The next morning, as I was preparing for the day, a messenger came to the door to call me to a meeting with the King. I immediately put back the jeans and t-shirt I was going to wear and selected a dress instead. Charlotte helped me dress in a hurry, and then I rushed to follow the messenger. I wa
“I guess that’s that,” Julian said, and snaked his arm away from me. Nicholas looked at the dark opening in the wall, a stern expression on his face. I felt powerless. There was nothing I could say to replace a father’s love. With the King’s absence, Nicholas spoke more truthfully. “This escap
In full view of the watchful cameras, Julian and I stood side by side in the kitchen, a plate of cookies on the counter before us. We’d already rolled out the dough, cut the shapes, and baked them in the oven. These were the finished results. It had been difficult to relax in front of the camera c
After bringing the cookies to Elva and spending some time with her, I set out again, this time in search of Nicholas. My intentions were dual purpose. I wanted to speak with him as Julian suggested, as well as check on his wounds. He was a fast healer, but his bruises were many. I’d rest easier wh
Fear drove all feeling from my body. Then, at once, in a wave, in all came rushing back, and I was moving. Mark had turned to lead us, but he was too slow. I already knew the way, so I started to run. My little girl was sick. I had to get back to her side as soon as I could. It didn’t make any
The doctor frowned deeper. “And I’m told the symptoms came quickly. I can’t make sense of it. There seems to have been no cause for this reaction. But that’s not possible.” For even the doctor to be confused, sent tendrils of worry shooting out in all directions inside of me. The doctor was suppos
“What do you mean, ‘dark magic?’” Nicholas demanded. I was glad he still had his voice, because mine was totally gone. I had a suspicion that I knew exactly what Veronica meant, but I wanted to hear her say the words. “I mean a curse,” Veronica said. I inhaled a shuttering breath. “It’s possib
Hours passed. Many items were brought to Veronica. Everything from necklaces to teacups to feathers and books. With only a passing glance from her, each item was quickly dismissed. The latest item, a stone found in an odd place in the hallway, was handed to Veronica. “There’s no magic in this,