Chapter 8

The next morning, Linda, Geneva and the team of decipherers and philologists had finally translated the last part of the faded texts about the Bloodline’s Curse. It states “The wretched King of “Forest of Capet” and his bloodline will turn into Doves for 7 years should sunlight grace their skin.” Further confirming that Leonardo is indeed the “Red Dove” of the prophecy.

“I can’t believe that His Majesty is the “Red Dove”... I mean, I had my suspicions, but for it to be true...” says Geneva

Linda says, “Then... this just confirms what Leonardo said about me too...”

Geneva snaps her fingers and says “Exactly! We finally figured out who the prophecy was about, but how are you supposed to “cure” His Majesty?”

“Maybe, there’s a way to stop Leonardo from turning into a Dove...”

“Oooo~ you might be right, then we just need to figure that out.”

Linda worryingly questions “But, why would the “Dove” be “Red”? I’m worried that the “Red” would mean blood.”

“You’re right, that would mean His Majesty is destined to get hurt somehow.”

“I pray that I’m wrong.” Linda says worryingly.

A month has passed since the prophecy has been deciphered and Linda and Geneva had made no progress on breaking the bloodline’s curse.

“Is there even a way to break this curse!” Said Geneva.

“There has to be a way? Right? Or are we misunderstanding the prophecy...” says Linda.

Geneva confidently says “Maybe, but the prophecy is definitely about you and His Majesty. I bet my knowledge on it!”

“Then, is there some other way I’m supposed to “cure” Leonardo?”

“Exactly! And maybe... This isn’t the way.”

“You're right...” then Linda thinks “I guess we have to just let the prophecy play out...”

Linda is now in the garden having tea with her sisters and father. And after a brief talk about how their life is faring, Liese says,

“I still can't believe that you’re a part of a prophecy!”

“That’s like, both scary and amazing at the same time.” says Lilli.

Algar says worryingly, “I just hope nothing bad happens, I mean, the prophecy already sounds ominous...”

Linda sighs and says, “Me too, but we can't say for sure until it happens...”

Liese confidently says, “Don't worry so much, besides, even if something bad does happen. I have full faith that you two love birds will survive it.”

Lilli changing the subject, “Speaking of “Love Birds” how have things been~?”

Algar says, “I want to know as well... I want to make sure His Majesty is treating you right.”

Linda, embarrassed, says, “Everything is going wonderfully. I'm honestly so happy, plus we haven't had any significant problems.”

Algar says, “I'm glad that there’s no “significant problems”... I’ll be honest, I was worried.”

Linda smiles and says, “I’m glad you approve of us father.”

“I decided to be happy as long as my precious daughters are safe and happy.” Algar says while smiling.

Linda, Liese, and Lilli all had a big smile on their faces, then they all started talking about numerous things for the rest of their tea time.

At the same time. Leonardo was on another of his morning strolls with his aide Burnard.

Burnard states, “It’s almost time for Princess Robyn’s yearly visit with their merchants... After you greet them, will you avoid her again?”

Leonardo sighs and says, “I’ll try, but I do need to introduce Linda to them as she’s the next Queen.”

“Speaking of which, Lady Linda is doing wonderfully with learning the duties of a Queen.” Burnard says proudly.

Leonardo smiles and says, “It would seem you and the other teachers are teaching her wonderfully, that’s great.” Then in a serious tone, “She needs to be prepared to handle Princess Robyn.”

Burnard worryingly states, “Don’t forget to tell Lady Linda about Princess Robyn and how she is, Your Majesty.”

“Don’t worry Burnard, I won’t.”

The next night, Linda and Leonardo were on their usual walk. Linda told Leonardo that she and Geneva decided to just wait for the prophecy to pass, before they do any more research.

“I think that’s best for now, especially since we weren’t getting anywhere.” Says Leonardo.

Linda sighs and says, “Well, I do wish there was something I can actively do about the prophecy, so I can know that you’ll be safe.”

“I feel the same way, I want us to get through this as safely as possible.” 

They walked past the garden and decided to stop and sit down to get a break from walking. But, before Linda could sit down. Leonardo gently grabs her to sit her down on his lap.

Linda blushes and says, “A-are you sure?”

“Of course, I want to be this close.” Leonardo says while smiling.

Linda turns red and gets comfortable while sitting on his lap.

“Linda, I have something I need to tell you.”

Linda looks at Leonardo and says, “Well, what is it?”

Leonardo sighs and says, “The Princess of Velcent is visiting next month with their merchant guild.”

“A Princess? Of Velcent? Wait, it's the Velcent Merchant Guild we trade goods with.” Linda scowls then says “Why is the Princess coming.”

Leonardo says, “At first it was to strengthen the relationship with our merchant guild, but...”

“But?”

“I guess Princess Robyn has a goal to become the Queen of Capet. She's been coming here with the Velcent Merchant Guild every year.” Leonardo said irritatingly.

It took a minute before Linda could process what Leonardo had said.

“Wait, she has feelings for you?”

Leonardo, surprised, says, “Heavens no! I hope not... she just wants to marry me to have the “Forest of Capet” under her rule.

Linda thinks, “That’s foul.” Out loud.

Leonardo laughs and says, “I agree, that’s why introducing you as the next Queen is vital.”

“Then I will work even harder to prove myself a worthy Queen.” Linda thinks, “First by controlling this habit.”

Leonardo smiles and says, “I know your hard work will pay off.” Then he thinks, “Hopefully Princess Robyn will back off once Linda is introduced.”

Linda says, “If I succeed, maybe she’ll give up peacefully.”

Leonardo says with a smile, “It's like you read my mind.”

Leonardo started to stare lovingly at Linda, and Linda stared lovingly back. And just as they were about to kiss, Leonardo remembered something.

“Ah! Before I forget, Princess Robyn and The Velcent Kingdom are part of the Magic State.”

“Magic State? So that means Princess Robyn knows magic. What if she causes trouble here.” Linda says worryingly.

“Don’t worry, because of the non aggression pact I made with their King, princess Robyn can’t cause us trouble. You'll learn more about it during your lessons.”

Linda sighs with relief.

Leonardo lifts her chin and says, “Now, where were we?”

And then they kissed.

A month has passed and the day for Princess Robyn and the Velcent Merchant Guild’s arrival is approaching. And Linda has almost completed the basic duties of a Queen, despite having the lessons rushed.

And then the day of their arrival has come.

At night when Princess Robyn and the representative for the Velcent Merchant Guild arrived in the throne room. They were shocked to see someone sitting on the Queen's throne.

“Bow before their Majesties!” a guard said.

While they bowed, Princess Robyn gritted her teeth in frustration.

“You may rise.” Said Leonardo.

Princess Robyn introduces herself with a kind yet menacing smile towards Linda. 

“My name is Robyn Velcent, Princess of Velcent Kingdom... It’s a pleasure to greet your... Majesties.”

-End of Chapter 8