PROLOGUE

THE UNKNOWN

The tales told of this day say Carabosse cursed the kingdom. The tales told of this day say Carabosse disappeared, never to be seen again. But the tales don’t tell us everything.

As the blood dripped from her hand, Carabosse finished the blessing within her curse.

“This I promise all of you

When twisted tales are finally told true—

The ogres’ rule will end—

And those left standing will be my friends.”

The court exploded in chaos and confusion. The fairies disappeared first, and the dragons followed. But the rest were not so fast or so lucky. They fell into slumber as the curse worked its magic.

The tales told of this day don’t say that Queen Olga rose from her chair, a hideous beast, that she leapt for Carabosse, hungry for her niece. That Queen Olga had a response to the curse, a reply also steeped in verse.

“A thousand nights and a thousand days I have waited—

So this moment shall not be abated—

I have waited far too long,

I shall not be stymied by your song

A royal babe, a fairy halfling, this was a feast for the taking

With her blood there’s no mistaking—

My power invincible, my reach unstoppable

And all will know and bow and worship

Olga of Orgdale. Forever and ever

And Never After.

Carabosse, you shall be forgotten,

Reviled and loathsome,

And all shall call you EVIL.”

The ogre queen bared her fangs and her claws, and leapt to snatch the babe from Carabosse’s arms. But the fairy was faster.

“You are right, Olga of Orgdale.

None shall know what truly happened today.

My name, my reputation, you are welcome to slay.

But you shall not have my sister’s babe.

By my love, you shall never find her.

My magic will hide her.

Unless there is a force stronger than you.

Until then I bid you adieu.”

And with those words, the fairy Carabosse was never seen again.