Married to the vegetative prince

The grand doors of the palace creaked open, revealing a figure that brought an instant smile to Jane's face. It was Martha Thimbleton, her weathered features lighting up with a warm grin as she caught sight of Jane.

"My dear girl," Martha exclaimed, rushing over to wrap Jane in a tight hug. "You look as if you've seen a ghost!"

Jane sank into Martha's embrace, inhaling the soothing scent of lavender blended with freshly pressed linen. "Oh, Martha," she breathed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I'm so glad you're here."

When they stepped back, Martha's keen eyes scanned Jane's face, worry creasing her brow. "What's bothering you, child? Your message sounded urgent."

Jane quickly glanced around the spacious entrance hall, suddenly feeling exposed. "Not here," she whispered, guiding Martha toward a hidden alcove. "There are ears everywhere."

Once they were hidden from view, Jane shared her anxieties in low tones. "Strange things have been happening, Martha. Accidents that seem way too intentional. Just last night, I think my food was poisoned."

Martha's eyes widened, a hand flying to her throat. "Good heavens! Are you sure?"

Jane nodded solemnly. "I've never been more certain of anything. And I can't shake the feeling that Thalia is behind it all."

"Thalia?" Martha asked, her brow knitting. "That charming lady who flits around the prince?"

"She's not what she seems," Jane insisted, keeping her voice down and urgent. "There's something... off about her. I can't explain it, but I feel it deep within."

Martha fell silent, her expression distant as if recalling a long-forgotten memory. When she spoke again, her voice had an almost mystical quality. "There are ways to protect oneself from dark intentions, Jane. Ancient rituals passed down through generations."

Jane leaned in, a flicker of hope igniting in her chest. "What do you mean, Martha?"

Martha's eyes gleamed with knowledge. "My grandmother taught me spells to shield against malevolent forces, rituals that harness the power of nature itself to create a barrier against those who wish us harm."

"Could you teach me?" Jane asked eagerly, her heart racing at the prospect.

Martha nodded slowly, a small smile spreading across her face. "I can do more than just teach you, my dear. If you're willing, we can perform the ritual together."

Jane squeezed Martha's hands tightly, feeling a sense of hope for the first time in days. "I'm willing to try anything, Martha. Anything to put a stop to these attacks."

As they plotted their next steps in hushed tones, Jane felt the reassuring energy of Martha's presence, transforming her fear into determination. Whatever dark magic Thalia might wield, she was no longer alone in facing it. With Martha at her side and the promise of ancient protection, hope flickered back to life within her.

---

The palace gardens glowed softly under the silvery twilight as Jane and Martha strolled along the winding paths. An excitement mingled with anxiety raced through Jane, her gentle features illuminated by the rising moon.

"It's so quiet," Jane whispered, her dark braids swaying with the evening breeze. "Are you sure we won't be disturbed?"

Martha's mysterious smile remained bright even in the fading light. "Trust me, child. This hidden spot is perfect for what we need to do."

They stepped into a small clearing, surrounded by tall hedges and fragrant night-blooming flowers. The air buzzed with possibility, almost as if Jane could taste the magic hanging in the atmosphere.

"What do we do first?" Jane asked, her voice trembling slightly with anticipation.

Martha began to unpack various herbs and crystals from her pouch. "First, we need to create a sacred space. Take these rosemary sprigs and walk the perimeter of the clearing, focusing on protection and safety."

As Jane walked, her fingertips tingled with energy. "Is this... normal?" she asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

Martha nodded encouragingly. "You're sensitive to the energies, Jane. That's a promising sign. It'll enhance the power of the ritual."

Once the circle was laid, Martha led Jane to the center of the clearing. "Now we begin the chant. Repeat after me, and let your voice meld with mine."

As Martha's weathered voice rose in an ancient melody, Jane effortlessly joined in, their voices weaving together in harmony. The leaves rustled around them, almost as if responding to their song.

"Earth below and sky above," they chanted, "shield this soul with light and love."

A gentle breeze brushed against Jane's face, carrying the comforting scents of lavender and sage. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to be swept up in the rhythm of the words and the pulsing energy swirling around her.

"Martha," Jane whispered during a lull in the chant, "I feel... different. Stronger somehow."

The older woman's eyes glimmered with pride. "The ritual is working, dear one. Can you feel the protection wrapping around you like a cloak?"

Jane nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude and newfound strength. As they continued their chant, the moon seemed to shine even brighter, casting enchanting shadows over the garden and enfolding them in its ethereal glow.

In that moment, surrounded by nature's energy and Martha's unwavering support, Jane felt truly unstoppable. Whatever challenges lay ahead or dark forces threatened her, she now had a protective barrier steeped in ancient magic. More importantly, she recognized the strength within herself to confront whatever came next.

---

As the last words of the chant drifted into the night, a sudden wave of energy surged through Jane. She gasped, her eyes flying open to witness a shimmering, translucent barrier forming around her, glowing with an otherworldly light.

"Martha!" Jane exclaimed, both awe and excitement filling her voice. "Is this... is this the shield?"

Martha nodded, her face alight with pride. "Indeed, my dear. A protective barrier against Thalia's dark sorcery."

Jane extended her hands, mesmerized by the warm embrace surrounding her. It felt like being cocooned in pure sunlight, yet she had full freedom of movement.

"I've never felt anything like this before," Jane said softly, flexing her fingers. "It's as if I can sense every fiber of my being, renewed and invigorated."

Martha gently placed a hand on Jane's shoulder. "This power has always been within you, Jane. The ritual simply awakened it."

As they packed up their things, Jane's mind buzzed with determination. "With this protection, I can finally confront Thalia about her schemes," she proclaimed, her resolve solid.

Martha's expression turned serious. "Be careful, child. Thalia's ambition knows no bounds. This shield will help, but she should never be underestimated."

Jane nodded firmly. "I understand. But I refuse to let fear control me any longer."

As they left the moonlit garden, a cold wind swept through the trees, making the branches creak ominously. Jane pulled her shawl tighter around her, a shiver running down her spine that had little to do with the chill in the air.

"Did you feel that?" she murmured to Martha.

The older woman's eyes narrowed as she scanned the shadows. "Yes. It seems our little ritual hasn't gone unnoticed. We should get back to the safety of the palace."

As they quickened their pace, Jane couldn't shake the feeling of unseen eyes watching them, even with the protective warmth still surrounding her. It felt like a thin shield against the approaching darkness.

"Whatever Thalia is plotting," Jane thought, her heart racing, "I'll be prepared. This is just the beginning."

---

As Jane walked through the marble corridors back to her chambers, her mind whirred with the ritual's energy. The flickering torchlight cast dancing shadows on the walls, a reminder of the lurking dangers within the palace.

Upon entering her room, her gaze landed on a vase of white roses on her dressing table. Their glowing petals seemed to pulse with a gentle, comforting light. Approaching them, she took a deep breath, surprised to detect a change in their scent. Instead of their typical sweet perfume, it now held an earthy, grounding fragrance reminiscent of the herbs Martha had used during the ritual.

"Even you can sense the shift," Jane murmured to the flowers, lightly brushing her finger along a silky petal.

Settling into the plush chair by her window, she gazed out at the starlit sky. The weight of the day's events pressed down on her, but it didn't feel stifling anymore. It was as if she had finally found her footing on previously shaky ground.

"I owe so much to Martha," Jane thought, gratitude spilling through her. "Without her guidance, I'd still be lost in the dark, an easy target for Thalia's plots."

A light knock on the door drew her attention. "Come in," she called, turning to see Prince Dubois enter with concern written across his face.

"Jane," he said gently. "I wanted to check on you after the chandelier incident. Are you genuinely alright?"

She stood, greeting him with a reassuring smile. "I am, Your Highness. In fact, I'm better than alright. I've taken steps to protect myself."

The prince raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Oh? May I ask what kind of steps?"

Jane hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "Let's just say I've sought help from someone who understands the... unusual nature of these accidents."

Prince Dubois studied her closely. "You seem different, Jane. More... confident."

"I feel different," she admitted. "I know now that I'm not helpless against whatever—or whoever—causes these attacks."

The prince stepped in a bit closer, his expression serious. "I promise, Jane, I'll figure out what's happening. No one in this palace will harm you as long as I'm here."

Jane felt her spirits lift at his reassurance, but she kept her tone measured. "Thank you, Your Highness. Just know that I'm prepared to fight for myself too. For all those who are at risk."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Prince Dubois' mouth. "I believe that. You've always been stronger than you think."

After he wished her a goodnight and walked away, Jane turned back to the window. The palace grounds stretched out before her, bathed in moonlight. Somewhere out there, Thalia was plotting her next move. But this time, Jane was ready.

"Let the shadows come," she whispered to herself, her voice steady with determination. "I won't let them take us. Not while I still have breath in my lungs."