Trouble wasn't a word often associated with Prince Chasen. Sure he could be a bit clumsy, unlucky, or a general disaster at times, but he was not one to purposely make trouble.

Still on that day it was a rare occasion that he found himself under his father's scrutinizing gaze. The king's blue irises paled, the color of snow capped cornflowers. He was unamused by his son.

"You had one task." The king pinched the bridge of his nose. "Just one. Adela begged to go into town and you were to accompany her with Sir Edric. Chasen Jasper Castellius, would you care to explain to me in your own words why this simple task didn't work out?"

It was rare to see his father like this. King Castellius was often a calm and resolute man who always held his head high. Now he was flushed and exhausted by his children.

Chase felt his tongue grow heavy and dry as he searched for words. "I- uh... We lost Sir Edric and I left Vi at a shop."

"Please, explain how exactly you lost Sir Edric. I still don't understand." King Castellius hissed, new wrinkles appearing on his forehead.

"I... I just wanted to see- It was my fault, father." Chase sighed. "I saw a group of children picking on a small boy and I... May have let them... unwilling fly away from the scene."

Viola stood by his side, glancing down at her feet as they stood in the throne room, under their parents' glares. Her slippers tapped together as she avoided meeting a single soul's gaze.

"Let them tumble... As in some sort of magical wind sent them flying?" King Castellius wondered, poison lacing his throat.

Chase nodded, not speaking, but instead gulping.

"You used your powers?" He gripped the arm rest of his throne, his knuckles turning white. "Chasen, you know what happens when you use your powers. No matter your intentions it leads to disaster."

He was right. Chase's powers were a curse. Whenever he was worried or angry, his magic would burst out causing a problem to get solved. It came at a price. That price was good luck. After every bout of magic he suddenly lost all good luck, becoming a magnet for the unfortunate. Which is why he ended up losing his guard and being stuck with Viola in the boring dress shop... Until Ella came along.

Ella... She had to be good luck. Something about her stopped his rampant misfortune for a little while. Or at least he'd had a pleasant afternoon with her.

"I know... Bad things. Which is how Sir Edric got lost despite his careful eye on us. It was my fault." Chase admitted.

Queen Cordelia looked down at her son in disappointment. Disappointment that could be mistaken for being directed at him. Despite her regret for how the day's events had gone, she only held it for his situation. The unfortunate reality of his curse.

"Chase, we wish for you to inherit soon, a lady by your side. How can you run a kingdom when the slightest accidental spell causes anything related to you to fall on hard times? If this happens crops will fail, thieves will escape, people may die. You need to learn to control this... unfortunate gift." The queen stated.

Chase ran his hands through his dark brown locks. The only thing he'd inherited in looks from his father was his blue eyes, the color of forget-me-nots. His mother had given him his pale skin, dark, wavy hair, and round face. He appeared younger than he was, probably due to his inability to grow facial hair, but his mother radiated a youthful glow despite her own age.

Viola had gotten her father's auburn hair and ancient ancestors violet eyes, which was the reason her middle name was Viola. She was a small young woman who made up for the space she didn't take up with her large personality.

"That's easy for you to say, Mother." She snapped. "You don't have to deal with these stupid curses. You don't have to live it."

Queen Cordelia shut her mouth tight, eyeing her daughter with exhaustion. Silence filled the minutes, until Cordelia broke the seal that shut her mouth and said, "You're right. I don't know. We don't know."

"But, Chase, we trust you to be responsible. Your curse... How are we suppose to ever believe that you can safely lead our kingdom?"

Chase clenched his teeth. "Father, this is what you raised me for. I can do it."

"It's not our fault Dad upset Lamorne." Viola muttered under her breath. Her father pretended not to hear.

"If- If I get the chance I'll break the spell I'll take it." Chase swore.

"Chase-" Cordelia's eyes narrowed. Her son interrupted.

"That's what princes do. According to the stories anyway. We break curses, save maidens, and protect our kingdom." His voice was growing shaky, the disapproval his parents felt weighing more and more on him.

Viola grabbed his arm and whispered, "Not without me you're not. We're taking down Lamorne together, you hear?"

"I never said-"

"It's the only way, Chase. Trust me."

"I-I do."

The stopped speaking in a hushed huddle only to turn to their parents once more. Viola's brain raced with plans. All her parents ever did was confine them. She was done listening to people without solutions.

"Chase, you are to stay here and learn to control your powers. We'll dispose as many knights as necessary to find a cure for the both of you, but until then you are on house arrest. I want a guard on you at all times. You will not be leaving this castle, do you understand?" King Castellius sternly commanded.

Chase's mind was made up. "Yes, sir."

He was accompanied back to his bedroom by a guard. Sir Ellon was as stoic as ever, boring Chase to drag with his quietness and blank expression.

Tomorrow night, the first night of the ball, he'd make his escape.