
They both stood up quickly running and looking for a shelter from rain. Hopefully, they found two stones with a giant tree on top, a good shelter for the moment.
Mal set beside Kieran who looked super uncomfortable, since the space was too small for two people to sit next to each other at ease.
"-trust me! That witch really cursed us!
-Andrew don't do spells to hurt others, it's your bad luck that I have to be drugged with you in that.
-admitted Mal, you like my company.
-yeah, I found something to laugh at every day."Kieran glared at her but she laughed at his reaction. Lately they fell into a deep sleep, with Mal's head on Kieran's shoulder and the boy rested his head on hers.
The sun rose, announcing the begging of a new pretty day, the sky was clear as a water surface, the birds chanted in harmony and the sound of water droplets on the green leaves of the trees made the scene more heavenly.
Kieran stretched his arm, taking a step forward to slip on a wet surface dragging the poor girl who was rubbing her eyes to fell into a giant mud puddle.
"-Kieran
-yes
-I am gonna kill you.
-can I have a shower first?"
The two couple were covered in dirt from head to toe, obliged to finish their journey on foot. Luckily, the castle wasn't too far; about an hour of walking.
Finally, after their crazy adventure in the forest, and dealing with the guards' interrogation; they managed to get in.
"-your majesty. The prince and his guardian arrived and they are waiting for you in the hall." The king Verin nodded at the servant and went to meet Kier and Mal.
He was caught off guard, widening his eyes at the two kids that were covered in dirt smiling nervously.
"- hey Vernin…what's up?
-can you explain, why are you in that miserable state young man? I thought you were some sort of beggars!
-long short story, we fell into a puddle of mud because of yesterday storm." The king rubbed his temples in disbelief and was about to say something but he was cut by a high-pitched voice of a young girl with light brown hair running down the stairs yelling:
"-Kieran!" but she stopped when she saw her father and fixed her posture in a blink of an eye, gliding like a soft breeze with her serious face yet a warm smile find her way to her lips.
She stopped in front of them and bowed elegantly and said with soft adorable voice like her big lively blue eyes:
"- welcome your highness, we have been waiting for your arrive." After bowing to Kieran she turned to Mal.
"-Malin Chace, the best huntress in the world, we are honored to have you taking care of the prince. We would love if you join us in the welcoming party tonight Miss."
Mal felt nervous and bowed slightly at the princess and answered:
"-thanks for the invitation your highness, but my mission is finished now and I have to go.
-oh please, at least let me offer you a new set of clothes, and breakfast will be ready soon, I would love if you join us. Then take any horse you like and have a nice trip…Father!"
She said looking at the king who smiled at his daughter's generosity and said:
"-yes as you should young lady, I can't refuse any wish from my daughter. Take it as a royal order.
-she doesn't tak…" Mal elbowed Kieran before he could say more and nodded in agreement.
When the king left the hall, the princess Ayana was about to jump at Kieran but he stopped her with his hands and took a step backward.
"-I think I should take a shower first, Ayana.
-yes, definitely, you stink."
She then looked at her servants and said:
"-prepare a nice warm bath for Miss Chace and give her a good set of clothes also tell the chef we have two guests.
-what about me?
-oh yes… and don't forget the prince too."
Mal thought to herself and said: "-this place is full with crazy people." and then left with one of the maids.