Chapter 38 VOL II: The Trip to Calma (5)

Chapter 38 VOL II: The Trip to Calma (5)

VOL II: The Trip to Calma (5)

Princess? Surely they were mistaken.

"I'm sorry, but I think you have me confused with someone else," I said.

They giggled.

"You think we wouldn't recognize our princess just because you've grown up? Of course we would!" the yellow one said, darting between my shoulders.

"I...I don't understand."

"You're Princess Terra's daughter," the blue one said with a smile.

My mother was a princess? Which makes me a princess too?

This was a lot to take in.

"We brought you here to protect you and help you wake up your mother," the pink one said.

She seemed more mature and reserved than the others, but she had a childlike gaze and a gentle smile.

"Protect me? From what?"

"Demons!" they all chorused.

Even the bear made a frightened sound.

"There is a group of demons who call themselves " Distruzione".

They want to kill you and prevent you from taking back your powers," the blue pixie said.

"If we hadn't dragged you away from there, they would have found you by morning and might have even killed you," the yellow one added.

They must really hate me, huh? Is my magic that powerful?

"But I need to get to Calma to get back my powers. I don't even have my map anymore, and the person I was supposed to follow isn't here."

That's when I remembered the Demon King.

Was he still in the forest?

He was the one who first hinted at the noise in the woods.

"You don't have to worry about that, Princess.

Raja here will take you to Calma. But first, your grandmother wants to see you," the pink one said.

"My grandmother?" I asked.

"Yes, Queen Marrionette. She's been worried about you and your mother. She has many things to discuss with you," the yellow one said.

"Alright. Take me to her," I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder.

"As you wish, Your Highness," they chorused.

"Please, you can drop the title. Just call me Marcella," I said with a smile.

"Marcella? But you're Princess Luana," the blue one said with a confused expression.

"You're a princess and you're a witch. Both are part of who you are and what you will become," the pink one said.

She smiled.

"Follow us."

They all turned around and faced the peculiar-looking tree.

"Aprite l'albero magico! Aprite la strada!" they chanted together.

In an instant, the tree split down the middle.

A white, enchanting glow pulsed from within.

I was stunned and impressed.

"Shall we?" the yellow one asked.

I nodded, then gave Raja a gentle pat before stepping inside with my eyes closed.

"Welcome to Fiori, Princess!"

I opened my eyes and was met with the most mesmerizing and beautiful sight I had ever seen.

Different-colored pixies flew about, darting from flower to flower.

Rainbow-colored fountains merged into a multicolored river.

Birds and butterflies I had never seen before filled the sky, basking in the sunlight.

And the witches?

The witches were peculiar and unique.

Some had branches growing from their heads.

Others had vines for tails and hair.

Some wore leaves wrapped around their bodies, covering their most delicate parts.

They were gorgeous.

"I'm sorry we haven't re-introduced ourselves, Princess," the pink one began. "I'm Orchid."

"I'm Rose," said the blue pixie.

"And I'm Sunflower," the yellow one said, twirling in the air.

I chuckled.

"It's nice to meet all of you," I said.

We had reached a different part of the city.
It looked like a castle.

This must be where Grandma is.

As we walked farther inside, some attendants caught sight of me. They gasped, whispered among themselves, and bowed.

"They're surprised that you've returned after so long," Orchid said, glancing back at me as she flew.

"Was I born here?" I asked.

Nothing felt familiar, yet they kept saying I had returned.

"Yes, Princess. You were born here. The Supreme Lord lived here as well when you were born," Sunflower said.

I smiled.

So we all used to live here.

"What about Li—"

"We've arrived," Rose interrupted.

We stopped in front of a vine-covered door laced with thorns and flowers.

The three of them pressed their hands against the handle, and immediately the door opened.

"We'll be outside waiting for you, Princess. Bye for now!" Orchid said, waving.

The others waved as well.

I smiled.

"Thank you for all you've done."

"Our pleasure!"

As I stepped into the room, the same sweet scent I had noticed earlier outside the tree filled my nose.

A similar tree stood beside the large bed.
The room was decorated with dark-colored flowers and tree runes.

It was beautiful, modest, and neat.

"Luana?"

I turned, my heart pounding in my chest.
I was met with emerald-green eyes, long dark-brown hair, and a soft expression.

The woman standing before me was beautiful.
Too beautiful, in fact.

"Grandma?" I called as I walked closer.
"Yes, darling. It's me. Welcome home, my little flower bud."

She pulled me into a hug, and I melted into her embrace.
The scent was stronger now, sweeter than before.

"We don't have much time, my dear. We need you to wake your mother."

She pulled back, her expression turning grave.
"Fiori is dying."