Chereads / Her Wish Upon a Star / Chapter 3 - An Ernest warning...

Chapter 3 - An Ernest warning...

The moon hung low in the night sky, casting an ethereal glow over the sleeping kingdom. Cersie felt the weight of her father's decree press heavily on her heart. Despite being sent to her room, the call of guilt and a longing for justice pulled her from the confines of her room. 

Silent as a shadow, Cersie slipped through the castle corridors, avoiding the watchful eyes of the guards. Hidden in a cape that covered her bright hair that would give her identity away. The city below beckoned, a labyrinth of narrow streets and hidden alleys where people whispered in the darkness.

As she ventured into the heart of the city, the air changed. The scent of the royal blacksmiths gave way to the pungent aroma of herbs and incense. Dimly lit stalls lined the cobblestone streets, their wares hinting at the mystique that lingered in the night.

Cersie's journey led her to a secluded alley where a figure cloaked in darkness huddled. A lone candle flickered, revealing the face of a young girl, not much older than the princess herself. The witch looked up, her eyes somehow holding a wisdom that transcended her years.

"Fear not, daughter of the king who hates," the witch whispered, her voice carrying the weight of secrets. "My night will always conceal the truths that the your daylight cannot bear."

Cersie's eyes widened with realisation. Here was a girl, marked for death by her father's decree, living in the shadows of night just to escape the Witch Hunters. Determination fuelled her words as she leaned in. "You are in danger. They know you're here."

The witch's eyes flashed with gratitude and concern, but before either could speak further, a rustle in the darkness betrayed the presence of hidden watchers.

Unseen by Cersie, the Witch Hunters, shrouded in the same darkness, reported their findings through a communication device in the form of a bracelet. "The princess is consorting with the witches. We have her in our sights."

A sense of urgency gripped Cersie. "You must leave, find safety and warn the others!" The princess urged the witch, her heart racing as the footsteps of the Witch Hunters sounded on the cobble.

In the city's labyrinth, Cersie navigated the maze of shadows, warning those she could find. The cloak of night seemed to conspire against her mission as every corner harboured the unseen eyes of Witch Hunters.

As she raced through the narrow streets, a trio of guards emerged from the shadows, their armour glinting silver in the moonlight. Recognition flickered in their eyes as they apprehended the princess.

"Princess Cersie, what are you doing out here?" The lead guard's voice held a mix of concern and authority.

The flame-haired princess stood tall, her defiance undiminished. "I seek justice, not persecution like my father. The Witch Hunters are blind to the innocent that they accuse."

The guards exchanged uneasy glances, torn between loyalty to their princess and duty to their king. Reluctantly, they escorted Cersie back to the castle, her warning echoing through the city like a distant plea.

In the silent night, the city held its breath as if something was soon going to stir…