Chapter 29

R osamund didn’t understand what the circumstances were her mother spoke of as she followed her out of the bedchamber. She stole a glance over her shoulder to see Phillip’s crestfallen face and worried something terrible had transpired when she was under the curse.

What had happened?

Her mother opened the door to the chamber to exit into the hallway. When she did, Queen Adele was waiting on the other side. She paced the length of the hallway, her skirts swishing with the movement. When she saw them, she came to a jarring halt. Her face lit with joy when she saw Rosamund. She rushed over to them.

“Princess!”

Without waiting for her to respond, she swept Rosamund into a great hug, holding her in a tight embrace that nearly squeezed the life out of her. For a moment, she was too stunned by the sudden action to react. When it was clear Queen Adele was not going to release her, she wrapped her arms around her and returned the hug. The queen smelled like lilacs.

At last, the queen pulled back and looked her over. Her broad smile was infectious and Rosamund found she was unable to resist returning the smile.

“My son was successful in breaking the curse, I see. How wonderful!”

“Your majesty,” she said and tried to dip a curtsy.

“None of that,” Adele said. “We are to be family soon.” Her gaze flickered to her mother who remained behind her.

Queen Eleanor cleared her throat. “Yes, well, that remains to be seen.”

Alarm suddenly pounded through Rosamund. “What do you mean, Mother?”

Her lips thinned into a straight line. She held her hand out to her. “Come. I will tell you as we walk.” Then her gaze landed on Queen Adele. “I will let you know the outcome of the discussion I have with my husband.”

“Good luck and godspeed,” Queen Adele said.

Something wasn’t right. Rosamund took her mother’s hand and they began walking toward her parent’s private chamber. Her heart pounded in her throat as they walked.

“Mother, what’s happened?”

“Dearest, you know your father has a bit of a temper when he’s pushed to his limits. After you disappeared and we had no idea where you were…” She paused, took a deep breath. “Well, he was beside himself with worry. We both were.”

Guilt pounded through her for putting her parents through that. “I’m sorry, Mother. I shouldn’t have left. But I was just so angry about the betrothal. A dragonfly came to me in the gardens and urged me to run away.”

“A dragonfly?” She halted and turned to her, confusion written on her face.

Realizing what she said, Rosamund flushed. Now she would have to explain. “Yes, well, you see…the dark faery takes many forms. One of them was a dragonfly. She urged me to leave the castle. I shouldn’t have listened but there was something that pushed me into it. It’s difficult to explain.”

She glanced down at their clasped hands, the shame of her past actions burning through her.

Her mother placed her hand under her chin and gently lifted her face up. Their eyes met. She gave her a soft smile.

“I understand. Queen Adele came to me. She told me the tale of how you and Phillip met and how the curse came to be. The dark faery, this Queen Rowena, was determined to make sure you pricked your finger on the thorn. Despite everything we did to keep you safe.” She paused then, contemplation coming over her features. “I daresay no matter what we did would have kept you safe from this vengeful faery.”

“I believe you’re right, Mother.”

They resumed walking.

“When Phillip arrived with you under the curse, you father was furious. He broke the betrothal and told King Reginald to return home at once.”

Her gut clenched in fear. She reached for her mother, placing a hand on her arm. “But you talked him out of that, right?”

Her mother’s expression was the only answer she needed. She gave a slow shake of her head.

“I see…” Rosamund said and glanced down the hallway at the closed door of her parent’s chamber.

“But Queen Adele came to me and told me everything that happened between you and Phillip. And just now, when he broke the curse…” Her words trailed off.

Rosamund looked at her mother. “I love him.”

Her face softened. She gave her a weak smile. “I know, dearest. That is why we must not let the wedding be canceled.” She gripped her hands, squeezing them. “You have to tell him the truth.”

Fear skipped through her. She was never good at talking with her father. She much preferred talking with her mother, who was often a buffer between the two of them.

“Can you do that?” she asked.

Rosamund nodded. “Yes.”

“Good.”

Another quick squeeze of her hands and then she released her and resumed walking again. In the short walk to the door, Rosamund thought about what she would say to her father, how she would say it. She knew her father had quite the temper and so she feared he would never listen to her or take her word as the truth.

Her mother didn’t bother to knock on the door before she pushed it open. She led her inside, pausing to close it behind her.

“Wait here. I will speak to him first.”

Rosamund nodded as she paused there in the main living chamber of the royal private quarters while her mother bustled to her father’s private sitting area. The swish of her skirts was the only sound.

Rosamund shifted from one foot to the other. She realized then she was still dressed as the commoner in the clothes Anne gave her. Her boots were muddy and covered in dirt. Her pants were soiled. Her sleeves tattered from when the goblin attacked her. Her hands had scratches along the palms from that attack. Her forefinger was still sore from where she pricked it on the thorn.

She wondered, idly, where the gold coin had gone that Phillip gave her from the dragon’s cave. The last thing she recalled was having it clenched in her fist.

As these thoughts passed through her mind, her father ran from his private sitting chamber and came to a halt several feet from her, his face ashen as though he might have seen a ghost. As though he didn’t quite believe her mother when she told him the curse was broken.

“My darling girl.” His voice was but a whisper. Her mother appeared at his side and gave him a nudge.

He moved toward her. Rosamund hurried toward him, too. He hugged her, squeezing her tight in his embrace. Then he pulled back and held her at arm’s length to look her over.

“Your mother said the cruse was broken, but I didn’t quite believe her.”

“Believe her, Papa,” she said. “It’s true.”

“Thank the gods you’re all right!” He hugged her again. This time when he pulled back and glanced over her, it was with more of a critical eye. “What in gods’ name are you wearing? And where the bloody hell did you go? We were worried about you from the moment we realized you were gone.”

“I know and I am truly sorry for that. I didn’t mean to worry you. Come sit down, Papa, and I will tell you.”

She took him by the hand and tugged him toward the small conversation area by the hearth.

“Shall I ring for tea?” her mother asked.

“Frankly, my dear, I think I will need something stronger than tea,” he muttered as he allowed Rosamund to tug him along.

They sat together. He on the long sofa piled high with cushions and pillows. She took the oversized wing-backed chair opposite him. She placed her hands in her lap, took a deep breath, and began.

“I do wish you had told me about the betrothal sooner,” Rosamund said.

Guilt swept across his features for only a brief instance before he concealed it. Before he said anything, she hurried on.

“And the curse. Why didn’t you tell me Queen Rowena cursed me when I was a babe?”

“We were trying to protect you,” her father said. “I didn’t think it was necessary to tell you because I never expected the curse to come to pass.”

“Well, it did,” Rosamund said. “Apparently, from what Phillip recalled, all the Fae royals bestowed a gift upon me.”

Her mother came into the sitting area holding a small glass with an amber liquid. She handed it to her father. He took it from her, giving her a glance of thanks, before taking a sip.

“They all did, yes,” her mother said.

Rosamund pinned her mother with her gaze. “What were they?”

“I don’t think that’s of any importance—” her father began.

“I’d like to know,” Rosamund said.

“One queen gave you beauty, charm, and grace. One of the kings gave you strength and bravery. Another king gave you the gift of intelligence and quick wit. It was Rowena who placed the death curse upon you,” her mother said. “She cursed you because—”

“I know why and that reason no longer matters. Queen Rowena thinks I’m dead. However, it was Queen Elara who reversed that curse,” Rosamund said. “She came to me when I was sleeping. She told me how to break the curse.”

“What do you mean came to you?” Her father scrutinized her as confusion flickered over his face.

“I don’t know how she knew I was under the sleeping curse, but she appeared and told me that there was only one way to break the curse. She also told me something else, Papa. And you must listen.”

Now her father’s brows rose to his hairline. Rosamund scooted to the edge of her seat.

“And what is that?” he asked, genuinely interested.

“She said she knew you feared the Fae royals. But there is no need to fear them. They do not wish to conquer Stonebridge or expand their borders. She said Faery is not interested in Stonebridge lands.”

He stared at her in silence for a long moment, his face devoid of emotion.

“That’s very good to hear,” her mother said. “Isn’t it, my love?”

“How do you know she was telling you the truth?” he asked, his gaze fixed on hers.

“Why would she lie?” Rosamund said. “She had no reason to tell me a falsehood. And she told me the truth about how to break the curse.”

Silence descended between them as he considered her words. He downed the amber liquid in one gulp and handed off the glass to her mother, who still stood near him.

“The curse was broken, my dear,” her mother said. “Rosamund sitting here is proof of that. I believe she’s right. There is no reason why Queen Elara would lie.”

“Then my fears were unfounded. The spies I sent to the border lied,” he said.

“Perhaps they were misled and given false information,” her mother suggested. “Perhaps someone within Faery wanted a war.”

“Who?” he asked.

“I should think Rowena. She is meddlesome and likes to play with people’s lives, clearly,” Rosamund said. “When you slighted her by not inviting her, she took out all her hate and vengeance on me.”

Her father’s gaze drifted back to her face. She saw the contemplation in his eyes and knew he was trying to work out how everything had happened and why.

“It appears we never needed a betrothal, either,” he said. “Though why Reginald agreed to it, I have no idea. I suppose canceling the wedding was for the best.”

“No,” Rosamund said, the word sharp.

Her father lifted his brows in surprise. “No?”

“Tell him how the curse was broken, Rosamund,” her mother said, her tone hard and firm.

He glanced from his wife to Rosamund, perplexed. “Yes. Please tell me.”

Rosamund swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. “Queen Elara said only one thing would break it. True love’s kiss.”

She said nothing else as she allowed her words to sink in. Her father leaned forward, his elbows on his knees as he peered at her with curiosity.

“True love’s kiss?” he repeated.

“Yes,” Rosamund said.

“And who was the one who broke it?”

“My dear, I think you know who,” her mother said before she could answer.

“It was Prince Phillip,” Rosamund added.

He stared at her in disbelief, then glanced up at his wife. “Prince Phillip?”

“I love him,” she said. “And he loves me. And if it’s all the same to you, Papa, we’d like to marry.”

“Marry the prince?” he said.

“Yes, Papa.”

He shot to his feet. There was color high in his cheeks. “I have already called off the wedding.”

“You can speak with King Reginald,” her mother said. “Tell him you made a hasty decision and that you apologize.”

“I will do no such—”

“You will,” her mother said, her voice stern. “And you will go this minute.”

He huffed out an exasperated breath. “My darling—”

“I will have no speeches of how your diplomacy works,” she interrupted, calm and cool. “You will repair relations with King Reginald. Rosamund and Phillip will marry. The wedding will go on as planned.”

He stared down his wife for a long, quiet, deadly moment. Then his shoulders slumped in defeat. He looked back at Rosamund.

“You truly love him?” he asked.

She nodded. “I do.”

“And he truly loves you?”

She nodded again. “He does.”

He inhaled a deep breath and blew it out. “Then I suppose I have nothing left to do but speak with Reginald and make sure this wedding happens anyway.”

Her mother placed the glass she still held on the table between the chairs. She grasped her father by the arm and led him toward the door. Rosamund jumped to her feet to watch as they headed for the door.

“You should. And you should go right away.”

“Are you certain now is the time, my wife?”

“Yes, absolutely. Time is of the essence, my darling.”

At the door, she pulled it open and ushered him out. When he was gone, she closed it behind him with a snap. She sagged against the wood door, blowing out a breath as though she had been holding it all that time. There was color high in her cheeks as her emotions ran high.

“That went well,” Rosamund said.

“Yes, better than I expected. You have excellent diplomatic instincts, my daughter.” She pushed off the door and walked toward her. Her gaze raked up and down her, as though seeing her for the first time. “Now, I think you should change out of those peasant clothes. Wherever did you get them?”

Rosamund smiled. She hooked her arm with her mother’s. “I’ll tell you the story, Mother, if you wish. But first, I’d love a hot bath and a meal. I’m ravenous!”

“Ah, yes, of course. I’ll ring for the servants.” She released her daughter and headed for the gold cord, then halted and turned back. A smile exploded on her face. “My daughter is getting married.”

A flush of joy, hot and wild, went over Rosamund.

“And,” her mother added, “I could not be more pleased. I’m so happy for you, Rosamund.”

Rosamund was happy, too. She could not wait to share the news with Phillip.

Queen Rowena sat high in her castle as satisfaction oozed from her pores. She had finally gotten her revenge on the hateful King Stephan. His daughter was dead by her hand. It had been a very long eighteen years, but she was happy to finally have her vengeance.

As she lounged on her throne drinking a glass of her favorite elderberry wine, Ferrin arrived. She had sent him on an errand for her to make sure the prince took the dead princess back to her father. She wanted to know the king’s reaction when he realized his only daughter was dead. She sat straight up and poured another glass of celebratory wine.

“Ah, Ferrin. You have returned. What news from Myst Hall do you have for me?”

His face was pale. He stood before her with his hand clenched and a look that told her she was not going to like what he had to say. Immediately, her mood darkened.

“Well?” she asked.

“Your majesty, the prince returned to Myst Hall with the princess,” he began.

But she sensed something was wrong. Her hand tightened into a fist, her nails biting into her palm. “And?”

“And it seems the princess did not die when she pricked her finger.” The boy swallowed hard, his throat working.

Rowena lifted her head and looked down her nose at him. “What do you mean she didn’t die?”

“It appears, my queen, she was under a sleeping curse.”

Fury erupted behind her eyes. She flung the goblet she’d been holding across the room. Wine splashed out as it clattered to the ground with a resounding clang. She rose to her full height, taking a deep breath to steady her rage.

“Someone altered my spell. Someone from one of the other Courts,” she said, her voice low and dangerous. “I will not rest until I discover who that was. My vengeance will be swift and deadly.”

“Yes, my queen.” Ferrin bowed his head low. “There is more news, my queen.”

She turned her dark gaze on him. “More?”

“The curse was broken.” His voice was a low whisper as though he were terrified to tell her.

She clenched both fists tight. “Broken you say.”

“Yes, my queen.”

Her breath quickened as she stood there, staring at the young Fae who had brought her this dark and terrible news.

“Be gone,” she said with a wave of her hand.

It was best she dismissed him before she released her fury on him. He scurried out of the room. As he did so, she knew what she had to do.

She had to pay King Stephan a visit once more.