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The sight of guards begins to be enclosed by curious villagers pondering their unusual arrival, especially with the young prince among them.
He seems to be gathering his nerves as Princess Aalis consoles him with gentle pants on the shoulder. He nods towards one of the guards to begin.
"Dear villagers, we have an important announcement!" The man's voice reaches throughout the crowd.
Catching their attention, Marshel guides them all to the front of the crowd to listen in.
"Please remain quiet for his royal highness, Prince Lorencio!" The guard paves the way for the young man to take it away.
Lorencio's presence looms over the crowd as he begins to speak.
"I must sadly tell you all the princess is missing."
"How odd," Marshel notes to himself glancing at Jocosa.
"She has been missing for some time and I implore you to help me find her. If any of you have seen her, or know her whereabouts, I urge you to come forward and tell me. I am willing to offer a generous reward to anyone who can provide me with information leading to her safe return. My sister is of fair complexion, with blonde locks, and a gentle, kind heart. She is dear to me, and I will not rest until she is safely returned to my family. Thank you for your time, I hope that with your help we can find her," he bows slightly ending his emotionally driven speech.
Jocosa's eyes study the prince and his companion as they mount their horses to ride away.
Something about the prince, she feels acquainted with him.
"How horrible," Lola kisses her teeth with pity.
"Alright, well let's head back," Marshel urges them all to head back to the freezing forest.
The walk feels slightly faster as Jocosa knows what to expect on the brisk walk back to the cozy cabin.
"Jocosa?" Bliss chirps at the girl.
"Oh, yes?" Jocosa replies startled out of her thoughts.
"Is something troubling you? I noticed you seem to be a bit distracted."
"Oh that," she clears her throat awkwardly, "Well about the prince, he felt familiar to me. Like I feel attached to him, after just meeting him."
The mood is disrupted by the chuckles of Bliss.
"Well, who in this village, hell even this earth, wouldn't recognize the young prince?" Bliss laughs it off slightly slapping Jocosa's shoulder.
Jocosa joins in on the laughter but quickly goes silent as she returns to her jumbling thoughts. His features run through her mind, it can't be just that he is the prince it has to be something more. She is so sure of it.
Unbeknownst to the young lady, Marshel shares the same thoughts silently eavesdropping on their loud conversation.
They both silently agree on one thing, it can't be a coincidence.