The Old Mirror

By Natasha Mostafa

Lucy Dwin’s coronation awaits her, and she is brimming with excitement and confidence. Suddenly, she feels tension and uncertainty build within her, and she does not feel as ready for her big day as she presumed, until her special someone, her best friend, Justin Lotto, her parents’ enemy’s son, is there for support and reassurance. One afternoon, he and Lucy go for a stroll in this ‘mysterious’ forest that is near his castle. Once she finds something that seems so ordinary and “fairly basic”, she doesn't mind taking it with her and deciding that she will keep it in her bedroom. Little does she know there’s magic within it that originates from an exotic enchanted realm that she and Justin are bound to explore.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669847779

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

I am a member of the royal family. My name is Lucy - Princess Lucy Dwin. I am an 18-year-old girl, a blue-eyed brunette, standing not so tall at five feet and five inches. In two days’ time, it will be my coronation day. Sounds like a dream come true, right? I did feel that way ever since I was a little girl, and soon enough I would be crowned Queen- Queen Lucy Dwin of Malina! Right now I am in the castle’s kitchen, taste-testing the pastries and desserts.

Oh yes, I would love to have these on the day of my coronation, do prepare them for me please! I urged the bakers and they nodded, smiling widely as their eyes widened in delight. It was an expression of pure satisfaction and contentment that my remark had brought them. They’re all wonderful people whose loyalty towards my family for so many years has been significant. Their work has never gone unnoticed and has always been well rewarded.

Keep it up everyone! I encouraged the cooks and bakers as they were working efficiently so far.

Hmm... I wonder what mother is up to, the curious cat in me pondered. I got a little restless and started walking up the long flights of stone stairs that led to my parents’ bedroom. As tiring as I might have been, today wasn’t that day to feel any exhaustion as I was still thrilled. I didn’t let anything push that away, that was a certainty.

After I had climbed up all those stairs, I paused and sighed deeply. I will admit, my legs were aching. After a minute, I finally rose from slouching over just a bit so I could take a deep breath.

Okay, I’ll get to their room now like I had intended.

I noticed the door was shut, so I tried turning the doorknob, but it was locked. I knocked on the door but there was no answer from the other side. I hollered, Hello?! Mother….. father?! It was silent for a second time.

Where could they? I thought to myself. I considered that they were in the ballroom, perhaps. For the preparations, our head servant, Mr. Natwick was in charge of them 24/7. My parents and I admire him so much for his service. If you are ever in need of help, you can always count on Natwick.

At The Ballroom

I spotted Natwick chatting with my mother.

She can’t see him anymore. I can’t have my daughter catching feelings for our enemy’s son! He would be a terrible influence on her... My mother heaved a sigh of despair.

What if she does change? she whispered as her voice stumbled over pitch, I saw tears starting to form in her eyes. She and Natwick were still oblivious to my attention to their discussion.

The boy she’s talking about is Justin- Justin Lotto. A few months ago, was when we got met in secrecy. The secrecy lasted until a few days ago when my parents found out, and so did he. I had completely forgotten about it all, because I could not imagine that he would be coming to my coronation celebration along with his family. Perhaps they are going to, and it explains my mother’s reactions.

How can I convince my parents that Justin is just a great companion of mine, and not a bad person at all?

Mother, I will never change, you know that far too well. Besides, what has caused you and father to fight with Justin’s family all the time? Can you all never try to get along?! I shrieked out of frustration, to which Natwick and my mother turned around to me in surprise. My mother turned her gaze to Natwick. Natwick nodded, insinuating that it was time for me to know about it all.

After explaining

You’re saying that you and father, and Justin’s parents used to be the closest of friends? You told me how much you both hated them for their gambling and their irrational contempt towards both of you…. I said in disbelief. I had no idea... Now I feel so bad for yelling at them without knowing anything.

I’m so sorry for yelling at you! My mother gave me a big and warm hug.

Don’t be. I should be the one apologizing. she said, while she wiped the tears off her face. She released me from the embrace.

Your father is very protective of you, and he doesn’t want to see you hurt. I don’t know what to think now, the Lotto family might just show up, my mother sighed. I told her that I’ll try to convince father that Justin is a good person. He is my best friend, and he would never hurt me.

If you say so, Lucy. It will be your big day soon. My mother answered, still looking guilty and upset at what she had said earlier.

It’s alright, mother. I know you’re also trying to keep me safe, and believe me, I know that! I reassured her. Mother looked at me and a smile spread to the corners of her lips.

I’ll be going to father now. Bye mother, bye Natwick! I said my goodbye to the two of them as I started walking aimlessly looking for my father…I had no idea where he was.

Your father is outside! My mother yelped, so I could hear from a distance. That really helped me in seeking him. Thanks so much, mother.

I made my way to our vast backyard, through the fancy glass-centered doors with the wood surrounding them on all its straight edges. I start by going to our beautiful garden as it is still in thriving condition. My mother planted her favorite flowers, roses, daisies, buttercups, and orchids. No sign of father yet.

Lucy! I hear my father