Alicia, while sweeping the castle corridors, carried a broken heart with her silent steps. The vague sadness on her face couldn't even break the silence that filled the corridors. Although the other servants didn't notice the storm inside her, they could tell Alicia was anxious and distracted. Her eyes appeared focused solely on her work, but in reality, her mind was filled with thoughts of Stephen.
As she swept along the corridor, each step was overtaken by Alicia's thoughts. She recalled the warm relationship she once had with Stephen, but now that warmth had been replaced by a cold distance. Her encounters with Stephen were no longer as frequent as before. Every time she wanted to meet him, she would hear that Stephen was busy with work or some other excuse, and she had grown tired of it.
Even though she tried to hide her sadness, the weariness and disappointment were evident on Alicia's face. Emily, noticing these emotions, waited eagerly to exploit Alicia's vulnerable moment. Emily had made it her mission to mock Alicia at every opportunity. This moment was no different.
"What's wrong? Is Stephen treating you badly?" she said in her usual mocking tone.
Alicia checked the area she had just swept one last time before carefully setting the broom aside. As she moved to another part of the corridor, she tried to ignore Emily and conceal her inner turmoil. Her mind was preoccupied not with her duties, but with her complicated relationship with Stephen.
While sweeping, a passing wizard caught Alicia's attention. She often saw this wizard alongside Stephen. At that moment, she noticed a piece of paper fall from the wizard's pocket. Picking it up, she thought there might be a message or clue on it.
Unlike Stephen, Alicia had been literate from a young age. Knowing how to read and write gave her a significant advantage early on. At the age of 8, she was taught by her late mother, a turning point in her life. Her mother had not only taught her basic literacy skills but also given her a mysterious book that would satisfy her curious mind.
This book became a treasure that forever changed Alicia's world. The magical information hidden within its pages ignited her imagination and desire to explore. Alicia spent her free time studying the book, trying to learn the magic within. With great determination, she worked tirelessly to uncover the secrets hidden in the parchment pages, continually developing her own abilities.
When Alicia saw the words "Love Potion" in large letters on the paper, her heart began to race. For a moment, hope and excitement filled her. Maybe if she could obtain this potion, she could make Stephen fall in love with her. However, as she began to read the recipe, she realized she did not recognize the plants and ingredients listed. Suddenly, she heard approaching footsteps.
The firm steps echoing from the end of the corridor filled Alicia with a sense of anxiety. She sensed that the approaching person was male. Quickly, she picked up the paper and turned to face the approaching figure. Her eyes met the respectful expression of the wizard.
Alicia, extending the paper, said, "This paper is yours, sir. You dropped it," her voice filled with genuine sincerity. Despite her calm appearance, her inner excitement and curiosity created an internal struggle.
"Thank you," Albert said with a sincere smile, quickly taking the paper and walking away. Albert's warm smile eased Alicia's worries but did not shake her resolve. Instead of feeling upset about losing the paper, a new plan formed in her mind. She no longer needed the paper. With determined steps, she stopped sweeping and ran towards the kitchen.
When Alicia heard her aunt's voice, she quickly opened the door, her excitement and desire evident in her eyes.
When her aunt opened the door and turned to her, Alicia's face lit up with a mix of determination and excitement.
"Can I go to the market today?" she asked, unable to hide the excitement she had been holding back. Her eyes sparkled, and she felt it was time to voice her desires.
"Why do you want to go?"
"I want to spend the money I've saved from working for three years. I want to get rid of these rags and buy myself proper clothes."
Her aunt's astonishment and joy only heightened Alicia's excitement. When she explained that she wanted to buy new clothes with the money she had saved over three years of hard work, her aunt's face showed pride and happiness.
"My goodness, thank God. Well done, my dear. Very wise decision!" her aunt said, embracing Alicia with love. Alicia felt her internal excitement and happiness merging with the peace of stepping into the life she had always dreamed of. A new beginning and freedom lay ahead of her.
Alicia had meticulously saved her money
for three years for marriage. During this
time, knowing Stephen was poor, she
saved this money to support him with
wedding expenses. However, with
Stephen becoming a prince, these plans
had changed. They no longer had to deal
with financial hardships.
Their family sometimes faced tough
times and struggled to make ends meet.
Though Sarah wanted to use the money
during these times, Alicia's determination
and stubbornness had always prevented
it. Now, she was especially happy to
spend that money.
"1 guess you've given up on Stephen,' she
said with a smile. Alicia pretended to be
sad and replied, "He was being cold to
me. I decided to forget him.
"Good for you. You finally listened to me
It was clear he didn't love you."
"Yes, unfortunately, you were right, Aunt."
"Don't worry, my dear. l' find someone
handsome and rich for you. You'live a
calm and perfect life. You won't go
through what my sister and I did," she
said and left with a cheerful expression.
She returned shortly after with a few
coins.
"Take these. Buy yourself more clothes
Go and come back quickly," she said
handing the coins to Alicia. After saying
goodbye to her aunt, Alicia left happily.
She set out for the market, excitedly
clutching the coins her aunt had given her
As she walked, the gentle breeze tousled
her hair, and the happiness on her face
was evident to anyone who saw her. Each
step felt like a stride towards a hopeful
future.
As she approached the market, the
colorful stalls and the smell of fresh
produce flled the air.In this lively
atmosphere, Alicia felt even more alive.
She quickened her pace and headed
towards the house. When she knocked on
the door, she couldn't contain the
excitement building inside her.
The smile on the young girl who opened
the door brought a smile to Alicia's face
as well. The two young girls embraced
each other joyfully. This warm greeting
made Alicia's happiness shine even
brighter.
As Alicia reciprocated Clara's warm
welcome, she felt a wave of peace in the
room. When Clara's curious questions
came, Alicia responded with a genuine
smile and a slight nod.
In the softly lit room, the conversation
between the two young women had a
sincere air. The elegant details of the
furniture added a pleasant touch to the
room's ambiance.
"So, how are things going with Stephen?
Have you gotten closer? ls he in love with
you?"
"Calm down, Clara. You're bombarding me
with questions. "
"But I'm very curious," Clara said, unable to hide the curiosity in her eyes.
Alicia's words eased the tension in the room a bit. Clara looked at Alicia intently, still with a look of astonishment.
"Stephen is actually a prince," Alicia continued, watching Clara's facial expression with curiosity.
"What?" Clara replied in amazement, seeming to have difficulty believing Alicia's words.
"I know, it doesn't sound very believable to you. But he really is a prince. Anyway, is there someone here who can make potions?"
"Are you talking about witches? There should be one nearby. I can show you if you want."
"That would be great, Clara. Thank you so much."
"You're welcome. Follow me."
As Clara started running through the crowded market, Alicia hurriedly followed her. As they moved through the crowd, Alicia noticed that while she was struggling with fatigue, Clara was still energetic. However, Alicia was out of breath after running a bit. Suddenly, she accidentally bumped into someone. Clara immediately helped her up. After apologizing, Alicia looked at the worn-out door Clara pointed to. When they opened the door and stepped inside, they were met with silence. Clara sat on a chair while Alicia examined the room. There was a large cauldron, various magic wands, mysterious plants, and an enormous library. While Alicia was examining a book in the library, she was startled by a sudden entrance and quickly put the book back. It was difficult to describe the woman's distinct features, but she carried an air of mystery.
Expecting an elderly figure, Alicia was surprised to see a woman with a completely different appearance; she exuded a youthful and lively energy. As she smiled and said, "Welcome," Alicia responded, somewhat sheepishly, "Thank you."
"What brings you here?"
Embarrassed, Alicia said, "A love potion…" and stated her request. The witch couldn't hide her surprise at hearing this. "Do you know that making that potion is restricted?" she asked. Alicia, with an increasingly anxious expression in response to the witch's reaction, replied, "Yes, but I'm desperate…" The witch looked at Alicia with a thoughtful expression, as the mysterious atmosphere of the room enveloped her.
"Do you know what effects the potion has?"
"The only thing I know about the potion is that it's for love."
"That potion is banned. So it's going to cost you quite a bit," she said, then went into another room and came back with a potion in hand. "Here you go. Just be careful. Don't get caught using that potion."
"Alright. Is there anything else I need to do?"
"Remember, this potion has side effects."
"Like what?"
"The person who falls in love with you will become increasingly dependent on you. They won't be able to stand being without you. Aside from the feeling of love, they will lose most of their other emotions. So after you make them fall in love with you, don't leave their side much. Otherwise, they might end up taking their own life."
Alicia's face showed a mix of emotions; she began to think about the potential consequences of using the potion. The mysterious atmosphere of the room heightened the gravity of this conversation. After hearing the witch's warnings, Alicia was also shocked. She hadn't expected the love potion to have such powerful effects. But maintaining an outwardly confident appearance, she said, "That's not a problem for me." The witch approached Alicia and handed her the potion. When the witch mentioned the price, Alicia inwardly exclaimed, Wow! But she was willing to do whatever it took. She paid the large sum of money, took the potion from the witch, and they parted ways.
⚔️⚔️⚔️
As Stephen lay in bed, he was surprised to see Alicia cheerfully opening the door. He wasn't expecting her, and this unexpected visit made him a bit uncomfortable. As Alicia entered, she extended her greeting, "I'm here!" but Stephen responded with a somewhat cold tone. "Welcome," he said, pausing briefly before adding, "Someone else usually comes. I wasn't expecting you."
"My aunt is sick, so I had to come," Alicia explained.
Stephen nodded understandingly and said, "I hope she gets well soon."
"Thank you," Alicia replied with a smile and handed him the meal. Stephen sat up and began eating eagerly. However, he noticed that the food tasted a bit different, but he continued eating anyway.
After finishing the meal, Stephen noticed a strange expression on Alicia's face. She was grinning from ear to ear, which made Stephen a little uneasy. The atmosphere in the room grew more intense with the tension of the unexpected visit.
Sensing Stephen's discomfort, Alicia asked, "Still not feeling well?" trying to lighten the mood.
Stephen replied, "Actually, I feel fine, but Master Albert recommended I rest a bit more. I'll probably be out of this bed by tomorrow." At that moment, Sarah knocked on the door and entered after asking for permission. Seeing Alicia, she was both surprised and irritated. Stephen thought to himself, Isn't this woman supposed to be sick? He watched Alicia and Sarah with curious eyes.
"Sorry to disturb you, Your Majesty," Sarah said, calling Alicia. "I have to go, unfortunately. See you," Alicia said, and with her aunt quickly grabbing her arm, she was pulled out of the room.
"See you," Stephen said, but this time it was different. He said it in a warmer manner. The atmosphere in the room seemed to relax a bit after the unexpected visit. Stephen, in the silence of the room, stared thoughtfully after Alicia as she left.