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  “Because Edward wants to look like a fair and just king. You think you know him, but… the truth is you don’t. You never did.”

  She stared at him, her eyes filling with tears. “Why would he want me dead?” It was hard to believe that Edward, the man who’d once held her in his arms, would order an execution on her.

  “Because of Lizbeth. The plans were already in the works for their wedding, which wasn’t based out of love but necessity. As is most royal marriages.”

  “Yes, I’ve heard it all before,” Angelique spat. “He could only marry someone of his stature.”

  “That and he also needed the backing of Lizbeth’s family’s troops. You obviously don’t recall the conflict between the Rothhavens and King Beauport during that time?”

  The last she’d heard was that King Beauport still ruled Del Mar, which was across the sea. Many had referred to him as the ‘King of Chaos’ because of his reckless madness. It was her understanding that he ruled with an iron fist and had tried to take over Syracuse more than once.

  “Yes, I’d heard of it,” she replied. The problem was, she hadn’t given the conflict much thought. Wars were common, especially back then.

  “Edward was worried that if Lizbeth found out about you, she’d become upset and tell her father, who wouldn’t have been pleased. He needed their alliance and couldn’t take any chances. You had to disappear.”

  “Why not just send me away from the castle to begin with? It seems a little extreme to banish me and wish me dead,” she replied, getting angrier by the minute

  “He didn’t want to take any chances. Now that you’ve returned to Syracuse, he is even more determined to have you killed.”

  She gave him a doubtful look.

  “The stone never lies,” Gaylen said, showing her that he was still holding it.

  Angelique felt like crying, but she refused do it in front of him.

  “I know that you are bitter, but you should channel your feelings into something more productive. Be angry. Be furious. You certainly have every right.”

  That was one thing she definitely agreed upon.

  “So, what do you say?” he asked. “Join me? Together we can make sure that the Rotthaven’s reign ends. They certainly don’t deserve to rule Syracuse.”

  “Why do you even wish to be king?” she asked.

  “My dear.” he replied with a cold smile. “Make no mistake, I already am the ruler. I have Edward wrapped around my finger, whether he knows it or not.”

  “Then why do you need to sit on the throne?”

  “Because I’m tired of being in the shadows.”

  So, it was really about his vanity.

  He went on. “I’ve won wars for their family. I’ve cast away monsters and dragons and every possible horror that you can imagine. I have never gotten the respect and honor that I deserve. As king -”

  “As king? If you’re ruling as Griffin, how can you accomplish that?”

  “Because Griffin will build a shrine, honoring Gaylen, who will have fallen along with the rest of his family.”

  “So, you’re faking your death?” she said dryly.

  “Yes.”

  The lengths he was willing to go astounded Angelique. “And how will you die?”

  He smirked. “Baldour.”

  Legend had it that Baldour was a black dragon whom Gaylen had destroyed over a century ago. It was said that the terrifying beast had been the largest and most intelligent of it’s kind.

  “Didn’t he die? And by your hand?”

  “Yes, of course. But, I will tell the king that Segomo has brought him back, to destroy me and the king’s family.”

  Angelique shuddered. Even after everything Gaylen had admitted, she wouldn’t forgive or trust him. Not ever. He was as insane as he was evil and should never be allowed to sit on the throne. Plus, if what he said was true about Edward, he didn’t really deserve it either. Nor did his sons or any of their descendants. Something needed to change and she vowed to be part of it. Just not in the way Gaylen wanted.

  “So, what do you say?” he asked, trying to read her expression.

  Angelique couldn’t take part in killing the Rothhavens, but she vowed to end their family’s reign over Syracuse and somehow get rid of Gaylen too in the process.

  “Very well. I’ll help you. Just tell me what you need me to do,” she said, thankful that the despicable wizard couldn’t read what was really on her mind.

  10

  MARISELLE’S PARENTS WERE both upset about what had happened in the barn.

  “Why would Angeliqu even show up here, Marcus?” Karina asked tearfully when the three were back inside of the cottage.

  Pacing back and forth, he shrugged. “I don’t know.” He paused and looked at Karina. “I think we need to move you and Mariselle to the castle temporarily, though. If King Edward will allow it.”

  “But, isn’t it even more dangerous at the castle?” Karina asked, her eyes wide.

  “No, on the contrary. I certainly can’t leave you alone here. The soldiers will protect you if you’re at the castle. As will Gaylen.”

  “But… Angelique would never hurt me, Father,” said Mariselle, who was seated at the table. “And, she’s not as mean as everyone makes her out to be.”

  Marcus grunted. “She certainly has you hoodwinked,” he said, looking displeased. “Which is why I need to make sure that Angelique can’t get anywhere near you again. For all we know, she could have been planning on using you for some kind of sacrifice.”

  “Marcus,” gasped Karina, putting her hand to her chest. “Don’t scare the child like that.”

  “We need to put the fear of God in her, Karina. She’s already defending the evil woman,” he replied angrily.

  Karina sighed.

  “She’s not evil,” protested Mariselle.

  Marcus groaned in frustration. “Enough, Mariselle. She was banished from the kingdom because of her wicked ways. Plus, you saw her wand. Graylen said she received it from Hecate. She’s obviously a very powerful witch now and who knows what she’s capable of.”

  “Gaylen uses a wand, too. Wouldn’t that make him evil too?” Mariselle said stubbornly.

  “Gaylen is a wizard. He has protected this kingdom for centuries and doesn’t use Black Magic to do it,” said Marcus.

  Mariselle frowned. “How do you know he doesn’t?”

  “Because we just would. Now, I don’t want to hear any more about this. You’re going to the castle, where it’s safe.” Marcus looked at Karina. “Both of you.”

  “Can I bring my kittens?” Mariselle asked, afraid he’d say no.

  He nodded. “Yes, of course.”

  She sighed in relief.

  A COUPLE OF hours later, Mariselle stood in front of King Edward and told him about her experience with Angelique. He listened intently and when she was finished, questioned her.

  “Do you know where she was heading to?” he asked, staring down at her from his chair.

  “No, Your Majesty,” she said shyly. Although she adored the king, he was very intimidating, especially when he looked angry. And right now, he very much did.

  He tapped his fingers steadily on the throne. “Did she mention me at all?”

  “No, Your Majesty.”

  The king asked her a few more questions and then turned to Marcus. “It’s good that you brought your family here. I believe that she might have been toying with Mariselle, to try and get to me, somehow. Your family is welcome to stay here in the castle until she’s taken care of.”

  Marcus sighed in relief. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

  King Edward turned his attention back to Mariselle. “If you run into her again, remember that she’s very deceptive. Those who practice dark magic have an alliance with the Devil. They are all evil. You cannot trust anything that comes from her lips, no matter how nice or beautiful she may seem.”

  Mariselle could see out of the corner of her eye that Queen Lizbeth was no longer smiling. She looked
at her fully and saw that the queen looked very upset and wondered if it had to do with King Edward calling Angelique ‘beautiful’. She wanted to tell the queen that she was also beautiful, but couldn’t seem to get the words out.

  “Pay attention!” the king scolded.

  Jumping, Mariselle’s eyes went back to him. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty,” she squeaked, her heart beating a mile a minute. She’d never seen the king look so angry.

  His face suddenly relaxed. “I am sorry for raising my voice, Lass,” he said, running a hand across his face. “This matter is just very upsetting. Do you understand how important it is that you not fall under her charms?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty,” Mariselle replied.

  “I hope so,” he waved his hand.“Now, why don’t you run along while your parents and I discuss this matter further?”

  Mariselle curtsied and then ran out of the throne room to find Eva.

  A SHORT TIME later, Mariselle found herself in Princess Eva’s bedchamber getting questioned about Angelique again.

  “You must have been so terrified,” the princess said. Both girls were lying on the giant bed, across from each other.

  “Actually, I wasn’t. She was very nice to me,” Mariselle said shyly, hoping that the princess wouldn’t get angry at her for admitting it.

  “You’re lucky then because I’m fairly certain she wanted to kill us. Certainly Gaylen.”

  Mariselle’s eyes widened. “What did she do?”

  Princess Eva told her what had happened when Angelique had appeared the night before in the castle.

  “So, she only tried attacking Gaylen?” Mariselle asked, still having a hard time believing that Angelique was as horrible as everyone said.

  “Yes. Of course, he didn’t give her a chance to hurt any of us though.” She sighed. “I’m sure she would have done something horrible if he hadn’t set her on fire.”

  Mariselle’s gasped. “He set her on fire?”

  She nodded. “Did you see any burns on her?”

  “No. I didn’t see anything wrong with her.”

  In fact, she was beautiful, Mariselle thought.

  “If she wasn’t burned then she must have found a way to stop the spell.”

  Mariselle nodded.

  A sharp rap on the door interrupted their conversation.

  “Yes?” Princess Eva called, sitting up.

  The door opened and her four brothers entered the bedchamber.

  “What’s going on?” she asked them.

  “Nothing. We just wanted to find out what happened with Angelique,” Prince Griffin said, as they approached the bed.

  Mariselle went over everything again.

  “You’re lucky she didn’t hurt you,” Aiden said, standing next to the fireplace. “Did you see her wand?”

  She nodded.

  “Too bad you couldn’t have taken it from her,” Zackary said. “Maybe you could have even found a way to kill her with it.”

  Mariselle frowned. “Angelique was really nice to me. She even helped find the kittens. I could never hurt her.”

  “She’d hurt you, though,” Griffin replied, crossing his arms over his chest. “It’s good your father brought you here.”

  “Yeah,” Mathias said. “We’ll protect you, Mariselle.”

  She smiled. “Thank you.”

  Another knock sounded at the door. This time, it was the queen.

  “My goodness,” she said, smiling at everyone. “You’re having a party and didn’t invite me?”

  “We were just talking about Angelique,” said the princess.

  Queen Lizbeth’s smile faded. “Don’t waste another breath discussing such dark matters. Now, it’s time to eat. Get changed and meet us in the dining hall.”

  “What about Mariselle?” Princess Eva asked as the boys rushed out of the chamber.

  The queen looked at Mariselle, who was still lying on the bed.

  Realizing she’d forgotten her manners, Mariselle quickly got up and curtsied. “I’m sorry for my rudeness, Your Majesty.”

  “You’re forgiven and… of course invited for dinner, just as her parents are,” she said, looking back toward the princess. “Borrow her one of your old dresses, Eva. I’m sure you must have something stored away that will fit her, from when you were younger.”

  The princess smiled and nodded.

  “Thank you, Your Majesty,” Mariselle said, curtsying again.

  “Of course. While you’re staying with us, you’ll be sharing all meals. We wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said, walking toward the door. She turned and smiled. “Just, don’t be late, girls.”

  “We won’t,” they said in unison.

  PRINCESS EVA FOUND a light blue satin gown that was a little loose on Mariselle, but she didn’t mind. The dress was like nothing she’d ever owned before and she almost felt like a princess herself.

  “I bet Mother would let you keep it,” Eva said, as Mariselle twirled in the gown. “I certainly couldn’t fit into anymore anyway and it looks great on you.”

  Mariselle inhaled sharply. “Really? You think I could actually have it?”

  Princess Eva nodded. “I’ll ask Mother, but I can’t see why not.”

  Mariselle ran over and gave her a hug. “I love you,” she said, breathlessly. “I wish you were my sister. And not just because you’re a princess.”

  She chuckled and hugged her back. “As do I. Of course, no sister of mine could ever go to supper without having her hair done by Sondra.”

  Mariselle stepped back. “Really?” she asked, excited. She’d never had her hair styled by anyone but her mother before.

  “Yes.” The princess motioned to her maid, who was hanging up some of the gowns Eva had tossed aside while searching for one for Mariselle. “We don’t have a lot of time. Can you braid her hair quickly?”

  “Yes, of course, Your Highness,” Sondra replied, winking at Mariselle.

  11

  MARISELLE FOLLOWED PRINCESS Eva into dining hall, where her mother, the queen, and Eva’s brothers were seated at the royal table. Behind them were several guards dressed in full armor. Their presence made Mariselle nervous, especially the tallest one, whose eyes were cold enough to give her goosebumps.

  As they drew closer, Mariselle’s attention was drawn to the large feast laid out. It appeared that there was everything from roasted chicken and pig, to berries, nuts, and some kind of pudding.

  Noticing them, the four boys stood up, as did Karina.

  “Good evening, Your Highness,” Mariselle’s mother said to the princess, curtsying. “You look very lovely this evening.”

  Princess Eva thanked her.

  “Your preparations took longer than necessary, I believe,” the queen said to her daughter, as everyone sat back down. “I almost sent a search-party for you.”

  “I’m sorry, Mother,” Princess Eva replied, looking embarrassed. “It was my fault. I wanted Mariselle to look pretty.”

  “Likely excuse. Mariselle always looks pretty,” Griffin said with a charming smile.

  Mariselle blushed and grinned back at him. She wanted to tell him that he also looked very handsome, but was too shy. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

  Winking, he grabbed a grape and popped it into his mouth.

  “My goodness,” Karina said, her eyes wide. “I hope you thanked Princess Eva for allowing you to borrow such a beautiful gown.”

  “She most certainly did,” said the princess, answering for her.

  “Good. You’re too kind, Your Highness,” Karina said, her eyes misting. “As are all of you for taking us in.”

  “It’s our pleasure,” the queen replied with a warm smile.

  Mariselle sat next to her mother. “Where’s Papa?”

  “To be honest, I’m not sure,” she replied.

  “He’s with the king,” Queen Lizbeth said, taking a sip of wine. “I imagine that they should be joining us shortly, however.”

  Mariselle stared in awe at the sparkly rings
on the queen’s fingers. Rubies, emeralds, and sapphires glittered as she set her goblet down. She recalled a conversation between her parents in regards to the queen’s clothing and jewelry. Her father had claimed that the cost of one gown could feed a family for a year. From his tone, Mariselle could tell that he hadn’t approved either.

  The sound of clanging metal and footsteps drew everyone’s attention.

  “Speaking of which, I think that must be them, now,” the queen said, sitting back in her chair.

  King Edward, along with Mariselle’s father and six soldiers, entered the dining area. Everyone seated, including the queen this time, rose in greeting.

  “Darling, I’m so glad you’re able join us,” she said, when Edward kissed her cheek. “You must be famished.”

  “Actually, I’ve lost most of my appetite,” he said dryly, sitting down.

  “I’m sure, but you need to eat to keep up your strength,” she replied.

  He nodded.

  Everyone else took their seats.

  “Have you seen Gaylen?” King Edward asked. “He seems to have disappeared again.”

  Her eyebrows knitted together. “Really?” she replied, grabbing the wine jug. She reached over and filled his goblet. “Well, I certainly haven’t seen him. Not that I was looking for Gaylen to begin with.”

  “He must me still on his mission. Hopefully, he’ll have some good news when he arrives,” the king said, reaching for a chicken leg.

  “Does he know about Angelique’s visit to the Langers?” Queen Lizbeth asked.

  “No. I haven’t seen him since early this morning,” the king replied between chews.

  A flash of light appeared and suddenly, the wizard himself was standing in the dining hall. Having never seen him before, Mariselle stared at the mage with wide eyes.

  “What do you know? Ask, and you shall receive,” the queen said dryly, taking another sip of her wine.

  “Your Majesty,” Gaylen said, stepping toward the table. “Forgive me for interrupting, but we need to talk.”

  “Can’t it wait?” Queen Lizbeth said, looking irritated. “The king is eating his supper.”