Calligraphy Swirls-05

Cindy woke up with a start, and beads of sweat rolled down her forehead. Her skin was damp, and she threw back the blankets to get up. The soft light of the moonlight entered her window as she inhaled sharply to chase away the last shreds of her memories. Dreaming about the time she was abandoned to her luck in the Black Forest was still terrifying. Her stepmother was a vicious creature who feasted on other people’s pain and fear.

Those days of servitude and dismay were gone. Her closest family was also gone. She never met her mother. Her father said she died shortly after giving birth to her. Then he remarried, and Cindy’s life became a nightmare. Sometimes, she wondered if he had ever loved her mother.

Once that woman and her daughters entered their house, her father changed. He became oblivious to Cindy’s presence and showered his new wife with presents and attention. He ignored all of Cindy’s complaints about them stealing her mom’s belongings and burning her clothes in a fire. They occupied Cindy’s bedroom and moved her to sleep in the attic. It wasn’t long until they made her a maid.

Her father stayed away longer on business while the stepmother spent their money on expensive clothes and fancy parties to win over the noble families of their kingdom. People, who once treated her well, now didn’t even look at her twice. They also laughed when her stepmother pointed at her with an evil smirk.

Cindy didn’t know what evil jocose allusions she would say, but the other nobles seemed to forget Cindy was the rightful lady of that house.

Then it came to the point that she stopped caring and simply longed to run away from them. She begged her father to travel with him and learn the business, but his trade wasn’t something a woman could do.

Soon after Cindy turned eighteen, news arrived of her father’s demise. Despite the pain, she thought her nightmare would be over as soon as the will was read. She could finally be free and remove the outsiders of her property, but Fate wouldn’t be so kind.

The family had to go to the mainland to recover her father’s body before the will was read. Her father had died at the Treasure Citadel, and they had to go and identify his remains and bring them for a proper burial.

Cindy had never left the Sheltered Bones Kingdom. She had traveled around the island when she was younger, but the Fayland Continent was only known through images on the books she read. The young lady had no idea that the trip her stepmother promptly arranged was the last move to get rid of Cindy and take over all her fortune.

Left behind at the Black Forest to be eaten by the beasts, Cindy felt like an idiot. She felt powerless and enraged by the fact that evil people always get away with it.

Her stepsisters never loved her; her stepmother only cared about money and status. Cindy’s life was going to end before it started. If she managed to survive the beasts, she would probably starve to death.

She endured two days before falling asleep, exhausted, and crying for her mother. If she were alive, Cindy’s life would have been better. Her father wouldn’t have remarried and wouldn’t die so young from overworking.

Alone and scared, she wished she had never been born.

Chapter TWO

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Three years ago

Streams of sunlight kissed her closed eyes as she moved her tired body and felt the hunger gnawing at her stomach. She didn’t want to wake up. It felt warmer inside her dream. Wandering around the forest while starving was her only destination. She wondered where the beasts that were supposed to eat her were hidden. So far, she didn’t encounter one, but the howling at night was terrifying.

During the day, she had tried to follow the road to get back to the Citadel, but she soon understood it was more dangerous than the forest due to all the thieves and ruthless killers.

“Are you that tired that you don’t want to eat?”

The sound of an older woman’s voice reached her ears, and she opened her eyes to look for its owner.

A faint scent of boiled water with roots reached her nostrils. Sitting up, Cindy faced the woman with gray hair, peeking out of the brown hood, which covered her frail body. Despite the wrinkles, her eye color was of a deep and vibrant blue, and her smile was kind. In front of her, the woman stirred a small pot over the fire.

Cindy hugged her belly and swallowed dry.

“Come closer, little one. It’s almost done,” the older woman instructed.

“W-who are you?”

“Just a traveler.”

“We’re far from the road.”

“The road isn’t safe.” Squinting, she asked, “Are you more curious than hungry?” Without waiting for Cindy’s reply, she grabbed a bowl and into it poured a generous ladle of soup. “It isn’t much, but it will fill your belly and restore your strength.”

Cindy moved closer to the woman and received the bowl with eager eyes.

The woman continued to babble. “I’m too old to hunt, but if you know where to look, you can find edible roots, mushrooms, and herbs to make a soup.” Offering Cindy a smaller wooden spoon, she smiled. “Eat, but be careful because it’s hot.”

Cindy nodded.

The woman poured the soup into another bowl, and for a moment, they ate in silence.

Cindy ate two bowls and was going to repeat, but a dark thought crossed her mind.

“What’s wrong, little one?” the woman asked, as if she had noticed her reluctance.

“I’m just delaying my death for a few more days. I’m lost, and I don’t know anyone here. I was abandoned with only the clothes on my body. I don’t know how to set up a trap to hunt, and I know nothing about herbs and how to find edible roots.”

Sipping her soup, the woman presented her with a faint smile before questioning, “Do you want to learn?”

Cindy swallowed hard and looked around. The forest had a few clearings and grass that were suited to rest more comfortably while looking at the stars in the sky. She had found that place when trying to run from the howling sounds. Exhaustion took the best of her, and she gave up. She had no idea if she was going to wake up, but she was tired, hungry, and feeling miserable. Now, the sun was shining, the birds chirping, and this woman showed up and fed her.

Where did the woman come from? How could she trust her? The forest was known for its magical creatures and ruthless beasts. Was she even human?

“Are you suspicious of me? Even so, you’ve eaten my food,” the woman reminded her.

“If it was poisoned, I had nothing to lose,” Cindy replied.

“I’m just a harmless woman who lives alone in the woods. You have no reason to be scared. I can teach you how to survive in this place and give you a modest but safe roof over your head.”

“And what do I need to do for that?”

“Learn from me, keep me company, and help with the house chores. Do you think you can do that?”

“I can.”

The woman got up with a wide grin. “It’s settled then. You’re coming home with me, little one.”

“I’m Cindy. My name is Cindy.”

She nodded. “You can call me Godmother.”

“Godmother?”

She nodded once again. “Let’s pack. We have a long way ahead of us.”

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Cindy lived with Godmother for months, and she became the closest she had to a family. With the woman’s help, Cindy learned all about Botany, how to identify the wildlife living in the Black Forest, and how to mix potions and elixirs that the old woman would sell in the Citadel.

She also learned all the different paths to reach the nearby villages without encountering the assailants who kept terrorizing the caravans and travelers.

Her Godmother’s elixirs and potions were highly sought at the market. They always made enough money to buy provisions and better clothes. But Godmother didn’t care about wearing fancy clothes and taught Cindy the danger of attracting the attention of men. Cindy’s beauty had to be concealed, and the path to their home shouldn’t be found by anyone.

Cindy lived a modest but happy life with the old woman. She no longer thought about her home and the fortune that was stolen from her. She didn’t miss her stepmother’s punishments and her stepsisters’ mockery and abuse.

She barely thought about her father and how his death brought more despair to Cindy’s life. On the contrary, being abandoned might have been the best thing that happened to her. Cindy studied hard to learn everything from her godmother and help others cure their diseases. Her life in the forest would be simple and far away from the violence that other beings inflicted on the weaker ones. Her plants and animals would be enough to make her happy.

Or so she thought.

Chapter THREE

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Cindy’s godmother enjoyed telling stories about the Fae people. Cindy’s favorite story was about how the Fairy Queen fell in love with a kind human and lived with him for a while before they had to part ways. Cindy couldn’t understand why they had to be apart.

“Why couldn’t he go with her to her kingdom? Why couldn’t she stay with him?” Cindy asked.

“Humans live short lifespans. She could bring him to her kingdom, and he would be content for a while until he missed his kind and his way of life. If she stayed with him, people would start to wonder why she didn’t get old and where she came from. Besides, a queen has a duty to her people. Who would rule the kingdom while she was gone?” the Godmother asked.

“Then, if they weren’t willing to compromise, they weren’t truly in love.”

“Maybe not,” the Godmother said. “Maybe there’s no such thing as forever love. Not for immortals. All changes, and that includes the heart.”

“That’s not what happens in the stories I grew up reading. It gave me hope that I would find someone who loved me with all his heart.”

“Did your father love your mother?”

“He said he did.”

“Still, he moved on and fell in love with another. Because of that, you had a hard childhood. He didn’t love you more than his new family and let you be bullied and turned into their maids. Even after he promised...” The godmother silenced herself and looked away. “Let’s get to bed. It’s late, and we need to leave for the Citadel early in the morning.”

“Mom died when I was really young. I don’t remember her, but there was a portrait of her. She was beautiful and kind, according to Dad. But he felt lonely and remarried. My mom’s portrait was removed and hidden in the attic. He stopped talking about her, but he seemed happy with his new family. He worked hard to provide for them.”

“And he forgot you and all the promises he made to your mother.”

“I’m sure not all men are like that,” Cindy mumbled as she fisted her hands.

“You need to learn how to protect your heart so you won’t get hurt and disappointed.”

Cindy looked at her Godmother. “Is that why you live all alone in the forest and away from humans?”

“It’s safer for us.” Folding her hands over her lap, she asked, “Are you not happy here?”

“I am. You saved me and are teaching me all I need to survive on my own. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

“Still, you wish your life was richer.”

“I have the animals to talk to. I have you to tell me stories, and we often go to the market to sell our products. I don’t starve, and I’m not beaten. I’m not cold when it rains, and you let me buy books to read on my spare time. You taught me how to read the fairy language and how to recite the enchantments that allow the plants to grow faster and healthier. You kiss my forehead when I’m tucked in bed, like a mother does to her child. I feel grateful and loved.”

“There will be a time when your heart falls for a man. If it weren’t for the rags that I force you to wear and the dark paint on your face, many men would vie for your attention.”

“I’m aware of the dangers of being a woman.”

“I’m old. There’s not much I can do to protect you if someone tries to harm you. You need to keep your beauty hidden from lustful eyes. Men covet what they can’t have, and most of the time, they want to take it by force. You’re still not strong enough to protect yourself.”

“I know, Godmother. As women, we need other men to protect us. We’ve been lucky by escaping the thieves, but there’s not much an older woman and a fragile one can do if we’re attacked or followed here.”

The godmother gave her a stern nod. “You won’t be alone with me for much longer. Once I teach you what you need, you’ll have others to keep you safe until you’re of age to become more.”

“What do you mean?”

The godmother got up and kissed her forehead. “It’s late. Get some rest.”

“Godmother,” Cindy called before she retired to her bed. “What happened to the man who fell in love with the fairy queen? Did he miss her for the rest of his life? Or did he find a human to spend the rest of his life with?”

“Like all men, he moved on. But not before promising he would take care of their child and give her a happy life until the time came for the queen to come for her princess.”

“They had a baby!”

“Yes, a beautiful and kind daughter.”

“Why did the fairy have to abandon her with the father? A child needs her mother.”

“Yes, but a human child needs to be with her kind to survive. Many enemies in the fairy realm would harm the child, so she wouldn’t survive before the transformation.”

“You seem to know so much about the fairies. Are you a fairy, Godmother?”

The old woman smiled. “Not me, my child. I’m too old and ugly to be one.”

“But you know so much about plants and magic.”

“In this world, there is another name for that.”

Cindy clamped her mouth.

The old woman waved in dismissal. “I know what the others call me at the market. No need to be ashamed.”

“Witches are bad. You are not.”

“Not all witches are bad, like not all the fairies are good. Not all humans are bad either.”

“So far, the only good human I found was you, Godmother.”

Patting her head, the Godmother went to bed and put an end to their conversation.

Chapter FOUR

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Beware of men and their empty promises.

Godmother had alerted her. Still, Cindy fell for a young man’s charm when his attention on her seemed genuine. Despite dressing poorly and having an unclean appearance, one of the other merchants began paying attention to Cindy and sweet-talk her.

At first, Cindy ignored him, but he was handsome and unfazed by her cold shoulder. He helped her unpack her wares and transport the barrow until the Citadel’s exit. He was kind to her godmother and often bought them sweet delicacies for them to eat. Despite Godmother’s cold demeanor, she loved sweets and was often bribed with them.

Alair seemed like a kind young man—a lot friendlier than his other three brothers who sold meat at the market. Alair and his brothers were orphans and learned to take care of themselves at a young age. Having something in common made Cindy believe he was someone with a kind heart, trying to live his life in a cruel world. Therefore, she let him in and began to see his gestures as a romantic interest.

Would it be so bad to marry a simple man and spend her life with him? They could move to the forest and have a family. He could protect her and...

Romantic thoughts like those often assaulted her mind as she tried to sleep after a busy day of gardening and brewing potions.

Alair wasn’t unpleasant to look at. He had deep brown eyes, a plump mouth, broad shoulders, and dirty blond hair. He was only two inches taller than Cindy, and his reading skills were poor, but he was strong and knew how to handle a bow and a knife. He and his brothers often hunted in the forest where they were allowed. They had a small house where they raised chickens in the backyard.

When one of his brothers was sick, so they traded eggs for medicine, and that was how Cindy met him for the first time. After that, Alair often came to their stall to talk, and he didn’t seem to be afraid of her since she was described by others as an ugly witch who wore ragged clothes.

Godmother had warned her, but young hearts are fools.

That day, Alair helped Cindy with her barrow and exited the gate. Each time, he insisted on helping them until they reached home. Each time, Godmother refused.

Godmother walked several meters in front of them and gave Cindy the privacy she needed to talk with the young lad.

“I’m sad,” Alair said.

“Why?”

“Your godmother doesn’t want me in your home, and you will only come back in two weeks. That’s too long without seeing you,” he claimed.

Nibbling on her bottom lip, Cindy felt her heart swell.

Alair stopped. “Do you even miss me when you’re away?”

Cindy turned to look at his gloomy face. “I treasure the time we spend together.”

“We could spend more time if I knew where you lived. I could go there and help you. I’m sure the old woman makes you work too hard.”

“Not at all. Godmother is always thoughtful, and we live a good life.”

“It must be nice where you live then. The city is dirty and crowded. Do you live with a lot of other people?”

“No, just the two of us. My parents died as I told you, and Godmother took me in. But she doesn’t like strangers.”

“We aren’t strangers. We are practically family. Or we’ll be once I’m able to make you my wife.”

“W-wife?”

“Are we not lovers? Or do you mistake my actions for friendship? My older brother said I should be more straightforward and tell you and the old witch how I feel.”

Cindy’s voice got stuck in her throat as she listened to Alair’s confession.

“Do you think your godmother won’t approve of me? I know you’re poor, and she needs you to care for her, but we could...”

Cindy grabbed his arm. “This is as far as you can go. Godmother will be upset if you follow us further.”

“Are you leaving unfazed after my confession? Should I assume you don’t feel the same for me?”

“I’m not unfazed. You’re a dear ... friend.”

“Only a friend?”

“We should meet to talk about this with more care.”

“When?” His eyes lit with hope.

Cindy looked around with pensive eyes before replying, “Tomorrow. I’ll come to the city on my own.”

“Do you live close?”

His question caught her off guard. “Not close, but I’ll be able to get away for a few hours so we can talk.”

“Great. You know where I live. I’ll wait for you there.”

Cindy nodded.

“It’s getting late,” Godmother warned, without turning around.

Grabbing the barrow, Cindy excused herself and rushed to accompany the old lady who, despite her age, had a fast pace.

After a few meters, Godmother whispered, “Make sure we aren’t being followed before we take the shortcut to get home.”

A few more carriages and people on horses surpassed them before they left the main road and strolled into the forest. Godmother was always careful and afraid that someone would follow them to rob and harm them. Her bag of money was a coveted prize among thieves.

Chapter FIVE

Calligraphy Swirls-05

The next day, Cindy worked with her head in the clouds. At least, a bit more than usual. She couldn’t believe Alair had confessed his feelings for her. Their secret meeting gave her butterflies in her stomach.

Of all the girls at the market, he gave her special attention. She had felt the jealousy and heard mumbled conversations about how he could be interested in an ugly and dirty girl like her. Even his brothers seemed to find her ugly and paid her little to no attention when she was around to talk to Alair.

He had always been nice to her. Would he be willing to come and live with her if they were to get married?

Would Godmother approve? First, she had to meet Alair and make sure his intentions were honest and genuine.

If she were back home and her father was alive, she would be old enough to get married and sent away, not that she had the time to dream about marriage while she lived with her stepmother. The gentlemen came to her house for her stepsisters. All the parties were to find a good husband for them, not Cindy.

When Father was a widow, he had good relationships with the royal family of the Shattered Bones Kingdom. Cindy often played in the palace, and she even met the crown prince a few times.

Prince Solveig was a wicked boy who liked to pull her hair and tell her how he owned all the lands. Since there were plenty of other kids to play with, she didn’t give him much attention.

Once Daddy remarried, Cindy stayed home and no longer attended the nobles’ parties. Instead, her stepsisters were dolled up and taken with Daddy and her stepmother. Cindy was left behind with chores to do and a few moments of peace and quiet.

In the afternoon, Cindy decided to sneak out to go to Alair’s house. After making sure all her chores were done, and Godmother was napping, she wandered off and entered the Citadel.

The cobbled roads were smelly compared to the forest, where no open sewers or dirty water streamed down the streets. Humans didn’t bathe often in the cities; she supposed this added to the stench. Still, after many years of coming to trade in the Citadel, Cindy got used to it.

She wasn’t used to wandering the streets alone, though. She only went twice to Alair’s house when his brother was ill. Finding his home in a sea of similar houses was going to be a challenge.

Along the way, Cindy questioned a few people who guided her in the right direction, or so she hoped, while others didn’t know who the brothers were.

When Cindy’s fist connected with the door of a small hut at the end of the road, her body trembled with anticipation and nerves.

No answer. Once again, she knocked on the old door with the red paint peeling off. Peeking at the sky, she saw the purple mingling with the dark blue. The winter days were shorter, and soon it would be too dark to go back to the forest.

“This was a bad idea,” Cindy muttered. “Godmother must be awake by now.”

Nibbling on her bottom lip, Cindy knocked harder.

“Who is it?”

“C-Cindy!”

A moment of silence came before the voice replied, “I’ll be right there.”

Alair opened the door with only pants and a dirty, old shirt hanging from his torso. His face looked sweaty. “Hi, precious!”

Cindy tried to smile, but the intense smell coming from inside the house made her stomach churn. Sweat, dirt, and another scent she couldn’t identify reached her nostrils.

He flashed her a smile. “You’re late. I wasn’t expecting you anymore.”

“Were you sleeping?” Cindy asked, glancing inside. There was barely any light, and she couldn’t figure out if there was anyone else inside the house. “Are your brothers still at work?”

“There’s only Ruth inside.”

“Ruth?”

“Jamal’s wife.”

“I don’t think I’ve met her,” Cindy said. “Should I come some other day?”

“Oh, no!” He straightened up and glanced back. “The house looks like a mess, but come inside.”

Alair moved to let Cindy enter. After looking back and hesitating for a bit, she did.

The smell inside the house was even worse. The living area had a few seats and a table, a rug dividing it from the kitchen where a fire was lit and a pot of water boiled.

“Ruth, I have a lady friend visiting us. Could you come here and make us tea?”

The door to another division opened, and a young female wearing a dirty dress came outside. She had curly brown hair and a slim figure. When she looked at Cindy, Cindy noticed her lip was cut and her eye was swollen. Someone had hit her recently. Cindy looked at Alair but didn’t dare ask the culprit’s identity.

Alair smiled at her and grabbed her hand. “What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable inside my home?”

“No. It’s just getting late, and I shouldn’t be here for too long.”

“I’m glad you came.” He showed her to one of the chairs. “Sit. Ruth will bring you something to drink.”

“I came because you had something to tell me. Can we go outside and talk?”

“Ruth knows what I have to tell you.”

Cindy looked in the girl’s direction and saw her pour the water into a brown mug. Then she reached for a few leaves in a jar and added them.

Cindy got up and smoothed down her dress. “It’s late. I have to get back home. I’ll come back some other day.”

Suddenly, something hit her face, and she saw black before losing her senses.

Chapter SIX

Calligraphy Swirls-05

A hand yanked at Cindy’s hair, waking her up from her slumber. Her lip and nose hurt, and her mouth felt parched. She attempted to swallow, but her head was thrown back, and she was unable to gulp.

“Ugh. She’s so ugly it hurts,” a male voice said. “I can’ t look at her!”

The hand released her hair, and her head dropped forward.

“You punched her too hard!” a female voice spoke.

“Throw a bucket of water at her. She might wake up,” another voice suggested.

A breeze circled the space when the door creaked open.

“Close the door. It’s cold,” someone protested.

“You’re late!” another male admonished.

“Soldiers were scattering these posters across the city. Isn’t she pretty?”

Footsteps and groans were heard. With her hair covering her face, Cindy focused her vision to count the number of people in the space. She identified three of Alair’s brothers and the woman that was with him when she arrived.

For a moment, her captors seemed interested in the poster and left her alone.

“Alair, read to me what it says,” the bigger one ordered.

Alair grabbed the poster and squinted. “The reward is enough to make us all very rich!”

“Sure. If you have seen the missing lass they are looking for. Did you?”

“If I did, I would keep her for a couple of days,” he replied with a deep chuckle.

“Enough,” a familiar voice ordered. “Forget that stupid reward. If they haven’t found her in a year, they won’t find her now. Just remember we have the witch’s apprentice with us. I’m sure the old woman keeps a fortune hidden in her home. We just need to force the wench to take us there.”

“Can I have some fun with her after we beat her up?” the guttural voice asked.

Cindy’s throat hurt, and she made an effort not to move her restrained body. The ropes around her wrists and her stomach strapped her to the chair. Her face might hurt and her brain might be foggy, but she understood Alair had tricked her. She was now trapped inside his smelly home, surrounded by his filthy and disgusting brothers.

“She’s too ugly for me, brother,” Alair spoke. “I could barely keep myself from emptying my guts when I had to smile at her.”

I’m not that ugly, Cindy thought to herself. What’s going on?

“I’ll just put a bag over her head. It’s not like I’ll use her face for anything.” Alair’s brother chuckled.

Cindy’s stomach twisted and turned. Tears swelled in her eyes. Godmother.

A chair slid on the floor, and Cindy felt a presence closer to her. The voice reached her ears. “We can have some fun with this wench once she tells us where the witch lives.”

A hand grabbed her chin and tilted her head up. “Come to your senses, wench. We don’t have time to lose.”

Cindy gritted her teeth and swallowed hard.

He shook her face again. She peered through her eyelashes, but the weak candlelight barely illuminated the space.

An awful stench reached her nostrils when her captor spoke again. “She’s waking up.”

Instinctively, Cindy tried to free her face from his grip.

His callous hand gripped her harder. “You’re really ugly, wench. They say witches get uglier with the use of magic, but it seems you were born horrible-looking. Is your father a troll and your mother a goat? Why do you have such a big nose and huge moles on your forehead and cheek?”

Again, Cindy had no idea what he was talking about. She always had perfect skin and a small and straight nose. Her stepsisters always envied the perfect curvature of her upper lip and the generous shape of her mouth.

Even if they saw her as ugly, it seemed that they were still planning to abuse her physically. But they were wrong if they believed she would tell them where to find her godmother. She had been the only kind person to take care of her and love her for a while. Even if she was stupid to fall for Alair’s deceiving words, she wasn’t an ungrateful person.

“You can kill me. I’m not telling you where my godmother lives,” her voice came out leveled but drier than usual.

“She’s awake,” the guy in front of her announced. Grabbing her by the back of her hair and snapping her neck back, he glared down at her. “Wench, you have no idea of what I’ll do to you if you don’t talk!”

“Are you going to kill me?”

He smiled. “I’ll enjoy beating you up and raping you for days before that happens.”

Another of Alair’s brothers joked from somewhere in the room. “She’s so ugly that we’d be doing her favor if we fucked her.”

The foul language and the menacing comments made Cindy sick to her stomach.

“Maybe Alair can make a deal with her since she fancies him!”

Someone walked to her, another rough and smelly guy. “We’ll let our brother fuck you first if you tell us where the old witch lives.”

“I’d rather fuck a goat,” Alair protested. “Just beat her up. She’ll talk eventually.”

One of the brothers punched Cindy in her stomach. She felt her insides almost burst with the assault. Blood splashed from her nose, and she was sure that it had rushed to her mouth.

“She’s too fragile to endure your punches. Just grab a stick, and we’ll beat her until her tongue loosens.”

At that point, Cindy had no idea who was talking. It was no use to keep her eyes open since the pain made her dizzy and weak. Maybe she would lose conscience and die with the beating. She could only hope.

She had been beaten before by her stepmother. Even her stepsisters enjoyed to pull her hair and slap her to humiliate her. Her worse beating was when a necklace went missing, and her stepmother accused her of stealing it. She had used a belt to punish her. It had taken a week for Cindy to recover and be able to move without her bruises burning with pain.

No one stopped her stepmother at that time. Now, no one knew where Cindy was, and no one would come to save her from the torture, either. She had been a fool to trust Alair and leave her godmother without telling her where she was going.

Someone slapped her, and Cindy’s cheek burned as tears threatened to fall. The spectacle seemed to please the ones watching because they laughed.

“Grab me a twig,” the guttural voice asked. “I’ll make her talk.”

The floor creaked with the movement of bodies. Cindy gritted her teeth and prepared herself for the beating.

Suddenly, the door burst open, followed by a loud noise.

Gasping with the sudden sound, Cindy’s eyes focused on the entrance where her godmother was with two huge wolves behind her back. The old woman’s hands were glowing with a magical power—something Cindy had never seen before.

“Cindy, close your eyes!” her godmother ordered her.

She obeyed, snapping her eyes shut and chilling to the bones with the sound of cries and terrified screams. The wolves groaned, and wood snapped. Maybe it was bones snapping and not wood. Cindy didn’t know, and she didn’t dare peek. Bile rose to her mouth, but the pain still burned in her lower stomach, head, and face. Her wrists hurt, and her arms seemed numb.

Her godmother came to save her.

Tears fell down her cheeks. She thought she was going to die a terrible death. Godmother brought huge wolves with her. Still, she couldn’t help crying like a baby while the people who kidnapped her were being undoubtedly shredded to pieces.

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“I don’t want to leave. I want to stay with you, Godmother.” Cindy bawled her eyes out. “I promise I’ll be careful. I’ll never let anyone else fool me.”

“It’s too late, Cindy. It’s no longer safe. We had to kill these men to protect you. You’ll have to leave my house and live with the Alpha for the next years.”

“Why? We don’t need to come to the Citadel anymore. Let’s just trade elsewhere.”

“No. I’ll have to leave this place too.”

“Then, will we never see each other again?”

The old witch smiled and cupped her cheek. “Of course not, silly child.”

Cindy scrunched her face with the pain.

“I’m sorry, I should have arrived sooner,” Godmother said.

“I’m sorry for leaving without telling you anything. How did you know I was here?”

Godmother reached for the leather necklace that she had given Cindy. “I was afraid something bad would happen to you, so I put a magical tracker on you. I also hid your beauty from others, but it seems it wasn’t enough to deter men like these.”

“I was a fool for falling for his charms. You warned me not to trust men.”

“Not all men are bad,” Godmother said, looking back at her wolves who had transformed into two tall men.

One was young and very handsome. The other was older, but he had caring eyes and had been the one who released her from the ropes while cleaning her tears and making sure she was all right.

Godmother added, “These men are good. You can trust Drake and Jake. They’ll keep you safe.”

“But I want to stay with you.”

“You need friends and people to talk,” the old woman said. Her hand glowed, and she cupped Cindy’s cheek. Then her fingers rubbed on the girl’s temple, and a wave of calm washed over Cindy. “I healed you. Once you reach Drake’s village, get rid of these old clothes, and your appearance will go back to normal. You won’t need to hide your beauty anymore.”

Cindy nodded, though the pain in her heart for leaving her godmother hadn’t been cured. “What will I do without you?”

“I’m not going to disappear from your life,” she assured. “I’m simply giving you a new family.” Godmother reached for the pocket inside her cape. “Take these with you. It’s a magical scroll, everything you write there, I’ll be able to read. Just write to me when you want to see me, and I’ll come to you.”

“What? Magical paper?”

The old woman nodded. “We need to go now. The guards might be coming this way, and I can’t have my friends being arrested for saving you. Explaining what happened is too complicated, and they’ll throw us all in prison.”

The strong smell of blood made Cindy dizzy as she looked around the small cottage with the dismembered limbs of her abductors scattered around. Among them were Alair’s remains. He hadn’t survived the werewolves attack. No one had.

She would’ve felt sorry for him if he weren’t a lying bastard who played with her emotions in order to rob her godmother and let her be abused by his brothers. He’d never cared for her. It was all an act. Alair didn’t deserve her tears or her sorrow.

Yet, a tear rolled down her cheek.

“I’m sorry if he broke your heart, but they had to be put down.”

Cindy looked straight in her godmother’s eyes. “I know. I’m just sorry I wasn’t strong enough to do it myself.”

The godmother smirked and rubbed her shoulder. “That’s my girl. Never be swayed by the empty love promises of a man.” Turning around, she ordered the werewolves, “Take her away and protect her with your own lives.”

“Yes, mistress,” the werewolves replied in unison.

Chapter SEVEN

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Several days passed by after that unfortunate event. Cindy had to adjust to her new life among the werewolf pack. She was glad to be saved and kept safe, but she missed her old life. She missed her garden, the animals, and the nights by the fireplace while listening to her godmother’s stories.

After days of not looking at the magical scroll her godmother had given her, Cindy rolled it down and wrote down her thoughts:

In the werewolf’s village, there’s a lot of people to talk to. I can wear nice clothes and flirt with the handsome werewolves, but my godmother isn’t here to kiss my forehead and tuck me into bed. I miss her more than anything else.

I’m sorry for disappointing you.

Was the paper really magical? Could her godmother read what she had written?

The answer came shortly after, when new lines appeared like magic on the paper:

Dear child,

I miss you too.

Tomorrow morning, meet me outside the protective shield. Tell the alpha to let you out, and we’ll spend the day gathering wild berries and talking about how you’re adjusting to your new family.

Awestruck with disbelief, Cindy wrote down an answer:

See you tomorrow, Godmother.

Years went by, and Cindy became part of the pack, but while she loved living there, she had no idea why the alpha didn’t let her be one of them. She wanted to be turned. Her godmother and the werewolf were against it.

Nevertheless, Cindy was free to roam around the forest and had the pack’s protection. She learned new enchantments, improved her herbal mixing techniques, and helped with the village chores. She made friends with the animals in the forest and often went to the Citadel with the pack for supplies and learned news of the surrounding kingdoms. She enjoyed flirting with the handsome werewolves and had a crush on two of them, but she kept her distance from relationships.

Then, she met Belle, who ended up marrying the handsome alpha of her pack, and she found the sister she never had. For her newfound sister, Cindy would go to hell and back and fight the scariest of monsters. She was thrilled by the baby Belle was carrying and wanted nothing else but to be there to help her give birth.

Chapter EIGHT

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Almost four months from now

“Hide better,” Cindy grumbled, pushing down his head behind the bushes.

“Your head is also sticking out,” the male voice reminded her.

“I’m wearing my enchanted cloak. They can’t see me. But they can see you.”

“This was a terrible idea. The Alpha will ground us for life if he finds out we are so close to the main road to watch the fancy carriages with the royal families that are arriving to attend Princess Snow’s party.”

“He’ll only find out if you tell him. Plus, he’s busy with his pregnant and demanding wife.” Cindy muffled a chuckle against her hand. “Belle is having the strangest cravings for a week now. Drake can barely sleep. Have you seen the dark circles under his eyes?”

“Yes. He’s also a lot grumpier than usual. We’ve been training nonstop and have been forbidden from coming near the main road, or even take a stroll close to the Meadows Kingdom. We can’t afford to be blamed for an attack on a foreign royal family.”

Cindy sneered and rolled her eyes like a kid.

Grabbing the laces of her cloak, her werewolf friend pulled her down and chuckled when she growled at him. “I have no idea how I always end up in trouble because of you.”

“Because I’m pretty, and you can’t help having a crush on me,” she teased him with a wide grin.

He sneered and rolled his eyes. “No. I’m just as curious as you and can’t help but be influenced by your bad company.”

“I’m an awesome company. Your life is a lot more exciting since I’m here.”

“I should request to be swapped with someone else to look after your spoiled self. Your godmother has no idea of how much trouble you try to put yourself into all the time.”

“Godmother loves me, and she knows I’m curious.”

“Why do you want to see what carriages are coming to the party? It’s not like you can see who’s inside them.”

“I can look at the royal coat of arms and know who’s coming or not. I studied them when I was young, remember?”

“Yes, your highness. You’re full of grace and knowledge.”

“I taught you how to read and write. You should be more grateful.”

His face became serious. “I am.”

Cindy smirked and patted his head. “You know you’re my favorite, Sam.”

“No one else can put up with you,” he claimed.

“You’re as reckless as I am,” Cindy reminded him. “And you’re curious to see the pretty noble maidens too.”

“You were the one who said there would be pretty maidens to convince me into coming with you. But so far, I’ve only seen soldiers in horses and fancy carriages with no windows. No pretty princesses on the horizon.”

“Should we sneak into the palace’s gardens and see who’s climbing out of the carriages?”

Sam looked at her with murdering eyes. “Are you serious? Don’t you treasure your life? Do you know what the guards would do if they found us? I don’t have a magic cloak to conceal my presence. Even with a magical coat, I’m sure the Evil Queen has lots of traps to prevent other magical people from entering her palace.”

“I’m fully aware of that. Godmother told me to stay away from the Meadows. But we are in the Black Forest, watching the road.” She perked her head up and pointed out. “Look, another carriage. This one is black and … Oh!”

“What? What’s going on?” Sam raised his head to look.

Cindy’s hand pushed him down. “That’s a Shattered Bones’ carriage. Do you think the prince was invited to come here too?”

“It’s a party to find a husband for the princess. I’m sure they invited a lot of princes. Why? Do you know this one?”

“I’ve just seen him a few times. He was always rude and annoying.”

“Oh, Cindy knows a prince,” Sam joked. “Cindy has a crush on a prince.”

Cindy glared at him. “I couldn’t care less about Prince Solveig. He was infuriating when he was a kid, and once he grew up, he used to ignore my existence.”

“Did he often go to your home? How rich was your family? Are you nobility?”

“I told you already: my father was a noble from the Shattered Bones Kingdom.”

“Yes, but I had no idea that you mingled with royalty.”

“My stepmother liked to spend a lot of money trying to impress the other nobles in order to find her daughters a good marriage.”

“Look!” Sam warned. “The carriage is stopping.”

“Maybe they need to relieve themselves. We should move further inside,” Cindy proposed.

Sam grabbed her arm, and they watched for a while. “A few of the soldiers gave posters to the merchants on the road. Do you think they have put a bounty on someone’s head and are looking for them here?”

Cindy didn’t reply because her attention was on the young male that could be seen by the carriage’s window.

“He’s handsome,” Sam said. “For a guy. Does he have a sister?”

“Yes, he has two sisters. But they are still children.”

“They smell like werewolves.”

“My kingdom is ruled by a werewolf family. The majority of the nobles are werewolves.”

Sam patted her arm. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to grab a poster to see what they are looking for.”

Cindy nodded and sat back while she realized that she missed her home. It’s been almost three years since she was left for dead by her stepmother. She wondered if her father had been buried next to her mother’s remains, or if he had been cremated and forgotten over the fireplace. Were her stepsisters married? Had her stepmother remarried? How much money was left from her father’s possessions?

“Cindy,” Sam called as he walked to her with the poster in his hands. “This girl looks a lot like you.”

“What do you mean?”

“They are looking for Lady Lucinda Dalgaard’s whereabouts. There’s a generous reward for anyone who can tell them where to find her.”

Cindy frowned and grabbed the paper from his hand. “Why?”

“If I read correctly, it says she has been missing for a few years now, and the king of your kingdom wants to find her. Is this you?”

“Cindy is short for Lucinda,” she explained. “Yes, it’s me.”

“Your family is looking for you, Cindy,” Sam said with surprised eyes.

Cindy was not impressed. “That makes no sense. My stepmother wanted me dead. She abandoned me so she could put her hands on my fortune. I’m sure she told everybody I was killed by burglars or beasts.”

“Well, if she did, someone didn’t believe her since they are looking for you.”

Chapter NINE

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Cindy paced back and forth inside Belle’s bedroom as her friend ate to her heart’s content.

“You’re making me dizzy,” Belle complained.

“I need to go to that party. I just need you to lend me one of your dresses,” Cindy reiterated what she had said before.

“And how are you supposed to get inside the palace and pass all the security?”

“I’ll need a carriage and a few valets to pass as a noble guest.”

“And an invitation,” Belle added as she ate another strawberry.

“We can steal an invitation from one of the guests that keep arriving every day. There are still two days for the party. We have enough time to prepare a plan.”

Belle arched her eyebrows. “We?”

“You’re my partner in crime. Of course, I need your help,” Cindy claimed, crouching beside Belle’s chair.

“I thought that was Sam.”

Cindy smirked. “He is, and you’re too. I know you haven’t told Drake about my escapades and my roaming around the main road to see the carriages that are passing by.”

“I have no idea of what you’re talking about.” Belle stuffed her mouth with another strawberry and looked away from her friend.

“As the future godmother of your kid, I need to know what’s going on in my kingdom, and why the royal family is looking for me.”

“And explain to me again how that involves crashing a party and talking to a handsome prince?”

Cindy stopped to think for a bit and then replied, “Well, instead of going to the Citadel where I could be falling into a trap, I go directly to the source and ask the prince why they are looking for Lucinda.”

“And you think he won’t recognize you and simply tell you whatever you want to know. More, you really believe he’s just going to talk to you?”

“It’s a masked ball. I’ll be wearing a mask, and I can be charming and convince him to dance with me.”

“Can you even dance?”

Cindy huffed. “Of course, I can dance. I used to do it all the time.”

“When, after cleaning the house and washing clothes?”

Cindy frowned and folded her arms. “I do not appreciate your sarcasm.”

“I do not appreciate your plan to go inside the enemy’s territory only to talk to a prince that you had a crush on and end up caught by the Evil Queen’s guards.”

Cindy tapped her foot. “Does that mean you’re not letting me wear one of your dresses?”

Belle sighed and swallowed the rest of the food before she replied. “You can wear whatever dress you want from my wardrobe, but you better have a perfect plan if you want to attend that party. Furthermore, Drake must be aware of what you’re planning to do. And your Godmother.”

Cindy rolled her eyes and groaned.

Belle chuckled. “You act more like a werewolf than I do.”

“Drake will only dismiss my intentions and lock me inside my room.”

“Drake will talk with your godmother to try and find out why the Shattered Bones King is looking for you,” the alpha said from the door where he stood with folded arms and a straight face.

Cindy’s eyes widened with surprise, and she stepped back before faking a grin. “Drake, you’re here.”

“Sam told me what is going on.”

Cindy gritted her teeth. “Traitor.”

“He did what he had to do before you made some poor decision and put our lives at risk,” Drake claimed.

“So, I’m guessing the answer is no, and you don’t want me near the palace.”

“That’s up to your godmother,” Drake replied.

Cindy cheered up and rushed to him, holding on to his arm. “Really? I can ask Godmother if I can go, and you’ll let me if she says yes?”

“It’s your life, Cindy. You’ll be twenty-one next week.”

“True. Which reminds me, did you bring everything that I asked from the Citadel?” She smirked at him and fluttered her eyelashes.

“You better let go of his arm,” Belle warned. “You’re like a sister to me, but I’ll kick you if you try to flirt with my husband.”

Cindy swallowed her laughter and let go of Drake’s arm. “We better keep our distance, or she might eat me next.”

Drake chuckled and winked at her. “You better go and talk to your godmother.”

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It was easier to convince Godmother to attend the ball than Cindy was expecting. The party created the perfect opportunity to infiltrate the enemy’s territory. Cindy had the task to collect information for the Fairy Queen and discover where the Evil Queen might hide an important magical item—a mirror. She even had an enchanted necklace. Not only that, but the fairies were also going to help fabricate a fake identity and dress her up. Fairy dresses were the most beautiful dresses in the whole world. No one would doubt she was royalty if she wore a dress made by fairies.

Cindy was excited to visit the Fairy Island. Belle had said wonders about it. Now, her godmother was showing her around the palace and bossing the fairies who obeyed her without question. Godmother must be an important person, for even the fairies attend to her needs.

“Am I going to see the Fairy Queen?” Cindy wondered when the fairies were taking her measurements and chittering amongst themselves.

Godmother was seated in an armchair with a pleased grin. “The Fairy Queen is hibernating. She does that from time to time. We have the palace all for ourselves.”

“That’s so great. Do you come here often, Godmother?” She giggled when a fairy measured under her arms. “That tickles.”

“I rather live amongst my trees and animals. Someone needs to save them from the hunters’ traps.”

“The fairies are gorgeous, but I thought they were bigger. Belle said the queen was taller than a normal human woman.”

“Labor fairies are normally small, so they can attend to the flowers and the birds. Elite fairies can transform into human-sized people. But they transform back to small when they need to fly and use their wings. When they are in their bigger size, they don’t have wings.”

“You know a lot about fairies,” Cindy praised as she turned around to let the fairies do their job. She looked over her shoulder. “Can I eat their cakes and take some for Belle? She’s been craving fairy cakes. She said she never tasted anything as good.”

“Yes, you can eat and take with you as many as you need.”

“How long will it take for them to create my dress?”

“It will be ready tomorrow in time for you to go to the ball. Don’t worry, child.”

“Did you tell them it needs to be white?”

The godmother nodded. “We are aware of the dress code.” She got up from the armchair. “Once we finish here, we’re going to have tea upstairs, and we’ll study the palace’s layout, so you know where to go when you sneak from the ballroom to search for the hidden room.”

“Okay, Godmother.”

Her godmother’s face grew somber. “I won’t be able to rescue you if you’re caught by the queen’s guards.”

“I know.”

“It’s risky.”

“I’m aware.”

“Are you that eager to see the prince?” the old woman wondered.

“I couldn’t care less about the prince. I want to know why the royal family is looking for me.”

“Still, he’s a charming prince, and you’re a young girl. What will happen if you tell him more than you should?”

“I won’t.”

“What will happen if you can’t grab his attention?”

“Then, I’ll eat and drink before I adventure inside the palace and look for the hidden room,” Cindy answered.

The fairies flew away from her and began scribbling on a paper that was over a table with several fabric rolls.

Godmother offered her hands for Cindy to hold. “Let’s go, my dear. You need to be well-prepared for tomorrow night.”

Chapter TEN

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Sheer, long-flowing sleeves of white tulle wrapped around Cindy’s bicep with matching lace. Her corset was made of light, shimmery white fabric. Clusters of light-blue flowers trickled down from below the bust toward the hem of the gown. A floral circlet topped her free-flowing tresses.

Cindy modeled her dress, spreading her layered tulle skirt wide. Humming a tune, she circled around, stunned by the beautiful crystals decorating her boned corset.

“Do you like it?” Godmother asked.

“It’s beautiful! It’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen,” Cindy guaranteed as she rushed to her godmother’s side and grinned at her. “Are you sure the Fairy Queen won’t mind?”

“I’m sure.” Her godmother got up from her armchair. The fairies flying behind her followed her to the dressing table. “There are just two more things you need.”

She opened a drawer and removed a gorgeous crystal mask and a simple necklace with a gold leaf pendant.

The godmother waved at Cindy. “Come here, my child.” The old woman patted the stuffed stool. “Take a seat.”

“Is that the mask I’m wearing?” she asked, sitting down.

“Yes. It’s a masked ball, and this is your mask. But you need to know something important.”

Cindy fluttered her eyelashes as she looked at her reflection on the mirror. “I look so different!”

“You look as beautiful as ever. Now, this necklace will glow if you are near a place with black magic. You’ll explore the palace, as safely as you can, and check the division. If it glows, you’ll leave immediately and report to me when you leave the party. Understood?”

Cindy nodded.

“Now, as for the mask… it’s magical,” Godmother explained.

“What do you mean?”

“People will look at you and not question your identity while you’re wearing the mask. You may not let anyone remove it, or you’ll be in trouble.”

“What if the guards force me to remove it?” the young girl asked.

“They won’t. You’ll have an invite, you’ll be dressed as a princess, and you’ll have this enchanted mask. No one will doubt you are a princess invited to the ball.”

“What will be my name?”

“Princess Lucinda Fable Thorn, from the Kingdom of the Lost Fairy Island. If anyone asks, that’s what you’ll tell them. Your invitation will have your name on it; the herald will introduce you once you enter the ballroom. Then, you’ll have to maneuver your way through the guests and sneak into the palace. You have memorized the layout, have you not?”

Cindy nodded. “I’m familiar with it.”

Her godmother grabbed a brush and tore it through Cindy’s hair. “You’ll be twenty-one next week. Are you excited?”

“It’s just another number. My life will continue the same.”

“I have a feeling your life will change tremendously.”

Cindy giggled. “Do you think the prince will fall head over heels with me and ask me to marry him on the spot?”

Godmother frowned and laughed. “Do you want to marry Prince Solveig, my dear?”

Cindy rolled her eyes. “He has been nothing but unpleasant to me. I just want to know why they are looking for me.”

“What if the reason will take you away from here?”

Cindy secured her godmother’s hand and turned her head to look back. “Do you think it has something to do with my family? But they left me for dead. Stepmother would inherit everything once I was dead. I’m sure Father left her the majority of his assets. She probably has married her daughters with rich men so she could continue to live a life in luxury.”

“Not all evil deeds are left unpunished,” the godmother said.

Cindy looked at the mirror and folded her hands on her lap. “It’s been a while since I left my home. But I feel my home is here now. With you, Belle, Drake, Sam, Lana, and the rest of the people who live in the werewolf village. They are my family.”

Placing her hands on her shoulders, the godmother requested, “All I want is for you to be happy. But you’ll have to promise me you won’t reveal your true identity and, under no circumstance, remove your mask.”

“I have no wish for others to recognize me. I’ll leave the mask where it belongs until I return home.”

“Good. If by chance, something happens to your mask, you’ll be teleported for a short distance, and you’ll have to hide and rush to your chariot so that your charioteer brings you back home.”

“Speaking of that, Godmother, who will take me there?”

“I’ve arranged for a chariot, of course, and you’ll have Sam and Jake as valets. One of the fairies will transform into the driver. If anything happens, she’ll have the power to help you escape from the guards.”

Cindy’s heart raced. “I’m nervous. This might have been a bad idea.”

The godmother leaned and spoke close to her ear. “It’s your only opportunity to talk to Prince Solveig. Seducing a man is the faster way for him to open his mouth and tell you all his secrets.”

“You forget that I have no idea how to seduce men.”

Godmother straightened up and showed her a vial. “This is a powerful aphrodisiac. Nestle it between your breasts and only open it when you’re close to the prince. Ask him to dance with you after you rubbed a few drops on your wrists and under your ear. It will be enough for him to stay under your spell for a couple of hours. Be careful not to drop it or put too much. Only the prince will be able to smell it if he’s close to you.”

Cindy’s eyes widened, and she took the vial. “A love potion.”

“Not quite, but it will render him susceptible to your charms.”

“What if, even with this, he doesn’t want to spend time with me?”

“Then dance, enjoy yourself, and come back home when you’re ready.” The godmother shrugged. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”

“Why are you letting me do this? You know it’s dangerous and reckless.”

“We need to live a bit dangerously sometimes.” The old woman smirked. “You need to have fun while you can.”

Cindy slipped the vial between her breasts. “It’s almost time to leave.”

“Yes. Let me help you with the mask and the necklace, and then you’ll be ready to go to the party. There’ll be a long queue of chariots to enter the palace grounds. You can’t be late.”

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Cindy had been to palaces before, and she had studied the layout of the Meadows Palace, but she didn’t expect the rooms to be enormous and have so many different things to see.

The chariot entered the acres of trimmed grass, dappled by randomly spaced trees. Cindy peeked from the chariot, amazed by the beauty of the kingdom. She had rarely been in the villages surrounding the Meadows Palace. She had seen the palace from afar, standing on an eminence and surrounded by perennial gardens, but never up-close.

It took some time for her chariot to stop in front of the stairs that led to the great hall. When it happened, Sam opened the door and helped her descend.

Cindy looked at the steps and the people in front of her. She felt alone. Sam couldn’t accompany her to the entrance.

Once the chariot proceeded to let the next one move forward, Cindy took her skirt with both hands to climb up the steps with grace. Her shoulders were square and her back straight as she strode ahead. When she arrived at the entrance, a hauntingly airy melody escaped and softly floated—once inaudible due to the chariots’ wheels and the horses’ hooves.

No one questioned her identity when she showed her invitation. No one even cared to look at her once she was announced to the guests, who chatted and laughed with glasses in their hands and masks covering their faces.

Gliding her way into the ballroom, Cindy evaded the groups and browsed at the tables where white and pink roses adorned the centerpieces. The decoration was sumptuous and very different from the fairy palace. There were no vines and columns inside that room, only silvery drapes, stained glass windows, high vaulted ceilings, and endless marble floors.

Once she snuck outside the great hall, she wandered the rooms with curious eyes while touching the necklace around her neck, hoping that it pulled when it sensed black magic.

Nothing.

The party had started. The princes were announced to the princess. Cindy could hear the noise, the chatting, and the constant music filling the corridors and echoing inside the divisions.

On her way back, she found what looked like a reading room since it was too small for a library. Out of curiosity, she browsed the names on the spines of the books. She glided her fingers on the wood and coughed at the dust gathering around.

Cleaning that division didn’t seem like a priority. Bored, she watched the view outside and saw a couple talking and giggling. The night was beautiful, and the couple seemed to get along. The way they looked at each other—she wondered how it was to be in love.

Sighing, she sauntered to the reading table, flipping the pages of the book left there. She took it with her and read a couple of lines as she paced in front of the window. The poetry looked familiar, and she searched for the author’s name on the spine.

“Miss, are you lost?” a male voice asked inside the room.

Startled, Cindy took her time to slow down her heartbeat before facing the owner of the voice.

A servant dressed in burgundy clothes stood at the threshold with a plate of tarts. Lemon, she believed.

“Do you need help?” the servant with short dark hair and deep brown eyes asked.

She smiled. “I was just bored and decided to look around.”

“You shouldn’t let the mistress find you in here,” he warned and stepped further into the room. “She doesn’t like anyone touching her books.” He showed her the plate. “Are you hungry? Maybe you’d like me to escort you back to the ballroom?”

He smiled, his eyes sparkling, and she found him rather handsome and polite.

Moving closer to him, she asked, “Are you going to tell your mistress that you saw me here?”

His head moved down, and he stared into her eyes. “I wouldn’t want a pretty lady like yourself to get into trouble.” His gaze shifted to the book. “Do you enjoy reading poetry?”

“Not really. My best friend does. This is her favorite poet.”

“Not yours?” His voice flattened as if disappointed.

“His prose is too formal. His descriptions are beautiful, but he’s lonely and sad.” Cindy closed the book and paced to the other side of the table, where she dropped the volume. “I’m aware he’s a favorite poet of the aristocracy, but I feel like he should find a woman to fall in love and be happier. Maybe then he could write about true love and not the idea he has of it.”

When she looked back, the servant was seated on a chair, gazing at her with a smirk on his face.

Cindy’s brows arched. “Should you be seated there? Won’t your mistress be upset if she sees you?”

“She’s busy with her guests and entertaining the king,” he declared.

Cindy moved closer to him, curious about his relaxed attitude. “Shouldn’t you be serving the guests?”

“Shouldn’t you be in the ballroom with the other guests?” he countered.

“You are quite bold, aren’t you?”

“Why is that?”

“The other servants don’t dare to look the nobles in the eyes. Yet, you are here talking with me as if we know each other.”

“Does my attitude bother you?”

Cindy shrugged. “Not really.” Her eyes looked at the rest of the books and the rug on the dark floor. The music had become louder. “We should probably return to our duties.”

“Is your duty to check every room of this palace?” he boldly asked.

Cindy snapped her head to look at him. “Have you been following me around?”

He got up and edged closer to her. “Are you a burglar in disguise? You look like royalty. Your dress is…” He looked her up and down, and his lips curled up. “Your clothes tell me you are royalty, but your carefree attitude puzzles me, my lady.”

“I just got lost,” Cindy excused herself.

The servant moved his hand to the plate and removed a tart. “Are you here to hurt the princess?”

“Of course not,” Cindy promptly denied.

“Are you hungry, my lady?” he asked, showing her the tart.

Cindy shook her head, unsure of what to do. “I don’t like sour cream.”

He took a bite and left the rest of the tart on the plate. “Not my favorite, either.”

Cindy’s lips parted, and she pointed at the tart. “Should you have done that?”

“No one can see us.”

“They say the queen is cruel to the people of this kingdom, especially the servants. Won’t you get in trouble if you’re seen here with me?”

The smile returned to his face. “Are you worried about me, my lady?”

Pursing her lips, she faced his gaze. “Are you going to tell on me?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

He half shrugged. “I understand. It’s more interesting to explore a huge palace than attend a boring party, where the majority of the males are here to see another princess. Are you also curious about how beautiful the princess is?”

Cindy lowered her voice to a conspiratorial tone. “No. Should I?”

“I’m sure you’re also very beautiful.”

She shook her head. “It’s not a competition.” Frowning, she added, “Are you flirting with me, young man?”

He folded his arms and leaned against the table. “Maybe.”

“Do you enjoy flirting with random strangers?”

“No. It’s been a while since I flirted with anyone.”

Though his words flattered her, she looked behind him, painfully aware she was alone in a room with a perfect stranger.

“I would never harm you, my lady,” he said, his face losing his smile. “I was just curious about your presence here.”

Cindy smoothed her hands down her skirt. “Will you tell your mistress I was here?”

“No. As long as you don’t tell her I followed you here.”

“I have no intention of talking to the queen.”

“Then what have you come here to do?” he asked.

“Dance, mingle, and find out something I need to know.”

“Interesting.”

Cindy froze as she heard voices in the corridor.

“The guards are making their rounds,” the servant explained. “Give me your hand and stay still in front of me.”

“Won’t they tell on you if they see you?”

He shook his head. “They are used to seeing me here, looking at the window.”

Cindy raised her hand and touched his. Their fingers entwined, and she felt her body temperature rise. His eyes didn’t leave her face. His lush lips were perfectly pinched together. His nose was straight, his eyes dark, his face beautiful. She gulped and lowered her eyes to his chest.

“No need to worry,” he whispered. “If they ask, we can tell them we were just looking for a quiet place to be alone.”

Cindy’s cheeks burned. “Don’t you dare.”

His voice was calm. “Would you rather I tell them I caught you snooping around the palace?”

She shook her head and pursed her lips to quiet down. When she looked up, his eyes were still on her, and she didn’t know what to do with the closeness between them. He was easy on the eyes and smelled of rain and pine trees. Still, she was there to spy. They would never see each other again.

“They are almost gone,” he whispered.

She nodded and inhaled sharply. “You’re tall.”

He smirked. “And you’re just the right size.”

She muffled a giggle. His arm circled her, and he rested a hand on her back, under her hair—skin with skin—which made her shiver and straighten up, so their bodies didn’t get closer than they already were.

The sound of guards’ boots was heard leaving the room and echoing away.

Focusing her attention on the noises coming from the corridor, she informed him, “I think they are gone.”

His hand brushed against her cheek, and he placed a strand of loose hair behind her ear. “You have a beautiful mask and a stunning dress. You should go back to the party and enjoy yourself. Find a nice prince to recite poetry to you under the moons.”

“I have no intention of marrying a spoiled prince and end my days sitting in a dusty room while reading pretentious poetry.”

He chuckled. “You’re interesting.”

“Thank you.” She removed her hand from his and curtsied with a sly grin. “It has been a pleasure, but I have to join the party.” Circling the servant, she sauntered to the door. “Will I see you serving—” She looked back and frowned.

The servant was gone, and the plate with tarts was forgotten on the table.

“That’s strange.”

Shrugging, Cindy brushed it aside and continued her way to the ballroom. She had a prince she needed to corner and find out why he offered a significant reward to find her.

Chapter ELEVEN

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Cindy nibbled on her bottom lip as she looked at all the guests in their best attires. She didn’t think it would be that hard to find a prince amongst the crowd of people dressing similarly. The masks weren’t helping her.

Solveig’s dark hair, blue eyes, and pleasant face seemed standard features amongst the royals; only the elves stood out because of their long and straight hair. Werewolves trimmed their hair short and liked to wear darker colors, yet the theme for that masked ball was light colors.

“Do you care for a strawberry tart?” a male servant wearing a burgundy suit asked her.

She took one and tasted it as the servant left.

Another servant offered her a flute of champagne.

If she couldn’t find the prince, at least, she would eat and drink before leaving. If she had been there when the princes were presented, she would have known which one she was looking for.

“Do you care to dance, my lady?” a soft male voice asked.

Looking at the man in front of her, she assessed his clothes and his smile. His mask was light-blue with feathers, covering only his eyes. He was a lot taller than she was, had long dark hair, green eyes, and a perfect white smile—an elf. A gorgeous one, she might say.

“I’m waiting for someone,” she replied.

“Does that mean you don’t want to dance?” he insisted.

“I’m sorry, I don’t.”

He offered her his hand. “At least tell me your name.”

“Lucinda.” Without touching him, she curtsied and walked away.

It was best to circle the crowd than to stay still.

Princess Snow seemed happy as she danced with the vampire prince, who had arrived fashionably late. They were the only ones who had removed their masks. Her prince seemed mesmerized by her, and his clothes seemed familiar. They were dark despite the dressing code. Had she seen them outside when she was in the reading room? She had no idea. At least, the princess seemed to be enjoying herself with the handsome prince.

“Care to dance?” a husky voice asked from behind.

It startled her, and she stepped forward with her hand secured around the glass, so it didn’t shatter against the floor.

“I’m sorry if I startled you. You look like you want to dance,” the young male said with a smile.

His eyes were blue; his hair was dark and short. If she were a werewolf, she would have been able to sense if he was human or not. Though, his voice sounded familiar.

“Why do you say that, my lord?” Cindy asked him.

“You are here alone, looking at the others dancing.”

Cindy spun around to face him. “Hum. May I know your name?”

The man frowned at her question. “Don’t you want to remain anonymous in a masked ball? What’s the point of using a mask if you’re querying for people’s identity?”

“Then, should I pretend not to know you?”

“Has my reputation preceded me here? Or perhaps we know each other from another place? Maybe from another party? I do have to say you look familiar. Are you a princess?”

“Are you a prince?” she asked him.

“Will you dance with me if I’m one?”

“Maybe, if you’re the prince I’m looking for.”

He leaned closer to her ear and asked, “Who’s the prince you’re looking for? Are you secretly in love with him, beautiful one?”

“I might be,” she replied with a grin.

His breath feathered her neck. “Would you consider falling in love with me for just tonight?” His hand took hers, and he entangled their pinky fingers. “I won’t tell him if you won’t.”

Cindy swallowed hard as the scent of wood and musk hit her nostrils. Before she could say anything else, the prince stepped back and grabbed her empty glass. He placed the flute on a tray hoisted by a servant, as if expecting his presence.

With the glass out of their way, the nobleman grabbed Cindy’s hands and narrowed the distance between them. “I’m prince Solveig, and only a beauty like yourself can brighten my night after such a boring beginning.”

Cindy’s eyes widened as her breathing paused. “I’m—”

“Gorgeous and probably the most beautiful woman at this party.”

She settled her heart down and focused on what had brought her there. “Do you care to dance with me?”

He didn’t reply. Instead, he guided her to the dance floor, where he spun her around and commanded her every move. After a few waltzes, Cindy felt dizzy.

Placing a hand against his chest, she requested, “Could we stop for a bit?”

He smiled and grabbed her hand, striding to a balcony that led to the courtyards.

The night breeze cooled her down as the floral scents filled her lungs. The prince continued his way into the gardens and only stopped when he found a bench amidst the bed of flowers, not far from a fountain that sprinkled water into the air.

Cindy took a seat beside him and looked around. “Why did we have to come this far from the party?”

“It will be easier to hear each other speak. Plus, there aren’t any curious eyes,” he replied with a carefree attitude. He turned his torso in her direction. “It’s the first time I see a fairy so close. I thought they were all locked in their kingdom.”

“How do you know I’m a fairy?”

“Your clothes, your circlet, and your ears…” He roamed his eyes up and down her body. “You stand out amongst the other women inside the room.”

Cindy touched her ears and noticed they were pointy. Something she hadn’t seen before. Maybe it had something to do with her godmother’s enchantment.

“You seem to know a lot about fairies,” she mumbled, securing her hands against the bench and resting her tired feet.

He moved closer. “I’ve never kissed a fairy before.”

“Does that mean you’ve kissed a lot of other girls before?”

He smirked. “I’m no saint.”

“I’m sure you’re not.”

His hand landed on hers. “Maybe I can make you forget the one you’re looking for. He doesn’t deserve your tears if he stood you up.”

“He didn’t stand me up.” She removed her hand. “It seems you haven’t changed after all these years.”

The prince frowned. “Did we have the pleasure of meeting each other before?” He leaned closer with a sly grin. “I’m sure I wouldn’t forget the taste of lips as gorgeous as yours.”

She placed a hand against his chest to prevent him from moving closer. “You’re right. Your reputation precedes you.”

Cindy got up, putting space between him and her.

He turned on the bench with pouted lips. “Whatever you’ve heard, I’m sure it’s exaggerated and spoken by ones I have no interest in.”

Cindy spun around to face him with a smile. “They say you are an excellent rider and hunter.”

He relaxed against the bench with a proud smile. “Yes, I am.”

Cindy fixed her dress and looked at him. “Fairies don’t eat meat. We believe all life is precious.”

He straightened up. “I eat what I hunt. Werewolves are predators, my dear.” His voice husked the last two words that left his mouth.

“They also say you don’t have a bride.”

His brows knitted together, shifting his white mask out of place. His lips morphed into a straight line.

Prince Solveig opened his arms and rested his back against the bench. He spread his legs and gazed at her. “Would a fairy princess consider an alliance with a werewolf prince?”

“I might,” she said, squinting at his arrogant posture.

“Sit on my lap and seal it with a kiss,” he proposed.

Cindy frowned. “That’s not going to happen.” She pursed her lips, so the laughter didn’t escape them.

“Fairies like to fool around, don’t they?”

“I have no idea about the other fairies, but I don’t.”

Solveig sighed and leaned forward, folding his hands in front of his knees. “Why did you lure me out here if you’re going to play hard to get?”

“I didn’t. You were the one who brought me here.”

“You are free to go then,” he said, waving for her to leave.

Cindy clenched her jaw and was inclined to leave, but her feet didn’t move. She had not yet found what her godmother asked for. She should at least find out why the Shattered Bones Kingdom was looking for her.

“You’re as spoiled as ever, Prince Solveig,” Cindy muttered. “But I came here looking for you, and since I found you, I have a few questions to ask.”

Her words stirred a confused look on his face. He stood up and looked at her from top to bottom. “You seem to know me, but I’m still not recognizing you.” He reached for her.

She stepped back. “What are you doing?”

“Remove your mask. I want to see your face.”

“There’s no need for that. Once I tell you my name, you’ll know who I am. Maybe then you can answer my questions.”

Sighing, the prince stepped back and slumped into his seat. “Who are you, then?”

“I’m Lucinda Dalgaard, daughter of Earl Thomas Dalgaard.”

The prince’s mouth fell open in disbelief. “Lucinda? We thought you were dead!”

“Then why is your family offering a reward for my whereabouts?”

The prince staggered to his feet. “Cindy.” His arms opened, and he closed them around her in an embrace. “You’re alive. That’s such a relief.” The sound of his voice muffled against her hair. Her body tensed with the closeness between them. “How did you enter this party? Why are you wearing such an impressive dress?”

His questions made her dizzy. His embrace left her confused.

He let her go and grabbed her hands, guiding her to the bench where he forced her to sit down. “Everybody will be thrilled to know you’re alive. You need to come back with me immediately.”

“What’s going on? What happened to my stepmother? Is she the one looking for me after—”

“Your stepmother left my kingdom once your father’s will was read,” he explained.

“Why?”

“Your mother left you the house and a fortune. Your stepmother had almost depleted your father’s fortune, but your mother’s is intact. With your disappearance, The Crown took over your home and followed your father’s instructions in case you went missing—a reward should be offered for ten years—and your house has become an orphanage. Your stepmother had to leave, and my father suspected she had something to do with your disappearance. Now that you’re here, you can go back with me and tell my father it isn’t true. Lady Dalgaard had nothing to do with it.”

She let go of his hands with narrowed eyes. “I shall not say such a thing. My stepmother tried to kill me. She abandoned me in the forest and left me for dead. I’m glad she wasn’t able to steal my mother’s fortune.”

His lips trembled. “She tried to kill you?”

“She was a mean woman. She and her daughters took over my home and treated me like a slave. Do you honestly believe they wouldn’t try to kill me to inherit my father’s fortune?”

“But you’re not dead. You need to—”

“You are telling me my home is now an orphanage?”

The prince ignored her question. “You have to go back with me and show my father you’re alive, and your stepmother didn’t do anything to you.”

“Are you insane?”

Breathing deeply, he rubbed his face, and the mask fell off. His face looked tired, and his eyes frantic. After a few seconds, he seemed calmer, and his lips curled upward.

His voice was husky when he spoke. “Darling, you must be feeling extremely upset with everything that happened to you. Still, you seem to be doing well for yourself. You’re wearing an exquisite dress, an expensive mask, and even have pointy ears. I’m assuming those are fake since I know you are human. Though, you smell different than I remembered.”

Cindy frowned. “What’s your point?”

His hand moved forward, and his fingers brushed her neckline. “You have a fortune and a title waiting for you in my kingdom. If you travel with me, I can assure you nothing will happen to you. I can protect you.” He moved closer. “Don’t you miss home?”

“I have a new home.”

“Don’t you care that all your money is being given to the poor?”

“No, I’m happy that’s done. I never thought my father was that clever. It seems I’ve underestimated him, like my stepmother had. She must have been distraught.”

His hand cupped her chin. “If you come back with me, we’ll spend the time getting to know each other. I still need to find a bride. Your family’s fortune would be advantageous to my crown. My father would be pleased if I were to introduce you as…”

She leaned back. “I have no wish to marry you, Prince. Have you forgotten how unpleasant and mean you were to me when we were growing up?”

He smirked. “I was unpleasant with everybody, but I’ve changed. You’ve become a beautiful woman. I can be extremely kind to a woman as beautiful as you.”

His voice caressed her face, and Cindy gulped at the closeness of their lips. His arrogant smirk, the glint in his eyes, and his husky voice enticed her.

For the average woman.

His proposal was unexpected, to say the least.

Cindy smirked at him and grabbed his fingers, playing with them as she removed them from her face. “You think you’re irresistible, don’t you?”

“I remember how you looked at me when we were younger. You had a crush on me, didn’t you?”

“You’re dreaming.”

He took her hand in his. “Do you know why I pulled your hair and teased you?”

“You were a mean boy?”

He shook his head. “I wanted your attention, but you didn’t care to play with me or be around me like the others. It upset me.”

“You were a mean brat who made fun of others and played tricks because you could get away with it. You threw rocks at the animals and killed birds for sport.”

“I grew up. I’m no longer a mean boy. I’d rather do other things to you than pull your hair and tease you.” His fingers clutched her skirt, and his lips covered hers.

The kiss was unexpected. Cindy clamped her mouth with widened eyes. Before she could push him back, his other hand reached for her mask and ripped it off.

“Now—”

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One moment she was in front of Prince Solveig being kissed, and the other she landed on the grass behind a brush, all alone. It took a moment for her to understand that she had been teleported.

Getting up, she touched her face and confirmed the mask was gone.

“No!” Upset, she fisted her hands and stomped her feet.

Stopping, she looked around and spoke to herself, “Where am I? How can I find him and get my mask back?” Swallowing hard, she touched her lips. “He kissed me!”

Fuming, she searched the cobblestone path that might lead to the palace’s courtyards.

A voice shouted in the distance. “Look around. You need to find her.”

Cindy stopped on her tracks and decided to hide behind a brush. Who were the soldiers stomping down the path looking for?

Hidden in the shadows and amongst the brushes, Cindy was able to find her way to the back of the palace. From afar, she saw Prince Solveig talking to one of the guards. Cindy’s crystal mask was in his hand as he gestured around with a mad expression.

The prince seemed to be looking for her. What would he do if he found her?

A hand covered her mouth and pushed her back. She muffled a panicked scream.

“It’s me. Sam,” he whispered in her ear. “What’s going on? Why are the soldiers looking for you?”

“What do you mean?” Cindy asked, turning to face her friend.

“They are investigating all the chariots and asking which one belongs to you. They said your name: Lucinda.”

“Oh. Godmother is going to be annoyed with me.”

“Where’s your mask?”

“The prince has it. He removed it from me, and I landed here. Now, the spell is gone. Plus, I told him who I was, and he wants to take me with him to his kingdom.”

“What?” Sam’s eyes grew wider. “Why?”

“He said he wants to marry me. He’s insane.”

“Marry you?” Sam snorted. “He’s really insane.”

She hit him in the head. “Shut up. We need to find a way out of here without being seen.”

Sam grabbed her hand and made her follow him. “We’re going back to the chariot to talk with the fairy. She’ll help us escape. No prince is going to marry you against your will.”

Cindy quietly followed Sam as her friend ducked and took the safest path away from the guards. There was a moment that her eyes blurred because she was silly enough to tell the prince who she was. Then she thought about everything the prince told her. Her fortune was put to good use, and her stepmother and stepsisters had what they deserved. She should return to formally accuse them, but she was sure they were long gone.

Why would Prince Solveig want to marry her when there were so many princesses running after him? He just needed to tell his parents she was alive and unwilling to return home. Her fortune could be used to take care of the orphaned children. She didn’t care. The Shattered Bones Island didn’t bring her happy memories, and it wasn’t her home anymore.

“What are you thinking?” Sam asked. “You’re too quiet.”

“He wanted me to return home.”

“What did you tell him?”

“I had a new home.”

“But you’re a noble. I’m sure you’re rich too.”

She grabbed his arm tighter. “It doesn’t matter. The pack is my family now.”

“Sam!” a voice called from a tree closer to the stables.

“Jake and the fairy are here,” Sam announced, lowering down and stopping Cindy from rushing to the other side. “I smell soldiers close.”

They stood still with their back against a tree. Cindy looked at her dress with sadness. After sneaking around, it was ruined and dirty. It was the prettiest thing she’d ever worn, and she was hoping she could use it at her birthday party. With a few modifications, it wouldn’t be too fancy for a party in the village.

Four soldiers ran down the path without looking around.

Sam pushed Cindy behind him, and they entered the stables.

“How are we planning to leave this place now that we don’t have a chariot?” Cindy asked when she saw Jake and the fairy who had taken the appearance of an older man with a mustache.

“The chariot has disappeared, and the horses are flying home,” the fairy said.

“Flying home?” Cindy frowned.

“Since you and the werewolves never flew before, I’ll be the one transforming and taking you with me.”

“How?” Cindy asked.

The fairy didn’t reply. She raised her hand and blew golden dust into them. Jake and Sam turned into mice and, soon, Cindy realized she had also shortened and turned into a rodent. She squealed in panic when the fairy transformed into a big eagle and grabbed the mice with her paws. She screamed louder when the eagle took off, and the ground became farther and farther away.

Cindy had never flown before.

It took her a few moments to calm down and appreciate the view. And another moment to realize she was safe and far away from the Meadows Kingdom and Prince Solveig.

Chapter TWELVE

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Cindy’s eyelashes fluttered as her eyes opened, and she looked at the ceiling. Moaning in pain, she moved her arms and stretched her legs. The night before felt like a dream. Had she gone to a party, flirted with a prince, and transformed into a rodent?

She sat up and patted down her body. She was human, wasn’t she? Yes, her body was back to normal, and she had stayed in one of the many rooms inside the Fairy Palace.

Godmother won’t be happy.

Still, she had to tell her the mask was gone. Not gone, Prince Solveig had it.

The double doors to her bedroom opened, and her godmother entered with a stern expression on her face. Her feet dragged on the ground as if it was hard for her to move.

“Godmother, are you well?” She jumped from the bed and went to help her arrive at the bed. “Please, sit down. You shouldn’t climb so many stairs to get here. You’re no longer young.”

Godmother patted the bed for her to sit. “We need to talk.”

Cindy sat up and blurted, “I’m so sorry. I know you told me I shouldn’t lose the mask. But I didn’t know he was going to do that. I can leave now and go after him. Demand that he returns the mask to me.”

“Sam told me he wanted to take you back to his kingdom,” Godmother said with furrowed eyebrows.

Cindy folded her arms and snorted. “He’s arrogant and thinks he needs to snap his fingers for me to marry him.”

“There won’t be any marriage between you and him. I won’t allow it,” her godmother assured. “You have your own—” she silenced herself and turned to look at Cindy. “Do you love him?”

“No,” she promptly replied.

“Did he answer all that you needed to know?”

“Yes.”

“Do you wish to go back to your birthplace?”

Cindy shook her head. “My life is here with you and the pack.”

Godmother patted her shoulder; turning to her, she cupped Cindy’s face and smiled. “You’re almost twenty-one, my child. Now that you’ve attended your party and discovered what happened to your stepmother and your fortune, it’s time for you to find out everything about your parents.”

“What do you mean, Godmother?”

She smoothed down Cindy’s hair and kissed her forehead. “Take a bath, dress something nice, and join me downstairs. The fairies will help you.”

“Won’t I go home? Belle must be waiting for me. Celia must need my help too. And Lana wanted me to grab a few herbs from the forest.”

“For now, you’ll have to stay here so we can talk.”

“Is it because I lost the mask and ruined the dress? Is the queen upset with me?”

Godmother smiled. “No. It’s something a lot more important, my child. Get dressed, eat. The fairies will take care of you and bring you to the queen’s presence once you’re ready.”

With that said, Cindy’s godmother left and closed the door.

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Cindy entered the greenhouse where the fairy’s throne room was located. It wasn’t her first time coming there since her godmother had already shown her around the palace. It was, though, the first time meeting the queen. According to Belle, the queen was stunning and ethereal. No other woman could rival her beauty.

However, when she looked at the throne, it wasn’t the queen that sat there but her godmother.

“Godmother, what’s the meaning of this? Why are you seated there?” Cindy asked. Something was different about the old woman. Though, her hair was grey and fell about her shoulders. She wore beautiful clothes that contrasted with the dark riddles of her skin. “Are you a fairy? I thought fairies didn’t age.”

“They don’t, but they can shapeshift into what appearance they want,” the godmother explained.

“Does that mean that’s not your real appearance?”

“No. I aged so I could win your trust without revealing my true identity.”

Cindy swallowed dry, but she had to ask. “Why did you conceal your identity and real appearance from me?”

“I didn’t want to shock you. I also wanted you to live a normal life until it was time for you to change,” she replied.

“Then, who are you?”

Before her eyes, the godmother became a beautiful woman with pale skin, profound blue eyes, and a flawless figure. The dress hugged her curves like a second skin, and she transformed into the most beautiful creature that Cindy had seen in her life. A crown circled her head while her blonde tresses flowed freely, draping her figure.

“Your Majesty.” Cindy curved down, awestruck at the realization that her godmother was the Fairy Queen, the one her alpha obeyed and protected. The old woman wasn’t just an ordinary fairy in disguise; she was the queen of all the fairies of that island.

A hand touched her shoulder, and Cindy looked up.

“You shouldn’t curve before me, my daughter,” the queen declared.

“W-what?”

“I’ve been waiting for this day to reveal myself to you. Now that you’ve almost come of age, I don’t need to hide it from you anymore.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m your mother. The stories I told you about the Queen Fairy falling in love with a human were about my life with your father.”

Sucking a breath, Cindy felt her head spin out of control. “I shouldn’t have drunk so much yesterday at the party.”

“Yes, the party. You lost the mask, but it’s fine. The prince has it so you can claim it when you need it.” The queen rubbed her arm. “We have a lot to talk about. In a week, you turn twenty-one.”

“I know, but why is that important. You keep repeating it.”

“You are human now, Cindy, but you’ll become something else in a few days.”

“What do you mean?” She let go of her mother’s grasp and turned around. “I need to—”

“Calm down,” the queen asked, appearing in front of her and holding on to her arms. “Breathe.”

“Are you playing with me? It isn’t funny.”

“I’m not.” Her voice was calm, and her face flawless. “I know this can be daunting.”

“You have no idea!”

“Still, you need to listen to me. We don’t have a lot of time to train you before the transformation begins. For the next months, you’ll have to stay here.”

“But, my friends!”

“Don’t worry. I know your birthday party is important to you. They will come here to celebrate with you. Does that please you?”

“Here? In the palace?”

“Yes. My palace is your palace.”

“I’m a princess,” Cindy mumbled, inhaling sharply as her shoulders tensed, and her knees buckled.

The queen grabbed Cindy before she collapsed.

A chair appeared in a second, and Cindy sat down as a few fairies circled around the queen and her. She focused her vision on her mother’s face instead of the sparkling lights that made her even dizzier.

“What transformation are you talking about? Are you going to allow me to become a werewolf?”

“No. How can you be a werewolf if you’ve always been meant to be a fairy?”

“A fairy? How? I have no powers whatsoever.”

“No, you don’t. Not yet. If you survive the change, you will.”

“If I survive? That doesn’t sound promising.”

Her mother smirked. “You’re my daughter, courageous and fearless. I’m sure you’ll survive, and you will be able to take my place and become the new queen. I’m old and tired, my child. After so much pain and loss, I need you to be successful and become one of us.”

“Godmother, how can you be my mother? How can you be the Fairy Queen? My mother was a human who died when I was born.”

“Do you feel more comfortable if I talk to you while looking like an older lady?”

“I’m still trying to process all the information you just gave me.”

“Do you resent me for giving you to your father to raise you?”

Cindy leaned back on the wooden chair. “Am I really the daughter of a fairy queen?”

“You are.”

“Your daughter?”

“Do you still remember the portrait over the fireplace? Don’t I look familiar? I had a more modest appearance to trick the humans into believing I was one of them. However, I have the same eyes and hair. You inherited my beauty, and you’ll become even more beautiful once you transform into your fairy form.”

Cindy tried to get up but failed. “I need to get back home and tell Belle. She won’t believe me.”

“Child, you need to calm down and listen to what I have to say. Once the new full moon shines in the sky, you’re going to experience excruciating pain. You need to be bathed and dressed for the occasion. I prepared a few elixirs that will help with the pain for the next months.”

“Months!”

The queen’s hand prevented her from getting up. “The Alpha and the Luna are aware that you’re here. Trust me like you did when we first met. I only want what’s best for you, my child.”

Cindy swallowed hard and fisted her hands as tears fell down her cheeks. Her voice came out dry and harsh. “You have a lot to explain to me, Mother.”

“I know.”

Everything her godmother had taught her and trained her in the arts of medicine and enchantments revealed the true intention behind her actions. Her godmother had always been the Fairy Queen, her birth mother. Cindy was the princess of the Fairy Island Kingdom, and she had been prepared to claim her role as a princess and a fairy.

Chapter THIRTEEN

Calligraphy Swirls-05

The present time

“Cindy, you need to wake up. Dear child, wake up!”

Cindy’s eyes refused to open though someone seemed eager for her to do so. Her mind was foggy, and she was feeling her limbs cold and wet. Shivering, she held herself and forced her eyes to open.

A faint image of what seemed to be her mother showed before her eyes.

“Mother?”

“Cindy, listen to me. I don’t have much time. You have to wake up, honey.”

“Why? Is my transformation over?”

“I used my last strength to speed up the process.”

Blinking several times, she wondered, “Why would you do that?”

“We are in danger. The whole island is in danger. You need to save your sister.”

Cindy released herself from the chrysalis surrounding her body, the one that had been opened by force. Translucid spores were stuck to her body and the tunic covered it like a second skin. “I’m cold.”

“He’s draining me, my child. I’m using my last strength to send you a message.”

“Mom!” Cindy reached forward to touch her, but there was nothing there but a projection and not the real Fairy Queen. “You’re hurt!”

The queen’s face was pale, and Cindy could see a stain of blood on her left shoulder.

“I’ve made a mistake, and now you and your sister are in danger. The whole continent is in danger. You need to hurry up.”

“To do what?”

The Fairy Queen’s image flickered and disappeared.

“Mom!”

“Listen. I don’t have much time,” a weak voice mumbled as the Fairy Queen’s transparent image appeared again. “You need to go to Drake’s village and take the Fate Mirror from the secret room. You’ll be able to teleport there once the veil disappears with my death. Then you’ll need to save Drake and protect your friends. But for that, you’ll have to put on my crown and wake up the fairies before he invades my island and drains everybody’s life force. Do you understand me?”

“What about you? Why are you saying that?”

“My crown will be in the throne room. I’m fighting him, so you have more time to escape.”

“Fighting, who?”

“The Dark King. Anderhal is gone. My dear husband is gone. I’m not…” She disappeared again and reappeared. “Save Drake. Find your sister’s body.”

“Medina?”

“The mirror. Don’t let him take it!”

With those words, the queen completely disappeared.

Cindy’s mind tried to process everything she heard, and all she had to do while her body felt weak. Sleeping seemed like the best thing to do to recover her energies. Her eyes were giving in to the tiredness when a buzzing sound startled her.

“Princess, hurry…” the words left hanging in the air as the fairy who flew in the princess’s direction became a ball of ice. The ice smashed into the ground and broke into million tiny pieces.

“No!” Cindy shouted with the vision of the little fairy dying. “What’s going on?”

Looking around, she found herself alone inside the room where her mother had kept her while she transformed inside her magical chrysalis. She was supposed to wake up and open her way out of the cocoon. Was she still human? Her skin was glowing with the goo from the cocoon, and there were no wings on her back. Stepping forward, she felt an excruciating pain shoot up her legs.

Kneeling and holding on to her stomach, Cindy felt the tears rolling down her cheeks. “It hurts so much. Mom, where are you?”

The pain subsided, and it took Cindy another moment to get up and have the courage to try and walk again.

More pain.

She endured, knowing she had to reach the palace to understand what was going on. Mother would be waiting for her inside the palace, and the fairies would tell her the news.

Soon, Cindy realized no fairies flew around, only balls of ice with tiny fairies trapped inside. That could only mean one thing.

“I need to find Mother.” Cindy grunted as she forced her feet to obey her, even if it felt like walking on hot coal.

She managed to exit the greenhouse and follow the path to the courtyard. The sun was shining, but there was a strange silence as if all the creatures were gone. If something happened to her mother and the fairies, what could a simple human do?

“Put on the crown, wake up the fairies, find my sister,” Cindy repeated like a mantra to give her the strength she needed to keep going.

After what seemed like an eternity, Cindy finally reached the double doors that gave entrance to the throne room. After pushing them with all her strength, she fell down on her knees when the doors gave in. The marble floor bruised her knees. She ignored the new pain as her eyes searched for her mother’s crown.

Despite what others might believe, the crown of the earth fairies’ queen was a simple twig crown with antlers, embellished with magical moss, lichen, and three small dried flowers: one red rose, one white peony, and one pink carnation. Mother rarely used it. Now, Cindy had to put it on and hope she was the rightful queen who would wake up the fairies from their slumber.

New tears rolled down her cheeks. “I’m not ready for this! Please, come back, Mother. Don’t do this to me if it’s just a cruel test.”

Her voice echoed inside the empty throne room. Her sobs were the only reply. She forced herself to calm down when she felt a shift in the energy surrounding her. The sunlight faded, and a shadow covered the windows. The bright sky was being replaced by heavy and dark clouds.

What if whatever killed my mother is coming here?

Mother told her to save her sister and protect Drake. Or was it the other way around? Why did they need protection? Who was strong enough to kill her mother?

Anger took over her and dried her tears. Fisting her hands, she got up and stumbled to the throne. She climbed the stairs and grabbed the crown from its resting place.

Mother had prepared her for that moment, but she hoped it wouldn’t be that soon. She wanted to spend a lot more time with her mother and learn all she could to be a good queen and a skillful healer.

Cindy raised the crown above her head. “Whoever did this to my mother will regret it.” Placing the crown on her head, she turned around and sat on the throne. “I call upon all my ancestors and all the powerful queens before me. The time has come for me to rule over all earth fairies. It is my wish that you wake up from your slumber and serve me. Rise and attend to your queen.”

At first, nothing happened, and a deadly silence engulfed the room. Then the crown moved, and its vines wrapped tight around Cindy’s head. She made a movement to remove the crown, but vines grew and wrapped around her arms, pinning them down to the chair. Restrained and out of breath, Cindy watched as the vines kept growing and snaking its way to the earth that gave nourishment to the flower trees decorating the room. The twigs dug into the dirt, and new flowers blossomed. From those flowers, tiny fairies woke up from their sleep and yawned with laziness. The small ice balls scattered around the room began to melt, and the little fairies moved their limbs.

One by one, the fairies gathered in front of the throne where Cindy was covered in vines and moss, and they prostrated before their new queen.

Chapter FOURTEEN

Calligraphy Swirls-05

The Dark King materialized in an alley surrounded by stone buildings and a smelly cobalt road. The Citadel was as dirty and fetid as ever. It didn’t compare with the beauty and elegance of the elven cities. Humans liked to live like rats without the essential commodities of sewers and piped water. Electricity would bring new luxuries to the civilization of humans who should be slaves because of their lesser intellect. His people had arrived in that world to help the primitive races evolve in exchange for their allegiance, but the people got greedy, tried to kill their masters, and steal their magic and technology. War was the only way to get back control and stop the rebellion. It was time to restore the old order.

He was sure some of the elven houses would be on his side. They were just waiting for the right leader. He was imprisoned and used before he could defy the insurgent kingdoms that surfaced once the war was over and the territory divided. Vampire, werewolf, and human kings, how absurd! In their quest to find the perfect warrior, the elves genetically created the vampires. Werewolves were a mutation that they had been eliminating from several other worlds without avail. Humans were tiny humanoid creatures with a short lifespan that were only good as working slaves and pets.

His queen was a fool for wanting to protect them. He could have spared her life and reason for her to see the truth, but it was too late. Ashelyn had taken human lovers and had children with them. Half-bloods!

She believed in equality.

Preposterous!

Draining her life force was the only possible outcome.

I needed to restore my powers. She wasn’t going to allow my freedom. She faked love, hoping I would lower my guard and willingly go with her in order to trap me inside another prison. Still, I’m not strong enough. Her life force wasn’t enough to restore my powers. Not even half of my powers. Something was missing. She wasn’t as strong as before.

The king fisted his hands. “Focus!”

“Hey! Are you lost, sir? Don’t you know how dangerous it is to be in this part of the Citadel?”

The Dark King looked at the person who spoke to him: a tall and bulky male with a scar across his face and bad teeth. He didn’t need to move closer to know the individual smelled like someone who hadn’t showered in several years. If he knew what water was, it was probably only used to cook food.

Smirking, the king walked to the creature. “I’m sure you believe you’re the scariest thing around, but I’m going to let you live if you can answer me one question.”

“Are you mad, old man?” the thug asked before letting out a chuckle. “An old-looking elf in this part of town. This is the first one.”

The Dark King threw his hand to the creature’s neck and squeezed. “Elves don’t age, you vile creature. My hair is this color because I’m weak. Draining you would barely make a dent on my powers.”

The creature couldn’t answer because he was too busy trying to breathe and holding on to the elf’s hand to try and remove it from his throat.

The Dark King ignored the man’s laments as his mind regressed to the time he had choked his queen, and her pleading eyes were all he could see.

It didn’t move him then. Why recall it now?

Moving his arm, he threw the man against the wall and crouched in front of his bleeding figure. “Now that I have your attention, where can I find a witch named Estela. For what I heard, she’s been hiding in the Medium District for a few years now.”

“I have no idea,” the human uttered, holding on to his throat while his body trembled with fear.

“Hum. I guess I don’t need you then.”

He propelled his hand forward. “Wait! I can find out.”

“Great. I have unfinished business with her. I’ll spare your life if you can find out where she lives and how to get there. I’m unfamiliar with the new layout of this filthy Citadel.” He got up and brushed down his clothes. “Once I drain that witch, I’ll be ready to grab the Fate Mirror before they can use it against me.”

“What?” the human asked.

“I like to talk to myself,” the elf replied. He lowered down. “Do you have a problem with that?”

The man shouted in fear and shook his head as sweat dripped down his tanned skin. Fear only made him reek more, and the king stepped back with disgust.

Chapter FIFTEEN

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Despite the urgency, it took Cindy a few hours to fully recover and reconnect with her fairies. Only then, the vines and twigs from her crown recoiled back and released her from her prison. By then, she was aware her mother was truly gone, and the culprit of her mother’s death was her former husband and the reincarnation of the Dark King. Saving her sister’s soul before the Dark King got to her was now Cindy’s top priority.

Her mother should have been there to help Cindy master her new abilities as a fairy. Destiny had been cruel, and Cindy was now an orphan. Again. But she wasn’t alone. She had her fairies, and they would help her master her powers.

The fairies were now an extension of her. However, she needed them to stay on the island and restore the veil that had been removed upon her mother’s death. The island was no longer cloaked, and all the portals to Drake’s village had been closed. Teleporting was her only chance to get to her sister in time. Not just that, Cindy couldn’t let the Dark King kill her friends. Belle, Lana, Drake, Sam, Jake, everybody she knew and loved dearly was in danger.

Luckily, Cindy was able to snatch the Fate Mirror from Drake’s house before the Dark King got to it. Then, she had to save Drake, who had encountered the Dark King and was being attacked by his smoke soldiers. She got him back to his village and restored the veil so the Dark King couldn’t enter again.

“We need to teleport to the Meadows Kingdom’s palace,” Drake explained. “Belle is there, and we need to tell the others what’s going on.”

It took Cindy several attempts to be able to teleport there since it seemed that something was stopping her from materializing inside the Meadows Palace.

Chapter SIXTEEN

Calligraphy Swirls-05

One moment the Evil Queen had been vanquished, and the other, there was a more significant threat showing up.

It had been long weeks since Dorian had lost Snow, searched for her, found her, married her, and helped her save her father from the Evil Queen’s hands.

Now the Dark King had been released, the Fairy Queen had been killed, and Dorian had made a deal with the Evil Queen to protect his wife’s kingdom and save everybody from dying.

Or so he hoped.

Dorian climbed up the stairs to the central tower behind the blonde fairy and the wicked witch. They had to reach the hidden room where former Queen Marlena practiced her witchcraft. If they didn’t reinforce the wards protecting the palace, the Dark King would invade and kill them all.

Outside, the sky had become even darker, and loud explosions shook the ground.

A swarm of crows flew through one of the windows. The Evil Queen screamed and pushed them away. The blonde fairy pinned her back to the wall, and a blue shield formed and protected her from their attacks.

Unsheathing his sword, Dorian swung it around and stopped the crows from biting at the witch. Marlena hid behind him and used him as a shield.

“They seem disoriented,” Dorian said, noticing their white eyes.

Their shrieks pierced his ears and made him feel as if tiny shards attacked him. The prince kept waving his sword until the birds disappeared.

“My hero,” Marlena purred in his ear. “Are you certain you chose the right woman to love?”

“I’m helping you because we need you to protect the kingdom,” he reminded her.

“Still, Snow is young and boring. You need someone more interesting than her.”

“Snow is everything to me, and we have a lot in common. Now, move forward,” Dorian ordered, turning around and glaring at her.

“We don’t have time to waste. Your wards are getting weaker. We need to protect the mirror,” the fairy warned.

“No one is stopping you from carrying on,” Marlena said with a sneer.

“Don’t mind if I do,” the fairy retorted and continued her way up the stairs.

Ignoring Marlena, Dorian followed the fairy.

“Aren’t you afraid I might run away?” Marlena asked.

“Be my guest. Maybe the Dark King stops the attack if he has you to punish,” the prince told her without looking back, moving up the tower.

It took the witch longer to arrive, but she met her companions inside the magic room. Marlena entered with folded arms and squinted eyes. “What do we do now?”

“We need to strengthen the wards before reciting the cloaking spell to hide the Fate Mirror’s location,” the fairy said.

“Or we use a spell to wake up the mirror’s conscience and ask her to see what’s going to happen so we can stop it,” Marlena suggested.

“It’s too dangerous. Plus, the future is constantly changing. If we see future events and alter them, we might make things worse.”

They looked at the prince, and he shrugged. “I’m just here to protect you.”

“We need a plan,” Marlena said, placing her hands on her hips. “We aren’t strong enough to go against the Dark King.”

“We have a plan. Strengthen the wards, hide the mirror, and hope the king gives up,” the fairy said. “He’s not in his full power. He didn’t manage to breach yet. Once he weakens and leaves, I can go back to Fairy Island and keep the mirror safe there.”

Marlena shook her head. “The king needs to absorb other fae’s energy to restore his powers. Once he leaves from here, he’ll go after all the half-breeds and witches to suck their power. He’ll be invincible if we don’t stop him.”

“I faced him when he attacked Drake. I’ve barely made it alive with the alpha,” the fairy explained. “We need to strengthen the shields.”

“We need to run the hell out of here,” Marlena warned.

“We can’t leave these people helpless,” the fairy protested.

“Let’s just close the door to my room and disappear. This is a pocket dimension; I can teleport it to somewhere else, far from here,” Marlena suggested.

“What will happen to the shield protecting the palace if we do that?” Dorian asked.

“It will disappear, but so will the mirror. Maybe he gives up and leaves the kingdom alone.” Marlena shrugged.

The fairy touched the walls as if looking for something. “Or he’ll storm the palace, kill some, imprison others to torture until he finds out why the mirror disappeared.”

Dorian aimed his sword to Marlena. “No one is closing that door.”

“You can run with the others if you’re afraid,” the fairy suggested.

Marlena raised her hand. “You should also be afraid unless you’re too stupid to understand the dimension of his power. The only one strong enough to defeat him is asleep, and her conscience is trapped inside the mirror you are holding.”

The pretty fairy reminded her, “There’s no way to find her body and transfer her conscience back into it.”

The Evil Queen smirked. “I have a map with the location of the tower and the safest path inside the Cursed Forest.”

The fairy objected, “Pointless if we don’t have her destined mate. Plus, the forest is cursed. No one who went deep inside ever returned.”

“I know. My sisters and I were the ones who cursed the animals and the plants and created the dagger that enchanted the girl. At her father’s request, I might add.”

“The curse will be broken if the prophecy is fulfilled. The Chosen One needs to leave in a quest, vanquish the monsters, and find the princess. The one who can remove the dagger in her chest is fated to marry her,” the fairy explained. “That’s the prophecy.”

Marlena smirked at the fairy as if she hadn’t heard anything new.

The fairy sighed. “We have no idea who her fated mate is or if he is even born!”

“The princess knows all about the future and the past. She can tell us who he is,” Marlena said. “Just wake her up and ask.”

“You know it doesn’t work like that,” the fairy huffed. “She shows bits and pieces of what the future holds. We need to put the puzzle together.”

“Her goal is to protect the future of this planet. There won’t be a future if the Dark King puts his hands in the mirror and absorbs your sister’s energy and power.”

“Enough!” Dorian called them out. “We are wasting time. We need to protect the palace, or he’ll get in soon.”

The ground shook as if proving his point.

“Prince, please go see what’s happening outside,” Cindy requested.

Chapter SEVENTEEN

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Marlena’s protective shield incased the palace and the manicured gardens but didn’t protect the houses from the villages or the clearings just before the dense forest.

The Dark King waited on a meadow. His gray hair floating with the soft breeze as his smoke soldiers—dark humanoid forms without faces—waved their arms up and down while not moving anything else. They waited for the shield to dissipate so they could attack.

Luke had positioned his troops and the palace guards in front of the gardens in a defensive position. Meanwhile, Dorian could see Drake and his werewolves rushing into the clearing and creating a defensive barrier to face the smoke soldiers when they attacked.

Dorian described what was going on. “Drake has positioned his pack in front of our troops to retain the first wave. Luke will lead the second line of defense.”

“Drake is honorable and knows we need to take a stand here. The Dark King went for Drake once he realized the Fate Mirror was no longer in the village. Drake fought against his magical soldiers before I arrived to save him,” Cindy said.

“Plus, he’s loyal and grateful to your deceased mother,” Marlena added. “She took him in when he had nowhere to go. I have to give him credit. He gathered a band of mischiefs and turned them into loyal and trained soldiers. It has been hard to fight against him.”

“You need to reinforce the wards and do something about the Dark King,” Dorian directed the witch and the fairy.

“He won’t stop at nothing until he can put his hands on the Fate Mirror. With its powers, he can conquer this continent and then the rest of this world,” Queen Marlena declared.

“It was my fault to lead him here,” the fairy apologized. “But I didn’t know where else to go. The village was compromised, and I was only able to grab the mirror and escape.”

Marlena spoke. “Drake and Luke will only delay the inevitable. They should have run with the women and children.”

“They are buying us time,” Dorian elucidated.

“They are all that stands between you and your death,” Cindy reminded the Evil Witch.

“I’m well aware of that.”

“Where did you write the magical incantations to cast the wards?” Cindy asked the witch.

“Reinforcing the wards will only delay the inevitable. He will eventually get in or start killing the villagers around the palace.”

“True,” Dorian said as he entered the room. “With so many things here, don’t you have anything that can help us fight against his soldiers?”

“I could make something. But, the girl’s arrival with the Fate Mirror was providential.” With a wicked smile, Marlena announced, “I have an idea!”

Outside, thunders rumbled over the protective dome, the wind blasted the room and swirled the dust off the floor.

“What idea?” Dorian asked.

“I’ll need the mirror for that,” the witch declared.

“I won’t leave my sister’s conscience in your hands,” the fairy declared.

Marlena arched an eyebrow. “I believe you failed to listen to the part where I said the Dark King wouldn’t desist from entering as long as we have the mirror.”

“I heard you,” Cindy assured.

“If the mirror no longer exists, he has no reason to stay here.”

Cindy hugged the mirror closer to her chest. “I won’t let you destroy my sister’s soul.”

The witch raised her arms in exasperation. “Of course not. She is too precious and has a part to play in the Dark King’s defeat.” Marlena narrowed the distance between her and the fairy. Lowering her voice, she explained, “But we can trick him into believing your sister is dead and is no longer a threat to his plan of world domination.”

Cindy frowned. “How?”

“Destroy a fake mirror?” Dorian asked.

Marlena shook her head and pointed at the black cloth, wrapping the magical item. “Together, we are strong enough to transfer Medina’s conscience into a living being. The king can only sense the magic in the mirror—the iron and the special glass. With the mirror empty, the new fairy queen can pretend to destroy it. Not just that, we’ll have a way to wound him.”

Cindy and Dorian waited for her to disclose all her secrets.

Turning around, Marlena walked further into the room and stared at an empty wall. “When the alpha released the Dark King, his prison was completely destroyed. We have no way to trap him again.” Her lips curled up. “But Medina’s mirror is made from the same glass. The glass’s material is deadly to fae when inserted into their bloodstream. Exploding the mirror into pieces will create shards that I can project into the king to wound him. The shards might also harm his minions.” She folded her hands behind her back and looked over her shoulder. “Swords only dissipate his soldiers temporarily. That is why his army is so terrifying. They’re unkillable. At least by normal weapons.” She stopped talking and turned to look at her listeners. “Do you see why I’m so valuable alive?”

“Killing you would have been a bad decision. The Dark King was eager to get rid of you for a good reason,” Dorian agreed.

Marlena nodded, but her smile disappeared. “I have been making calculations in my head. The time between the Queen’s death and his arrival in the village was too long. He couldn’t enter my palace because of the wards, but he must have gone somewhere else before deciding to steal the mirror.”

“You’re right. I was still incubating when he killed my mother. It took a few hours for me to wake up my fairies and arrive in the village.”

Marlena tensed her jaw. “I’m afraid he might have killed a few of my sisters.”

“Your coven’s sisters?” Dorian asked.

“They helped me trap him. He has a vendetta against us. Plus, they have magic he can absorb.”

“His powers must have increased,” Cindy mumbled.

“Yes. They aren’t as powerful as I am, but they know how to reach his daughter’s body. He needs them dead.”

Marlena pointed her hand to her left and swirled it. White magic circled around her hand and projected onto a shelf. A book opened, and a light-brown folded paper floated in the air. “This is the only map of the Cursed Forest. It’s essential if you want to save your sister. To prove my good intentions, I’ll let you keep it if you agree with my plan.”

Cindy’s brow arched. “The map for showing you the mirror and letting you touch it?”

“Yes. I have nowhere to run. Even if I steal the Fate Mirror, it won’t serve me any good. The Dark King will keep going after me.”

“You have a point,” Cindy mused.

The walls shook once again, and the group almost lost balance. Cindy glued her back to the wall and kept the mirror tightly pressed against her chest.

“He’ll enter and kill everybody if you don’t hurry up,” Dorian urged.

Cindy walked to Marlena when the shaking stopped. “Very well. Give me the map.”

With a wave of Marlena’s hand, the map flew in Cindy’s direction. She grabbed it and hid it inside her cloak.

Looking at the witch, she asked, “How do we remove Medina’s conscience from this mirror and which living creature can host her soul?”

“We can’t use another human because it would kill that human’s soul,” Marlena replied. “Also, we don’t want the princess in a human body. The soul will permanently attach to it if it spends too much time in there. She’d be much weaker than in her elven vessel.”

“It wouldn’t be correct to kill a human, either,” Cindy reminded her.

“Maybe not for you. I wouldn’t have any problems with it.”

“Can it be any living being?” Dorian asked.

“Yes. It would be a temporary solution until she could go back to her original body,” Marlena replied.

Dorian pointed at the cages next to the wall. “Even a duck?”

“Or a rat,” Marlena said with her eyes on the rat cage.

“Why do you have animals in here?” Cindy wondered.

“Sometimes, I need fresh ingredients,” Marlena explained.

Cindy sneered. “Black magic is wrong.”

“Maybe, but it was necessary for my plans.”

“Focus,” Dorian requested. “How will you transfer the princess now that we have a vessel?”

“Grab the duck and place it over the table,” Marlena instructed Dorian. Looking at Cindy, she motioned for her. “Unwrap the mirror and place it on the table, next to the duck.”

Cindy and Dorian obeyed while Marlena reached for a box on her ritual altar.

Opening the box, she removed several rocks with runes painted in red. “With these stones of power, I’ll create a conductive link and transfer the princess’s soul into the duck.”

The walls shook, and more lightning illuminated the tower’s window.

“We’re running out of time,” Dorian warned.

“Once the transfer is completed, Dorian will protect the duck while the fairy and I teleport to the battlefield and face the king,” Marlena explained. She looked at Cindy with a stern expression. “You’ll need to trust me, young girl.”

“Cindy. My name is Cindy,” the fairy clarified.

“Dorian and I made a deal. I have every reason to want you all to live.”

The Fairy Queen spoke. “If you can save my sister and the map you gave me has the location to her body, I have no reason to kill you.”

“With the Dark King on the loose and my marriage to the king ruined, I’ll need a place to hide.”

“You can either take refuge in the White Cloud Kingdom or try your luck elsewhere,” Dorian declared.

“There is still the small issue of my death,” she explained.

“No one will kill you,” Dorian assured.

“The people of this kingdom need to believe their queen perished in this assault.” She faced the vampire prince. “The King hates me, and the princess never wanted me here. I need to die so I can take a new form and start a new life. All you need to do is tell everybody I was killed by the smoke soldiers.”

“Who is everybody?” Dorian wondered.

“You can tell your wife and father-in-law that it was a fake death, but our nobles and neighbor kingdoms need to believe Queen Marlena died protecting her kingdom.”

“So, you want to be remembered as a hero and not the witch who tried to steal the kingdom from its rightful rulers,” Dorian summed up.

She grinned. “Exactly.”

Dorian mused for a moment. “Very well. It will ease my wife’s pain if you are gone, and your disappearance explained. We’ll bury an empty casket and build you a monument.”

She rubbed her hands, looking pleased. “Let’s hurry up with this. I have a new life to start.”

Chapter EIGHTEEN

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Drake growled as he stomped his front paws heavily on the ground. He had to stand his ground and only attack if the soldiers breached into the defensive area.

The Dark King had started the attack on the protective shield. Thunders summoned by his magic ricocheted on the dome and weakened it.

Surviving would be highly unlikely. Eventually, the smoke soldiers would kill them all. He just hoped to resist long enough for his wife and the vulnerable to escape from the palace. In the catacombs, tunnels led away from there and in the opposite direction. His village had the invisible shield restored, according to Cindy. Belle could hide with Princess Snow and her nobles there.

He would never meet his child or kiss his wife again. Not being able to watch his kid grow up and love his wife until old werewolf age were his only regrets. To die fighting never scared him. He was a warrior, after all. But who would console his Belle and teach his kid to hunt? Who would embrace his wife and keep the darkness away when the pain of his departure clutched her heart?

Wolves mated for life. He would have never marked her if he knew how much it hurt to leave her lonely for the rest of her days. Still, Belle had to be strong to raise their kid.

When the shield dropped and the smoke soldiers shouted their war cry, there was only one thought in Drake’s mind: protect Belle.

Werewolves and soldiers clashed. The wolves tore their limbs apart, bit off their necks, and pulled at their heads. Iridescent blades pierced the wolves’ bodies, and blood tainted red the once green pastures. But the smoke soldiers didn’t bleed, and they didn’t die. Only living creatures could be killed. Those beings weren’t alive. They were created by the Dark King’s dark magic and were an extension of him.

Soon, the soldiers swarmed the gardens, and arrows flew in their direction while the vampires and humans unsheathed their swords to keep them away from the palace.

Amid the carnage, Drake made his way, leaving temporary destruction behind. He hoped to reach the master who commanded the army. Without the Dark King, those soldiers wouldn’t exist.

If only he could wound him.

Before Drake had his chance, he was injured and tossed back in the air. His body rolled several feet with rocks and twigs piercing his flesh. His back legs burned, and he felt something stinging in his hip. Before closing his eyes, he saw a ball of energy form on the field, and Marlena and Cindy materialized.

Then all went black.

Chapter NINETEEN

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Cindy wasn’t sure Marlena’s plan would work, but it was all they had. The king had to be stopped. Maybe her power was enough to beat him. If not, he had to believe her sister was gone. If she and Marlena died there, at least Medina would survive. Dorian had her sister and the map of the Cursed Forest. He would be able to assemble a team strong enough to face all the dangers that surrounded the Cursed Tower, where Medina’s body was kept.

Time was of the essence. Once the shield dropped, Cindy knew her friends were fighting for survival. The image of the dead werewolves and soldiers on the ground, while the smoke soldiers kept moving forward and killing, daunted her heart.

Still, she didn’t have time to check on the wounded and confirm who was still alive.

Her materialization in front of the Dark King stopped him from continuing. His puzzled expression hinted his surprise.

His eyes darted to the mirror in her hands. “Give me that, and I’ll leave.”

“You killed my mother,” she accused.

“She was against me.”

“You imprisoned my sister.”

“She was too strong and unwilling to help me,” he replied. “She is my daughter. I didn’t kill her.”

“No, you cursed her instead,” Cindy grunted.

“You’re not blood of my blood. I have no problem killing you.” He raised a glowing hand, ready to strike.

Cindy lifted the mirror in her hands. “Is this what you want and what you’re afraid of?”

His hand froze, and his eyes narrowed.

Cindy continued, “As you said, I’m not your daughter, and I never met my sister. I have no problem in destroying her.’’

“You wouldn’t do that,” he spat.

“There must be a reason why you let her live. Maybe it’ll be safer if she’s gone,” Cindy argued.

He smirked and looked at Marlena. “Join me, and I’ll let you live.”

Marlena snorted and shook her head. “I don’t believe you.”

“You aren’t strong enough to kill me,” he assured.

It was the witch’s turn to smirk. “Maybe, but we can still try.” Looking at Cindy, she shouted. “Now!”

Cindy threw the mirror up in the air and aimed her hands at it. A bolt of lightning stroke the mirror, destroying it, and shards flew in all directions.

“No!” The king’s hand moved forward, and it was as if time slowed down, and the glass pieces floated in the air.

Cindy’s body became trapped in the spell, and she wasn’t able to move. Glancing at the witch, she noticed she too seemed unable to move.

How could they use their powers if they were immobile and defenseless?

The king’s eyes burned with rage, and his inner force exuded menacingly around his body, making his hair float like tendrils of dancing snakes. Before he could release his deadly power, a black vortex rushed in his direction, striking his abdomen and sending him flying backward into the forest.

Cindy’s body was released from the entrapment, and everything around her returned to its normal speed. The shards hit the grass, and the frame bounced against the ground before it sunk into the vegetation.

“What happened? Who attacked him?” Cindy asked.

Marlena shook her head. “Who is strong enough to face him other than us?”

They both looked back and saw a male figure coming their way. He was wearing a shiny black armor over his stunningly embroidered tunic. His long, raven hair floated back with the wind, and his hands still glowed with dark energy.

“Who’s he?” Cindy’s question was almost inaudible.

“I have no idea,” Marlena mumbled. “But he’s gorgeous.”

Cindy’s eyebrows shot up, and she snapped her head at the witch. “We’re almost dying, and that’s what you’re thinking?”

“As if I didn’t see how your lips parted when you looked at him,” the witch muttered.

Cindy sneered at her.

“Ladies,” the elf greeted them when he arrived. “You shouldn’t lower your guard. I just pushed him back a few hundred meters. I’m sure he is coming in our direction as mad as ever.”

“Who are you?” Cindy questioned.

“A friend.” His face once sober, glowed when he offered her a smile. Then, his eyes focused on the trees ahead, and his jaw tensed. “He’s coming.”

“We need to stab him with the mirror’s shards,” Marlena reminded Cindy.

“He’ll use protective shields to defend himself from our magic and weapons,” the newcomer said. “I’ll help to breach his defenses, but someone needs to grab the biggest shard and stab him when he lets his guard down.’’

“I’ll do it,” the fairy volunteered.

The elf locked eyes with Cindy. “Beautiful lady, are you sure you’re able to help me attack him?”

She nodded. “I’m not here to be a damsel in distress.”

He offered her a lop-sided grin that sent shivers down her spine. He was gorgeous. Marlena was right. Yet, elves were beautiful creatures, but also deceiving and arrogant. That one saved them. Maybe he was on their side, but she wasn’t going to let her guard down.

“Why are you helping us?” Cindy asked.

He didn’t answer since he floated forward as if wings had propelled him. Opening his hands, he formed an energy ball, and it soared ahead. Cindy noticed the Dark King bolted toward them faster than an arrow. He evaded the elf’s magical attack, and when the fairy realized, a sword had materialized in the elf’s hand with which the stranger blocked the Dark King’s blade.

Cindy wasn’t going to let someone else do all the work. She had powers of her own. Focusing her mind, she summoned her magical dagger. Once it was materialized, she waved her hands and sent the dagger at the enemy. It danced and swirled, looking for a breach to wound him.

The Dark King was indeed powerful. He managed to fight the elf and summon a shield to block all Cindy’s attacks.

With their master at risk, a group of smoke soldiers drew back and marched toward Cindy, Marlena, and the elf’s direction.

Marlena summoned fireballs and cast them around. Still, they were many. Cindy had to help her. Withdrawing her attack on the king, she called her dagger back. It floated closer to her body as tiny shards of ice materialized. Cindy’s hands twirled. White fog covered the ground and snaked its way into the soldiers’ limbs. Circling around their legs, the ice tendrils stopped their movements. Cindy floated forward and marched in a zig-zag manner. Her dagger flew in front of her while the shards sliced the smoke soldiers. Her hair danced with her movements as her dagger slit throat after throat.

The wounded soldiers disappeared in explosions of ash.

The Dark King’s voice thundered behind her. “You’re killing my warriors! How?”

In a blink of an eye, the evil elf disappeared and appeared closer to the fairy. Cindy floated back and dodged the sneaky attack. In front of her, the raven-haired elf appeared and intercepted the king’s next attempt to harm the fairy.

“You’re fighting with me,” the elf warrior reminded the king.

The king locked eyes with his opponent. “You’re no match for me!”

“Even still. I can’t let you hurt them.”

“Your kind has long been gone. I’ll do you a favor and end your existence so you can join them.” Locking blades, the king shoved the elf warrior aside, he kept swinging and parrying, until he angled his body and positioned his sword to cut his throat.

Cindy’s dagger flew and intercepted the king’s blade before it killed the elf. The elf’s eyes and Cindy’s met for a brief second before Cindy’s arm moved to grab the hilt of her dagger, and her left hand pierced a glass shard into the Dark King’s ribs.

The king stopped in his tracks. His mouth clamped until he convulsed forward.

The elf used that opportunity to stab his abdomen.

Blood spilled from the king’s mouth. His eyes looked down at his wound in disbelief. Stepping back, he released himself from the blade and used his inner force to create a vacuum explosion that threw the elf and Cindy backward. Their bodies flew a few meters before they could react, open their arms, and stop in their tracks.

It was all the time the Dark King needed to teleport out of there and take his smoke soldiers with him.

“We wounded him,” Marlena rejoiced.

Floating down and landing, Cindy held her dagger against her chest, and it disappeared in a burst of silver dust. Close to her, the elf had also landed and rushed to her side.

“You cut yourself in the mirror when you stabbed him,” the elf observed.

“It doesn’t hurt,” Cindy mumbled.

“It’s poison,” he said.

“H-how—” Her eyes followed his. He stared at her blood dripping into the grass where flowers of several colors materialized. She had no idea her blood could do that.

“I’ll heal you.”

Gently, he reached for her hand. Their hands interlocked, and she felt a cold sensation impregnate her skin. It didn’t hurt, but it made her shiver.

“Who are you?” Cindy questioned him.

He smiled and gazed into her eyes. “You’re all better now.”

His voice was gentle, and his face dauntingly beautiful. For a second, she forgot she was in the middle of a battlefield. Somehow, his dark eyes looked familiar. Yet, she was sure she had never seen that face before.

Bringing her hand to his lips, he whispered, “It was nice to see you again.” He disappeared in a cloud of gray and white smoke.

When the Fairy Queen looked at her hand, the wound had been healed, and there were no traces of a scar.

Her daze didn’t last long. Turning on her heels, she ran into the battlefield. “Sam! Drake! Jake!”

Her arms extended, and colorful, tiny fairies appeared upon her calling. They spread around the field, looking for the wounded to heal. Meanwhile, their queen continued to search for her friends. She could only hope she wasn’t too late to use her new healing abilities to save them.

One thing was sure in all that ordeal: The Dark King had been wounded and retreated. Snow’s kingdom was saved, and the evil elf believed the mirror had been destroyed. Therefore, he wouldn’t be coming to look for Medina anymore.

Chapter TWENTY

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Soldiers were sent to escort Princess Snow and Belle back to the palace. With the help of the fairies, the wounded soldiers got better, and the dead bodies were retrieved. The dead would be mourned properly once the families were notified and the kingdom knew about their sacrifice.

Dorian sat next to Cindy’s chair. Marlena attended to Luke’s wounds not far from them. Meanwhile, Dorian kept cuddling the sleeping duck in his lap.

“Has she woken up again?” Cindy asked as her eyes glanced at her sister.

Dorian seemed to wake up from his torpor. “Once. She didn’t say much.”

Cindy nodded as tears threatened to roll down her cheeks. She gulped and rested her elbows on the table, hiding her face against her hands.

“There was nothing you could have done,” Dorian said.

“If… He was so young,” Cindy vented. She raised her head and looked at him again. “How many of yours died?”

“Two. They were good soldiers and even better vampires.”

“Any with family?”

“One was married.”

Before Cindy could say anything else, Belle and Snow stormed inside the dining room. Snow calmed down when she saw Dorian, but Belle darted to Cindy’s side.

“Drake?” she asked with a shaky voice.

Dorian had placed the duck on the table and rushed to his wife. They hugged each other.

Cindy stood up and grabbed Belle’s arms before the emotion made her lose her balance.

“He’s fine. He’s fine,” the fairy assured. “I took care of his wounds, and he’s resting in one of the guest rooms.”

Belle cried. Perhaps more of relief than fear. Whatever it was, it wasn’t good for the baby.

“You can’t get upset,” Cindy reminded her.

Between sobs, her friend asked, “Do you know how scared I was?”

Cindy wasn’t able to hold on to her tears any longer. “S-Sam. He died.”

Sobbing, she hugged Belle, and they both sobbed.

“He was so young,” Cindy bawled. “He was my friend. My brother. What am I going to tell his mother?”

“Who else died from the pack?”

Cindy shook her head, unable to speak while the tears soaked her face. Breathing deeply, she replied, “Albert, Cassidy, and Martin.” She sniffled. “I told them to let you know that Drake was alive. Didn’t they tell you?”

Belle nodded. “But they said he had been badly wounded.”

Cindy stepped back and cleaned the tears with the back of her hands. “I patched him up the best I could. He’ll recover in two days.”

“Your sister?” Belle recalled. “Where is she?”

Cindy pointed at the duck. “The transference was successful, but Marlena said she needs to adjust to her new body before she can keep herself conscious.”

Belle walked to the table and cuddled the duck with extra care. “How are you going to communicate with her?”

“She can talk. She uses her conscience to project her voice.”

“What did she say to you? Did she know you existed?”

“Apparently, she knows everything. When she opened her eyes and saw me, she said, ‘I’m glad this is the future where I get to meet you.’”

“What does that mean?”

“I have no idea.” Cindy rubbed Belle’s shoulder. “I know you can’t wait to see your husband. I’ll help you up the stairs. I’m sure he’s eager to see you too. He kept saying your name when I was healing him.”

Belle folded her hands over her belly. “I don’t know what I would do if I had to raise our child on my own. Are you sure that you wounded the Dark King?”

“I am.”

“Is he going to die?”

“Marlena said the glass was poisonous, but it will only debilitate him for a couple of months, at most. He’s old and powerful. There’s an antidote to the poison. It’s just a matter of time until he returns to finish what he started.”

Snow appeared next to Belle and Cindy. “Hi!”

Cindy looked at her and slightly bowed her head. “Hi!”

“I’m Snow, Dorian’s wife, and the princess of this kingdom. I can’t find the words to express how much I appreciate your help.”

Cindy introduced herself, “I’m Cindy.”

“I know. Belle told me all about you.”

Cindy frowned and looked at her friend.

“Snow has spent some days in our village,” Belle explained. “We’re best friends now.”

Cindy puckered her lips. “I’m your best friend.”

“We can have more than one best friend,” Belle assured.

Snow smiled. “For what I understood, you’re more like a sister to Belle than a friend. I’m sure we’ll all be best friends.”

Cindy nodded and took Snow’s hand. The princess looked at her hands with a confused expression.

“You’re like me. Aren’t you?” the fairy asked.

“Not like you. I’m still human,” Snow replied.

“Mom told me about you. You’re as pretty as they say.”

Snow curtsied. “Thank you.”

Cindy slightly bowed her head and released the princess’s hand. “I’ll take Belle to see her husband. We’ll talk once everybody is calmer. We need to join forces to face this new threat.”

Grabbing Belle’s arm, Cindy accompanied her friend to see Drake.

Belle slowly climbed up the stairs. “I’m sorry about your mother.”

“Thank you.”

“It must be overwhelming for you. Why don’t you stay a few days in the village before returning to your kingdom?”

“I wasn’t able to say goodbye to her,” Cindy shared. “I had some time to think while I was waiting for you to return. I still have a few belongings in the village. I’ll go there tomorrow, once I escort our people back home. However, I need to return to my palace. My fairies need me. My sister needs me. I’ll have to find a way to empower my sister’s new vessel, so she’s strong enough to stay awake and talk to me.”

“Do you want me to go back with you to your kingdom? I’m sure you don’t want to be alone.”

“I have my fairies, and you need to take care of your husband.”

“I don’t want to leave you alone when you most need me.”

Cindy shook her head. “I have no time to mourn, Belle. I have a lot to learn about my powers and a kingdom to rule.”

Belle’s hand covered hers. “You look so different, Cindy. Have you seen yourself in the mirror?”

Her face turned to look at her friend. “Different, how?”

“You were pretty before, but know you look more and more like your mother. Even the sadness in your eyes.”

“I’ll be fine, my dear sister.” Cindy faked a smile. “And thank you for the compliment. My mother was stunning.”

“Just don’t lose your humanity.”

“Fairies have feelings too. Don’t worry, Belle. I don’t intend to become evil or indifferent to the fate of this world.”

Belle nodded with a faint smile.

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The next day, Drake’s pack returned to their veiled village. Cindy accompanied them.

Once they arrived at the village, the women surrounded them to greet the living and honor the dead. Wails of grief were heard as the families received the news of their deceased loved ones.

Cindy had to hold Sam’s mom to prevent her from kneeling on the ground while she wept. They both cried for a long time since there were no words to ease the loss or take away the pain.

After the dead were buried, Cindy walked around the village with a heavy heart. The happy memories she gathered there were enough to give her some comfort. For as long as she lived, this place would be her home. They had accepted her, cared for her, and taught her the value of having a family. Her mother took her there, but those people received her without restraints.

There was nothing left from her mother, and her presence wasn’t in that village either. Maybe it would be in the enchanted hut where they had lived. She had been happy there for a while.

Cindy stopped her wandering when something came to her mind. There was something left from her mother. Why didn’t she remember it sooner?

Grabbing her skirt, she ran to her old home.

“Cindy, where are you going?” Belle asked as she sprinted down the path and didn’t stop.

The Fairy Queen rushed inside her old living quarters and opened the drawer in her desk. She rolled down the magical paper she used to communicate with her godmother. Surely, Mother wouldn’t leave without a message to her. Did she know she was going to die? Did she sense when the Dark King was released?

She didn’t have the chance to say goodbye when her mother came to wake her up from her hibernation. Maybe Mother had left her instructions or a goodbye message.

Holding down the tears, she smoothed down the paper and browsed the last words they sent each other. At the bottom, she noticed something new written, something that was not there before. Once she read it, she couldn’t hold on to the tears anymore. She burst out in a cry and crumbled to the floor, hugging the paper against her chest.

“Cindy, what’s wrong?” Belle asked as she stepped inside the bedroom.

“She knew she was going to die. She knew it.”

“Did she leave you a message?”

Sobbing, she reached out her hand and showed Belle her mother’s last words.

Belle sat on the bed and read them.

Dear child,

I don’t know if I’ll be alive once my husband is free. If that’s the case, then I wanted to leave you with a few words to remind you how much I love you.

Mother didn’t want you to suffer so much in life, but you needed to be who you are now. For you to be a good queen and protect all races, you needed to grow up with humans and mingle with werewolves. You had to see the beauty and also the darkness.

For you to fight against oppression, you had to be oppressed.

Do you hate me for that, Cindy?

Would you rather have been born a sheltered princess without a care in the world?

You’re a good and kind person, and I love you with all my heart. Never forget that. You’ve been loved, and I’m incredibly proud of what you’ve become. I can’t think of anyone worthier of my crown than you. Please lead our people with all the love and grace that belongs to your being.

And … don’t cry. I know it’s hard. I’m crying right now while I’m writing these last words.

If he can’t forgive me and change, then you’ll have to be the one to stop him with the help of your sister.

It had to be this way. You were born to replace me.

You see, my death has been foretold by your sister. I knew for all these decades that I would die by his hand.

I’m not scared of him, nor of the death he brings. He’s my everything. He’s my beginning and my end. I’m not afraid of dying by his hands. I know he’ll die by yours and your sister’s. I prepared everything for that to happen.

You need to be stronger than I ever was. That is why I gave you that mask. Remember?

Find the crystal mask, absorb its powers, and free your sister from her slumber. I’ll be brave, knowing you’ll stay behind and do what I couldn’t. Maybe when he dies, we can be reunited again and purge all our sins.

Be brave, my child. I’ll be too as I walk into the night.

Mom.

“She died for nothing,” Cindy bawled. “I wasn’t able to defeat him.”

“Not on your own,” Belle said as she looked away from the paper. “You need to find a crystal mask. Do you know what she’s talking about?”

Cindy sniffed and wiped the tears. “The crystal mask? I almost forgot about it.”

“We have your sister and the map to find your sister’s vessel. You were able to save Snow’s kingdom and injure the Dark King. He’s hidden for now.”

Cindy breathed deeply and cleaned her tears as she processed the information. “You’re right. Mom is counting on me to save the world, and I’m no longer a weak human.”

Belle leaned next to her and sat with some effort due to her round belly. “No, you’re not. You’re a powerful Fairy Queen. I can’t even imagine all the power you have and what you can do, but you fought the Dark King. Everybody said you were fierce!”

“I don’t have time to cry and mourn my mom.” She took the papers from Belle’s hands and looked at the words with nostalgia in her eyes. “She believed I could save us all. She trained me for this. I need to make my sister whole and increase my powers.” Jumping to her feet, she declared, “I have a prince to meet and a sister to save.”

Belle angled her hand upward, asking for a little help to get on her feet. “Where are we going?”

Cindy looked down. “You aren’t going anywhere. You’re having a baby. I’m going on my own. I’ll call Drake to help you up on my way out.”

“Cindy! Don’t you dare to leave… Cindy!”

Ignoring Belle, the Fairy Queen walked to the door. Before leaving, she turned around and added, “You better be safe, so my nephews are born healthy.”

“Nephews?”

“You’re having two little ones. I’ll be back before you can miss me.”

“Where are you going?” Belle questioned.

“I have no time to explain, but rest assured that I’m not letting the Dark King destroy all we love.”

With that promise, she disappeared into thin air.

Chapter TWENTY-ONE

Calligraphy Swirls-05

The royal family of The Shattered Bones Island liked to throw lavish parties and invite all the aristocracy to showcase their riches and power.

Once Cindy’s father remarried, she wasn’t allowed to go to them. Her stepsisters would go instead and tried to find a suitable and rich husband. For the last years, they hadn’t gone since no one knew where they disappeared to once the will was read, and they were left with nothing. She had to thank her mother for that lesson since her father would have destroyed everything to please her stepmother if he could.

The seamstress fairies had outdone themselves. Her dress was dreamy and even more impressive than the one she wore to Snow’s party. It was a long, baby-blue, tulle dress embroidered with white peonies and pearls. The skirt touched the ground, and she lifted the hem to avoid stepping on the silk. Her long, blonde hair was pulled into a side braid, and several precious stones had been pinned to it while a crystal crown had been secured to the top of her head.

The fairies were skilled seamstresses and loved nothing more than to pamper their queen. The result of their work was that everybody turned heads to look at Cindy as she climbed the never-ending stairs to the entrance of the palace. She didn’t have an invitation, but no one asked for one when her carriage arrived.

The new Fairy Queen waited in line while the herald announced the guests’ names and titles. When it came to Cindy’s turn, the herald left his position to talk with her.

“And how should I announce you, my lady?”

Cindy whispered in his ear, and he went back to his position.

The herald announced, “Lady Lucinda Dalgaard, daughter of Earl Thomas Dalgaard.” Clearing his throat, he added, “And Queen of the Fairies.”

The buzzing sound of people talking stopped, and as if rehearsed, the guests turned to look at the entrance where Cindy stood.

Butterflies took over her stomach. She had no idea what had triggered that reaction—the fact that she was the queen of the fairies or the daughter of the Earl that everybody believed to be dead. There was no turning back now, Cindy had a mission to accomplish.

Behind the motionless crowd, Cindy noticed movement. A young man dressed in a uniform was maneuvering his way to her. She recognized Prince Solveig.

“You came,” he shouted with a pleased grin.

“Were you waiting for me?” she asked and bowed when he reached her side at the speed of an eager werewolf with little regard for protocol.

“It’s my birthday, and you have no reason to be away from your people anymore.”

“You’re not my people,” she replied without thinking.

He lost his smile. “Werewolves never discriminated humans in this land.”

“I’m not human anymore,” she clarified.

The herald cleared his throat, and the prince looked at him. “Yes?”

“Can we carry on with the announcements, my prince?”

“As you wish,” he said, grabbing Cindy’s hand and guiding her into the ballroom.

Ignoring the curious eyes and the whispers, Cindy followed the prince and dodged the dancing couples.

The Fairy Queen browsed the room with curiosity. The vaulted ceilings, the bright lights, and the hundreds of flowers decorating paled in comparison to the beauty of the Fairy Palace. She had once thought nothing was more beautiful than the Shattered Bones Palace, but that was before she inherited a kingdom built and kept by flower fairies. Her transformation also made her more aware of the scents and how the werewolves smelled differently than humans. They also glowed more intensely than others. She had so much to learn and no one to teach her. Missing her mother in a time like this unsettled her. She was an orphan. Alone again.

Inhaling deeply, she shook her head to dissipate the nostalgia sweeping into her spirit and overwhelming her intentions. She wasn’t alone.

She had Belle, Drake’s pack that swore allegiance to her as they had done to her mother. She had secured an alliance with the Meadows Kingdom’s king, and she would have the support of the White Cloud Kingdom. All she had to do was become stronger so she could leave on her quest to save her sister. Besides, she was the queen of the fairies. Hundreds of lives depended on her now. There was no time to doubt and feel self-pity.

Cindy focused her attention on the prince, dragging her across the ballroom. “Where are we going?”

“To the garden where we can talk in private,” the prince replied.

“I’ve just come for the mask. I have no wish for small talk.”

“If that were true, you wouldn’t show up during a party.”

“How else would I come here to see you without an invitation?”

“You’re the mighty Queen of the Fairies, you would think of something,” he teased and stopped at the balcony with a view to the manicured gardens.

“Are you mocking me?”

“Not at all, my lady. The news of your mother’s demise and your ascension to the throne reached our land. I was hoping you would come to me once you had mourned your parent.”

“I have no time to mourn.” She removed her hand from his and looked at the moon. “If you heard of my mom’s death, you also know who killed her and the danger we are facing.”

“The Meadows Kingdom has sent word to all the other kingdoms in the Fayland World.”

“I’m afraid all the armies in this world are not enough to stop the Dark King,” Cindy claimed and sighed.

“You wounded him. Therefore, you must be more powerful than your mother.”

“It’s complicated. But I came for the crystal mask you have in your possession so I can leave for a quest.”

“Only that? I was hoping you came here so we could finish what we didn’t in the Meadows Palace. Just kiss me, and I’m willing to follow you everywhere, my lady.” He bowed with a lopsided grin.

Cindy spared him a look, but his charms didn’t make her heart flutter or her insides burn. Solveig was handsome, but she had more pressing matters than the affairs of the heart. “I’m sure your parents aren’t eager to lose their sole heir to the throne.”

“A little bit of adventure before having to choose a wife never hurt anyone.”

Cindy arched an eyebrow. “A wife?”

“I was hoping you’d come here because of that. However, your words show you didn’t even know why this ball was organized.”

“Isn’t this your birthday party?”

“That’s an excuse. In reality, my parents want me to choose a bride among all the beauties this world has to present.”

Sighing, Cindy held her hands to the balustrade and inhaled the fragrance of the flowers. “It must be nice to have such frivolous problems in one’s life.”

“This is far from frivolous, my lady. It’s my future that’s at stake.”

“Choosing a beautiful bride isn’t hard, my prince.”

“It is when the beauty I want doesn’t want me,” he said with a demurred expression.

She spared him a glance with a cold expression. “Are you flirting with me?”

He frowned at her. “You have a heart of ice, my beautiful Fairy Queen. What happened when you changed into this? Did you lose your humanity?”

“I’m more human than ever. I just have different priorities. My people count on me to protect them. This world needs me to keep it safe from the darkness. Plus,” she paused and looked him in the eye, “I’m swayed by actions, not words.”

The prince moved closer. “Do you wish me to prove my love for you?”

“All I wish is my crystal mask back. It’s important.”

His sultry voice caressed her cheek. “Will you dance with me if I give you back the mask?”

“Only one dance before I disappear into thin air,” she replied with a sly grin.

“Last time, I barely tasted your lips before you were gone,” he complained.

“I have no wish to kiss someone who’s going to choose a bride today.”

“Kiss me, and I’ll offer you my life, my crown, my army, and my allegiance to you.”

Cindy rested her hand on his cheek. “What about your parents? Will they agree to that?”

“You’re a queen, why would they oppose our alliance?”

“Yes.” She stepped back and grinned. “I’m a queen, and I have my own kingdom to rule.” Breathing deeply, she mumbled for only him to hear. “We didn’t have a moment that night. I was there to find out why your kingdom offered a reward to find me. Nothing more.”

He seemed shocked. “You used me for information?”

Cindy sneered. “Your charm doesn’t work on me.”

“You’re heartless.” He put his hand over his chest. “What happened to the sweet girl I ran after in these same gardens to get her attention? Aren’t you the Cindy who bewitched me while wearing a mask and danced and talked to me?”

“You were an arrogant brat, and you still are one, dear prince.”

His fingertips brushed her lips, silencing her. “I’m not the same rude boy who ran after you. I’m not the same prince with silly dreams and trembling lips who spent time with you in the Meadows Kingdom. It’s been months since I saw you, but there wasn’t a single day that I didn’t think about you. I’ve refused countless brides because I only want to marry you. I slept with your crystal mask beside me because it has your presence and makes me feel closer to you.”

Cindy smirked at his words. “Mother always said to mistrust men’s words.”

“Maybe, but do you realize that I’m not a man?”

“You’re male,” she claimed.

“And a werewolf. We won’t ever betray our mate.”

Cindy lost her smile and swallowed dry when the word mate left Solveig’s lips and tried to reach her heart. She, above all humans and fae, knew what that meant. She had witnessed firsthand what a mate bound could do. But mate bounds between fae also existed. She was a fairy now. Why didn’t she recognize the prince as her mate?

Was he trying to trick her?

Unclenching her jaw, she took control over her emotions. “I’m no longer human, Prince. My fae side doesn’t recognize you as a potential partner.”

“And how about a potential lover?” he retorted.

She stepped further from him. “What do you mean?”

“Let me imprint you. I’ll be faithful to only you. There’s no one else I want to mate with.”

Anger took over her, but she did her best to hide it with a leveled voice. “If I was your mate, there would be no one else you could mate with. I don’t appreciate you trying to trick me.”

“I didn’t lie when I said I loved you.” He stepped closer and held his hands to her arms. “Our alliance will benefit both kingdoms.”

Releasing herself from his grip, Cindy looked him in the eye. “Thank you for telling me where the mask is. I’ll let myself out once I grab it from your room.”

Without further delay, Cindy disappeared and appeared in the prince’s chambers. Using her magic, she found the mask inside a forgotten box inside a drawer. Not on his bedroom’s pillow as he’d claimed.

Cindy had no idea why he had said all those words and tried to force her into an alliance by marriage. However, she had more pressing matters to deal with, and the spoiled prince wasn’t one of them.

With the mask on her hand, she teleported back to her palace, where she reunited her fairies to understand how she could absorb the power hidden on that item and become more powerful.

Chapter TWENTY-TWO

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Prince Solveig groaned in frustration as the Fairy Queen disappeared in front of his eyes. He was unable to seduce her and secure an alliance that would benefit his kingdom.

“You need to go after her before she leaves,” a woman voice said from behind him.

The prince turned around and shook his head. “She didn’t come here for me. She just wanted the mask she left behind.”

The young lady wearing a dark dress hugged herself. “I’m doomed then. The Dark King is coming for my sister and me. You promised you’d protect me.”

With two strides, the prince shortened the distance between him and her. He held her in his arms and kissed the top of her head. “I’m here for you, Olympia. I won’t let him harm you. Your stepsister might not have fallen for my charms, but you’re my mate, and I’ll do anything to protect you. We’ll find other Fae willing to fight on our side.”

Olympia sobbed. “Mother is dead, and I’m all alone with my sister, hiding from everybody who thinks we are gold-diggers. Your parents want you to marry a princess. We were supposed to get married when I was the Earl’s stepdaughter. You were supposed to be mine.”

“I’m still yours. No one will find you and your sister while you hide in the castle. I’ll keep delaying a new engagement with the excuse of wanting to marry the Fairy Queen.”

“Mom said before she died, that the Fairy Queen isn’t strong enough to deal with the Dark King. She might have held him off in the Meadows, but once he absorbs the energy of all the half-breeds, he’ll be unstoppable, and there’s no magic we can do to seal him again in another realm.”

“What do you want me to do, my love?” the prince asked with a sad voice.

“We need to help the new Fairy Queen. She will probably go to the Cursed Forest to wake up her sister. We need to help her.”

“We will. I’ll be sure to go with her if she assembles a team to rescue the Sleeping Fae Princess.”

“And I’ll go with you as your pet,” she whispered before turning into a white cat and rubbed herself against the prince’s legs.

Chapter TWENTY-THREE

Calligraphy Swirls-05

For several days, the Meditation Room had been Cindy’s training place while she absorbed all the crystal’s magic and studied the Sacred Fairy Manuscripts. Having magical powers wasn’t enough for her anymore. She had to learn the ancient martial arts of the fairies. She had to learn how to manipulate and levitate the sacred weapons that belonged to the queen.

She owned the most powerful and exquisite weapons ever created by the elves and empowered by the fairies of all realms. Meditating helped her absorb the knowledge of decades faster. Her elite fairies spent their time around her, helping her train, and teaching her how to manipulate her magic and enhanced physical force. Levitation, teleport, evocating ice, and wind were just a few of her new powers. Lightning strikes were powerful and deadly but drained a lot of her energy. She had to learn how to recuperate and increase her spiritual stamina.

However, attacking and defensive skills weren’t the only new powers she had inherited as a fairy. She could cure others and herself by using her inner energy and focusing it on them. Being this mighty and powerful had been something she had never dreamed of. Her fairy blood and her transformation turned her into something beyond what a human could possibly do, but she could still be killed as her mother had been. The Dark King was powerful and ruthless. He also had hundreds of years of knowledge.

“Cindy, I’m bored,” a screeching voice echoed inside the Meditation Room.

“Medina, I’m practicing. Find a fairy to play with you,” Cindy mumbled as she sat in a lotus position and tried to soothe her mind.

“You’ve practiced enough for today. You need to eat and rest. Come for a walk in the garden with me. I want to swim and catch some fish,” Medina said.

Cindy opened one eye and turned her neck to look at the white duck where her sister’s soul was trapped. “You know that I’m doing this for you, right? Plus, there’s plenty of food inside the palace.”

“I want fresh air and to stretch my wings for a bit,” Medina said, stretching her wings to prove a point. “Do you think it’s easy to be a duck? I have strange cravings to eat from the floor, and I’m always thinking about rolling on the dirt.”

Cindy smirked. “My poor sister.” Sighing deeply and stretching, the queen got up and walked to her sister’s side. Lowering down, she grabbed the duck in her hands and hugged her. “You’re such an adorable little duck, though.”

“Stop teasing with me,” the duck grumbled. “I can’t even fly in this body. Why couldn’t you direct my life force into a hawk? Even a raven would be better than this.”

“It was that or a rat,” Cindy reminded her. “At least now you can move around on your own.”

“Yes, being inside a mirror for so long wasn’t fun.”

Cindy patted her head and exited the Meditation Room. Walking down the large corridor, she asked, “Have you been having any other visions of the future?”

“It’s been quiet. The future seems foggy, as if it’s being rewritten.”

“Once I fully master the Moon Dagger martial skills, we’ll leave in search of knights to join our quest.”

“There’s still the issue that I need to find the elven knight who will remove the dagger from my chest and wake me up from my slumber.”

“Technically, you aren’t asleep. Your soul has been disconnected from your body, and it needs to be put back in its place,” Cindy clarified.

“Yes, my smart sister, however, the curse can only be broken by the right handsome knight.”

“And many beasts roam in the Cursed Forest, which will make our journey harder,” Cindy added.

“And enchanted plants that will eat us alive,” Medina described. “Father knows that Marlena had the map to the tower where my body is kept. Though he’s weak, he’ll do everything to stop us if he finds out that my soul was transferred to a living being.”

“Someone must be helping him hide. There is no news of him.”

“Before he was trapped, he had allies. I’m sure he has a new place where he gathers troops and creates more smoke soldiers to terrorize the kingdoms.”

Safely tucking the duck against her chest, Cindy waved her right hand, and the double doors to the garden opened.

“Where are we going, dear sister?” Medina asked.

“I’ll sit by the lake while you swim and have some fun.”

Medina rubbed her head against Cindy’s neck. “If I had a humanoid body, I could help you practice. I was an expert in the art of levitation, and my aim was impeccable. My favorite weapon was the bow. You inherited Mother’s weapon of choice, but you should master the weapon you feel more comfortable with. I can teach you how to focus your spiritual energy into a sharp arrow or tiny shards. You must also master the art of creating elixirs.”

Cindy nodded.

Medina continued, “We’ll need several to protect us from the poisonous plants and the deadly reptiles that live in the Cursed Forest. There’s a book in the Flower Blossom Library with the recipes. The fairies can gather the plants we need. We should start creating them tomorrow. I feel like we don’t have much time until Father is ready to counterattack.”

“My friends are coming here tomorrow for a reunion. The White Cloud Kingdom might have new information regarding the Dark King and his whereabouts.”

Cindy knelt by the lake and placed the duck in the water.

Medina moved her webbed feet and swam away. “Sister, you need to throw a party and open the veil to our kingdom.”

“Why?” Cindy asked.

Medina swam in circles, chasing the last rays of sunlight on the water surface. “We need to invite the strongest warriors to come here and compete.”

“Compete for what?”

“A good prize would be your hand in marriage.”

“Not interested,” Cindy blurted.

Medina quaked as if she was laughing at her sister’s quick reply. Then, she drifted to her side and spread her wings. “We have innumerous treasures in our Armory Room. Swords that can create kings and destroy empires. A party is the best to gather all the royal families and then tell them about a friendly competition between their most valiant knights. Don’t you think?”

“I don’t know if we should open our doors to the outside world.”

“We need allies,” Medina reminded her.

Cindy puckered her lips and nodded. “I know.”

“We need elven warriors and sorcerers. We need someone who knows about poisons and medicinal herbs.”

“So, a competition to recruit the best of the best?” Cindy mumbled and nodded. “It might take a while to organize.”

“You have an army of fairies ready to take care of your every need. Throwing parties is an easy task for them. But we need to send out invitations and to know more about the families and kingdoms of this continent. I’ve been trapped inside that mirror for far too long. My chosen one might be one of the princes or a valiant knight. We can’t forget that without him, our quest for my body is pointless.”

“Snow and Dorian can help us inviting the royal families to a party. Drake can help us with the list of the strongest warriors. He can gather that intel in the Treasure Citadel.”

“Now, we just need to decide on the prize to allure them to sign up.”

Cindy dipped her hand in the water while looking at her reflection. “What if the one who wins the prize doesn’t want to help us save you?”

“Many knights look for fame. The chosen one has his destiny pathed ahead of him. He’ll show up when we need him. We just need to give him a helping hand to find his way to us.”

Chapter TWENTY-FOUR

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Cindy paced back and forth as she liked to do when she needed to think about something important.

Medina watched in the velvet chair with apparent calm. “What’s bothering you?”

“The competition,” Cindy said.

“We need a champion or several since it’s also important to form a group with more than one warrior.”

Cindy stopped and nodded. “Right. And we are throwing a party to recruit contenders. The competition will happen two weeks after the party. I hope it will be enough for us to find the team we need for our quest.”

“It will. Stop worrying.”

“There are still a lot of things to decide. I believe it might be better if we divided the contestants into three groups.”

“Yes. Healers, warriors, and savants.”

Cindy frowned. “Savants? Why?”

“We need the help of someone who knows the type of dangers we’ll encounter there or, at least, someone versed in Cryptozoology and healing plants. A savant is best even if they won’t know how to defend themselves.”

“We will have the Evil Queen joining us.”

“I don’t know if we can trust her.”

“She helped us last time, and she made a deal with Snow and Dorian.”

“Has Snow been crowned queen?”

“No. Why?”

“I must be remembering another timeline. That means her father is alive in this timeline, right?”

“Yes,” Cindy confirmed. “He’s fully recovered from his ex-wife’s attempt at poisoning him. Therefore, I’m sure the Evil Queen is more than versed in the arts of poison and potions. Plus, she was the one who helped the Dark King set all the traps and release all the monsters in the Cursed Forest to keep everybody away from you.”

“I know, but she spent part of her life trying to find me so she could use me like she used my father.”

“I understand that you might not like the woman, but we need her.”

“She has an important role to play,” Medina agreed. “I’m still trying to adjust to the present time. Time seems unreal to me now that I can’t go back and forth on it inside my mind.”

Cindy paced to the duck’s side with pensive eyes while twirling a strand of her long hair around her fingers. “We have five days to prepare the challenges so we can present them to the royals at the party.”

“The physical challenges are easy. It’s the medical ones I’m worried about,” the fairy princess claimed.

Cindy sat on a bench, next to the stuffed chair where her sister was resting. “Why?”

“I’m sure it isn’t ethical to actually poison someone and have another trying to heal them.”

“I hadn’t thought about that!”

“Maybe the healers should poison themselves, and we would have the antidotes to give them if they couldn’t diagnose the correct poison and come up with the medicine.”

“Those options seem extreme,” Cindy said.

“We’ll come back to that after we decide what type of obstacles and challenges our warriors should face.”

“Will anyone want to be part of our competition?”

“Warriors want to prove themselves and sovereigns want to be proud of their warriors. The royal families will enlist their best warriors at the party. We just need to invite them.”

“Dear sister,” Cindy said, patting her head. “Snow has already helped me send the invitations to the royal families.”

“Oh!” The fairy princess ruffled her feathers. “My tiny brain tends to forget things.”

“It’s all right.” Smiling, Cindy tickled her under her beak.

“How are they coming here?” the princess wondered out loud.

“I created a group of elite fairies that will open the portals to let our guests in,” Cindy elucidated.

The duck faced her sister. “What about the magical ones who don’t belong to the royal families or noble houses?”

“The Evil Queen helped me with that. We’ll be having sorcerers, witches, and freelancers joining us. Invites were sent to the elite of the fighting and sorcery community.”

“Won’t it be dangerous for us? The island has too many secrets to hide and preserve. You were worried the other day about opening our kingdom to outsider.”

“Yes, but you were right. We have to take this risk. For us to have a lot of people coming, we have to open the doors to our home.” She smiled at her sister. “Don’t worry, Medina, Drake will help us with the security, and the White Cloud Kingdom also said they would send a squad of vampires to patrol the area and supervise the games.”

“That reminds me, we should invite Drake and Dorian to help us with the challenges. They have more experience than us with weapons and fighting.”

“You have a point,” Cindy agreed. “We can’t do all on our own. Maybe Prince Dorian can host the games. We could also use a male opinion about what would be the best prize to offer the winners. The better the prize, the more participants we’ll have.”

Medina shook her head and quaked. “Isn’t my hand in marriage a prize good enough?”

Cindy pursed her lips. “My hand or yours won’t be a good reward.”

“I’m a stunning beauty in my humanoid form,” Medina protested.

“Yes, but you look like a duck now. Plus, dear sister, should I remind you that your father can’t know you’re alive? No one can know your spirit is trapped inside this duck.”

Medina hid her head under her wing.

“What’s wrong?” Cindy asked.

“I’m useless like this. I can’t even see my future. I can’t see anything since I was transferred to this vessel.”

“You’re not useless. Plus, I would never force you to marry someone you don’t love.”

The duck removed her head from under her wing and stretched them.

Cindy added, “Maybe you’ll have a vision of whom we should invite to come with us to the Cursed Forest.”

“I swear that I’ll rest and meditate for the next days so that when the time comes, I can use my gift,” Medina promised.

“I appreciate that, but now I want you to come with me to the Armory Room and look at the magical weapons we have kept there.” Cindy grabbed her sister and tucked her against her chest.

“I thought we could offer a medical manuscript that can’t be found anywhere else but our library to the healer that wins the competition,” Medina proposed.

Walking through the corridor, Cindy nodded with a pleased grin.

“Why are you smiling?” her sister asked.

“We make a good team together. I’m enjoying having you here with me. It would be lonely and overwhelming without you.”

“It will be better once I have my body back, and you won’t need to carry me around.”

Cindy smirked and patted her head.

Chapter TWENTY-FIVE

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Few palaces in the Fayland Continent could rival the magnificence of the Fairy Island Palace. It wasn’t just the imponent buildings with its towers, but also the surrounding gardens, the lakes, the prairies, and the forests.

The palace was the Fairy Queen’s residence, and few had been there after the island was cloaked to the world and the portals close. Now, the doors were opening to host a party.

The fairies worked relentlessly to bring the visions of their queen to life. However, Cindy wasn’t alone; her friends had come to divide the chores and get things done.

Belle had been in charge of the kitchen and brought Lana, Celia, and the other women from her village to help with preparing the meat dishes and with the side dishes. Fairies were known for their sweet tooth, and they didn’t eat meat. However, the desserts and the entries were prepared by the sugar fairies.

Princess Snow had come to help with the decoration of the ballroom, patio, and courtyards. She took care of the flowers and the tables’ disposition.

Drake was in charge of security. He had assigned a werewolf bodyguard to each of the fairies with the task of opening a portal to the other kingdoms and guide the guests through it. He was also helping Dorian outline the competition’s location in his spare time.

As for the party, Dorian’s personal guards were assigned to watch over the palace surroundings since their keen senses and speed would be advantageous in case of a surprise attack.

Opening the doors to her kingdom was dangerous. Some of the families could be on the Dark King’s side and come for her head.

“Rose sugar creams, melted sugar squirmies, snowbell, and dark forest cakes, sugies, merries, and sparklers,” Belle said with a pleased grin as she sat at the table where Cindy was reading a scroll.

Cindy raised her head from her reading with a frown. “What?”

“These are just a few sugary delicacies the fairies are making for tomorrow.”

“Is there something wrong with them?”

“No, they are delicious,” Belle assured and rubbed her belly. “The babies loved it!”

“Did you taste them all?” Cindy giggled.

“How else could I approve them for the menu?”

“As long as you’re enjoying yourself and not overworking. You need to rest.”

“I’m fine.” She waved in dismissal. “I’m glad I have something to entertain myself.” She peeked at the scroll. “What are you reading? Is it bad news?”

“No. Just a list of the weapons kept in the Armory Room. I still haven’t decided which I’m willing to part ways with.”

“Didn’t Dorian help you with that?”

“We browsed around the room, and he gave me his opinion.”

Belle rested her elbow on the table and leaned her cheek against the back of her hand. “What’s wrong, then?”

“These are formidable weapons that were secured here for a reason. I’m afraid if I let go of one to someone who’s not worthy, a war may ensue.”

“We agreed on the characteristics to evaluate during the competition. Your challenges are well thought, and the obstacles will assure only the bravest and the most trustworthy can win. Teamwork and morals are a huge part of this competition.”

“Four days of activities seem exhausting for me at the moment. Four more days of letting people inside this sacred place.”

“Are you regretting your decision to be part of this world’s political organization?”

“Cooperation is essential if we hope to stop the Dark King. The fairies can no longer sit and do nothing.”

“We need all the allies we can get,” Snow said as she entered the room. “All the decorations are done. Everything is ready for tomorrow.”

“Good. I hope there’s enough food and beverages.”

“Yes. Don’t worry. It will be perfect. The fairies are highly organized,” Snow assured.

“That reminds me that the Evil Queen, now known only by Lady Marlena, has been locked inside your greenhouse for a while. Shouldn’t we go there and see what she’s been doing?” Belle urged.

“I asked her to decide on a list of poisons and healing potions for the competition,” Cindy replied. “She’s more knowledgeable on that than me. The time I studied with my mother was precious, but we cured maladies of the body. She also offered to help,” Cindy explained.

“Is she there all alone? Can we trust her?” Snow worried.

“My sister is there with her.”

Belle and Snow exchanged a worried book.

“She brought Medina a gift,” Cindy clarified.

“What sort of gift?” Snow questioned.

“A necklace with a piece of the mirror as a pendant. My sister’s abilities to see the future have been poor, to say the least. Lady Marlena thought the piece of glass could help her enhance her skill, so she doesn’t use too much of her inner force.”

“That was thoughtful of her,” Snow commented. “I thought the mirror had been completely destroyed when you faced the Dark King.”

“She gathered the small pieces and forged the pendant with them. I had the same question. I don’t trust her completely, but we need her, and she needs us if she hopes to live.”

“She killed many innocents, plotted to kill my father and me, and took over other people’s bodies to prolong her life and become royalty. My insides burn when I think that woman is free and living her life as if nothing happened,” Snow blurted.

“I understand, Snow. I do.” Cindy got up from her chair. “But she made a deal with you and Dorian. She has been behaving, and we need her magic and knowledge of the Cursed Forest to rescue my sister’s body.”

“I know.” Snow sighed and rubbed her forehead. “I’m just tired.”

“I’m going to the Armory Room. Do you ladies want to join me?” she asked with her hands on the table.

“We should be trying on our dresses for tomorrow,” Belle reminded them. “I might need mine to be looser after all I ate today.”

Cindy and Snow chuckled.

“Don’t laugh! I also need help to get up from this chair.”

Cindy walked to her and offered her hands to help Belle up. “I need help to decide what sword I’ll give to the winner.”

“The most coveted prize, according to my husband, is the young Fairy Queen’s hand,” Snow revealed. “The families are coming here to offer their sons in marriage. The knights are coming, hoping to see the new beauty who doesn’t have a promised one. But offering your hand is too big of a prize.”

“The champion needs to remove the dagger from my sister’s chest. For all that we know, he’s her promised one, not mine.”

“It would be easier if she knew who he was,” Belle said. “However, we have no idea if the one who wins is the right one.”

“No,” Cindy agreed. “We need the strongest and smartest people in this world to join us. Still, we don’t know if our champion will be able to remove the dagger.”

“What will happen if the champion fails?” Snow asked.

Cindy rubbed the back of her neck with a tired expression. “We’ll bring my sister’s body here and... I’ll have to look after her until the right one arrives.”

“Until then, Medina might be able to see him in her future,” Snow added.

“Yes. That’s what we are hoping for.”

A fairy flew inside the room. Her golden dust swirled as she landed and transformed into a larger size.

“Lady Silver Mistyplume, is something wrong?” Cindy asked.

“I just come from the Sacred Portal, my queen. An urgent matter has arisen. You need to come with me without delay,” she informed without raising her head.

Cindy stepped closer to the pretty fairy with silver hair; her body was covered with a tunic made of white feathers and lily petals. “You can speak without secrets in front of my friends.”

The fairies big, bright eyes aimed at her queen’s face. “There’s someone there to see you. Someone that’s not from this world.”

Cindy frowned. “I thought no one could go in and out from that portal, and that was why the island was cloaked.”

“Only they can use it, my queen. It’s been ages since one of them comes to our world.”

“One of them?”

“You better go with her. Belle and I will look for our husbands and share a meal while you attend to your duties,” Snow said.

“Let’s go,” Cindy said to her subject.

Waving her hand, she and the fairy turned into small flying dots, spraying golden dust as they flew away.

Chapter TWENTY-SIX

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Parties used to more enjoyable when Cindy wasn’t the one hosting them and having to entertain and listen to every boring conversation that the kings and queens wanted to engage with her. She was also tired of being asked if she was looking for a husband and how they had the perfect son suited to be a king.

“It’s a great occasion that the Fairy Island has opened their portals to the other kingdoms after so many decades of exile,” King Abdon said from the other side of the table.

“I’m glad you are enjoying yourself, Your Majesty,” Cindy replied with a polite smile. Her cheeks were beginning to hurt with so much smiling.

“And how adorable your pet duck is in those clothes and jewels,” his queen added.

“Yes, she looks lovely.”

“Why do you choose a duck as a pet?” the queen asked.

“It’s a long story, but it’s not an ordinary duck. She’s magical and can speak,” the Fairy Queen replied.

Medina’s head snapped in her direction, and her eyes seemed to grow bigger. Cindy smirked at her sister and toasted at her.

“A talking duck?” the queen said with an enthusiastic expression. “Will she talk to me?”

“Of course, I’m sure my duck is feeling bored without anyone to talk to her,” Cindy replied.

The queen got up and walked to the duck with curious eyes. Lowering down in front of Princess Medina, she waved. “Hi! I’m Queen Charlotte from the Luna Garden Kingdom.”

“Hi,” Medina replied.

The queen squealed and looked at the Fairy Queen. “Do all your animals talk on this island?”

“No. Just that one.”

The Luna Garden King cleared his throat. “You have to excuse my wife; she loves animals.”

“I understand. Don’t worry. I’m sure my duck doesn’t mind the attention,” Cindy said as she watched the queen baby-talk with her sister and tickle her under her beak.

“You look so pretty in those cute clothes, little duck,” the queen praised.

“Thank you,” Medina said. “It was my sis… my queen, who requested the fairies to make them for me.”

Cindy got up and put her glass down. “Excuse me, I need to walk around the room and make sure everything is all right before the dancing performances commence.”

The king was already up and nodded while making way for the Fairy Queen to leave.

As soon as she was up, many eyes followed her every move. Cindy didn’t know how to feel about that. She was the center of attention, and she couldn’t find a break and time to talk with her friends. However, socializing was a necessary evil to advertise the competition and have the attention of the royals.

Snow got up and strolled in her direction. Leaning close, she whispered, “Now that everybody ate and are waiting for the music and the fairy performances, it’s time to announce the competition and encourage them to sign up their best warriors. I’ll tell the fairies to distribute the sheets for them to register.”

“I was going to the library to talk to Marlena. She’s been hiding there, watching everything through a magical mirror.”

“What do you need her for?”

“I want to know if we have a lot of her guests.”

Snow looked at the tables reserved for the magical community. “It seems that many didn’t come.”

“They are mistrusting of fairies.”

“Many live a sketchy life and are banned from entering a few of these royals’ kingdoms,” Snow added.

Cindy sighed and rubbed her temples. “At least the majority of the royal families attended our party.”

“Even the Skyline Kingdom’s queen sent a representative,” Snow agreed.

“Yes. I hadn’t had time to speak with Lady Madelene Holm.”

“Are we having a secret meeting in the middle of the room?” Belle asked as she approached Cindy and Snow with a smile.

“Snow wants me to announce the competition while everybody is waiting.”

“Don’t we have the fairies performing a dance before we ask the orchestra to play music and open the dance floor?” Belle questioned.

“We do,” Cindy confirmed. “Announcing now will go against our original plan.”

“Everybody is happy and drinking, they will be too drunk to care about a tournament if we let the party continue without addressing the key element for this gathering,” Snow argued.

“Very well, you have a point. I’ll announce it once I make a toast and have everybody’s attention on me.”

“I’ll get you a glass and a spoon,” Snow said and left.

Belle edged closer and held the queen’s hand. “Are you nervous?”

“Yes.

“Don’t be. I’ll stay here with you while you do what you have to do.”

“I’m afraid of forgetting everything I have to say,” Cindy confessed.

“That reminds me that I need to ask one of the fairies to get the Demon Blood Blade.” Belle left in a hurry.

“There goes my support,” Cindy mumbled to herself.

“Here’s the glass and the spoon, so you call everybody’s attention. Just tap on the glass without breaking it,” Snow said.

Cindy took the glass and grabbed Snow’s arm. “Don’t even think about leaving me here all by myself.”

Snow nodded in agreement and smiled at her friend.

Cindy took the spoon, cleared her throat, and tapped the spoon against the crystal glass. “Can I have your attention, please. I would like to make a toast.”

It took a few moments for everybody to look at her and for the chattering to stop.

With her best smile, Cindy announced, “After the toast, I have something important to announce. I hope you can bear with me for a few minutes before my fairies arrive to entertain you with their amazing dancing skills and music.”

Soft chortles erupted amongst the guests.

Cindy chose to ignore all the eyes on her. She barely knew any of those people. There were a few familiar faces to focus on: Drake, Snow, Dorian, and that comforted her in her new role as Queen of the Fairies.

Snow’s hand grabbed her elbow.

Cindy resumed her speech, “We are gathered here to celebrate my coronation and to inform the kingdoms that the Fairy Island Kingdom will no longer stay isolated from the rest of the world. Therefore, I’m toasting to finding new allies.” She raised her glass, and the others did the same.

Snow’s glass clicked against Cindy’s.

Everybody cheered and toasted together.

“To the Fairy Queen,” voices shouted.

“That she rules for many centuries,” others said.

“Thank you.” Cindy bowed her head to the other royals. “That’s why I’m also happy to announce a competition.”

The buzzing sound of chattering silenced once more.

“A competition?” someone asked. “What sort of competition?”

“As you know, fairies aren’t warriors. We are peaceful creatures. That’s why I have my werewolves to protect me and my kind. I’ve also allied myself with the White Cloud Kingdom and the Meadows Kingdom. This party wouldn’t be possible without their help. This party wouldn’t exist if my mother wasn’t killed by our common enemy.”

Silence perdured.

“We don’t speak about it, but we all know that the Dark King has returned. Many might believe these are rumors. Many might believe he’s an imposter. I’m here to tell you that he’s not an imposter. He’s real. He’s recovering and harvesting power to bring back the Darkness.” She swallowed hard to empower her voice. “He might be creating smoke soldiers this very moment or absorbing the power of other elves and magical creatures. He’s a disease that will become stronger.”

“What do we want us to do? Create an army to stop him?” one of the kings asked from his chair. Cindy didn’t have a lot of time to get familiar with all the royal houses, but she knew it was the Howling Bay’s king speaking.

Cindy faced him. “We might need to join our armies to defeat him.”

“What will the fairies do? Throw candies at him?” one of the elven warriors joked. He wasn’t a king, but he was the master of an important elven house.

“Lord Nikolas Paulson, if it comes to that, my fairies will carry their weight to defeat the smoke soldiers,” Cindy assured him with a polite smile. “We are more than producers and healers. Our magic is powerful. Our magical weapons can rival any produced by the elves. Not to mention that soldiers will need healers.”

“My apologies, Queen,” he said with a slight bow.

Cindy bowed back and widened her smile. “I understand your concern. That’s why we need to prepare our heroes for the battle that is coming.”

“Alleged battle,” someone said.

“Yes, alleged.” She smirked. “Even if there’s no war and the Dark King’s arrival is fake, this competition will be a source of entertainment, and a lucky kingdom might even win a prized weapon that has been kept safe in our Armory for centuries.”

Lord Nikolas’s brow arched. “A prized weapon?”

Cindy looked at the door and saw Belle with the sword’s case in her arms. She motioned her forward. “The Blood Demon Sword has been forged with elviratium, a metal only found in our homeworld. It’s indestructible. The blade has been enchanted with hundreds of spells. Only the strongest can hold it in their hands without being consumed by its power.”

“That sword has been lost,” someone said.

“It’s said to be the only weapon capable of killing a god,” another spoke.

“Why do you want our heroes to fight each other?” one of the kings questioned, raising to his feet.

“It’s a friendly competition,” Cindy assured. “If your warriors don’t want to participate, they won’t be forced. All I want is to offer this weapon to the strongest warrior in our world and entertain you for a few more days in my kingdom.”

“Is this party an excuse to lure us here?” someone asked.

A cup bumped into the table, and King Lavarus Latimer, Dorian’s father, rose from his seat. “Can you please let the lady speak? She deserves our respect, and we need to listen to what she has to say. Unless you don’t believe my son’s testimony about the existence of the Dark King.”

“That’s not it,” Lord Azalar, of the House of Norddahl, assured.

Someone slammed a cup against the table and shouted, “I’m interested in competing!”

Cindy turned her head to look at Prince Solveig. His smug smirk made her sneer, but she needed all the support she could get from the royal houses present.

“There’s been ages since all the royal families have been reunited like tonight,” King Lavarus reminded everybody. “A tournament between our strongest warriors to win a prized sword sounds like a good idea to me.”

Cindy curtsied at him with a lopsided grin. Dorian’s father looked as young as a twenty-something male human and had most of the charms of his son. Dorian was Snow’s husband, but she wasn’t immune to his beauty and charming personality. But King Lavarus was married, and she knew he didn’t have eyes for anyone but his wife.

She glanced at Snow. Maybe Dorian had a handsome brother that she could flirt with. That was a thought that widened the smile in her mouth.

Snow frowned. “What?”

“I’ll talk to you later. Now I have a competition to present. Please, ask the fairies to deliver the pamphlets with the details while I sum up the rules and the missions.”

“As you wish.” Snow swiftly turned around and left the room.

“Do I have your attention, ladies and gentlemen?” Cindy asked, addressing the room. Several waved for her to continue. “Very well.”

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The party continued once the tournament was announced. The fairies danced and juggled to entertain the guests, and then the orchestra played music so the couples could dance.

Cindy circled around the party, smiling, chatting, and answering any questions they might have regarding the tournament and the prize.

After a few hours of playing the perfect host and declining all the dancing offers, she sat down at her table and cuddled her sister.

“Tired?” Medina asked.

“Exhausted,” Cindy assured.

“There’s still the fireworks, and you should accept an invitation to dance. It won’t kill you,” her sister suggested.

“Can I refill your glass?” a man asked, showing next to her with a bottle.

Cindy covered her glass. “I don’t drink wine.”

“Maybe you’d wish for some mead?” a servant, showing behind her, asked.

Cindy looked at him. The majority of servants were females; she hadn’t seen him before. She smiled politely at the young male. “I’m not thirsty.” Noting his exquisite outfit, she added, “You aren’t dressed like a servant.”

“No. I’m not a servant, my lady.”

“A guest, then?”

“Maybe,” he replied with a dashing smile.

“I don’t remember seeing you.”

“I’m sure you don’t.”

“My queen,” someone else said in front of her. She searched for the male voice and came face-to-face with Prince Solveig. “Will you dance with me tonight?”

Cindy frowned and looked back. “Someone was already—” No one was behind her anymore.

The handsome man was gone.

“You were saying?” the prince asked with an arrogant smirk. He leaned closer. “Will I need to win the tournament to have your attention?”

She placed a loose strand behind her ear and feigned interest. “And why would you believe that?”

“Aren’t you looking for a champion?” He lowered his voice. “A man to share your bed and keep you happy?”

Cindy lost her smile.

“Maybe she prefers women,” a female voice said, taking a seat beside the queen. “Or maybe she prefers to be left alone,” the same voice declared, less friendly.

Cindy looked at the female knight beside her.

“Go play with your cat and leave the queen alone,” the female knight ordered the prince.

Prince Solveig’s face paled. “What do you mean with that?”

“Everybody knows that you carry your pet everywhere.” She looked at Cindy. “Can you believe this, my lady? A werewolf prince has a kitten as a pet. He treats her better than his servants.”

“I can believe it,” Cindy replied with a soft chortle.

“I’m Lady Madelene from the Skyline Kingdom, my queen,” the female knight introduced herself with a flirtatious grin.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lady.” Cindy slightly bowed her head. “It’s an honor that your queen sent a representative.”

“My queen is interested in what’s happening on the continent and in this island. I’m also interested in the tournament. It sounds fun. Will everybody be able to participate, or is it just a male-exclusive event?”

“It’s open to all genres,” the queen assured.

Cindy glimpsed around.

“He’s gone, my lady. He’s probably sulking somewhere with a bottle in his hand,” Lady Madelene said.

“Thank you for saving me. He was indelicate.”

“Some men don’t know how to treat a lady.” She got up. “Now that you’re saved. I’m going to find myself another damsel in distress that is willing to dance with me.”

“How do you know I wouldn’t be willing to dance with you?” Cindy questioned her.

The female knight’s smile widened. “As much as I find you stunningly beautiful, you don’t seem interested in men or women for now. I’ll leave you alone so you can rest and drink.”

With that, the female knight bowed and took her leave.

Medina moved closer to her sister. “She’s pretty and gallant. Did you fancy her?”

Cindy caressed her sister’s feathers with pensive eyes. “I’m sure I’m into men, but none of these catches my eye.”

“Maybe the one offering you wine before the prince rudely interrupted?”

Cindy frowned. “Who are you talking about?”

“Never mind. I guess you weren’t paying attention.”

“I’m too busy to flirt with handsome princes,” Cindy said. “But if you want to dance, I can dance with you.”

“I’d rather be left alone. Though, I had a lovely conversation with the Luna Garden’s queen.”

Chapter TWENTY-SEVEN

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Cindy rose from her seat while all the guests rushed to the front balconies to watch the fireworks that were illuminating the dark night.

Everybody seemed mesmerized by the show, and that pleased Cindy since she wanted everybody to have a great time.

“Mistress,” one of the fairies flew in her direction. “A servant told me to deliver you this note.”

The queen took the small paper and read it.

Meet me in the courtyard. I have information about the Dark King that I’d like to share.

The note was brief, and it wasn’t signed.

“Do you need me to send a reply?” the fairy asked.

“Do you know to which royal family the servant belonged?”

“No, my queen.”

“There’s no need for a reply. Just make sure the guests have a great time. I’m going to step out to the courtyard for a moment.”

The fairy vowed and left.

Cindy was alone at the table. Everybody else watched the colorful fireworks. The person who sent her the note didn’t want others to find out who he was.

Walking away from her seat, Cindy strolled to the courtyard.

The place was empty; there was no one seated at the benches or promenading the gardens. There was no one waiting for her either.

She took another look around.

A cold breeze swirled around her feet, and whirling mist surrounded her. Before she could react, a shadow descended from the sky with a sword between both its hands. Cindy floated back and evaded her attacker. Securing her closed hand against her chest, she summoned her dagger and parried the attacker’s next blow.

“Who are you? What do you want?” she asked the figure dressed in black with his face covered. All she saw was his dark eyes with no irises. Giant pupils made him look inhuman.

The creature had no wish to talk; he only wanted to kill Cindy. He kept swinging his sword in steady and fast movements. She barely kept up with him, and the mist got thicker.

She had been led to a trap, and the firework blasts made it impossible for the others to realize a fight was occurring.

Floating back, the attacker swirled his sword, and fireballs flew at Cindy. She gasped as her hands summoned a protective shield, and her feet scurried back.

A hand secured her lower back and stopped her from retreating. She glimpsed to the right and saw black feathers covering the shoulders of a tall man with handsome features and floating black hair. His eyes looked ahead, and his right hand projected. When she looked at her attacker, she saw that the male helping her had created another shield, which absorbed the incoming attacks.

When the fireballs stopped, and the attacker jumped high in the air, her protector’s arm snaked around her waist and twirled her around. They turned several times as if dancing. Her hair swayed with his fluid movements, and her feet followed his lead. When they stopped spinning, she leaned back in his arm with his body shadowing her view. His handsome face hovered over hers, and their eyes met.

“Are you hurt?” his voice shattered the silence.

Cindy remained mute, lost in his eyes. She was sure she had never seen him before. Then why did he look familiar to her?

“I’m sorry for this,” he said and grabbed her closer to him. His arms embraced her, and her body turned in circles once again. Her eyes closed, and she inhaled his musky scent and felt the sizzling energy surrounding him.

Was he still fighting the one who attacked her?

She had no idea.

She should help him, but she felt safe in his arms.

The world turned around her, making her dizzy. A peal of crystal laughter threatened to leave her throat. Her fingers clutched to his coat as a cold shiver ran down her shoulders and spine. The softness of the fabric against her cheek and the sound of his beating heart soothed her.

She should be terrified.

Snapping her eyes open, she raised her head to look at the one who had her in his arms. His face was severe, and his eyes observed something. Yet, he was still with one hand around her and the other holding a sword that he wasn’t using.

She peeked behind and noticed that it seemed they were behind a floating gray veil.

“Is he gone?” she asked.

“He’s searching for us,” he replied.

“Can’t he see us?”

“No, I’ve taken us into another dimension. He can’t find us here.”

Cindy moved, and his arm loosened.

His eyes aimed at her. “If I let you go, you can’t stay here with me.”

“I just want to turn around to see,” she explained.

His lips curled up, and he nodded.

His hand remained against her naked back. Cindy moved her pressed body against him and was able to turn around. Her back pinned against his chest, and his hand rested on her stomach. A hot sensation took over her body as her eyes saw her attacker looking around. It seemed he couldn’t see them like her savior had said.

“Do you know him?” her rescuer asked.

“I have no idea who he is.”

“Why were you alone in the courtyard?”

The back of her head pressed against his chest, and she inhaled sharply. “Someone lured me outside. It was rather naïve of me, but I didn’t expect an enemy inside my kingdom.”

“He must have come with your guests.”

The warrior growled in frustration and jumped in the air, disappearing.

“He’s gone,” her savior said.

Looking up, she once again took in his handsome features. “Are you one of my guests? What kingdom do you come from?”

He smirked and lowered his eyes at her. “What would you have done if I hadn’t followed you here and helped you?”

“And why did you follow me here?”

He averted his eyes, and his grip loosened even more. “We can leave this place now.”

He let go of her. Cindy felt a vertigo sensation, and her eyes glossed over when the veil was gone, and she found herself alone in her courtyard. The deafening sound of the fireworks still raged in the skies. She twirled around to where he had been with her.

“Are you leaving without telling me who you are?” she asked since he stayed hidden inside his pocket dimension.

His body materialized in front of her.

Her chest tightened with his presence. Her eyes roamed down his figure. He was dressed like a nobleman with black clothes embroidered with golden motifs. But what made him stand out was his beautiful overcoat that had black, lush feathers covering his shoulders and back with a mantel that looked like enclosed wings.

“You’re staring,” he told her, leaning his face closer to get her attention.

Her cheeks felt warm with his words and his face so close to hers. “Your clothes are beautiful.”

His eyes roamed down her body and aimed at her face. “Your clothes are beautiful too.”

She giggled and averted her eyes for a second. His left foot shuffled back, and her hand reached for his arm, grasping at his sleeve. “Are you planning to run from me, my lord?”

His beautiful lips curled slightly up, and his hand wrapped around the delicate fingers preventing him from leaving. “I’ve extended my stay here. I wasn’t supposed to show myself.”

Her savior bowed and let go of her hand.

Cindy’s stomach dropped.

“Wait!” Cindy requested, raising her hand. She didn’t want him to leave. “Who are you? You didn’t tell me your name?”

His movements stopped, and his lips moved. “Even if I tell you. Once I’m gone, you’ll forget all about me.”

His reply caught her off guard. “Why?”

“Because I’m cursed like that.”

“I don’t understand,” Cindy mumbled as she stepped forward and grabbed his hand. “You can’t leave without telling me your name.”

He looked at their hands together. “Very well, even if it’s pointless. I’m Prince Kalen.”

Her mind processed his words as she tried to remember if she had heard that name before. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of you. Are you one of my guests? What kingdom do you come from?”

He shook his head with a timid smile.

Prince Kalen was so handsome that it made Cindy’s lower stomach hurt. How could he be at her party and she not notice? “I don’t remember seeing you at the party.”

“I’m not one of your guests.”

“How are you here, then?” the queen asked.

“I’m keeping an eye on someone.”

“Who?”

He moved closer and took both of her hands. “Why didn’t you dance with anyone at the party?”

She shrugged. “There was no one I wanted to dance with.”

“Would you dance with me if I’d asked you?”

“You’re deflecting.”

“Maybe, but I would like to dance with you.”

“There’s no music now. The party is almost over.”

“Do we need music to dance?”

She felt her cheeks burn with his sexy voice and smoldering eyes. “It seems that we had a dance just a while ago when you saved me.”

His smile grew wider. The queen averted her eyes and looked at his chest. She had been closer to him than if they had danced. Her skin still burned where he had touched her.

“Do I need to apologize for holding you against me?” he asked.

When she looked up, his breath caressed her face. “You were helping me.”

“Don’t walk around without protection,” he requested. “You’ll forget me once I’m gone, but you’ll remember the attack. You need to be more careful in the future.”

“Why would I forget you? You…”

“I wish with all my heart that you wouldn’t forget me, but it’s not the first time it happened.”

“Nonsense. We’ve never met. I would remember if I saw you before.”

He shook his head. “Do you remember seeing me when you defeated the Dark King at the Meadows Kingdom?”

“Were you there? Are you one of Dorian’s soldiers?”

“I’m not a vampire.”

She looked closer. He was handsome like an elf, but his ears looked normal. Because of his pale skin, she assumed that maybe he was a vampire.

“Are you looking at my ears?”

She nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed since she had stepped closer to him. Still, her body seemed to have a mind of its own.

“I’ll show them to you if you’re curious,” he whispered against her neck.

When she looked again, his pointy ears were there. “How is that possible?”

He shrugged. His hand moved up, and his fingers brushed against her earlobe. “You look more beautiful every day. Still, you need to practice more. You took too long to summon some of your powers.” His finger trailed down the curve of her neck. “Do you know that you saved me last time?”

Her eyelashes felt heavy with his touch. There was a tingling sensation taking over her limbs. “I’m pretty sure we’ve never met before.”

“We’ve seen each other a few times,” he assured. His lips lowered down, and he kissed her shoulder. Her skin exploded with heat. His voice brushed her ear. “You’ve met me at the masked ball. We talked briefly in the reading room. You weren’t a fairy yet. Yet, you were still you—bright and full of life. Why did you become glum and reserved?”

“I was carefree and ignorant of what the future reserved for me,” she replied. “We were wearing masks, but I don’t recall talking to anyone else but Prince Solveig.”

“That fool? He’s not right for you. Stay away from him.”

She smiled with the jealousy in his voice. Her hand touched his chest, and she pushed him slightly back. “I appreciate your help, but it seems you’re confusing me with someone else. Or maybe you’re trying to play me for a fool.”

“It’s not your fault, Cindy. Can I call you, Cindy?”

“Only my friends call me that.”

“I wanted to be your friend.” He pursed his lips and stepped back. “I wanted to be so much more than that.”

“You’re making no sense at all.”

“People forget me once I leave. The only way for you to remember would be if I shared a part of me with you.’’

Cindy blinked, clueless. “I would be happy if you told me who you were, Prince Kalen.”

He inhaled sharply. “I’m Snow’s guardian. You know she’s the Fire Queen’s daughter, don’t you?”

Cindy nodded.

“I was sent by the queen to keep an eye on her. I’m also her half-brother.”

“You’re a fairy?” Cindy looked at him closely. “Since you have pointy ears, I thought you were an elf.”

“I’m a half-fairy and also something else that isn’t from this universe. I can morph into any animal I want. I can also walk through the shadows and stay hidden in them. That is why I can come here without one of your portals.”

“You can morph into animals?”

He nodded. “Today, I’ve been here as a raven.”

Cindy took another look at his overcoat, decorated by the beautiful black feathers. “I could have mistaken those for angel wings.”

His eyebrows shut up. “You’ve seen them?”

“One came to visit me a few days ago. He had beautiful black wings.”

“You should be careful with them.”

“I’m careful with everybody.”

“You’re a smart woman. I can’t…resist you, it seems.”

She snorted and narrowed her eyes. “We never met. Was this attack fake so you could pretend you saved me?”

He chuckled softly. “You have a vivid imagination.”

“You seem to have one too.”

His face became serious. “I shouldn’t feel offended by your words, but somehow your mistrust hurts my feelings.”

Cindy looked back. The fireworks were almost over. “I have to get back to my party. I’m sure I’ll remember you next time we met.”

His hand grabbed her arm, but he didn’t press hard. She could have easily evaded his grasp, but she didn’t want to.

“Do you want to remember me once I’m gone?”

“Why? Do you know a way around your curse?” Cindy teased him.

“Will you slap me if I tell you how?”

“I make no promises,” she replied.

His lips curled up with her answer. He seemed to hesitate as they shared a moment in silence. Even the fireworks were quiet, probably because the show was over. All the garden seemed to be still in time when she looked at him.

“You’ll have to let me move closer to your mouth so I can breathe part of my inner force into you. It will activate all the memories you lost and temporarily cancel the curse that makes you forget me.”

Cindy giggled. “Are you that desperate for a kiss?”

“I won’t have to touch your lips. I assure you. It’s not my intention to trick you into kissing me.”

“Why not?” Cindy asked, suddenly irritated by his claim.

The prince opened his mouth and closed it as if at a loss for words.

“Don’t you find me attractive?”

“Of course,” he blurted. “But I’m a gentleman.”

“I feel offended,” Cindy claimed.

His face changed, and he seemed apologetic. “Why?”

Her cheeks burned when she realized what she had to say to answer his question.

“I find you attractive,” he mumbled. “You’re stunning.”

Cindy glanced at him, her eyelashes fluttering with contentment. “So, you were flirting with me, weren’t you?”

He nodded.

Pleased, she motioned her index for him to move closer. He obeyed, though hesitant.

Smirking, Cindy brushed her fingers on his feathers. “They are so soft.”

His hand touched hers and closed around it. “Your skin is softer.” He leaned closer. “Dance with me before I have to leave, and you forget me.”

She liked the sound of his sexy voice and the glint in his eyes. So, what if he was a flirt? He pleased her. It had been a while since she felt so attracted to someone.

“You’re handsome. You’d be more handsome if you weren’t a liar. Why do attractive men feel the need to lie to women?”

“I’m not…”

Before he could finish his sentence, she grabbed his collar and locked his lips with hers.

His mouth was soft and moist. She didn’t close her eyes, so she noticed his look of surprise with her boldness.

“Now, will I remember you?” she teased, leaning back.

He shook his head. “You didn’t do it properly.”

Cindy lost her breath when his hands cupped her face, and his lips returned for another kiss. Their mouths pressed, and her eyes closed. A tingling sensation spread across her lips, numbed her tongue, and slipped down her throat. Her temples ached when images rushed to her mind. Unexpectedly, flashbacks of previous encounters with the prince flooded her head.

The first time she saw him was in the reading room when she went to the masked ball. He was dressed as a servant, and his appearance was slightly different. He had the same eyes, the same smile, but his features looked more human. His hair was short, and he looked skinnier.

The memories of the battle returned to her. Kalen had come her way and protected her. She saved him from the Dark King. They fought against the king, and the prince stabbed him, only to disappear after healing and kissing her hand. The last time she saw him had been inside the ballroom. He had asked her if she wanted him to serve her mead. She declined. Prince Solveig appeared, and Prince Kalen was gone.

She had forgotten him. More than once. Without any explanation since she should have remembered him.

Cindy opened her eyes. His mouth was no longer on hers, but he was in front of her with eager eyes.

The prince asked, “Do you believe me now?”

Cindy stepped back and removed her hands from his. “Did you implant those memories, or were they just forgotten?”

“I cease to exist when people see me in my humanoid form, and I leave. Sometimes it is a blessing. But you are someone who I don’t want to forget me.”

She touched her chest with both hands and felt as if she was losing her breath. “This is so strange!”

The prince looked behind her and noticed that the guests were returning to the courtyard. “I need to leave, and you need to return to your party.”

“Why?” Cindy seized his arm before he could disappear. “If they will forget you once you leave, why don’t you just stay with me?”

“Do you want me to stay?”

“Will I forget you again?”

“Not for now. But I might have to kiss you often, so you don’t forget me.”

She giggled. “You said you didn’t need to touch my lips before.”

“I like your way better.” His finger touched her chin, and his lips brushed against hers. “Even if you forget me, I won’t. I’ll keep an eye on you and see no one tries to harm you.”

“Aren’t you Snow’s guardian? You’ll have to leave once she goes back home.”

“She has Dorian now. He protects her. I might need to find someone else to protect.”

Cindy ignored his seductive answer. “How do you follow her around? Does she know you exist?”

“You’re curious. If you have to know, I take the form of several animals. At the moment, I’ve taken the form of her horse, Thunder. It allows me to watch her closely and make sure nothing happens to her.”

“That’s noble of you.”

“It was my duty as her guardian. But she’s been safe, and…I’ve been distracted.”

“With what?”

He smirked. “You, of course.”

“I’m assuming if I ask her, she’ll have no idea you exist.”

“Yes. She forgets me too. I’ve saved her a few times, but she eventually forgets. She only remembers my animal forms.”

“This means I have no way to confirm you’re telling me the truth.”

“Even if you don’t believe me, it doesn’t matter. I’ve saved you, and now I’ll have to leave you. Forget me if you wish. I won’t show myself again.”

Cindy brushed two fingers against his lips before she secured her hand to his coat and pushed him back. “I didn’t say I didn’t want to see you again.”

He smirked. “Can I show myself to you then?”

“It seems you do that even if I forget you.”

His hand grabbed hers, and he pulled her closer. “It seems I keep being drawn to you.”

She drowned in his eyes. “I appreciate your help. Now, before, and even in the reading room. You protected me from the guards at that time, didn’t you?”

He nodded. “You left and forgot all about me, but I kept serving you the food you liked.”

“I don’t remember. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t. I’m used to it.”

His voice was smooth and enticing, just like his lips. Still, she couldn’t afford the distraction. “Don’t worry about me, Prince Kalen. Protect your sister. I’ll be fine.”

He stepped back. His eyes seemed to have lost the sparkle with her dismissive words. “Do you wish to forget me again?”

“Even if we met before, I don’t know if I can trust you,” Cindy added.

His eyes looked down at the ground, and his head bowed. “I understand. Actions count more than words. I’ll prove myself to you with my acts. Then you’ll know you can trust me.”

With that, he vanished as if part of the darkness surrounding them.

Cindy stood still for a few moments, playing back their memories together. They were still there. The touch of his lips still lingered on hers. He had always been kind to her. “I don’t want to forget you.”

“Who are you talking to?” Belle asked.

Cindy turned around to look at her friend. “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you to tell you that I am going to bed. It’s been lovely. There seems to be a lot of interest in the competition, but I’m tired and want to rest.”

Cindy reached closer and grabbed her friend’s hand. “Thank you for all your help. I didn’t know what I’d do without your help and Snow’s.”

Belle squeezed her hand. “Don’t mention it. Now go to your party and choose a handsome prince to dance with. Live a little.”

Cindy smirked. “No need. I’ve already found my prince. I think. I just hope I don’t forget him.”

“You make no sense, but I’m too tired to care. These little ones have been kicking nonstop. Goodnight, Cindy.”

“Goodnight, Belle.” The Fairy Queen blew her friend a kiss and looked for a bench to sit and look at the stars.

Chapter TWENTY-EIGHT

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Cindy was seated in her throne with a scroll and an ink feather in her hands. Her pensive eyes were fixated on the paper and oblivious to the quietness surrounding her.

The party was over, everybody returned to their homes, and the portals were closed.

“What are you doing here instead of going to bed?” a woman’s voice asked.

Looking at the door, Cindy saw Snow coming her way. “I thought you had returned home.”

“Not yet. There was a lot to do in the kitchen, and I wanted to help Belle. She’s almost having her baby, and Drake doesn’t like it when she overworks.”

“I should be more thoughtful of that and go help in the kitchen.”

“No worries. I’m sure you have a lot to think about.”

Cindy nodded and sighed.

Snow climbed up the stairs to the throne. “What are you reading?”

“I’m going over the rules for the visitants. The Sunny Valley will be occupied by the tents to house the visitors and the participants. There are lots of rules to follow by our guests, and I’m making sure I didn’t miss anything.”

“Let me take a look,” Snow requested.

Cindy gave her the scroll.

After a few moments reading, Snow spoke, “There are a lot of rules, but I understand you don’t want them to destroy anything.”

“There are rare plants there. It’s important no one tries to steal them or cut the flowers.”

Cindy patted the empty seat next to her, and Snow sat down.

“Or touch the fairies,” Snow noted. “The first rule, don’t touch the fairies. Ever.”

Cindy nodded without breaking a smile. “Labor fairies are androgynous. Not many know that. They can’t grow bigger like the Elite Fairies that are female and can take a mate if they wish so. Therefore, labor fairies are vulnerable if someone tries to catch them for fun or for evil purposes.”

“If someone does that, there should be a big punishment for them. Hurting and trying to steal a living being is disgusting and wrong.”

“Drake’s werewolves will be extra attentive to that. Still, there will be a lot of strangers coming here.”

“You could host the tournament in my kingdom if you feel like it’s too hard to open the portals to this land once again.”

“I appreciate your offer. I do, but the location is key for one of the challenges.”

“I’m sure many will come only to see the island,” Snow added. “As for the royals, they seemed excited about having their elite warriors participating. I’m sure they will have a lot of their knights signing up to bring honor to their sovereign.”

Cindy nodded with meditative eyes.

“Were you upset when the males began disrespecting you and didn’t let you speak?” the princess asked. “They were so rude! I wonder if they would do that if it was a king speaking.”

Cindy shrugged. “I don’t need to prove myself to anyone. I’m not ashamed of my human father, either. As for being a female, I’ve always known that we have to fight harder to be respected. Being a queen wasn’t even something I thought possible. On top of that, I have magical powers that can rival any other fae king.”

Snow sighed and nodded. “You are awesome.”

Cindy giggled. “You’re awesome too.”

“Not like you.” She pursed her lips and sighed again, leaning back. “I had something to ask you but never found the opportunity to do so.”

“What do you want to ask?”

Snow looked at Cindy. “Did it hurt to become a fairy?”

“You’re asking that because you also have fairy blood, right?”

Snow nodded. “Your mother said she would help me when the time came, but now … she’s gone. The only person I know that experienced it is you.”

“You still have a couple of years before it happens. When that day comes, I’ll be here to help you survive the transformation.”

“Really?”

Cindy smiled and held her hand. “Of course, what are friends for?”

“That reassures me.”

Cindy mused for a moment before asking, “Snow, can I ask you an odd question?”

“Sure.”

“Thunder, it’s your horse, right?”

Snow nodded.

“How long have you had him?”

Snow looked up with a pensive expression. “Four years. It was a gift from one of my dad’s relatives.”

“Did you bring him here with you?”

“No. It’s in my kingdom. Why would I bring my horse?”

“Yes. That was what I thought. He’s probably a big liar.”

“What are you talking about?” Snow asked with a confused expression. “Now that I’m thinking, I don’t think I’ve ever told you that my horse is named Thunder. How do you know about him?”

“Someone told me a crazy story tonight. I wanted to know if it was true or a lie.”

“Snow, are you ready to come to bed?” Prince Dorian entered the throne room. “Your Majesty,” he greeted Cindy with a smile.

Cindy grinned back. “Dorian, do you have a handsome brother that I can meet? I seem to have terrible luck with men.”

Dorian frowned and walked toward the throne. “The crown prince is married. I just have two more sisters. The only single brother is Luke. He’s not blood-related, but it’s as if he was.”

“And he’s busy entertaining the Evil Queen,” Snow added.

“Yes. I’ve seen him around,” Cindy commented.

“I saw Prince Solveig hovering around you like a hawk,” Snow slipped as she folded her hands on her lap. “He seems rather interested.”

Cindy waved in dismissal with a roll of her eyes. “As handsome as he might be, I’m not into him. Maybe it’s because he was an evil jerk to me when we were younger, or because I find him conceited. Whatever it is, my guts tell me to stay away.”

“He’s well known for being a player,” Dorian shared. “But a few years ago, there was news he was engaged. I don’t know what happened, but the engagement fell through as his fiancée disappeared.”

Cindy raised her head with interest. “I didn’t know about that. He was single when I lived in his kingdom with my stepmother and stepsisters.”

“I remember because I was invited to the engagement party. I arrived late, but I glimpsed at the bride. They seemed happy.”

“It seems you’re always late to the parties, dear husband,” Snow teased.

“If I recall correctly, arriving late to your party was the best that could have happened to us,” he teased back.

Snow got up and offered him her hand. “Fate made us bump into each other.”

Dorian grinned and kissed her knuckles. “Shall we go to bed?”

Snow looked back at Cindy. “Do you think there is still someone awake who can open a portal home for us?”

“You’ll have to sleep here. I told the servants to prepare the room you’ve been using for the past days,” Cindy informed.

“That works since I have to help Drake with the constructions tomorrow,” Dorian clarified.

“But it’s already so late. We should rest tomorrow,” Snow said.

“It’s only in the afternoon,” Dorian said.

“I can open a portal to your palace if you want to leave,” Cindy assured.

“Oh no,” Snow refused. “I’m happy to stay here. I was just worried Dorian wouldn’t rest. He’s been working non-stop lately.”

“We’ve been all working non-stop,” Cindy stated. “Let’s get some rest. It’s late, and I’m sure my servants want their queen in bed so they can rest too.”

Cindy walked down the throne and exited the throne room with Snow and Dorian behind her.

Two fairies waited for their queen in front of the master bedroom to help her out of the elaborated party dress and prepare her for bed.

“Where’s Princess Medina?” Cindy asked one of her fairies when she entered her bedroom and didn’t see her sister sleeping on her pillow next to the bed.

“Princess Medina fell asleep in the ballroom. Lady Pink Bell took her to her chambers. We didn’t want to wake up the princess when we had to prepare your majesty to go to bed.”

“That was thoughtful of you,” the queen said.

“We’ll run you a bath so you can relax before going to bed. You look tense, my queen,” the fairy on her right said.

“It has been a long day.” Cindy inhaled deeply and opened her arms so her fairies could unbutton her dress and remove it without shredding to pieces the delicate fabric. “A bath sounds wonderful.”

After her bath and having her hair brushed, Cindy went to bed, and the fairies left the bedroom. Only a lantern shaped as a lotus was lit inside her quarters. It was enough to calm down the fairy who didn’t like total darkness. She was exhausted and should have fallen asleep, but the bright smile of the handsome prince couldn’t be erased from her mind.

Could she trust he was who he claimed to be? He had been bold…and charming. His smile reached his eyes, which made him even more handsome. He might be lying about who he was. Even if his presence had cheered up her night, what if he was a spy sent by the enemy? Was he truly a friend like he claimed to be? Could she trust the memories he had left her?

It had been a while since a man had made her lose sleep.

Beware of men and their empty promises. The last time Cindy fell in love, it ended in tragedy.

Chapter TWENTY-NINE

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Despite the exhausting party, Cindy couldn’t sleep. Her mind was filled with thoughts, and she tossed and turned in bed.

“How can this be? How could I forget him? Or did he put these memories in my mind?” Cindy sat up. “Why hadn’t he breathed inner force into her, so she would remember him? All this is so strange!”

Anxious, she got up and put on a silky robe. Padding to the balcony of her bedroom, she opened the doors and stepped out.

In a few hours, the night would turn into day. Until then, she could enjoy the stars and maybe even go for a flight over the lake.

“Can’t sleep?”

The question startled her, and she grabbed her chest. Looking to her left, she saw him—the one who she could no longer forget. “What are you doing here?”

“Do you still remember me?” he asked.

“Of course.”

Smiling, he narrowed the distance between them. “I’m glad. I didn’t know if it would work.”

“Why are you haunting my balcony?”

“I was guarding it in case your attacker returned.”

With all the commotion, she had forgotten about the attack. The prince was all she could think of.

“Don’t you sleep?” She looked at him and gulped. He was as handsome as she remembered.

“I was trying to sleep in the shadows, but I couldn’t take something off my mind.”

“Me?” she boldly asked.

“You’re often on my mind.”

These words warmed her heart even if she knew better than to fall for his sweet talk.

“I was thinking the attacker must be one of your guests or, at least, part of their escort. He was a skilled fighter and magical wielder.”

Cindy sighed deeply and secured her hands to the balcony’s ledge. The night breeze was fresh and intoxicatingly sweet due to the night-blooming flowers. “I don’t want to think about my problems. I came here to relax. Maybe even fly and swirl around in the skies and over the lake. But I don’t want to talk about what happened.”

“Do you want some company?”

His proposal surprised her in a good way. “Normally, I fly alone.”

“I can just stay here and watch you.”

She twirled to face him. “No. I would love some company. At least your company. But how will you fly with me? Will you turn yourself into a bird?”

He stepped closer to her. “I’m a fairy just like you. Do you think I can’t shrink and grow wings?”

“Can you?” she asked.

He nodded.

“I’ve never seen a male fairy before.”

He laced his hands with hers. “It’s been a while since I changed into my fairy form.”

“What colors are your wings?”

He offered one of his breathtaking smiles. “Dark blue. Yours?”

“Light blue and purple.”

He lowered his face closer to hers. “They must be beautiful. Though, I’m sure you’re stunning in either form.”

Cindy found his words flattering but didn’t know how much of what he said was true. “Do you flirt with all the fairies that kiss you?”

“No. Fairy or human, my eyes seem to be drawn only to you.” His thumb brushed her cheek. “You were wearing a mask the first time I saw you. Even then, I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”

Cindy smirked and averted her eyes. “You’re such a smooth talker.”

His lips touched her cheek. “I’ll stop flirting if you wish.”

“Not flirting, just talking about the past.”

“I can do that,” he assured, close to her ear.

Her body shivered with his closeness. He made her feel hot and excited.

Fighting the attraction, she stepped away from him. “Are we flying or not?”

Closing her eyes, she transformed into her fairy form.

The prince followed her lead and became a small blue sparkle.

Cindy grabbed his hand after analyzing him. “Your wings are mesmerizing!”

His hand touched her golden hair, and he checked her wings. “You’re stunning.”

“Come. Follow my lead.”

With their hands together, they flew away and soared into the dawn, giggling and twisting. Cindy had a great time with the gorgeous fairy prince.

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The fairy queen glided her way into the dining room, with a smile on her lips and her head in the clouds.

Her time with the prince had been perfect.

“Someone had a great night’s sleep,” Belle said from the table. “Why the change of mood?”

Cindy sat. “Am I not always in a good mood?”

“Not lately. Today, the room lit with your arrival. Even the flowers turned to look at you,” Medina said from her pillow on the corner of the table.

Cindy smiled at her sister. “Like Belle said, I had a good night of sleep.”

“A few hours of sleep, you mean.” Belle yawned. “We have a lot to clean before going home, or I’d sleep a bit more.”

“Where are the men?” Cindy questioned.

“They took the horses and went to check the progress on the arena.”

“Hum.” Cindy waited as her fairies poured tea into her cup and picked cookies into a plate. With a dreamy smile, she wondered where the prince was. He disappeared after kissing her good night. The memory of him made her happier than she’s ever been.

“You’re daydreaming, my friend,” Belle accused her.

“No, I’m not,” the queen assured. “Where’s Snow?”

“Probably sleeping. Dorian told me not to wake her up.”

Cindy sighed and rested her head against her hand. Was she falling for Snow’s brother? That would be dangerous. Plus, he was too smooth with words. Not that she minded. She liked everything about him. But his curse was unusual.

No. She couldn’t fall in love. What if he broke her heart?

Then, it dawned on her. She faced zero risks with him. He said it himself. She would forget him if he stopped kissing inner life into her from time to time. If he broke her heart, all she had to do was stop seeing him. And she would forget him forever.

A heart can’t be broken without memories of a failed relationship. Can it?

“I’m starving,” the queen announced.

Chapter THIRTY

Calligraphy Swirls-05

For the next four days, the prince followed Cindy around. He didn’t show himself to anyone but her. He often stepped out from the shadows and blew kisses in her direction, peeked at her when the others were not watching, and smiled. Cindy giggled or pouted for him to go away. Eventually, her friends began to question why she randomly smiled.

Meanwhile, being a queen was much more than trying out new beautiful dresses, throwing parties, and supervising her fairies’ work. With the news about the tournament, a few kings required her presence in their kingdoms to discuss details, or simply out of curiosity. She couldn’t refuse their invite. It would be seen as rude. Besides, they needed allies amongst the other kingdoms.

The traveling portals made her journeys more comfortable. But she never stayed for long since she didn’t have time to continually socialize and indulge the courts’ curiosities about her appearance and her powers.

Cindy sighed and rubbed her temple. “King Halbern, I’ve met with you because you said you had important business to discuss. Bargaining the price of the fairy mead hardly seems important to me.”

The king stopped his random promenade around his throne room and peered at the fairy queen. “My lady, your mother used to negotiate with us before you took over. For the past two weeks, we aren’t receiving our orders. Unless you don’t need our fabrics and spices, we should discuss our previous arrangement and come up with a new one.”

Cindy stared at her nails with fake interest. “Since my mother’s death, all transactions have stopped. The Khusian Empire isn’t the only one penalized by it.” She raised her eyes to look at him. “In fact, my seamstresses have informed me the quality of your fabric has decreased over the past years.”

“That’s outrageous,” the elven king protested.

The queen got up from her seat, inches down toward the king’s throne, and looked around the almost empty room. “You forced us to travel by horse since you didn’t let us open a portal to your palace. You have no intention of sending warriors to participate in my tournament, and you want to discuss a matter that could be discussed with one of my representatives. I have several fairy ambassadresses who are more than capable of discussing these matters with your representatives.”

“You’re rather arrogant for someone who ascended a throne that should have never been yours.”

Cindy grinned at his rudeness. “Have a nice day. I’m sure you’ll be able to find somewhere else to purchase your mead.”

His voice boomed inside the room. “Are you going to deny the crown belonged to your sister, Medina?”

The queen halted and waited to see if he’d say anything else.

He did.

“The elders remember your mother’s king. We know they had a child. You were the product of an indiscretion. Your sister is the true ruler of the Fairy Island Kingdom.”

“As far as I know, my mother’s husband killed their daughter,” Cindy said without looking back.

“King Anderhal might have gone mad and consorted with witches, but he wouldn’t kill his only daughter.”

Cindy looked over her shoulder. “You seem to know a lot about my family, King Halbern. I wonder if you aren’t one of the kings who approve the Dark King’s plans of enslaving, what he calls, the lesser beings and conquering all kingdoms under a ruling emperor.”

“I’m much older than you, girl. I’ve seen kingdoms fall and rise. I saw planets being destroyed. When we arrived on this planet, centuries ago, we decided to live in peace with the original inhabitants. I have no intention of destroying what I built so far.”

Spinning around, she added, “You also don’t seem to have any intention of stopping others from destroying it.”

“I’ll not offer my warriors for a cause that not exists. My soldiers don’t fight to entertain others, either. I called you here so we could resume the trading between our kingdoms. It seems you’re more interested in throwing parties and hosting tournaments than making your people happy.”

“My people are happy,” Cindy assured him. “My fairies have plenty of other places where they can find silk and spices.” She stepped forward and raised her chin. “Also, it seems you believe my time is less precious than yours. Maybe you believe you’re more royal than me. You seem to forget I was chosen by my mother to be queen. As for my sister, I have no idea where she is. Since you’re saying she’s not dead, perhaps you could answer me that question.”

The king’s expression shifted from arrogance to surprise. “Your mother didn’t tell you?”

“My mother died before I completed my transformation. Killed by her husband.”

“Your sister has been trapped inside a cursed forest for almost two decades now.”

Cindy folded her hands in front of her and nodded. “A cursed forest, you say. Since my mother wasn’t able to save her, what makes you think I can?”

“Rumor says she’s the only one able to stop the Dark King.”

Cindy sneered. “I was able to stop the Dark King when he showed up in the Meadows Kingdom to destroy the one who trapped him. I’m sure I’ll be able to help if he decides to show his face again.”

“Queen Marlena helped you and died in that fight. She was a powerful witch. Are you sure you’ll be able to do anything without her help?”

Cindy shrugged. “I’m just a queen trying to rule a kingdom. If the Dark King attacks again, the only solution would be for all the kingdoms to join forces. As you know, I’ve already joined forces with a few of the East Kingdoms. Maybe the Khusian Empire should rethink their position of staying isolated from the rest of the continent.”

The king leaned forward. “Maybe you should rethink the price of your mead and come back next week with a better offer.”

“The Treasure Citadel’s President is already interested in buying all my mead. Have a great day, King Halbern.”

With that, Cindy trotted to the double doors which opened for her to exit and closed once she stepped into the corridor.

Prince Kalen materialized next to her. “That was intense.”

Cindy glanced at him. He didn’t seem to be mocking her, and she had appreciated the fact that he didn’t show up at any crucial moment. Still, knowing he was there if something went wrong gave her a sense of security. Her entourage hadn’t been allowed to go inside the throne room, and they waited at the palace’s entrance with the carriages ready to leave once the meeting was over.

“This was a waste of time,” Cindy muttered.

“Not at all,” the prince disagreed. “All his conversation seemed to be an attempt to get information from you.”

“Information about what?”

“About what you knew about your sister,” he replied. “About what you were planning to do.”

“Do you believe he’s spying for the Dark King?”

“He seemed rather interested in knowing if you were going after your sister. The Dark King knows you destroyed the mirror with Medina’s conscience. If Medina still exists, it’s an obstacle he needs to remove.”

The exit door opened, and the sun almost blinded Cindy. She covered her forehead with her arm. The prince strode ahead of her and helped her down the steps that led to the carriage.

The fairies flew around and opened the door for her to enter her transportation. The prince followed behind and sat opposite to her.

“This land is too hot,” Cindy complained, arranging her skirt on the seat. Her summer dress glued to her skin, and she waved a handkerchief against the inactive and oppressive air. “Aren’t you hot?”

“I’m a fire fairy,” he said.

“I envy your resistance to the heat. I never liked too hot.”

Cindy looked around, not daring to look at the handsome prince’s face. She was already too hot, blushing because she found him striking wouldn’t help. Her hair was braided at the crown of her head and secured with clips, which was a relief for that hot weather, but it also meant she couldn’t hide her face behind it.

The shades covering the windows stopped the sun from entering. Still, her fairies escorted the carriages and suffered under the hot sun.

“It’s just a half-hour trip before we leave his borders and can open a portal back to your island,” the prince said as if he’d read her mind.

“I shouldn’t complain. When I was human, I had to travel by normal means. Portals are a privilege.”

“I’m used to walking. My powers are different from the other fairies, but when I’m in animal form, I have to transport Snow. Not that she goes very far. Running fast in the green open fields is a great stress reliever. Still, I spend too much time doing nothing but eating and wandering the pastures.”

“Shouldn’t you be in your horse form in the Meadow Kingdom? Won’t your sister receive news that her horse is gone?”

“No. No one will miss me while Snow is on Fairy Island. I cast a spell, so they believe I’m there, and they are feeding me as usual.”

“Aren’t you bored of following me around?” Cindy asked.

He leaned forward, his knees touching the tulle of her skirt. “Don’t you enjoy my company?”

“You only show up when no one is here. How can I know others forget about you if they don’t see you? Plus, people believe I’m going mad when you tease me, and they turn around and don’t see anyone besides me.”

The prince pondered. “Would you rather explain all the time who I was to your friends?”

“What do you mean?”

“After a while, they forget me, so when I show up again, they have no idea who I am. Eventually, it becomes tiring. I rather show up to you since you remember me now.” He smiled and his fingers wrapped around her wrist. “Stay still. I’ll absorb your heat. Will you let me?”

“Absorb my heat?” Cindy gulped and felt a bead of sweat rolling down her back.

He nodded without further explanation.

A tingling sensation moved up her arm and snaked around her body. Her skin shivered, and the heat was gone.

Her wide eyes faced him. “How did you do that?”

“Do you feel better?”

“I do.”

He smiled and leaned back, closing his eyes. “Do you mind if I sleep for a while?”

“Not at all.”

“Do you promise not to stare at me while I sleep?”

She fisted her hands to her skirt. “What do you mean?”

“I know you like to watch when I have my eyes closed.”

“You’re too full of yourself,” she replied, rolling her eyes.

“I also watch you when I’m following you around. You’re too pretty not to watch.”

Cindy threw her handkerchief against him. It landed on his chest, and he opened his eyes and took it between two fingers. “It seems you enjoy throwing things at me. Water in the lake, flowers in the gardens, and now this. Isn’t it more efficient if you just tell me to move closer and kiss you?”

The queen parted her lips in incredulity with his audacity. “Do you want me to throw you out of the carriage?”

“We’re dating; you don’t need to play coy.”

“Play what?”

“Maybe you’re truly embarrassed,” he whispered, leaning closer and focusing on her face. “You’re pretty when you get mad at me, but you’re prettier when you lose your breath with my kisses.”

Cindy covered her cheeks with both hands. “You’re evil.”

He chuckled and swiftly moved to her side of the carriage. Her skirt occupied most of the bench, but he was able to squeeze in and turn his body to look at her. “You’re too easy to tease, my queen.”

“You shouldn’t be so blunt.”

“We are alone,” he reminded her. “You don’t need to be ashamed of being attracted to me. I’m attracted to you as well.”

“I’m not ashamed,” she assured. “You have no reason to hide from my friends.”

“Then, I won’t hide anymore.”

Her hand gripped his silky shirt, and she spoke closer to his mouth. “I hope you aren’t watching me when I bathe.”

“I would never do that without you inviting me to watch.”

She grinned. “You can sleep in my bed when I’m taking care of my duties.”

“I rather sleep in your bed with you, my queen.”

Cindy averted her eyes and leaned back to control the rapid beat of her heart. His words didn’t offend her but reminded her of how close they had become.

Kalen’s fingers grabbed her chin and turned her head to him. “When you believe it’s the right time.” His lips brushed against hers. “I’m happy just following you around.”

Words got stuck in her throat, and she pursed her lips.

“What’s wrong?” the prince asked. “Am I being too clingy?”

Cindy shook her head and kissed him. “I’m not sure if I…”

Her words were interrupted by the abrupt stop of the carriage. Before Cindy could ask what was going on, the tips of arrows got stuck against the panels.

“Protect the queen,” a fairy voice ordered.

“Stay inside,” the prince requested.

“Kalen,” Cindy called, but he had already slipped into the shadows and disappeared.

Arrows kept stabbing against the carriage while the sound of steel clashing against steel sang outside.

Her fairies weren’t warriors. The werewolves could hold their own, but her fairies were vulnerable to iron. She had to do something instead of just staying still and letting them die for her. Plus, Kalen was outside, fighting, and she didn’t want him to get hurt.

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The sun bit at her sensitive skin when the queen stepped outside the chariot and observed what was happening. The desert lands of the Khusian Empire made it hard for an ambush, but once the chariot neared the Owl Forest, the lush forest provided the perfect camouflage for burglars and assassins to attack.

Nevertheless, the forest was still afar, and the dunes seemed to be hiding their attackers. At least the ones throwing arrows.

No one could use teleportation inside the Khusian Empire. The elven magic didn’t allow it. That didn’t stop Kalen from using his powers, but in a land of sunlight, shadows weren’t abundant. Still, Kalen moved left and right, using the shadows from the chariots and the horses. Cindy’s fairies cast magic against the attackers while the werewolves used their blades instead of their fangs. Shifting would be counterproductive at that point.

The enemy seemed human—no pointy ears or fangs. King Halbern might have hired mercenaries to attack her since the only reason she was there was to have an unfruitful reunion with the monarch.

“My queen, what are you doing outside?” Prince Kalen asked as he fought a man holding a huge ax.

Cindy’s stomach always dropped, and her knees always felt weak when he called her that.

Raising her hands, she aimed them at the attackers holding a sword above their heads and running toward her. They flew back, yelling, and crash-landed several feet on the red road. The violence of the impact might have crushed several of their bones.

“I’m not helpless,” Cindy shouted in the prince’s direction.

“It’s too hot,” the prince reminded her.

“I’ll survive,” she assured, empowering her hands and creating havoc as she strode into the battlefield. Metal weapons flew from the attackers’ hands.

Another rain of arrows came in the direction of the entourage. She raised her hand, clenched her fingers, and the arrows stopped, turned around, and flew in the opposite direction, falling on the men throwing them. Screams of pain echoed while the sound of the clashing steel stopped.

The attackers knelt on the floor and raised their hands in defeat and surrender.

Glancing back, Cindy ordered her fairies, “Fly around and make sure there’s no one else hiding.”

They obeyed while the werewolves gathered the attackers and tied their hands behind their back.

Cindy walked in front of the men who didn’t dare to look her in the eye. They wore brown tunics and pants with a red turban covering their heads. Their skin was darker due to the sun, and almost all their faces had scars of some sort.

“Let me question them,” Prince Kalen requested, keeping close to her. “They seem terrified of you now.”

“Good. They should fear me, so they never attack my people,” Cindy muttered.

Kalen grabbed a man by his chin and forced him to look up. “Who ordered the attack on Queen Lucinda?”

The men spoke in a language Cindy couldn’t understand.

“He doesn’t speak the common tongue,” Kalen said. “I’m not familiar with his language, though.”

“Lady Silver Rose, can you translate?” Cindy asked, glancing back at one of her ladies-in-waiting.

The fairy sauntered to her queen in her humanoid form. Lowering her head, she spoke, “He said they are thieves.”

“Thieves don’t have a group of men hiding on the dunes with iron arrows,” Cindy said, talking to the man. “Tell him I’ll double the price they paid him to attack me if he tells me the name of the one who ordered this.”

Lady Silver Rose stepped closer and translated.

The man shook his head.

“Triple,” Cindy offered.

“Their lives,” Kalen muttered. “They won’t leave alive if they don’t talk.”

Cindy looked at the prince and shook her head. “We don’t kill unarmed men.”

“There are plenty of prisons I can take them where the sentence for stealing is death,” Kalen clarified. “I’m sure that they have bounties on their heads.”

“Old man, white hair, Citadel,” the thief said with a thick accent. “No name.”

Cindy frowned. “An old man. Human?”

Lady Silver Rose translated again.

The thief shook his head and spoke.

The fairy translated, “He said it was an old looking elf with gray hair. Not a human. He paid him in gold coins and told him where he could find us.”

“That doesn’t sound right,” Kalen said.

Cindy frowned. “From the Citadel to here is a long way. No one knew I would be here today. Not even me.”

“Unless you have a spy in your kingdom, the only one who knew you would have to take this path was King Halbern,” the prince pondered.

“Did he really think these men would be enough to kill me?” Cindy wondered out loud, taking another look around as if waiting for another ambush.

“Witches can track people’s movements,” Silver Rose said.

Cindy glanced at Kalen. “If the Dark King hired these men, this means he might not be as wounded as we thought.”

“If he hired them in the Citadel, he might be hiding there,” the prince reminded her.

“What shall we do with the prisoners?” Silver Rose asked.

Kalen gave the order. “Tie them together with a rope and make them follow the entourage. We’ll take them to the Island, and then we’ll travel to the Citadel.”

The fairy looked at the queen, and Cindy nodded for her to follow the prince’s orders.

One of the werewolves cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, my queen, but who is he?”

Cindy looked at Sirius. “Oh, he’s one of my…”

“Captain of the guard,” Kalen replied.

“Yes, my captain, just do as he tells you. I’ll be in the chariot.”

“There are just a few miles ahead until we can open a portal,” Sirius informed. “We should probably teleport directly to the Citadel and deliver the prisoners to them.”

“We need to regroup in the palace, let the fairies rest, treat the ones who have been poisoned by the iron, and gather a small group to talk with the Citadel’s president. If the Dark King is hiding in the Citadel, we need to convince the president to send his troops to search the Medium District,” Kalen said.

“My captain is right,” Cindy agreed. “We need to regroup at home.”

“As you wish, my queen,” Sirius said with a bow.

He also called her his queen, but it didn’t have the same effect as when Kalen said it.

“You should go back to your chariot. I’ll help the guards tie the attackers,” the prince suggested.

The sun bit at her skin. It didn’t use to bother her so much when she was human. Maybe it was the Khusian sun that didn’t agree with her.

“Silver Rose,” Cindy called before the fairy went back to help her sisters. “Did any of ours die?”

“No, my queen. A few wounded, but no deaths.”

“Good.” She inhaled deeply and gathered her skirt to walk back to her chariot. Before stepping inside, she searched for Kalen and saw him helping her subjects.

Sitting down and fixing her dress, she pondered about how vulnerable she felt with that attack. Not only that. Drake’s men were technically her men. However, she didn’t feel as if she could boss them around. She didn’t have any problems in seeing her fairies as part of her subjects, but the werewolves were another question.

A captain of the guard would be something she had to think about, as well as in enlisting knights to be part of her personal guard. Her fairies weren’t warriors. They could protect themselves with magic, throw a few shards, but they were healers and caregivers. If mercenaries could be hired to attack and die, she could pay knights to protect her and her kingdom. That would mean other beings besides the fairies would have to live in the Fairy Island. Villages would have to be built to provide for housing, stables, and bathhouses. Maybe even schools and libraries if the soldiers had families.

“What are you thinking, my queen?” Kalen’s voice woke her from her thoughts, and she focused her vision on his face. He had materialized in front of her.

“Thank you for helping me.”

“It’s my pleasure. I’m your new guardian, remember?”

Cindy forced a smile, though she knew he was Snow’s guardian, not hers.

He took her hands with care and kissed them. “Are you worried about the Dark King?”

“I’m just making plans for the future.”

“Do those plans include me?”

She leaned forward and kissed his perfect lips. “If you wish, my prince.”

“My prince. I love how you say that.”

Cindy kissed him again. “In a few minutes will be entering your kingdom. Do you want to stop?”

“My kingdom is in deep slumber until my queen wakes up the fairies. There’s nothing to see, my dear.”

“Aren’t you afraid someone might claim your lands?”

Kalen shrugged. “Snow will inherit the Meadow’s crown. The Meadows and the Owl Forest will become part of the same kingdom. Meanwhile, King Quinton protects the forest and doesn’t let anyone claim it as their own.”

“I wonder if it’s time to let Drake become his own master and remove the veil from his lands. The Fate Mirror has been destroyed. There’s nothing he needs to protect. His werewolves are loyal to him, and they live in the village, not Fairy Island.”

“You want to build your own army without putting the lives of your fairies in danger, don’t you?”

“It seems the only option since we no longer live in peace. The attacks will continue as long as the Dark King is alive.”

His fingers brushed her cheek. “It’s in times like this that I don’t like to be forgotten by others.”

“It’s sad,” Cindy mumbled.

“What?”

“I was worried about you. I didn’t want anything to happen to you.”

“I didn’t want it either,” he confessed.

“If something happened to you, you would be forgotten forever. No one would remember you.”

He lowered his eyes.

She nibbled on her lip. “Even I would eventually forget you.”

“There’s nothing we can do about that.”

“Hey. Look at me,” she mumbled, raising his face between her hands. “We can keep each other alive. Then we won’t forget each other. If I die, no one will remember me after a while, either. Like Sam. Sam died. He’s gone. We put some flowers on his grave, but he’s no longer here. We’ll eventually forget him. Even if we don’t want to.”

“Sam is the werewolf who died when we fought the Dark King, right?”

“How do you know?”

“I stayed in the shadows watching you.”

“He died without leaving his mark in the world.”

“Were you in love with him?”

“He was my best friend, not my lover.” Tears fell down her cheeks. “I don’t want to cry.”

His lips kissed her tears, and he hugged her close. “You barely mourned the dead since you returned to the island. You can’t pretend nothing happened.”

“Mom is dead. I barely knew her. I mean, the queen. I knew another version of her. She was kind, and she looked after me when she was only my godmother. But I didn’t have time to meet the queen.” She sniffed. “Sam died protecting the ones he loved. He died an honorable death. Still, that doesn’t make me feel better.” She closed her eyes to stop crying. “I don’t want to lose anyone else.”

“You can’t put yourself in danger because you’re afraid the ones protecting you will die,” Kalen explained. “Do you understand?”

She nodded. “Don’t put yourself in danger because of me. You’re not my guardian, Kalen.”

His index pushed against her forehead. “I’m much more than your guardian, little fairy.”

“I’m not a little fairy. I’m a fairy queen.”

“Look at her, pulling ranks.”

She crushed her lips to hold the smile forming in her mouth. “And you’re my prince.”

Chapter THIRTY-ONE

Calligraphy Swirls-05

A gust of icy wind reminded the Fairy Queen she was no longer in the warm lands of her kingdom.

The day before, she had complained about the heat. Today, the snowy weather seemed willing to change her mind.

Caring hands adjusted her wool cloak and tugged the padded wool cap downward on her head. Her smooth silk dress wasn’t appropriated for that weather, but the embroidered linen vest and heavy cloth cloak should keep her warm during her visit to the Citadel’s stronghold.

Prince Kalen resumed his place a few feet behind. His attire was formal—white shirt, brocade vest, and black linen pants. The only difference was he had steel-lined bracers guarding his forearms and a sword hanging at his hip. To complete his ensemble, a dark velvet cape with embroidered silver stars in the hems draped over his shoulders.

His dashing face looked serious when she arrived at the portal room, ready to meet the President of the Citadel.

“Are you expecting another attack?” Cindy asked the prince.

“It’s better to play it safe. We have no idea of who our friends and foes are.”

“We have some idea,” she countered. “You’re my friend.”

His lips curled up. “More than a friend.”

The flash of passion in his gaze sent tingling shivers down her arms.

“It’s cold in the Citadel; you should put on a warmer cloak and cover your head and hands.”

Cindy nodded, waving her hand. Two fairies flew with a white wool cloak hanging from their hands. Another followed with a wool cap. It took them a few minutes to protect the queen against the cold weather assaulting the Citadel.

A small entourage of two elite fairies and three armed werewolves followed behind Cindy and Kalen as they entered the portal.

The portal opened into a reception hall and not directly inside the stronghold. His owner placed proper protections to stop the powerful ones from sneaking inside, uninvited.

Out in the cold, Cindy inhaled the fresh air as she looked up at the looming tall building. She had never been inside when she was human. The stronghold wasn’t an inviting place. With dark walls, no plants or blooming gardens, the place was meant to lodge warriors and withstand attacks.

Following two servants, Cindy’s entourage passed the barbican and was greeted by ten guards waiting for them. The lower tower gave way to the hall, and they followed a narrow corridor. Minutes later, a servant opened the door to a small office where a man in his mid-thirties sat at a desk, looking at paperwork with a concentrated expression.

The queen stopped at the doorway of the president’s office.

He glanced up and smiled. “You’re even more beautiful than they say, my queen.”

His words caught her off guard.

She had no idea what her beauty had to do with her visit. “Did you accept my visit only to confirm it, my lord?”

His eyebrows shot up, and he rose from his seat. “Of course not. I didn’t have the opportunity to attend your party. I thought it was time for us to be introduced.”

“Yes. Fairy Island always had good commercial relationships with the Citadel. That is what brings me here.”

“Not the fact that King Halbern seems to be upset that I’m buying all your production of mead?”

Cindy frowned. “Has he bothered you with those matters? I just met him yesterday.”

“You left him quite an impression.”

“Funny, he didn’t look impressed.”

“I, on the other hand, am impressed by you.”

Cindy sneered. “Why, my lord, because I’m pretty?”

He shook his head. “Not at all. You faced him and didn’t back down. That impresses me more than beauty.”

“King Halbern isn’t the reason I’m here,” the queen assured. She looked around the dimmed room with auburn decoration. “Can I have a moment of your time?”

The president strode to her side and slightly bowed. “I’m being impolite. Why don’t you tell your people to wait outside while we sit and talk about the reason for your visit?” He pointed at the couches on their left.

Cindy glanced at Kalen. “My captain will stay with me.”

The president spared a look at the prince. “If that makes you feel safer, I’ll indulge.”

With a flick of his hand, the door closed, and he took a seat on an armchair.

The queen sat down on a couch after Kalen removed her heavy cloak and kept it folded over his arm.

“Isn’t your man taking a seat?” the president asked, glancing at the prince again. “Should I be worried he might strike me from behind?”

“Unless you attack me, you have nothing to worry about,” Cindy assured.

“It was a joke,” the president explained with light laughter. “I thought fairies were peaceful creatures. Why the precautions?”

“That’s one of the reasons I’m here, my lord. It seems our business transactions will increase after what I came here to ask you.”

“Anything to serve you, my lady,” he added with a sly grin. “I’m a businessman, after all. There’s nothing you need that I can’t find you.”

Cindy relaxed in her seat and rested her hands on her lap, preparing to reveal what had brought her there.

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Things went smoother than Cindy expected. Turned out, money could buy her the small army she was looking for, and it even convinced the president to send his guards to the Trade Market and hunt for the Dark King. The president also willingly accepted to take care of the attackers she had imprisoned.

President Maderel seemed ready to attend to her every need. Cindy had no idea her crown gave her that kind of power over others. Her fortune was considerable, and money carried power. Yet, money didn’t buy loyalty. Another could procure the same things from the Citadel if they had the money to pay. But Cindy needed men to guard her and to keep her kingdom safe even after the tournament was over.

Cindy left the president’s office with the promise of two hundred trained men, plus horses and cattle. All she needed was to secure the lodgment they needed to stay stationed on her lands.

Then she left the stronghold and rode a chariot to the Trade Market. Two squads with forty men were sent to the market to begin the searches and the questioning. The lieutenant in charge accompanied the queen as they watched the interrogation.

“Please, don’t harm the traders,” the queen asked the lieutenant. The soldiers were rude when the traders assured them they hadn’t seen anyone suspicious.

“My lady, some use of force might be necessary,” the young lieutenant, wearing the auburn colors and the silver armor with the Citadel’s crest, explained to her.

“I’m aware. But these people are poor and need all the money to feed their families. I would prefer your soldiers not destroy their goods and threaten their families.”

The lieutenant clenched his jaw. “Then, maybe a reward should be offered, so they are more willing to open their mouths.”

“That’s a good idea. How much money do you believe we should offer?”

“Twenty silver coins to the one who leads us to our enemy,” the lieutenant said.

“My queen, a reward might increase the number of false reports,” Prince Kalen explained.

“Shall we proceed?” the lieutenant asked as the soldiers entered deeper into the market and continued questioning the sellers. “You’ll need to forgive us for the smell.”

Cindy arched an eyebrow at him and noticed the white handkerchief he offered her to cover her nose.

“It’s clean and smells of lavender. It will help you with the stench around the market.”

Cindy offered him a smile. “I can assure you, I’ve smelled worse.”

He bowed with a smirk and stored his handkerchief inside his coat. “Shall I tell my men to offer a smaller reward for whoever has any information on the whereabouts of the Dark King?”

“Yes, offer five silver coins for information,” Cindy agreed. “We don’t have time to waste before someone alerts him and he escapes.”

“As you wish, my queen.” The soldier left to talk with his soldiers and control them.

The prince’s hand grabbed her elbow under her cloak. “Are you sure you want to be here to see this?”

“You can’t be here on your own. Your curse doesn’t allow you to be recognized by the soldiers.”

“You can leave one of the werewolves in charge of reporting to us. We’ll find a place to wait.”

“I want to be here to make sure they aren’t bullying these people,” Cindy explained. “I’ve seen what soldiers do to the commoners when they are ordered to chase after someone. They can be violent and hurt innocents.”

He moved closer to her. “It’s not your fault if this happens. Finding Anderhal’s whereabouts is important while we have a fresh lead.”

Cindy’s mind was somewhere else. “Can you see the look of terror in their eyes when they look at us? Not surprise or even fascination for seeing a fairy, just plain terror that I might be here to harm them and destroy their lives.”

“Your kind and considerate. They have nothing to fear from you. If only all the monarchs were more like you.” Kalen heaved a sigh. “We should follow after the soldiers. It isn’t safe to stay behind with a small entourage like ours.”

The queen nodded and proceeded into the narrowed pathway between the market stalls.

Chapter THIRTY-TWO

Calligraphy Swirls-05

The Treasure Citadel had been a dead end. Even if a few people recognized the Dark King and led the guards to the Medium District, the search party didn’t find him.

Either he was well hidden, or word got out about the search, and he left.

Cindy laced her robe once the fairies dried her body and finished brushing her hair. Her bath was over, and she felt revigorated after the long day. She entered her bedroom and searched for her trustworthy shadow.

Kalen sat in an armchair in front of the balcony. A plate with glasses and a bottle with fairy mead rested at his right while another recliner remained empty at his left. At night, Cindy occupied that seat to stare at the stars and talk to him. It had been their ritual when they couldn’t sleep. Of course, her insomnia was related to Kalen. She’d rather spend time with him than sleep.

The prince’s silk shirt was unbuttoned to his midriff, displaying his ripped torso and abs. His skin glowed under the yellow lights hanging from the ceiling. His wet hair and fresh clothes told the queen he had showered.

The rest of the bedroom was illuminated by soft candlelight, creating a dimmed and comfortable ambiance.

Padding to her prince’s side, Cindy interrupted his silent contemplation of the sky. “I feel guilty every time I wake up and see you sleeping in that armchair. There’s plenty of bedrooms in this palace.”

“None closer to you,” the prince replied.

She took her place beside him. “Where do you find new clothes every day? Do you steal from others?”

Kalen looked at her. “I do have a palace and means to buy my own clothes. The stores at the Citadel provide me with all I need.” He reached for his glass and drank.

“Where’s this palace you talk about?”

He smirked, keeping the glass close to his lips. “An abandoned castle under the mountains close to the forest. An enchanted place, forgotten by time. Though, the ivies are taking over. I should go there more often to order the plants to behave.”

Cindy edged closer and traveled her index down his forearm. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon reached her nostrils and made her think of soft, thick pudding and spicy food.

“Did you go there to shower and change clothes?”

“I used the bathhouse downstairs for that,” he replied.

“Next time, do you want me to prepare you a bath so you can relax?”

“That’s not the job of a queen.”

“I’m a different queen.”

He grinned. “You can ask your fairies to prepare my bath. I won’t need their help to bathe. No need to be jealous.”

“I’m not washing you either.”

He turned his torso to lean closer to her. His honeyed breath caressed her lips. “I’d rather wash you.” He inhaled her floral scent. “I love your scent. I’m sure you’d taste sweet if I licked you.”

Cindy pushed him back. “No one is going to lick anything.”

“You have no idea of what you’re missing.” He sat back with a sly grin.

Cindy swallowed dry and folded her legs as a hot sensation spread in her lower stomach. “Do you think I’m a prude?”

Kalen frowned and set his glass on the table. “I think you need to be sure of what you want. A relationship is more than sex.”

“It’s hard to be a woman.” She inhaled sharply. “If I smile too much, I’m looking for sex. If I don’t smile, I’m a cold bitch. There’s no way in between.”

“You owe no satisfactions to anyone.”

Cindy leaned closer to his arm and traveled her fingers down his chest. “Not even to you, my prince?”

“We keep each other company. Even if we shared a bed, I know you well enough to know you’re not frivolous about your affections. I also know you are kind, intelligent, and trying to do your best to keep your subjects happy. Your happiness makes me happy, as well.”

“What if I tell you to go away?”

“I go away.”

“Won’t you be sad?”

“Heartbroken,” he assured with gentle eyes. “Do you want me to leave?”

She shook her head. “But I’m getting scared.”

“Of what?”

“I can no longer imagine my life without you around.” She laced her hand with his. “Your presence brings life to my cold and empty world.”

His right hand cupped her face, raising up her chin. “Little fairy, you’re my whole world for the past days. I just wish...”

“What?”

“That I could make you happier. You still don’t trust me enough to let me in.”

“Let you in where?”

“Your heart. Like you are in mine.”

“Is that a love confession?” she teased.

“Did you expect less than love from me, my darling?” he asked with a sober expression. “Why else would I care if you remember me or not?”

The queen watched him in silence for a few moments. His eyes flickered orange due to the lights above them. They also flooded with passion and pled.

“Even if you don’t love me, I want to stay by your side, my queen.”

She closed the distance between their lips and kissed him with passion. Her hand explored his biceps and abs as her mouth tasted him with hunger and desire. He was too beautiful, too perfect, too important to her. She couldn’t deny how attached she had become. She moved to his lap, snaked her arms around his neck, and continued tangling her tongue with his while rubbing and enticing him.

“I don’t want to stay apart from you tonight,” she breathed against his mouth. “I can’t.”

His hand caressed her hair, her neck, and brushed the robe off her shoulders, revealing her naked skin and her breasts barely covered by the lace. His mouth fell between her cleavage. Her stomach exploded when his hands cupped her breasts, and his fingertips rubbed her nipples over the laced nightdress.

Her whole body vibrated with his touch and kisses. She had endured the need for him. That night, she didn’t know if she could. Or wanted to.

The sound of their kisses and her ragged breaths danced like a breeze inside her bedroom. His lips and tongue played her perfectly. She couldn’t control her moans of pleasure or how her body swayed on his lap. He felt hard under her, which made her feel more wild and needy.

His mouth released her nipple, his arm moved under her legs, and he lifted her in his arms.

She half-opened her eyes, dizzy with passion. “What are you doing?”

“Taking you to bed,” he replied. “Unless you don’t want me and tell me to leave.” His face was calm, but he stopped, waiting for her decision.

“Take me to bed,” she requested.

He complied, striding to the bed and sitting her on the edge of the mattress. The bedding was soft like silk and light like fairy wings. She had enjoyed the sensation of the fabric against her skin. She enjoyed Kalen’s lips against her skin more.

The prince crouched in front of her and untied the laces that kept her robe around her waist. Once that was done, there was just the nightdress that covered her body.

Her breasts hurt against the nightdress’s laced bra. Her breathing seemed to hypnotize Kalen, who couldn’t take his eyes off her breasts. Her hands stroked his black hair and placed a few strands behind his ears. Her prince was so beautiful that looking at him made her stomach clench and her breathing pause.

He looked up. “Are you nervous?”

“Nervous, but also excited.”

“I’ll be gentle. You just need to trust me.”

“I do,” she assured him.

He nodded without breaking a smile. “I’m also nervous.”

“Is this your first time, too?”

His lips curled up, and that released a bit of the tension building on her shoulders.

“Not my first,” he mumbled huskily. “But you are the first I’ve ever loved.”

Cindy gulped, unsure how to feel about his confession.

He straightened up, and she stared at his abs while he removed his shirt and untied his pants. His boots flew from his feet. Taking her hands, he helped Cindy up. Lowering down, he clutched the hem of her nightdress and pulled it over her head. Only a pair of silk panties covered Cindy’s intimacy.

Kalen pulled down his pants, and his manhood stood long and straight between them. He looked at her, and she looked at him. She had seen naked men before. Werewolves liked to bathe naked in the streams, and she had been curious about men’s anatomy. The prince was tall, muscled, hard, and perfect. Did he like what he saw, too?

His arm circled her waist, and he pulled her closer, trapping his engulfed shaft against her stomach. His tongue explored her mouth and prevented her from speaking.

Good, she had no idea what to say.

Was there any need for words at that moment?

Maybe she had rushed things between them.

He helped her lay down in the bed. Her hair fell back like a drape. Her exposed body felt vulnerable while her nipples hungered for contact, and her sex pulsated with need.

The prince parted her legs and crawled on top of her. His mouth trailed kisses down her neck, sucked on her nipples, and descended to her navel. His teeth caught the hem of her panties and pulled them off. She barely had time to feel her sex exposed before he rested her legs over his shoulders and settled his mouth against the swollen flesh between her legs.

Cindy gasped and bucked against him, shocked and amazed by having his mouth pressed against her and kissing her delicate spot. At first, her hands wanted to push him away, but when he lapped and circled his tongue, she arched into his kiss and surrendered to the pleasure and the intimacy of the moment.

Her body was on fire, and she was almost bursting into flames. She no longer controlled her hips or the moans that escaped her throat. At some point, the pressure was unbearable, and she failed to understand if it was pleasure or pain that she was experiencing. Still, she didn’t want him to stop.

When her head spun, and her hands gripped the bedding, so the bed stopped spinning, Cindy discovered intense and maddening pleasure as she convulsed against her lover’s mouth.

Her body trembled and shivered as waves of heat washed over her.

When her breathing calmed down, Kalen’s kisses moved up her torso, and his mouth feasted on her breasts and neck. His hands fondled her, squeezed her boobs until he slipped two fingers inside her, and commanded her to sway against his hand.

She peered between her eyelashes and watched him watch her. Her parted lips and ragged breathing proved the pleasure he offered her. Her red cheeks and moving hips felt embarrassing, but she didn’t care.

His body fell against her naked body. His hand gripped her hip. He dusted kisses down her chest, and her body trembled under his. When his mouth returned to hers, his cock nestled between her legs, rubbed at the soft skin of her thighs, and lodged against her entrance.

Their eyes met before he pushed forward.

Cindy was wet and eager, but it still hurt when he invaded her intimacy. Then he stopped and waited for her to adjust to his size. He kissed her and made her forget the pain until he began thrusting.

Slowly.

Gently.

Cindy moaned against his mouth and thrust her hips to meet his movements.

Kalen angled his thrusts in a way that made her moan louder with pleasure as he pushed deeper into her.

Cindy couldn’t get enough of him. It felt too perfect, too breathtaking, and everlasting.

Kalen orgasmed before she shook with overwhelming pleasure and consumed herself in their fire. But he kept kissing and caressing her body. Turning around, he placed her on top of him and let her ride him until she came.

She rolled and rested beside him, catching her breath. Kalen covered them, kissed her neck, and gathered her between his arms, tucking her body against his.

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Time galloped, and the competition was a week away.

Snow’s guards were finishing the temporary tents and external rooms around the arena. The interior seating was arranged in two elliptical rings, sitting a total of twenty to thirty people per row. The walls protecting the spectators were covered with nets made of spider silvery threads—a material almost invisible but highly resistant to any bouncing blade that might fly away from the fighting arena. The royal mezzanine had been concluded, and the network of barrel vaults reinforced.

As for the Sunny Valley, after going over with Cindy and her sister about the challenges, Drake assigned a few men to assist with the traps and to make sure no nasty surprises put the contestants in harm’s way.

The palace had been prepared once again to receive the royal guests on the upper floors. New rooms were created to lodge the contestants, and servants were provided to attend for their needs. The kitchen had enough meat and vegetables to feed everybody.

Therefore, Cindy focused her attention on finding a suitable place to host the four legions of men provided by the president’s Citadel.

Kalen had been helpful with that. They scouted the areas, looking for the perfect spot near a stream to create the Military Camps. He spent hours in the library reading books to Cindy on how the layouts should be arranged and helping her with the schematics.

Cindy yawned as her mind drifted away from the list of materials required to build permanent barracks and other buildings for the camp.

“It’s best if we build the layout starting in the center, meaning around the headquarter building. Have you decided if you want tents or timber buildings?”

“I don’t want to cut more trees,” she protested with a pout.

“We can buy timber from other lands without cutting down your trees. Or we could use stone which would be more durable.” He flipped the pages and grabbed an inked feather from the table. “I’ll start drawing a layout and labeling—” He stopped talking and looked at Cindy’s eyes half-closed while her head hung forward. “Are you listening to me?”

She squared her shoulders and perked up. “What?”

He smiled. “Are you tired?”

“Bored. Can’t we just hire engineers to do this?”

“If you’re worried about how the camp will affect the surrounding areas, you need to have an active role in this. Since we decided the military camp would be situated in the Watersong Plains, now we need to plan the buildings’ configuration and infrastructures. These men are used to a certain type of architecture. They don’t like flower beds, white clematis climbing arches and pergolas, and furniture made from old trunks. We’ll need to hire carpenters, blacksmiths, shoemakers, and a butcher.”

“We can buy the weapons from the Khusian Empire,” Cindy said. “They have the best blacksmiths.”

“After you denied selling them your mead, I don’t know if the king will be open to negotiation.”

Cindy puckered her lips. “Why is being a leader so hard? I’m tired, and I want to go fly and play in the pond.”

Kalen chuckled and relaxed in his seat. “My sweet queen, you can’t always be playing and having fun.”

Cindy wrapped a curl around her finger, twisting and untwisting it. “Drake isn’t happy.”

“Yes. Still, I’m sure he understands your decision in hiring more soldiers.”

“He doesn’t like the idea of having so many strangers inside the island. He’s worried about the fairies and the littering. I’m worried about that too, but I need to be pragmatic about this.”

“We’ll build all the infrastructures needed for them to live inside the camp and close it with walls. Their commander will have to keep them entertained.” Kalen sighed. “Soldiers spend their days with weapon training and keeping the camp clean.”

“I really appreciate all you’re doing to help me,” she said, touching his leg under the table.

“I know. You also need to know Sunny Valley’s infrastructures can be reused for the training camps. The arena can be used as a training area, and the tents can be repurposed while the camp is built.”

“We just need to survive the competition so we can focus our time on this new project,” Cindy agreed. “I’m starving. Can we go eat now?”

“I still have a few more pages to read about all the buildings will need to have and how many entrances. It’s rather interesting; it’s been a while since I’ve dealt with this. Plus, my kingdom had a royal army that served the queen. I wasn’t the commander, but I had an important role as—” He stopped talking as Cindy scribbled on an empty sheet of paper and didn’t pay any attention to him.

“I guess I should read these books to you at night so you would fall faster asleep.”

She looked at him. “I have better ideas on how to fall asleep at night than reading books.”

He chuckled. “I guess we do have another activity that is a lot more enjoyable.”

She got up from her chair and circled around him, placing her hands on his shoulders. “You’re tense. I’m bored. We are both hungry. We should take a break, eat, and then go for a walk in the gardens.”

“You need to talk to Lady Peach Blossom about what vegetables are best to grow to feed the soldiers. You need to start preparing since you’ll have more mouths to feed.”

Cindy massaged his shoulders. “Dorian said the majority of the soldiers harvest their food from wild trees. But I don’t want them to go around and harvest from our fruit trees. I’ll give them enough provisions, and I’ve decided we’ll be planting zucchini, tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, and grains. They eat a lot of bread, it seems. We can plant wheat, barley, and oats.”

“That feels nice,” Kalen mumbled, relaxing with her massage.

“We’re both tired. Taking a break to eat will allow us to be more productive after.”

“The competition is happening in a week and we have a lot to decide.”

Cindy hugged him and kissed his cheek. “About the weapons, we can buy them from the vampires. Their armors are also very reliable, and my fairies are more than prepared to produce clothes and shoes.” She kissed his cheek again. “Happy?”

He nodded and grabbed her hands with his. “Extremely happy. We can go eat now.”

Chapter THIRTY-TREE

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Cindy felt safe in Kalen’s arms, listening to his heartbeat, and stroking her fingertips against his skin. The bliss after sex was something she never experienced before.

Would she lose those memories too once he went away and she forgot him? He had been her first. The last few nights had been unforgettable, but so were the days. She also enjoyed his company.

Even if the others forgot him.

She could see the pain in his eyes for being erased continuously from their memories. Still, once the competition was over, her friends would go home, and she wouldn’t have to be introducing him all the time. Kalen would be only hers. Her fairies asked no questions. Some even seemed to recognize him since they shared a link with their queen. Her memories made him unforgettable to her elite fairies, too.

“What are you thinking?” Kalen’s voice woke her up from her thoughts. His fingers caressed her back and left a trail of goosebumps. She loved that.

“I was just wondering what you did to be cursed? At first, I didn’t think it was so bad, but now…I see how painful it is. I get upset when they forget about you, and I have to keep telling them who you are. Or when your contributions are given to someone else because you were removed from their memories.”

“I’m used to it,” he whispered.

She raised her head and looked at him. “Did you seduce a witch and break her heart, and that was why she cursed you like this?”

Kalen shook his head. “I might have broken some hearts before, but it wasn’t enough to be given this curse.”

“Then what could you possibly have done for this evil punishment?”

He trailed his index down her nose and pressed it against her lower lip. “Do you really want to know?”

She nodded. “Of course. Tell me; I won’t judge you.”

“You might want to forget me when you know what I did.”

She laid her head on his chest and hugged him, taking in his scent. “I won’t.”

His arms brought her body closer to his. “I haven’t been this happy for…I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy before. You’re the only one who makes my existence bearable. My life has been lonely and depressing for many years now.”

“Haven’t you shared your inner force with anyone else since you were cursed?” Cindy wondered, focusing on his confession.

“My queen, no one has sparked any emotion in me since the day I was cursed and lost my family. I’ve been living to take care of Snow. Now, I’m living for you.”

Cindy sighed with contentment. “If I didn’t know how much being forgotten hurts you, I would be happy just to have you to myself.”

“Really?” he asked, moving his neck to look at her.

She moaned and hid her head against the crook of his neck. “Though, I fear losing the memories of us.”

“Only if you want me to leave, my love,” the prince shared.

Cindy pursed her lips, ruminating about his words. She had been naïve to think his absence and her lack of memories would make everything all right. Nothing would be all right if he was gone from her life.

She didn’t share those thoughts with him, though. “Tell me how you were cursed.”

He kissed the top of her head. “Very well.” Inhaling sharply, the prince continued, “First I have to tell you that I wasn’t always very reliable and responsible. I liked to party with my friends, get drunk, and chase after the ladies.”

“Your flirting ways don’t hide your past,” Cindy assured him. “You’re too good with words to not have the title of a womanizer in your background.”

“I was young and stupid. I thought life was simple, and we were safe.”

“Who is we?”

“My family. My fairy family lived in the Owl Forest. I had a mother and fairy sisters. It was my duty to protect them, but I failed.”

“How? How did you fail, and what happened?” Cindy raised her head to look into his eyes.

Kalen clenched his jaw. “Instead of keeping guard, the soldiers and I were drinking wine and flirting with pretty women who were camping in the forest. They said they were looking for herbs and lured us to drink with them. I found out later that it was a way to entertain us so others could enter my kingdom, kill my sisters, and try to steal my mother’s crown.”

Cindy’s mouth parted. “Someone killed your family?”

He nodded. “There’s a reason why your mother closed the portals to your kingdom and enlisted werewolves to protect them. Other families were hungry for power. Witches hunted us down. Fairy crowns are powerful artifacts from our home planet. They store the magic power of our ancestors. Only royal blood can activate them, but the witches might have found a way to use them. All I know is that they were after my mother’s crown, and they killed my sisters for their legacy and their blood.”

Cindy sat up and brushed back the hair that fell at her shoulders and in front of her face. “That’s awful.”

“It’s in the past. I’ve dealt with my guilt.” He reached up and placed a few strands of hair behind her ear. “You’re so beautiful.” His eyes roamed down her naked body. “It pains me to think something might happen to you because you’re willing to trust other royals and open your portals to let them in.”

She leaned closer to him and spoke against his lips, “I have you to protect me, don’t I?”

He nodded and kissed her. “I’d give my life for you.”

She nibbled on her lower lip. “How is what happened to your family related to you being cursed?”

“I failed my family. I neglected my post. My sisters were killed because I wasn’t there to protect them. When I woke up the next morning, I was sleeping inside a pocket shadow dimension. My men were all killed, and the women were gone. I don’t know what happened. I must have been too drunk to remember how I survived. Maybe my powers saved me because I was sleeping in another dimension. When I arrived home, trees had been burned, fairies had been killed, and my sisters’ mutilated bodies were being mourned by the surviving fairies.”

“Your mother survived?”

“My mother fought and killed many of them, but she was gravely wounded. She managed to reach her palace, but she had been poisoned, and her body was fading.” Kalen gulped. “She blamed me for my sisters’ deaths. I shouldn’t have abandoned my post because of some random women with promises of a good time. Due to my irresponsibility, she cursed me so I couldn’t escape my duty to protect the only family that remained: Snow. She was still very young, and with my mom gone, I would have to keep an eye on her. Since my mom didn’t trust me anymore, she cursed me. In my humanoid form, I would be forgotten by everybody after I left. No one would recognize or remember the time they spent with me. Only in the form of an animal could I exist in other people’s memories.”

Cindy gasped. “That was such a hard punishment. Didn’t she know how much you would suffer, how much you were already suffering for the death of your sisters, and your mother’s imminent death?”

He caressed her cheek. “You have a kind heart, Cindy. You considered my pain despite all the harm my irresponsibility had caused.”

“You should have been there to protect them, but you didn’t do it on purpose.” She stroked his cheeks with her thumbs. “You were tricked.”

“According to my mother, my curse will be broken when my queen misses me even when I’m no longer in her memories. I’m assuming it will only happen when my sister takes her crown and wakes up her fire fairies. Snow will inherit my mother’s powers and become the queen of my people. I’ve kept her safe until now, but there are still a few years until she transforms into a fairy.”

“How did you know breathing your inner force into me would make me remember you?” Cindy wondered.

“Once my mother died, and I had to take care of my sister, I had enough time to roam around and talk to other fairies and witches to find a cure to my curse. An elven scholar found me a book where a curse like mine was described. There, a temporary solution to my problem was mentioned.”

“You must have tested it before me. So, your claim that I was the first is a lie,” Cindy presumed. “Did you test your temporary antidote on other women?”

“Why would I want other women to remember me? Every man’s dream is to be forgotten by his conquests.”

Cindy covered her mouth in shock. “Oh, have you been sleeping around with random women because you knew they wouldn’t remember you the next day?”

He grabbed her hands. “Some women don’t care if they remember us the next day or not. They just want sexual gratification.”

Cindy glared at him. “Have you slept around a lot?”

He shook his head. “Of course not. Casual encounters are no longer part of my life.” Before she could say anything else, he added, “We aren’t casual. Our paths have crossed several times even if I am the only one who remembers it.”

She stared deeply into his eyes. “I can only imagine how lonely it has been for you until now.” She kissed him. “How can I blame you for searching for a bit of love in some random woman’s arms?”

“Whoever was before you, I no longer remember. It doesn’t matter either,” he assured her.

“Do you love me because I remember you?” Cindy asked.

He shook his head. “You remember me because I love you.”

She smiled. “Were you always this good with words, my prince?”

“When are you going to trust my feelings for you, my queen?”

Cindy shrugged. “It’s hard for me to trust people.”

“No, it’s hard for you to trust men who say they love you.”

“If you know me so well, then ignore me when I tell you hurtful things,” she requested.

“Then, don’t be jealous of my past. What matters is the present.” He stroked her hair. “If you stop to think about it, no matter how many lovers you’ve had, only the ones who meant something are remembered. The rest are forgotten, as if they never happened.”

Cindy rolled her eyes. “How should I know? I don’t go around sleeping with random men.”

He smirked. “Yes. I was your first.”

“Does that make you happy?” she wondered, seeing how his eyes narrowed, and his tongue darted over his lower lip.

He grabbed her under her arms and pushed her against his naked chest. Giggling, Cindy turned her face, so he didn’t kiss her mouth.

His lips brushed against her neck, and he nibbled on it softly. “This makes me very happy. You make me very happy. You know why?”

“No.” She feigned ignorance just to hear him say it.

“I love you.” He leaned back, and his smile was gone.

“What’s wrong?”

“It also makes me sad. I don’t want you to forget that I love you and that I was your first lover. I don’t want to be just a lover, Cindy.”

“You’re not just one of my lovers, Kalen.”

“Once you tell me to leave, you’ll forget all about me. I’ll be the only one with memories of us. The only one suffering from a broken heart.”

She kissed him and kept kissing him until he reacted to her kiss. His hands explored her naked body; his mouth left trails of passion down her skin. His touch ignited a fire that could only be put out after they made love until exhaustion. She was well aware of how addicting he was to her. He was also tender, careful, and passionate.

The need for him grew as he explored her body and made her gasp for air with his kisses and his wandering hands.

“I should have never fallen for you,” he whispered against her ear as he nestled between her legs and pushed inside her.

Cindy moaned with need, parting her legs wider for him to thrust deeper. “Do you regret it?”

He secured his hand to her hip as he kept thrusting into her. His mouth kissed her breasts before he raised his head to talk against her lips. “I don’t regret anything about these days with you.”

She closed her eyes and enjoyed the pleasure he offered her. “Kalen, your sister has her husband to protect her. You can stay here with me forever if you wish.”

“Would you truly enjoy my company for so long, my queen?”

She grasped his hair in her hand and moved her hips to meet his thrusts. “You can stay until we are tired of each other.”

He moaned against her ear and brushed his smile down her neck. “I guess I’m staying forever, then.”

Cindy chuckled. “You really know how to sweep a woman off her feet.”

“I also know how to make my woman fly to the stars, don’t I?” he teased with his sexy voice.

She giggled and nodded as he moved deeper and faster. “You do.”

Chapter THIRTY-THREE

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Cindy didn’t know she could be happier than she already was. Each day with Kalen was perfect.

“You’ve been so happy. What’s going on?” Snow asked as she stopped eating and looked at Cindy’s face.

Cindy turned her head at her. “What?”

“You keep smiling for no apparent reason. Are you in love?”

“Yes,” Cindy replied without thinking.

“Oh!” Snow cut a piece of cake before questioning, “Do we know him?”

“You will.” Cindy’s eyes moved to the door when she felt Kalen’s presence. She got up when he entered the room. “Good morning!”

“Good morning, my queen,” he replied with a dazzling smile as their eyes met.

Snow turned her head to look at him. “Hi! Is he a new friend, Cindy?”

“Yes,” Cindy replied without being upset by Snow’s lack of memory of her brother. There was nothing the others could do about it.

Kalen took his place beside Cindy and in front of his sister. He smiled at her. “Good morning.”

“Hi. I’m Snow. Nice to meet you!”

“I’m Kalen.”

Before they could say anything else, Marlena entered the dining room with princess Medina in her hands. They had grown very close in the past week, maybe because Cindy had spent a lot of time with Kalen and didn’t give her sister the proper attention. Even so, Medina didn’t seem to mind spending time with Marlena in the greenhouse. One would think they were best friends if it weren’t for all the past actions of Marlena trying to kill everybody to get to the Fate Mirror and control Medina’s visions.

“Good morning,” Marlena sang with her usual good mood. She stopped mid-way when she saw Kalen. “And who’s this handsome fellow?”

Cindy arched an eyebrow. Some things never changed, and one of those things was Marlena’s lustful eyes on Kalen.

The queen placed her hand on Kalen’s shoulder. “My lover. So just take your greedy eyes off him.”

Marlena didn’t even blink as she rushed to the table and sat down. Placing Medina on her royal cushion, she stared at Cindy and Kalen.

Cindy frowned at her. “What?”

“You’ve been glowing for the past few days. Now I know why.”

Cindy sighed but asked anyway. “Why?”

“You’ve been having lots of sex.”

Snow choked on the tea she was drinking and had to cough. Medina hid her head under her wing, and Kalen bit on his closed lips to hide his laughter.

Cindy raised her cup and took a sip. “You’ve been glowing as well. Have you been having lots of sex?”

Marlena grinned and took a butter cookie from a plate. “Luke has been keeping me entertained. He seems to enjoy this body.”

Snow rubbed her forehead and cleared her throat.

“No need to blush, Snow. We are all grownups here,” Marlena claimed and bit on her cookie. “At least we are. Even if you’re still a baby, you’re married. Dorian must have taught you a few things.”

“That doesn’t concern you,” Snow stated with a serious face.

“I can help you with an elixir if his appetite isn’t as strong as in the beginning,” Marlena added.

Snow glared at her. “Just because I tolerate your presence doesn’t mean we’re close enough to be having this conversation. But if you want to know, everything is fine in my marriage. Better than fine. Just be happy Luke protects you and seems to care about your well-being.”

“I am happy,” Marlena assured. She leaned back on the chair. “Sorry for upsetting you. It wasn’t my intention. It was just a joke.”

Cindy stopped eating to look at Marlena. The arrogant witch had been changing for the past few weeks. Even if she had a new appearance, which helped to hate her less, Cindy never thought she would hear Marlena apologize for anything.

Snow seemed as baffled as Cindy since she simply nodded and resumed eating.

Kalen changed the subject. “Where is everybody else?”

“They woke up early to help with the final constructions,” Snow replied.

“Where’s Belle?” Cindy asked.

“She’s not up yet. Drake asked me to check on her and take her breakfast to their bedroom,” Snow replied. “Her feet have been swelling, and she’s feeling heavy.”

“I’ll make an ointment that will help with her feet,” Marlena said. Looking at the table, she reached for a plate and looked at Medina. “What do you want, my cute pet?”

Medina didn’t seem to be bothered by Marlena’s antics. Instead, she spread her wings and quacked. “Cake, cake.”

“You should also eat some fruit. It’s good for your digestion,” Marlena said as she took care of Medina’s breakfast.

“Do you want me to serve you tea?” Kalen asked Cindy.

She focused her attention on him. “I’ll serve you.” Getting up, she poured tea into his cup and chose his favorite cookies.

Usually, it was Kalen who showered her with attention. She was well-aware of that. He had even replaced her fairies when it was time to bathe at night and comb her hair. They had become inseparable for the past few days.

Was that how married couples treated each other? At least the ones that were in love?

Drake and Dorian often took care of their wives and catered to their every need. She had been jealous of that in the past, not of them loving Belle and Snow, but of their complicity and love. She also wanted that for herself.

When Cindy sat back after serving him, Kalen held her hand. “Are you all right? You seem everywhere but here.”

“If you stay here forever, does it mean you’re married to me?” Cindy asked him.

Snow choked on her tea again and cleaned her mess with an apologetic look. She exchanged a look with Marlena, and they both shrugged.

Marlena seemed to have understood Snow’s glance. “How long do you know each other? Are you that serious after just spending one night together?” Her eyes aimed at Cindy. “You should probably wait a few more days before committing to the first elf that gives you a good time in bed.”

Cindy laughed. Kalen rubbed his temple and grinned.

“We don’t even know who he is,” Snow added and aimed her questions at the prince. “Who’s your family? How did you get here?”

Marlena looked at Medina. “Your sister seems to be under a spell of some sort. Do you want me to test her to find out if she drank a love potion?”

“What are you all talking about? It’s been days since he’s been here,” Medina grumbled. “Let them be.”

Kalen and Cindy looked at Medina.

“Do you remember me?” the prince asked.

“Why wouldn’t I know who you are, shadow walker?”

Cindy leaned closer to the prince. “You said no one could remember you. Have you been sneaking around with my sister?”

Kalen’s eyes widened as he waved his hands in denial.

Marlena moved closer to Medina. “Are your powers acting up again? It’s the first time we are seeing him. Maybe you remember something that didn’t happen yet.”

Medina ruffled her feathers. “I have no idea. I just know I’ve seen him before. He’s important to my sister.”

Marlena smiled at Cindy and the prince. “Don’t mind her. She’s been seeing a few images of the future.” Then she added, “Still, you should probably sleep with him a few more times before making him your king.”

“Date first and meet his family,” Snow agreed.

“You didn’t meet Dorian’s family before you married him in secret,” Marlena muttered as she cut a piece of cake.

Snow huffed. “Mother!”

Everybody turned their heads to look at her while Marlena’s hand stopped mid-air with Snow’s outburst.

Snow’s cheeks turned red. “Sorry. It’s a force of habit. She used to tease me like this all the time when she lived with us.”

Marlena sat down and folded her arms on the table. “Even if I tried to kill you and steal your husband, you’re still the only daughter I have.”

“You also tried to kill Father,” Snow reminded her.

Cindy scratched between her eyebrows before inhaling sharply. “I can’t believe this craziness is beginning to feel natural to me.”

Kalen laughed. “Big happy family, don’t you think?”

“Dysfunctional family, you mean,” Snow muttered. She stared at him. “Where do you live?”

“Everywhere, really.”

“You look familiar,” she claimed.

Cindy smiled at the siblings. Snow always said that when they met. Deep inside, she recognized her brother. Maybe it was his eyes.

“You saw me once when you were little. I came to your kingdom,” Kalen said.

“Must have been before my time. I wouldn’t forget you if I saw you,” Marlena claimed as she gave him another hungry stare.

“You don’t look much older than me,” Snow said.

“But I am.”

“Then you’re also a lot older than Cindy. I don’t know if I approve.”

Cindy giggled. “Snow is cute.”

“And silly since she’s married to a vampire,” Marlena pitched in.

“Dorian is almost my age. I’m not the one who is like two hundred years older than all of us and flirting with someone young enough to be her great-grandson,” she accused her former stepmother.

“Age means nothing among immortals, darling,” the witch reminded her.

“Could we eat in peace, for once?” Medina asked.

“I’ll shut up so we can eat faster,” Marlena assured. “Medina and I have a lot to do today.”

Cindy leaned closer to her prince. “Eat. We’ll visit the arena to check on the progress once we finish.”

Kalen nodded and grabbed her hand to kiss her knuckles.

Chapter THIRTY-FOUR

Calligraphy Swirls-05

The Fairy Queen strolled the garden with Kalen behind her. They had just returned from the Sunny Valley, and Cindy had a few things she wanted to talk about in private.

“The second chair next to mine looks good, doesn’t it?” Cindy asked, glancing back.

“Even if I sit beside you, no one will remember me once the games are over.”

“I’ll remember that you watched it with me. That’s all that matters.”

“I shouldn’t complain. I’m glad you want me to be part of your life.”

She grinned and turned around.

He halted and leaned down to look at her. “What is it, tiny fairy?”

“I’m not tiny,” she complained with a pout.

“You’re the perfect size.”

“You’re simply tall. A lot taller than average men,” she informed him.

“Does it bother you?”

She shook her head. “I can float if I want to kiss you.” Demonstrating, her feet left the ground, and her lips puckered to take over his lips. “See?” She landed.

“Or I can simply lean down,” he said, lowering his head and kissing her back.

Cindy giggled and hugged her arms around his neck. “If I marry you, it means Snow will be my sister-in-law.”

He said nothing.

Cindy frowned. “Don’t you want to marry me?”

“Even if I do.” His eyes lingered on hers before he continued, “It’s unfair for you to marry someone that you might forget if something happens to me, and I can’t see you.”

Cindy let him go and stepped back as she thought about his words.

Kalen held her hand. “You need to leave to save your sister. I can’t even follow you if it means no one will remember me. How can I be part of a group that doesn’t know who I am and trust me?”

Cindy let go of his grip. “Were you planning to disappear once the competition was over and the group formed?”

“I wish I could participate in your quest. I want to protect you, Cindy.” He reached for her, but she denied him and stepped back again. “Honey, don’t be mad. Let’s talk about this.”

“It seems you’ve already decided you’re not going with me to the Cursed Forest.” She breathed deeply as her heart seemed ready to explode. “It’s because Snow isn’t coming, isn’t it? Despite her being married and safe, you still need to follow her around. You just stayed because she’s here.”

“Stop,” he begged, offering his hands for her to come closer. “I’m here because of you. I’ll stay even when Snow leaves.”

“Do you promise?” she asked, her voice more vulnerable than she wished. Even if forever seemed impossible, she still wanted him with her for as long as they loved each other.

“Am I just a whim, or do you care for me?” He cupped her face. “I don’t mind kneeling and doing everything you want from me. I know you’re a powerful queen who can have any lover she wants. You’re also intelligent and beautiful. I’m honored by your attention and the time you spend with me.”

“Do you know how scared I am to have let you in my heart?” Her lip trembled, and her shoulders burned with the anxiety taking over her body. “I’m not as special as you paint me. I’m just me. What’s so special about me? My crown, my powers, my palace?”

He shook his head. “I don’t care about any of those.”

“Maybe it’s because I’m asking you to be my king, and here the king isn’t the most powerful one.”

“I was raised in a matriarchal society. My mother was a queen and ruled over all our subjects. No man ordered her around. I’m not afraid of strong women.”

She grabbed her hands to his sleeves. “If I forget you, you just have to kiss me again, breathe inner force into me and wake up my memories. Just flirt with me and make me fall in love with you again.”

He smiled, but tears rolled down his cheeks.

“Why are you crying?”

He breathed deeply, stepped back, and cleaned his tears against his sleeve.

“Kalen, what’s wrong?” Cindy grabbed his arm before he could turn around and leave.

“I was greedy.” He sucked another deep breath. “What happened between us that night was special. I didn’t want you to forget me. You played along and kissed me. Still, you didn’t believe me. You thought I was mad. What if you didn’t let me kiss you? What would happen? I’ll tell you…you would forget again.”

“But I didn’t forget you, and we are in love.”

His face became sober as he looked into her eyes. “I’m afraid if you forget me, you won’t let me kiss you again so you can remember me.”

“That’s impossible. I love you too much to ignore you even if I don’t remember you.”

He smirked, but it was a sad expression. “You mistrust men in general. You guard your heart and don’t want to fall in love.”

“I’m in love with you!” she insisted.

“Your love will be gone as soon as you forget me.”

Cindy lowered her arms and averted her gaze. “I don’t know what you want me to do, so I can prove to you that I love you, and I don’t want you gone from my life.” She sighed, feeling defeated. “I don’t want to fight with you. There’s no point in measuring who loves who more in our relationship.” She looked at him. “It’s not like I would know that you would fall in love with me again if it was you who lost your memories.”

The prince blinked only to widen his eyes. “Do you understand my fear now? Who can tell us if you’ll fall in love with me all over again if you forget me?”

“Then we must make sure we don’t forget each other, don’t we? I’m not ready to stop loving you.”

“Do you know how much you make my heart pound when you tell me things like this?” he asked, stepping closer.

“Perhaps as fast as mine beats when you tell me you love me.”

Grinning, Kalen smashed his lips against hers and held her tightly while he kissed her passionately.

Cindy’s head felt light, and her knees weak when they stopped to breathe. “What was this kiss for?”

“So, you don’t forget me.”

“You shouldn’t kiss me like this in broad daylight!”

“Why not?”

“I might have to neglect my duties just to have my way with you.”

The prince laughed. His tender eyes made her heart melt and fall in love a bit more.

“I don’t want to go back to when I didn’t know what it was like to be in love with you,” she confessed.

“If that happens, I promise to follow you around until you fall for me all over again.”

“Just use your charm and sexy voice. I can assure you that I’m not immune to your handsome face and beautiful eyes.”

“That’s good to know,” he uttered huskily, before kissing her again.

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Cindy stayed longer than she intended in the greenhouse in her meeting with Marlena and her sister Medina. Being apart from Kalen was becoming physically painful. The need to be together seemed to be even stronger because they could stay apart if something happened, and she forgot all about him.

Still, Kalen didn’t want to explain his presence beside her once again to Marlena. As for Medina, she seemed to mostly ignore the prince’s presence and rarely asked anything about him. Maybe the curse didn’t have any effect on seers.

By the time she arrived at her bedroom, the moons were already high in the sky. To her surprise, the prince wasn’t waiting for her in the bedroom.

Since she was alone, her fairies came to bathe and pamper her. Their care didn’t lessen her anxiety for not knowing where he was. She waited in bed, hoping he would come and join her. She had learned to miss his arms around her before falling asleep. His body sleeping next to her was the only thing that could silence her overthinking mind.

She sat up, frustrated by his absence. “Kalen, where are you?”

Had he gone for a night flight without her and lost track of time? Maybe he was brooding somewhere while watching the stars.

Leaving the bed, she padded to the balcony, where the curtains danced with the light breeze coming from the open doors. Stretching her arms, she smiled at the night before blinking into her tiny fairy form and flying away to look for her prince.

Chapter THIRTY-FIVE

Calligraphy Swirls-05

The night before

Prince Kalen sauntered down the path surrounded by lush vegetation, flowers, and fruit trees. The garden was quiet as the sun died on the horizon.

His queen was conferencing in the greenhouse with her sister, and the evil witch turned helpful sidekick. All the years, he had watched over Snow and prevented the queen from hurting her; he never expected Marlena to be on his side. Granted, the evil witch was no fan of the Dark King, but she didn’t like his kind either. Helping recover Medina’s body was the only way she knew to stop the Dark King before he killed her and the other witches. Meanwhile, Kalen was sure she was cooking up a plan to kill all the fae on that planet.

If it weren’t for Cindy, he’d have nothing else to care about in the world. Snow was happily married, and her kingdom was free from Marlena. He could easily fall into a slumber and only wake up when Snow was ready to evolve and become the new Fire Fairy Queen. Then his curse would be over. Or so he hoped.

But Cindy would be alone. Alone to fall in love with another. He couldn’t let that happen. He loved her more and more each day. She loved him. She told him so.

He would stay beside her until she wanted him to.

A few fairies flew past him in a hurry. “What’s going on?”

A fairy stopped. “Movement on the east side of the garden. A dark vortex appeared.”

“A dark vortex?”

Turning into his fairy version, he flew after the fairies to examine the place.

For a few minutes, they scouted the area and found nothing.

“It must have been a failed attempt,” the prince mumbled to one of the Elite Fairies. “It’s best if you check if the veil surrounding the island isn’t fluctuating. One shouldn’t be able to open an unauthorized portal. A dark vortex is powerful dark magic that only evil magic wielders can generate.”

“We’ll reinforce the incantations and make sure all the magical stones are in place,” the fairy said. “Shall I inform the queen?”

“There’s no need for that. She has a lot in her mind.”

“As you wish, my prince.”

The mind link between the fairies and their queen was strong, and it also meant they wouldn’t forget who he was. For the past few days, Kalen had enjoyed the happiness of belonging to a fairy family again.

Kalen flew up in the skies. The sun was almost gone, and there were no clouds in the sky.

Entering the bedroom, he shared with the queen, he took his humanoid form and closed his eyes as the cooked delicacies the fairies had prepared for dinner fragranced the room. He hadn’t eaten since the morning. He had been too busy helping the fairies harvesting grapes that would be used to prepare sweet wine. He also helped to finish the raised seating in the arena and reinforce the balustrades with wood vines.

His queen should be back soon. He would prepare her a bath, feed her, and make love to her until she fell asleep in his arms.

Without warning, a blade aimed at his neck reflected his surprised expression into the polished surface.

“I’ll cut your head off before you can move,” the intruder claimed with a low and raspy voice.

Kalen glimpsed at the hand holding the sword and saw the black gloves. The invader wore black clothes that covered his body and only left his dark eyes exposed.

“It’s you again,” Kalen muttered, recognizing him. “What do you want?”

“I’m curious about you,” the attacker said.

“Why would you be curious about me? Do you know who I am?”

The invader snorted. “I’ve been watching you. The others seem to forget you. Not the queen, though. You’re closer to her.”

“And?” Kalen asked, unsure why he hadn’t killed him.

“My master wishes to see you.”

“I really don’t think—”

He didn’t finish his sentence because he felt a hard blow against the back of his head. He closed his eyes and lost consciousness.

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The queen looked low-spirited when she sat at the table to eat the first meal of the day. Everybody else smiled and chatted as they ate bread with butter and drank tea with honey.

Kalen’s seat was empty, and as usual, no one missed him except for Cindy.

But for how long?

He was nowhere to be found. She had spent several hours looking for him. For the rest of the night, she couldn't sleep. Maybe he had an urgent matter to attend. Still, he should have told her. How much longer would she remember him? Forgetting him was inevitable if he didn’t come back. Why did he leave? Their discussion the prior evening had been resolved. They had made amends.

Something must have happened.

One of her elite fairies serving her tea seemed to sense her preoccupation. “Is something wrong, my queen?”

She shook her head and sipped on her tea while the fairy brought fresh baked cookies to her.

Cindy’s eyes lingered on the empty seat, and she heaved a sigh.

“We have a lot to do today,” Medina said from her cushion. “We made a list of poisons and a list of plants that can be summoned for the pair challenge. We need to go over with you and head to the Sunny Valley to start casting the new spells.”

“As you wish,” Cindy replied.

“Have you seen how many applied so far?” Marlena asked.

“Fifty-two warriors and thirty healers,” Cindy replied.

“How many healers are witches?” the former evil queen asked.

“The majority. I should make a list of names, so you can go over it and see if they are qualified to attend.”

Marlena nodded at the queen.

“Do we really need someone else if Marlena is joining us as our guest?” Medina questioned.

“It’s a dangerous forest. We need more than a healer since something might happen.”

“If the transformation to become a vampire doesn’t work, I can die,” Marlena elucidated. “Plus, it’s best to have a backup.”

Drake got up from his seat. “Belle is indisposed today, but I’m taking a few cakes for her to eat. I hope this cheers her up.”

Cindy waved for him to carry on and said, “I’ll see her after I’ve eaten. It’s been a few days since she’s confined to her quarters. I didn’t see her yesterday. I want to check on her before leaving for Sunny Valley.”

“She’ll love your visit. She has books to entertain herself, but I’m sure chatting with you will brighten her day.”

Cindy nodded and looked at Snow and Drake. “Snow, you are quiet today.”

Snow looked at her as if her mind was far away.

“Snow has been missing her horse. She wants to go back to her kingdom to check on her beloved Thunder,” Dorian explained.

Cindy’s brows knitted together. Did Kalen return to the Meadows Kingdom? “Do you want me to take you there?”

“You’ll have a lot to do today,” Snow said. “One of the fairies can do this.”

“A change of scenery would do me good. Also, we might find out about the latest gossips by talking with the courtiers of your kingdom.”

“Gossips regarding the tournament or about the Dark King?” Snow questioned.

“Both if we are lucky.”

“I wonder who my father will send to represent my kingdom,” Dorian spoke.

Snow looked at him. “Who is your best warrior?”

“Luke is one of our best. But Lord Albertus is quite skilled as well. The borders have been quiet. There have been no new attempts of invasions. Lord Albertus might have time to leave his post and join the competition. Unless Father sends Analia to compete.”

“Who is that?” Cindy asked.

“My sister. She’s a woman knight. She’s highly competitive and enjoys these sorts of games.”

“With all these events, I haven’t had time to visit your kingdom and meet your family,” Snow lamented, her mouth pouted.

“True. We need to fix that after the tournament.”

“How soon will we be leaving?” Marlena asked. “Will Luke have time to perform the transformation?”

“You’ve been drinking daily from him, haven’t you?” Dorian asked.

“I do.”

“Then it’s just a matter of time for the final procedure.”

“The competition is in three days,” Marlena reminded them.

“As far as we know, the Dark King might be recovered and finding ways to attack kingdoms and gather more power,” Cindy shared. “My attempt to find him in the Treasure Citadel was a dead end.” After inhaling sharply, she added, “If only we could find more magical glass so we could eliminate the smoke soldiers and maybe even kill the evil elf.”

“The glass won’t be enough on its own. You were lucky not to be wounded when you stabbed him, or you’d be poisoned for a few days,” Marlena said.

Cindy looked at her left hand.

Luck had nothing to do with it. Kalen had cured her. He had helped them fight the evil elf, yet no one could remember it.

Jolting up, Cindy left the room and stomped into her bedroom. Sitting in front of her desk, she looked at the empty pages that had been filled with memories of her time with the prince. Not only were his memories gone, but they didn’t last on the pages. If she forgot him, there would be no way to remember without another swap of inner force between them.

She wrote down. Remember you love him. Search for him.

Maybe those words wouldn’t be erased on the next day.

Her head shook, and a shiver ran down her spine. “Kalen, where are you?”

No reply.

Only the heavy silence of the empty bedroom.

Chapter THIRTY-SIX

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Kalen’s eyelids felt heavy, and his mouth dry. What had happened? He couldn’t remember.

He was in Cindy’s bedroom. There was a blade. How did the dark sorcerer remember him? Did he do something to Cindy?

The prince tried to move his hands only to realize his limbs were tied up, and he couldn’t move his body.

Opening his eyes, he adjusted his vision to the darkness inside the space. He sniffed the musty air with the scent of wet rock and fungus. The sound of falling water echoed inside his head like a hammer against his skull.

It was clear that he was inside a cave when he managed to turn his neck to look around, and a few streaks of light erupted from the ceiling, spilling over into the darkness.

Water rolled down the rock where he was pinned and dampened his clothes. The cold had already reached his bones, and he tried to release his wrists.

Pointless.

Vines roped around his wrists and tightened with his movements. Someone had imprisoned him, which was unfortunate since they would probably forget about him and leave him there to die an agonizing and hostile death.

“Our guest seems to be waking up,” a low and gruff voice reverberated inside the cave.

A sparkle of light ignited, and a candle flared, casting the shadow of a man against the ground.

Kalen tried to use his power and merge with the darkness.

Nothing happened.

“My loyal assassin told me you existed, but I had to see you to believe it. He spent a lot of energy to enter the Fairy Island and bring you back. I think it was worth it.”

Kalen focused his attention on the one speaking. He had long and gray hair, smooth skin, and crazy eyes. He recognized him from fighting against him and preventing him from invading Snow’s palace—the Dark King.

“By the horror in your eyes, you’ve recognized me. I’m afraid that, at first, I couldn’t say the same. It seems you are forgettable for the majority of people. That must be…complicated.”

“Why am I here?” Kalen questioned.

“I was trying to find out about my wife’s daughter’s plans. I thought about kidnapping one of her friends and interrogating him, but she would eventually find out. But you, you are a rare gift.”

“And why is that?” Kalen asked, trying to tease, but speaking hurt his throat, so he grimaced.

“Since people forget about you, I can take you, interrogate you, and no one will miss you.”

“The queen will miss me.”

The Dark King got up and smirked. “For how long?”

Kalen tried to swallow, but his mouth was too dry. It was ironic since the cave had plenty of water dripping into a pond at his feet. “She’ll remember me.”

“I’ve been trying to figure out who you are since you arrived here. Nothing. Then it came to me that you might be under a forgetting spell. My assassin doesn’t seem affected by it, but he’s different from us. He’s special. I’m affected by the spell, and I’m sure it was your mother’s intention when she cast it on you.”

“What do you know about my mother?”

“I killed her,” he replied.

Kalen sneered at him. “What? The witches attacked my kingdom.”

“I was the one commanding the witches,” he said nonchalantly.

Kalen forced the vines to free himself and swallowed the pain that followed.

Footsteps splashed on the water. When he looked, the Dark King was closer to him with an observing gaze.

“Why would you attack us?” Kalen muttered. “We never did you any harm.”

“You had something that I needed,” he explained. Shrugging, he folded his arms behind his back. “You still have something I need.” He averted his gaze to the top of the cave where the water dripped down the rock wall. “You must be cold.”

“What do you want from me?” Kalen spat.

“It must be lonely to be forgotten.” He turned around and walked away. “I was trapped inside a mirror, but I had someone to talk to.” He glanced back. “I’m curious.”

He feigned interest. “About what?”

“When did you give up trying to establish a bond with others? Did you curse your mother for doing what she did?”

“I deserved it. I failed in protecting her and my sisters,” Kalen replied, lowering his head to subside the pain taking over his limbs and shoulders.

“It’s interesting that you believe it was a punishment when, in fact, she did it to protect you. She knew I would kill you if I found out you were alive. That was why she hid you from me. Even if I saw you, I would forget you again.” He cleared his throat and spun around to look at Kalen.

The prince shivered with the freezing water chilling him to the bones and tensing his muscles. “Now that you’ve seen me, what do you want from me?”

“Why do you think I need anything from you?”

“Your minion didn’t kill me, and I’m your prisoner.”

“Yes. I was wondering if you would tell me, voluntarily, what I want to know, or do I have to torture you?”

He sneered. “Even if you torture me, I won’t tell you.”

“Everybody breaks one way or another. It might take a bit more time, but you’ll eventually tell me what I want. But I don’t have a lot of time.” He silenced himself and looked at the wall with vacant eyes. “I’m willing to make a deal with you.”

“You should just kill me and save yourself the trouble. I’ll never make a deal with the one who killed my family and is after—” he silenced himself. He didn’t want to reveal his affection for Cindy.

The Dark King smirked, the darkness in his eyes glinting with red. “I know all about you and the bastard child.”

“She has a name. Her name is Cindy.”

“With you being a bastard, I’m sure my derisive comments affect you too.”

“Whatever you want, I’m not helping you.”

The Dark King arched an eyebrow and slightly leaned forward. His voice lowered into a conspiratorial tone. “Even if what I have to ask of you is something simple that will allow you to be free again?”

“Nothing is free when it comes from you,” Kalen assured him.

“You love the Fairy Queen, don’t you? You’d do anything for her.”

Kalen refused to answer his question.

“Are you ashamed of answering my question?”

“Of course not. It’s not something you need to know.”

“It’s obvious. You’d do anything to get back to her and not be forgotten.” He rubbed between his eyebrows and closed his eyes for a few seconds. “I’m still weak from the confrontation. I had to run from where I was hiding because she was smart enough to track me down to the Citadel.” He looked at him. “Or maybe it was your deductive abilities. You’re skilled and powerful in your own right. A fire fairy prince with interdimensional crossing abilities. You could be useful in my army.”

Kalen sneered. “As if I’d join a mad being like you.”

“We’re fighting for our survival,” he shouted, losing his composure. “They will kill us all if we let them. Other worlds are swarmed by them. They pollute, destroy, and deplete all the resources. We should have never let them reproduce on such a large scale.”

“Let’s agree to disagree.”

“Such a diplomatically correct response,” the evil elf teased.

“You should have warned me the torture had already begun,” the prince grumbled. “I’m not interested in your recruitment speech.”

The Dark King heaved a sigh. “All I’m interested in is knowing the Fairy Queen’s plan. Something is happening. My spies talk about a tournament and about her meetings with other kings. She’s enlisting other kingdoms to join her in her fight against me. Isn’t she?”

“If you know that, why do you need me?”

“There’s something more going on. I can feel it in my gut.” He stepped closer and whispered. “If you tell me what she’s planning, I’ll let you go before your lover forgets you exist and finds someone else to entertain her in bed.”

Kalen clenched his teeth.

“All the Fairy Queens are seductive and insatiable. She’ll be over you soon and find someone else. But you love her, don’t you? You don’t want her to forget you and move on.” He waved his hands and resumed his speech, “A simple piece of information, and I’ll give you your freedom back.”

“Go to hell!”

“I’ve been there.” His lips curled up. “I’ll let you think about it. My pet will remind me of you and this conversation tomorrow.”

With that said, the Dark King disappeared, and a dark shadow stepped into the light. His lifeless eyes aimed at Kalen, but he said nothing. A few moments after, he was also gone, and complete darkness engulfed the cave.

Chapter THIRTY-SEVEN

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Cindy sat at her throne while going over the final preparations with Snow. “Are the outside huts ready to receive the contestants?”

“Yes. All is done. And they will have a team of three servants to take care of them. The vampires and the werewolves have finished the constructions of the arenas, balconies, and benches. The fairies finished the incantations of the Sunny Valley,” Snow informed.

“Our guests start arriving tomorrow,” Cindy said.

“Yes. It will be busy days. You should go to bed early, so you’re in a better mood tomorrow.”

“My mood is fine.”

“You’ve been glum and sighing like you miss someone. In the last weeks, you’ve been excited and full of life. These past days are like something bad happened, and you don’t want to share it with us.”

“I have no idea why I’m feeling this way. I guess what you just said defines what it’s happening. I feel as if something is missing. Sometimes, I look at places, and I can almost see a figure and hear a voice, but it only lasts for a fraction of a second. My heart hurts without any reason to hurt.”

“Are you in love?”

Cindy frowned. “How could I be in love? I didn’t meet anyone new. I’ve been in the palace, working nonstop. Unless he’s a ghost that comes to visit my dreams.” She giggled. “A handsome ghost, I hope.”

“Yes. I doubt the island is haunted.”

Cindy sighed deeply and puckered her lips. “I’m tired. I need a long, hot bath. Maybe a nice massage before bed.”

“I need to go to bed too. My husband is waiting for me, and I want to kiss him goodnight before he falls asleep. He’s been working hard lately.”

“We all have. We should be proud of ourselves for organizing all this,” Cindy declared. “We are young, but we are responsible.”

Snow leaned back in her seat. “It’s silly, but I’ll miss being useful when I get back to my kingdom.” She sighed. “You’re going to leave on an adventure, and I’ll have to stay at home, without knowing how things are going, and hoping for the best. If I had my fairy powers, I could be of use. If I knew how to fight, I might also be of use.”

“You’re newly married and the sole heir to the Meadow’s crown. You need to be safe. If we fail, you’re our backup plan.”

Snow arched an eyebrow. “What can I do if you fail?”

“There are other worlds that can send help.” Cindy straightened up and smoothed down her dress. “It’s late. We need to sleep.”

“What other worlds?” Snow asked, getting up.

“We’ll talk about this once the tournament ends. Someone will have to keep the crown safe if something happens to me, and the veil to the island drops.”

“What crown?”

“My crown, the one that gives powers to the fairy queens. Fairy crowns are powerful artifacts that can’t fall into enemy hands. There’s also another important thing that we need to protect in this island.” Cindy yawned. “I’m going to bed.”

“Now, I won’t be able to sleep. You’re leaving without telling me everything. I’m too curious for my own good!”

Cindy waved goodbye as she sauntered to the door. “Go join your husband in bed. I’m sure you’ll find something to do that will help you sleep.”

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Sleep had been eluding the queen for the past days. Even the baths weren’t relaxing her. Her bed seemed too big and empty. When she closed her eyes, she often woke up, startled, or shaking. Voices seemed to whisper in her mind, but she didn’t understand what they said.

Inside her quarters, the silence was all-consuming. Her eyes tended to blur without an apparent reason. The night before, she talked about this with Marlena. She diagnosed her with anxiety and gave her an elixir to relax. It had helped her sleep, but she woke up gasping for air and with a tight sensation in her chest as if her heart was being squeezed.

She tossed and turned until she padded the bed in search of something to hold. Why was she missing a body beside her? She had always slept alone in that bed. In any other bed, really.

Her eyelashes fluttered, and she heaved a sigh. The moonlight wasn’t helping. It seemed to be calling for her to go out and play. Flying was great, but it became tedious after doing it alone for a while. She could always wake up Medina and play with her in the lake. It’s been a while since they did that.

She hopped off the bed and glided her way to Medina’s bedroom. When she peeked at her sister, she had her head hidden under her wing.

It seemed Cindy was the only one awake in the palace. Moving her hands, she turned into a tiny fairy and flew away until she reached the lake and sat on a lotus flower, waggling her feet.

Snapping her head back, she released a scream and kept screaming until the pressure inside her chest lessened.

Her screams silenced the frogs, the crickets, and even the owls. All the screaming didn’t calm her down. Therefore, she decided to fly to the greenhouse and go over the books to figure out what was wrong with her. Maybe there was something she could do to fix the emptiness inside her heart. Perhaps there was a spell or an elixir. It could be something more serious than anxiety, and she could be gravely ill. What if someone poisoned her? Or was draining her life force? Her mood swings couldn’t be normal.

After a few hours of reading scrolls, searching symptoms, and reading treatments, Cindy found an easy spell. A simple spell that would show her the root of her problems.

Drawing a few magical symbols on a sheet, she concentrated and recited the spell.

Nothing happened.

She recited again.

Smoke rose from the floor, snaked around her legs, and her body began disappearing. The spell was taking her somewhere else.

Chapter THIRTY-EIGHT

Calligraphy Swirls-05

Cindy materialized inside a dark and humid place that smelled of mold and cold rock. The sound of water running and dripping echoed inside, but it was too dark for her to see anything.

Straightening up, she spread her arms, and glowing orbs of light floated around, illuminating the space.

Nothing.

Only rocky walls and water dripping from the end of stalactites and forming stalagmites. The pressure buzzed inside her head and contracted her eardrums.

Why was she there?

Coughing and a gasped moan sounded behind her back. She spun around and saw him.

His arms were tied with wood vines pinning him to the rocky wall. His ankles were also trapped. His head hanged forward, and long dark hair covered his face. He was tall, but his clothes were torn, and his chest had stabbed marks.

Who was he? Why was he trapped there?

Floating in the air, she edged closer to the stranger inside the dark cave.

He coughed again and tried to move his head.

Cindy halted and hesitated before moving forward. As she moved closer, the scent of iron became stronger. Gulping, she waved her hand to brush away the wet hair from his face. His skin was pale, and he had dry and discolored lips. Still, that didn’t change the fact that he was beautiful. She checked the ears. Pointy. An elf? Why had her spell led her there? Why was he trapped inside a cave?

“Who are you?” Cindy asked, her voice low as if she worried it would disturb the sound of the dripping water.

His head moved, and he peeled his eyes open. It took him a moment before he talked. “Cindy?”

The sound of her name on his lips made her heart beat faster. “How do you know my name?”

He snorted and closed his eyes. “Another hallucination.”

“I’m real,” she assured.

“You’re not. You have long forgotten about me.”

“Do we know each other?”

He opened his eyes again. Her hand touched his hair and placed it behind his ears.

“Your hand feels warm,” he mumbled. “But you can’t be here.”

“You’re freezing. Why are you trapped in here? Did you do something wrong?” Her hands cupped his face and forced him to look at her. “How do you know my name?”

“You feel so real.” He breathed out. “So warm.”

“I’m real. How long have you been here?”

“I have no idea, my queen.”

“Your queen?” Cindy asked, her eyes widening, and her heartbeat galloping with the last two words.

“My queen. My love. I hope you’re happy. I truly hope. I just didn’t know it would hurt so much to know you’ve forgotten me.” His eyes closed again. “I can’t cry anymore. Maybe he finally forgets that I’m here and lets me die.”

Cindy floated back, releasing his face, and inhaling sharply. Her chest was heavy, and her hands trembled. “You look familiar.”

“Don’t tease me, my love,” he whispered with a sad expression.

She gasped. “Your love?”

“You’re tricking me, aren’t you? I’m not going to fall for it,” the elf shouted at the nothingness inside the cave.

Cindy observed him for a few more seconds, before summoning her dagger and waving it around to cut the vines trapping his limbs. The elf fell forward and would hit the pool of water if she hadn’t caught him in her arms.

He was heavier than she expected, and his damp clothes and wet body felt cold as ice.

“Whoever tortured you like this is a heartless bastard,” she mumbled, floating to the dry sandy ground. His feet dragged on the floor, and she fell back with him on her lap. “You’re heavy!”

“You feel warm and real,” he mumbled. “I’m too weak to move.”

With his face against the curve of her neck, his arms under her arms, and his chest pressed against her, Cindy remained still, unsure of what she was doing and why she was doing it. Nevertheless, her body reacted to the closeness with rushing blood to her cheeks while she felt apprehensive and sad by the deplorable state, he was in.

“I know you, don’t I?” Cindy asked, placing her arms around him and hugging him closer. “I’ve missed you.”

“He’s coming, my queen. You should leave.”

“Who’s coming?”

“The creature without eyes.”

“I won’t let him harm you again. I promise.”

“My queen,” his voice shattered with emotion. “Do you have any idea of how much I’ve missed you? Am I dead?”

“You’re not dead,” she assured him, pressing her fingers on his back. “Do you feel this? You’re not dead.”

He inhaled sharply as if trying to control his emotions. “How did you find me?”

Silent tears fell down Cindy’s cheeks as she closed her eyes and tried to teleport out of there.

The sound of flying shards echoed inside the cave. She opened her eyes in time to watch them coming in her direction. Waving her hand, she surrounded them with a protective shield and cast forward a vortex of wind to stop what else was coming.

Despite not wanting to let go of the elf, she had to free her hands to be able to protect them. She rolled him over and laid him on the floor as her hand pushed forward another protective shield.

A dark figure jumped above her head as if materializing in the air. Her dagger flew in front of her and held the blade falling in her direction and slicing her shield as if it were a veil of silk.

Drawing symbols with her fingers, a shield of ice appeared, shattered, and the tiny shards flew forward in the direction of the dark figure. The enemy floated back, swirled his blade around, and disintegrated all the shards.

Cindy clenched her teeth as the notion that the dark figure had been the one hurting the elf. Her rage empowered her actions as she closed both hands, and a powerful water beam burst forth and knocked the enemy back until his body smashed against the rock. The cave shook with the impact. Lowering down her arms, she clawed her hand, focusing her inner energy into an orb that flew against the target’s chest and knocked him out.

The dark figure landed on his knees and fell forward with a splash.

Whatever that was, it was incapacitated. She didn’t have time to confirm if it was dead since she had to leave with the elf and tend to his wounds. She waved her hand to call the elf to her side, grabbed his arm, and teleported out of there.

Seconds later, they materialized in her bedroom, her skin welcoming the soft heat of a summer night.

Kneeling next to the elf, she checked on him. “Are you all right? Can you open your eyes?”

“I’m thirsty,” he replied, turning on his back and collapsing his body on the floor. “It’s warm here. I thought I’d never feel warm again.”

“You’re safe. No one can hurt you anymore.” Cindy got up and fetched the bottle of water and a glass. She poured the water and offered him the drink.

His hands gripped around the glass, and he emptied its contents. Cindy refilled it until he was satisfied and fell back again to catch his breath.

She examined his wounded torso. “Do your wounds hurt?”

“I can’t feel anything anymore. I’m too cold,” he replied.

She touched his cheek and brushed his hair away from his handsome face. “Let me help you change your clothes and attend to your wounds.”

He sighed deeply. “I’m so tired, my queen. I don’t think there’s a lot of energy left in me.”

“I can’t let you die now that I found you, can I?”

“I’m just tired,” he whispered with half-opened eyes. “You’re as beautiful as I remember.”

“Why couldn’t I remember you?” Cindy asked, her fingers caressing his face.

“Do you remember me now?” He raised his hand but was too weak to touch her. “How did you find me if you don’t remember me?”

She leaned closer to his face. “Even if I don’t remember you in my head, I remember you in my heart.” Lowering her face, she kissed his forehead. “I’ve missed you. Even if I didn’t know who you were and where you were.”

His lips curled up. “You’ve missed me?” He tried to laugh but coughed instead. “I’m too weak to share my inner force with you so you can remember us.”

“You don’t need to share anything, my love.” She caressed his hair as she looked at his handsome face. “My memories are returning, Kalen.”

His eyes widened. “How can that be?”

“I don’t know.” Her smile disappeared from her face. “I just know I’ll destroy the one who stole you from me.” Kalen’s body convulsed, and she pinned him down by his shoulders. “You’re freezing. There’s only one way I can save you now.”

Her body fell on top of his, and her arms wrapped around him. Closing her eyes, she focused all her energy on restoring his. Around her, vines climbed up the balcony and covered their bodies, creating a cocoon of warm energy.

“What’s happening?” he asked as he opened his eyes to watch her. “It’s warm now. What are you doing?”

“From now on, you’re also part of this island as my king. My energy will heal you and restore your powers.” Her lips touched his. “Kalen, I’ll never forget again. I promise.”

His arms snaked around her as she nestled her head against his chest and closed her eyes. They kept holding each other until the slumber took over and drifted them into sleep.

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As always, the weather was perfect in the Fairy Island.

Peals of laughter, chatting, and music filled the arena as the audience waited for the show to begin.

In front of the steps that lead to the upper story platform, Cindy fixed her crown and smoothed down the dress as she breathed in. Those steps led her to the royal mezzanine, where she would be watching the inauguration show. She and Kalen were the only ones missing for the performances to begin. All the royal attendants had taken their seats. The nobles and martial representatives were also seated opposite the royals. Medina, Snow, Belle, Marlena, Drake, Dorian, and Luke had already taken their places in the royal mezzanine. She and Kalen were slightly late.

She glanced at Kalen, looking dashing in his royal attire with golden vines adorning the elven silk. His wounds had been extensive, but with her healing abilities, he had recuperated his powers in the few hours that were left for the event to begin.

He held her hand. “Are you nervous?”

“No. I was just looking at you.”

His lips curled up, and he squeezed her hand tighter.

“Are you ready for this?” she asked him.

He nodded. His hand prevented her from moving forward. “Are you sure this is going to work?”

“I’m confident it will.”

Kalen moved forward and helped her climb the steps. Once on the mezzanine, the prince took his seat next to the queen’s chair.

Cindy walked to the balustrade. Edging closer to the ledger, she smiled at the crowd.

“Welcome! It’s a pleasure to have you all here.”

The chatting and chittering halted as everybody looked at the queen and bowed their heads at her.

She returned the bow. “I hope we’ll have a great first day with the performances of my fairies and the presentations of our participating warriors. As many of you know, I’m Queen Lucinda Faetehle, ruler of the Fairy Island. Today I’m here as the host of these games. However, I would like to take some time to introduce you to my king.” Turning around, she gestured with her palm at Kalen.

As expected, the crowd began whispering.

Facing the public, her hand glowed, and a crystal staff appeared in her hand. “I’m sure you have no idea of who he is.” She smiled. “Let me present him to you. This is Prince Kalen Faeterasme from the Owl Forest Fairy Court.” She bumped the staff against the wooden planks. “Prince Kalen is the son of the Fire Queen of the Owl Forest.” Her energy swirled around the staff and embedded itself into the wood, drifting away to reach everybody in the audience.

“Do you remember now?” she asked as some royals rose from their seats with agape mouths.

“The prince was dead, wasn’t he?” King Abdon asked.

“No. Just forgotten,” the Fairy Queen replied.

As the memory of the prince returned to everybody who knew him in the past and met him while he was cursed, the gasps of incredulity and shock echoed in the arena.

Cindy looked at Snow since, among everybody who was remembering Kalen, she was the most important. Her memories of him brought tears to the princess’s eyes.

She jolted up. “Brother!”

“My sweet princess,” Kalen called her with tears in his eyes. His arms opened when she ran to him and embraced him.

Marlena also stood up. “I know you. Before you came to this palace and consorted with the queen, I had seen you a few times.”

“I was keeping Snow safe from you,” Kalen explained to her.

“He helped us with the layout of this arena,” Drake said. “Why didn’t I remember him before?”

“From this day forward, no one will ever forget him,” Cindy assured her friends. Looking at her guests, she added, “As his queen, I’ll not allow anyone to forget who he is. I’ll also present him as my king.”

New gasps of shock were heard. A whispered conversation ensued.

Cindy waved her hands for the crowd to quiet down. “Now that you’ve met my king, I’d like to introduce you to my beautiful dancing fairies. They will perform for your entertainment before the warriors step into the arena and present themselves to you.”

The audience calmed down and sat back when the music began playing, and the beautiful fairies hopped into the arena and performed their choreography.

Cindy returned to her king’s side. Kalen had brushed away Snow’s tears, and Dorian had reached to comfort her.

The king sat next to his queen, placing his hand on hers. “The other monarchs will have a lot of questions at the reception tonight.”

“We’ll answer what we can and spend the rest of the time dancing,” Cindy said.

“I thought you didn’t enjoy dancing.”

“I only enjoy dancing with you.”

The Fairy King grinned and took her hand to his lips. “I’ll save all my dances for you, my queen.”

TO BE CONTINUED in the next installment of this series WAKING BEAUTY.

Be notified.

Characters’ Artwork: Kalen and Cindy

More About The Author

Anna Santos is a Paranormal and Fantasy author. She likes to write about werewolves, vampires, angels, fae, and occasionally humans. She’s known for her bestselling series Immortal Love, being Soul-Mate the first book.

She’s known for leaving the house from time to time and having her family throw a party because they haven’t seen her for days. Then they ask her how many books she wrote while gone, assuming that writing must be super easy.

Anna guarantees it’s not, but she never wanted to be anything else. Unless there’s a possibility of being a powerful supernatural being in an awesome world where unicorns and fairies are real. Then, she would probably go there and never come back.

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