“Yes, there’s a spell I’ve been wanting to try… I mean, a spell that could be the solution to your problem.” 

I hesitated, becoming skeptical. “What kind of spell could solve this situation? You’re not going to…reverse his healing or something, right…?” 

“Of course not! This spell won’t hurt the critter one bit. There’s a loophole in your uncle’s instructions that could be exploited with the results of this spell.” 

I carefully picked up the rabbit. The rabbit let me do so and I took a step back from Callum. “What’s this loophole then? What will the spell do to the rabbit?” 

“Don’t worry, it’ll be quick and harmless. You don’t want to send the rabbit back to the forest, yes? He won’t be able to go back after this spell.” 

Callum took a step forward and I took another one back. “What does that mean exactly? You haven’t answered me. What will the spell do to the rabbit?” 

“It’ll just change his appearance a little. It’ll all be external. It won’t harm the little critter unless he’s sent back to the forest. I’m sure your uncle won’t be so cruel as to send him back there after this.” 

“This doesn’t sound safe, Callum! Get away, I don’t want this anymore! I’ll take him back to the forest!” 

Callum kept getting closer and I kept backing away but I didn’t have much space behind me. 

“You worry too much, Luca. When has my magic ever caused harm?” 

“When your pie exploded the whole kitchen!” 

“Are you still hung up on that? No one got hurt. I just needed to tweak the spell a bit then the pie would’ve been a tasteful explosion in your mouth.” 

“You almost exploded me! That’s it, I’m not letting you blow up this rabbit!” 

“I’m within range now, and don’t worry, I’ve learned from my mistakes! Mutare colorum!” 

I was up against the wall with nowhere to escape. I could only close my eyes tightly as his spell lit up the room. Only when it was quiet and the light seemed to have died down was when I opened my eyes. I first looked at the rabbit to make sure he was alright. 

I blinked in surprise at what my eyes captured. 

“Yes!” Callum cheered. “Yes, it actually worked!” 

I could see in my peripheral vision that he was doing a celebratory dance but most of my focus was on the rabbit in my arms. His deep brown fur had turned completely white. He looked like a completely different rabbit. It was hard to believe he was the same one I’d spent so much time with already. But he was in my arms so he had to be the same one. 

“So that spell only changed his color…?” I asked, looking the rabbit over. 

“Of course! There was a slight chance the spell would turn his skin inside out, but I’m glad that didn’t happen!” 

I stared in horror at Callum. “What do you mean there was a chance of that?! Stop using spells when they’re not completely safe!” 

“Yes your highness, I’ll try to be more careful…” 

I didn’t believe his remorseful expression for a second. At least the worst didn’t happen and the rabbit seems alright. I put him down and he happily hopped around. 

Just then, a black silhouette flew in through the open window. I felt a smile on my lips and I hurried towards my vanity where the crow landed. 

“You finally showed up,” I said. “Couldn’t stay away when there’s shiny jewelry and snacks here, huh?” 

Callum approached. “Who might this be, Luca?” 

“It’s…another friend. It comes and goes and leaves before the servants or my uncle notices.” 

The crow twitched its head at Callum. Callum tilted his head as he analyzed the crow. 

“I believe that’s a male crow,” Callum said. “His feathers are quite beautiful. He seems to be well taken care of.” 

“I’ve been feeding him whenever we meet. Hopefully I haven’t been feeding him too much.” 

“Not at all. I’m sure he gets enough exercise to burn any extra calories anyway. I approve of these friends of yours,” Callum nodded. 

The crow stuck his beak into my jewelry again. 

“This one already caused trouble for uncle… He crashed our dinner together.” 

Callum laughed. “Oh, I wish I was there to see the look on Fergus’ face!” 

“Why don’t you join us for dinner tonight? The crow won’t crash this dinner, I’m sure.” 

“I’d love to! I’ll tell your uncle once we’re finished with business. When was the last time I sat at your dining table? It’s been far too long! Does the kitchen still make those delightful buns?” 

“Yes they do and I’ll make sure they make some for you.” 

“Wonderful! Now then, I shouldn’t be any later for your uncle. I’ll have to take my leave now.” 

“I’ll see you at dinner then.” 

Callum beamed as he opened the door to leave. “I cannot wait!” 

I felt a smile on my own face. I’m looking forward to dinner. 

I felt an eye on me and looked over at the crow. He blinked at me. “What? You can’t come to dinner. Not after last time.” 

The crow cawed before looking through my jewelry again.