Bewitched by the Beast (ENGLISH)

When people turned to look at her as she walked to the Palace's gates, she drew up the hood of her cloak, concealing more of her face. The murmurs of the crowd filled the market air. Some paused, hustling around behind her back to talk. The murmurs stopped the moment her gaze was drawn away from them. Listening to various stories made her want her to vanish in an instant. As the cold winter wind embraced her skin, she snaked her full-length gray cloak around her. She came to a halt as she approached the Palace's gate, where the king was peacefully living with his family while reigning over the entire kingdom of Athel. Sighing in relief, she pushed her hood down on her nape as she found herself far from the market and away from the crowd's sharp stares. As she moved her gaze around the palace forepart, the corner of her lips arose. This is where she should be living happily with a man who promised her forever, not on the outskirts of the forest as fear engulfed her. The gate partially opened, and a man dressed in blue slacks and a white cloak, whom she mistook for a guard, greeted her. "King's order to prohibit-" his words died in his throat as she placed her palm on his face, gripping it so tightly that it smoked. The man knelt at his feet slowly until he passed out on the ground. "I also do not allow anyone to obstruct my will," the woman said, her deep tone echoing in the narrow hallway. She stepped out, passing through the man's body, and moved unafraid towards the doorway's path. As the sounds of her footsteps roared against the lofty walls, a group of sentinels heard her entrance. "Who are you?!" a sentinel exclaimed. He drew his sword closer to prevent her from entering the king's throne room. But he was stunned halfway through when he turned into frost. The remaining sentinels shrieked, but they were still gathering their strength to launch an attack on the woman. The woman walked calmly towards the king's throne room, her desperate desire to see him and vengeful spirit prevailing at the time. When each of the sentinels was stunned halfway, her smirk flashed across her face. They, too, were transformed into frost, as was the first sentinel. When she arrived at the king's throne room, she pushed the door open with both hands. "Esmond," she said as she approached a man seated on his throne, a pregnant woman by his side. His eyes met hers, growing wide with alarm. "Agate..." Esmond rose from his throne. As she came to a halt in the middle of the room, her gaze was drawn to the crown atop his head. Fear etched a pregnant woman's face as she hid on the king's back. Over Agate's shoulder, King Esmond was stunned with horror as he saw his sentinels turn into frosts. "How evil, what have you done to my men?" his voice was enraged. "Esmond," the pregnant woman reached for his arm, fear flashing through her eyes as Esmond attempted to move towards Agate. "No," she said again, shaking her head to persuade her husband to stop. "Stay still, Urie. You have no idea how cruel this woman can be!" Esmond drew his sword, startling Urie. Agate grinned sardonically, "That sweet Esmond, protecting your wife from a woman you first offered your love to," she said, her grin never leaving her face. Urie's eyes widened in surprise. She had no idea what Agate was after. Esmond never tells her about his relationships with other women. "Did he promise you that he would love you forever? To begin a happy family like never in his entire life, he has no sins to deal with?" she asked Urie, traces of anger and envy visible in her eyes. She desired to know after Esmond left him three years ago. Esmond Itinabel appeared in their village as a young and joyful visitor. He was popular with every woman, but only Agate caught his attention. Their building friendship turned into lovers when Esmond confessed his affection to the lady. Soon, their deep love for each other in ages turned into the most unforgettable one when Agate was pregnant with Esmond's child. Everything was well in the beginning, but everything had to end when Esmond found out about Agate's origin. There was a cult on the village's outskirts practicing witchery and any other kinds of sorcery. Most people in the town believed how powerful their cult was for some reason. Agate Susain's family was one of them. Esmond's father, the former king, learned about his relationship with a witch. Anger led him to set the place on fire where the cult lives, including the entire village. Half of the villagers were found dead. Agate's mother wasn't an exception. Being drowned in sorrow and pain caused Agate's unborn child to die inside her womb. Darkness filled her entire being as Esmond suddenly disappeared the moment she needed him most. The kingdom's knights continued searching for the remaining members of the cult in the burned village, prompting Agarte to hide in the forest outskirts. After a year, she heard about Esmond marrying someone else. She lived with fear, anger, and vengeance for ages while learning the sorcery her mother taught her. When she is ready, she promises to bring justice to herself and everyone's losses in the village. Esmond swung his sword in the air to frighten Agate and to suppress the move she would make next. "Go back to your place and let us live peacefully, and I promise you will never hear about us," King Esmond's voice trembled in fear when Agate didn't even flinch at his remarks. "Please," he begged. A grin flickered on her face once again. She would not leave the place without triumph. Esmond had no idea how many years she waited for this moment to come. "Enough with the promises," she snapped. A long twig suddenly appeared upon her hand, following roaring thunder and a storm. The mighty wind blew, causing the sculpture made of rock to be destroyed and the portieres to shred. Agate laughed sardonically as she watched Esmond and his wife, Queen Urie, struggling when an uncontrollable wind struck inside. "Agate!" Esmod yelled. "The child you are bearing will eventually become a beast!" Agate declared. Urie was shaking her head, finding herself embracing her husband, who wasn't doing anything but was protecting his wife in his arms. "He will live his whole life paying for the sins of his father. He will live forever to suffer!" she continued. "He will live his entire life living in the shadow, and one day, your beloved kingdom will end! The sun will never rise, Esmond! The sun will never rise!" Urie could no longer hold her tears. Her cries shattered Esmond's heart. He is a king; he is supposed to protect his people. But what can the king do with his sword against the sorceress? He's futile and weak… "Mark my words, Esmond. My wrath will be your downfall!" she said in finality. Agate concealed herself in the cloak, and when the sun began to fade slowly, she walked out to disappear in triumph. The Kingdom of Athel, the sun, and the cursed child became a folktale as time went by and became a lie for most people and believed to have never occurred among the residents of Cana.