by Jenni James
“Forgive me,” Snow had said, shocked at the crazed look in her stepmother’s eye. “I did not know.”
“You think I do not see all that you are doing,” she snarled as she loomed closer to Snow. “You think I do not see what you are attempting to do to us all, but know that I am not fooled! I know of your betrayal. I know of your thoughts.”
Snow was so stunned and confused, and Melantha so clearly livid with her, that she dared not utter a word in protest.
“You will soon pay for all you have done!” And with that, the queen spun around and made her way back down the stairs.
Snow did not know what she had done to upset the queen, but she hoped to remain as hidden as possible so as not to trigger any more anger and cause the madness to grow even further.
“Your turn, Snow,” Terrance said from across the table. “Woolgathering again, I see.”
She grinned as she played her trick. “Yes, well, what other choice do I have?”
“You could join us and play the game,” Raven teased.
Snow caught Corlan’s gaze and held it. He must have been watching her for a while. “What are you thinking about?” she finally asked him. “Am I woolgathering too much for you as well?”
“No.” He released a slow breath. “I assume the same thoughts have been plaguing both our minds,” he said before leaning forward and playing his trick.
“I am fairly certain it is similar to what has been niggling in all of our thoughts.” Raven placed a card down.
Snow watched as everyone looked at each other.
“Correct, Snow?” Terrance asked. “At least, that’s what has been worrying me, ever since you told us of your encounter with the queen earlier.”
“You are worried about me?”
“Yes, we are all concerned over the way Queen Melantha has been treating you. It is clear you are the first victim of the cursed mirror.”
“You feel it too?” she asked them.
Corlan nodded his head and put his cards facedown on the table. “How could we not? It is clearly obvious she is angry with you. I do not feel it will be safe to live here much longer.”
“What do you mean?” Her heart grew cold. Would she have to leave her home?
Following Corlan’s example, Terrance and Raven put their cards facedown as well and pulled their chairs in closer.
“You have been speaking about me, I can tell.” Snow set her hand down. “Well, out with it. What do you know that I do not?”
Corlan cleared his throat. “It is the legend. I was reading up on it, as you are aware, and it would seem that when one person becomes the target, jealously forms about them, a dark desire to see the person dead and removed from their sight.”
Snow rubbed her lips together as she attempted to process what he was saying. “And so you believe that to save my life, I will need to leave.” She looked up at Raven and Terrance. “You all do? There really is no choice?”
Corlan continued, “Snow, this is indeed something that we cannot take lightly. I cannot allow you to die. And with your father away, there is even less protection for you. I have no idea what must be going through my mother’s head and what she finds about you to despise, but, whatever the case, this is real.”
“Perhaps she was able to break the enchantment on Snow,” Terrance said quietly, his eyes meeting hers.
“Oh, good heavens!” Snow gasped. “But she is so very settled. She has my father, and she is so beautiful! Certainly I am not to be envied.”
“What do you mean?” Corlan asked.
Raven leaned toward Snow. “Yes, what is it that Terrance seems to know, but the rest of us do not?”
“Go on and tell them your fears. It is better that they understand everything.”
Snow groaned before muttering, “’Tis nothing. I just wonder if perhaps I am under an enchantment—a spell to make people flock to me. And I have been concerned in the past that a woman will be able to break free of the spell and find me revolting because of the attention I receive.” She then spoke the last few words, though it felt almost silly saying them aloud to her friends. “And, depending on her envy, she may wish me dead.”
Corlan did not blink. He folded his arms, but did not seem upset. “So you have thought this for some time, and you did not think to speak to me of your concerns?”
“I felt foolish.”
Both Corlan and Raven glanced at Terrance.
“But clearly you feel at ease in sharing now. It is best that you told someone, so it does not matter who.” Rubbing his chin, Corlan thought a moment longer. “I could see what you are saying; perhaps you are under a spell of some sort. And there is definitely a very real concern here. We have all witnessed my mother’s newfound jealousy of you.”
“With the mirror feeding her suspicions, how far will she go to fulfill her covetous rage?” Terrance asked.
“Death,” Raven whispered. “Just as Snow fears.” She turned to Corlan. “You know Mother has always had a darker, passionate side. If that glass is convincing her that Snow is a threat, there is nothing we will be able to do to stop her.”
“Right. Then Snow leaves now.” Corlan stood up.
“No. I cannot—I am not even packed. And where would I stay?”
“I know of a place that would have you—I have already checked, though I do not wish to mention it within these walls. I feel at times they have ears.”
“Well, with their loyalty for their new queen, I do not believe we can trust the servants anymore. It is safer not to say too much,” Raven pointed out.
Snow sensed the panic within her nearly double. Never before had she felt so insecure and unsafe. Would her stepmother and trusted servants really turn against her?
Corlan stood, leaning his fists on the table, and spoke directly to her. “If you are not willing to leave this moment, at least promise me that you will have a small portmanteau packed with a few of your belongings tonight so we may leave at a moment’s notice, if need be.”
She nodded. “Very well. I can do that.”
“Snow, I will not have you harmed by this mirror in any way. I promised I would protect you. I meant that—you will always be completely safe with me.”
“Thank you.” She smiled, her heart warmed by his goodness. Honestly, she knew of no man like him, and though he had not kissed her again since before her father left, she had dreamed of it many times. Even then she wished they were alone. I wonder if he would kiss me now if no one was around.
“So, who would like to brave the queen in her quarters and ferret out her thoughts of Snow?” Terrance asked.
“No one but me will ever go in those rooms.” Corlan sat back down. “I cannot risk the mirror seeing of any of you.”
“Will you attempt to speak with her?” Raven inquired.
“Aye.” Corlan took a deep breath. “I will speak with her tonight once she has had a nice supper.”
“Should I attend the meal?” Snow fidgeted in her seat. “Or would you prefer me to be gone?”
“You should come so as not to draw attention to yourself, though I would have you sit away from her.”
“You know Mother is particular in her table placements,” Raven protested. “She will always have the table situated by rank. Snow must be close to her now that King Herbert is gone—Snow is the next heir.”
Corlan threw his hands up. “Women will forever plague me. She will have to accept the fact that Snow will not be sitting next to her and that is that. I will not have Snow poisoned or something worse because of etiquette. Hang convention!”
“I have a solution,” Terrance chimed in. “Why do we not have Snow entertain your special guest?” He inclined his head. “I have no problem playing that role for supper.”
“Terrance!” Raven beamed. “You are a genius! It is perfect. We shall say you requested to have Snow sit with you. Mother knows you are here to court her—this will not even cause her to blink an eyelid.”
“Perfect.” Snow smiled genuinely fo
r the first time that day. “Thank you. Let us survive the next few hours and then we will go from there.” She stood from the table, leaving her cards upon it. “I believe I will get an early start on the packing. Just to be safe.”
After a glance at Corlan, Raven stood up. “I can help. We will see you boys at supper.”
Snow watched Terrance grin as they walked to the door. Then as they were leaving, he said, “Boys? Is this the modern cant they are using? Royal princes are now reduced to mere boys?”
Corlan laughed as they stepped out. “You have not met the strong women of Olivian, have you? There is much more to experience than just feeling like a schoolboy among them.”
Raven dipped her head back inside and called, “We only do it because we know you love it so!” before grinning with Snow down the corridor and to her rooms.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
AT THE DINING TABLE, Corlan sat on his mother’s right-hand side. He watched her glance many times in Snow’s direction. Melantha became more irritated with each smile Snow gave Terrance. By the end of the meal, his mother was positively incensed.
Corlan had tried to keep the conversation light and entertain her, but to no avail. Her thoughts were most maddeningly centered on Snow White.
“Mother, are you well?” he finally asked, hoping the rage he saw within her eyes was perhaps a trick of the candlelight. They were red-rimmed and weary from missing her new husband.
Those eyes snapped to his. “No, I am not well!” she fiercely whispered. “I am through playing these amusing games. I want you in my chambers directly following the dessert tray. I have much to discuss with you, and much more to plan. It is time for you to grow, my son.”
“What do you mean?”
“Hush,” she hissed. Her eyes took on an eerie bright-green glow for a moment before settling back into their normal grayish-green. “I will speak of all this later.” She abruptly stood up. “I will have dessert in my rooms. To be here another moment would make me even more ill than I currently am.”
With that, she left the little party in a huff and slammed the door behind her.
“’Tis me, is it not? She loathes me,” Snow said in a quiet voice.
Corlan glanced at the servants standing about, waiting to attend them, and then smiled at Snow. “Of course she does not.” His voice held a tinge of warning to be aware of listening ears.
Thankfully, Snow knew him well and took the hint. “Yes, you are probably correct. She is more than likely having a wretched time missing my father and so has been a bit irritable lately. I will not take it personally.”
The rest of supper consisted of polite small talk and there was no occasion for Corlan to speak to any of them before he had to leave to see his mother. “Please forgive me; my mother has requested that I meet her in her rooms at this time.” He stood up and bowed, giving Snow a look that promised to reveal all later.
As he made his way up to Melantha’s quarters, climbing the stairs and traversing through the corridors, he wondered at her cryptic words. What design had the mirror placed within her, and how in the world would he be able to protect Snow from her targeted wrath? He needed to stay one move ahead of her and prayed he would know what she was planning before it occurred. At least, for now, his mother trusted him. But how long would that trust last if she knew his real thoughts?
He tapped lightly upon the door.
“Come in, Corlan,” she called. When he entered, she smiled at her reflection and said, “I knew it was you. The mirror told me.”
“Really?” Corlan fought for control of his emotions. The looking glass was clearly becoming too powerful.
“Yes. He said the next person who knocked upon my door would be my son. And he was correct. He tells me everything.” She moved away from the glass and sat upon her bed, her yellow silk skirts fanning prettily around her. She seemed much happier now.
“What else has he been telling you?” Corlan asked cautiously as he walked toward the bench at the foot of her bed.
She grinned and fell back into her luxurious pillows, her glorious hair forming a halo of fire around her head. Then she giggled a bit before saying, “He is simply the most wonderful being who ever was. After conversing with him just now, I know exactly what must be done with Snow White.” She sighed. “It is like he takes all these horrid trials from my life and lifts the heavy burdens right off my shoulders. He is the friend I never knew I needed.”
“Indeed!” Corlan rested a foot upon the bench. “And what have you two been planning for Snow?”
“That is where you come in. It is the most perfect solution—I do not know how I did not see it for myself.” She giggled again.
“You would have me do something?” It was difficult to remain calm when every word she spoke made him angrier.
“Yes. It is brilliant, and will solve all our problems involving Snow.”
He brought his hand up to inspect his nails nonchalantly. “What exactly are these crimes you have to lay at her feet?”
“What?” Melantha sat up. “Are you jesting? You truly have no idea why I find the girl so revolting?”
He met her gaze. “None.”
All at once she was raving. “Then let me explain! First,” she began as she climbed off the bed and walked over to him, “your sister will have no chance at finding a man while that harpy continues to steal all of her suitors away! I had great hopes for her and Prince Terrance. Great hopes! Finally, it would seem that a man noticed our dearest Raven! But no!” She spun on her heel and began to pace. “No, he is as smitten with Snow as the rest of them are! It is greatly frustrating to see your sister’s pretty face being overlooked because of Snow’s confounded beauty! I wish I could scratch the girl’s eyes out, she infuriates me so!”
“Mother, you do not—”
“Do not speak to me!” she interrupted. “The mirror has told me of Snow’s amusement and hatred of poor Raven. Snow has always planned to ruin any chance of happiness your sister has, and I will not stand by and watch it happen. I will guarantee that girl never harms your sister again!”
She walked over to the large window and drew back the curtain, showing the darkened sky.
Clearly she was not willing to hear any opinion except that of the mirror, so Corlan waited until he was certain she was done speaking before he asked, “What do you plan to do with Snow?”
She smirked and turned from the window. “Not me. You. You shall do it.”
“I shall do what?”
Slowly she walked toward him, her features taking on a happy, youthful glee. “It will be the perfect revenge, having you do it. And everything will sort itself out so wonderfully. I cannot wait!”
Corlan’s hands began to shake slightly, the trepidation he felt enhanced as he choked out, “Again, I ask you, what? What have you and that mirror planned for me to do to Snow White?”
She blinked and then chuckled. “Why, to kill her.”
“What?” He was going to be ill. “You wish me to kill Snow?”
“Of course! Who better to handle a sword?” She clutched his lapels. “I want her heart, Corlan!” Her face contorted as she whispered, “You will take her away and then cut out her heart! I shall eat it. The mirror has promised me that if I eat Snow White’s heart, I shall acquire her loveliness and be beautiful forever!”
“You are mad!” he shouted as he pushed against her.
Surprisingly, her strength exceeded his as she clung on. “No, my dear boy, it is not madness—it is anger I feel. And once Snow is gone, you shall be the heir to both our kingdoms, and Raven shall marry her prince. Do you not see how faultless this plan is?”
“No!” Corlan tried again to pull away, the fear in his heart far overshadowing his earlier fury. He had to get Snow out of here. He had to keep her away from his mother at all costs, and they needed to leave immediately.
“No?” She yanked him toward her. “Is my son daring to disobey me?”
“I—”
“Mirror!” she sho
uted as trails of green smoke began to pour from the glass. “Force him! Force him to do as we say! He will kill her. He will bring back her heart. He will have no choice!”
“Never!” Corlan shoved against his mother. Bringing one foot to her waist, he pushed her away from him and darted for the door as the green mist started to lap against his shoes. It was quick, much faster than before. He felt it rising and encompassing his legs, torso, arms, hands. He rushed to the door and yanked upon it to the sound of his mother laughing. It was locked. It would not budge. Swiftly, the green mist enveloped him whole.
CHAPTER TWELVE
AFTER SUPPER, SNOW EXCUSED herself from Raven and Terrance.
“You do not want to stay and have tea with us in the parlor?” Raven asked.
“No, I would rather hear directly from Corlan. I think I will wait for him in my rooms.”
Terrance grinned. “What, and leave us out of the gossip? ‘Tis not fair.”
Snow smiled. “Yes, but I promise to tell you everything later.”
That had been over a quarter of an hour ago. What could be taking him so long? Wringing her hands, she walked from the window to the door and then back to the window again. Nothing seemed to sit well with her. If things were as bad as everyone seemed to think they were, she would more than likely be leaving in the morning. Glancing at her packed portmanteau, she wondered for the tenth time if she was perhaps forgetting something of importance.
Finally, there was a knock at her door.
He is here! “Yes?” she called out.
“Let me in,” Corlan replied.
She rushed to the door and opened it. “So, is it as bad as we think?”
“Come with me now. We must leave the castle,” he commanded, his voice gruffer than usual as he entered the room.
Goodness, already? “Right now?” Butterflies exploded within her stomach.
