IOU
“What are you doing?” Bella asked the evil queen, heart thumping. “My father forbid you from ever setting food on our land again. The second guards see you, they’ll take you right to a jail cell.”
Even as she said the words, Bella knew that she couldn’t call security. If she did, Queen Fire would certainly tell Bella’s parents about their encounter in the Dark Forest. The king and queen would be beyond furious if they ever learned of Bella’s trip onto the forbidden land.
Queen Fire laughed. It was an eerie cackle that sent shivers down Bella’s spine. Bella glanced around, worried that someone might have heard, but the tent was empty. Everyone was dancing onstage or talking on the sidelines. Bella was grateful that none of them were near Queen Fire. She hated that her aunt had just spoken to Ivy.
“No one can see or hear us,” Queen Fire said. “See the black ring?” She nodded toward the ground. There was a circle of black powder around them.
“What is it?” Bella asked.
“Just a little privacy wall spell,” the queen said. “I would have hated for security to come. I know my dear twin sister doesn’t want to see me. Pity that I must cast a spell to be allowed to speak to my niece.”
Queen Fire had Bella cornered and she knew it. Bella clenched her hands into fists, willing herself to stay calm. “You did this to yourself,” Bella said. “It’s not my parents’ fault that you aren’t part of our family.”
“Oh, Bella,” Queen Fire said. “You have so much to learn about the truth behind my exile from Crystal Castle. But that is a story for another day. I have another matter that brought me here to speak with you.”
Bella’s mouth went dry. Her thoughts raced back to that day in the Dark Forest. She knew why Queen Fire was here. The only thing Bella wanted was to make Queen Fire happy so she would leave without anyone ever knowing she had been there.
“I want you to leave,” Bella commanded. “This party is important to all of my friends. What do you want?”
The queen smiled at the princess, her lips coated in red lipstick. “I’m here to collect, Bella. You did promise me a favor, after all.”
Bella tried to slow her speeding heart rate. “What is it?” She couldn’t think of anything the queen didn’t already have or couldn’t get on her own.
Queen Fire laughed. She took a step closer to Bella. “No, not money or jewels.”
Bella’s eyes widened.
Queen Fire pointed an index finger at her. The long nail, painted bloodred, matched her lipstick. “Silly girl. I want you.”