Page 136 of Of Curses and Courtship

But no, the one who appears is a mortal. She wears a brown cape over her beige gown and seems quite ordinary, even out of place near the darkened forest. What could she possibly want with me?

“You’re the prince,” she says. “W-we met at the ball, but I don’t know if you recall.”

Of course, I don’t. The last person who claimed we met at a ball had been lying. Nevertheless, I smile. “I recall you attending my ball, yes. What are you doing here?”

Isa instructed me to trust no one, and putting my faith in this little mortal who can barely speak past her shaking voice doesn’t seem wise. I’m still not cruel enough to shove her away, although that may be in my best interest.

“I’m Raia,” she says. “I live in this house.”

“Then you are…?” I shake my head. There is no way this little creature is the sorceress. Darkness does not become her.

Perhaps it’s a disguise.

“I am Raia, as I said.” She tilts her head. “Ophelia is my stepsister. Have you come to rescue her at last?”

One of Ophelia’s stepsisters. She told me about them—that they were once quite close. If anyone can help, it may be her. This quest isn’t as hopeless as it appears.

My eyes light up, and I step closer. “Yes. You must bring me to her at once. Tell me how to get into the estate?—”

“Hold on! If you run in like a hero, our motherwillcatch you. She’s in her study now, but if anything changes around this home, she’ll know. She always knows.”

That must be why this young woman seems to be frigid, shuddering as though something is running up her spine.She fears her mother. As frustrating and single-minded as my parents are, I can’t imagine fearing my mother this way.

My heart softens. “Imustsave Ophelia. You don’t know me in any real way, but she’s very dear to me.”

“So she has said.” Her shoulders drop. “I wish to help you in any way I can. There’s much for me to make up for. I haven’t always been the best sister to Ophelia, and if I can help now…”

“You can. You must help me get inside. Do you know where they’re keeping her?”

The shadow of a large tree passes over her face. “She is locked in her bedchamber, but I don’t have a key.”

“Is her friend with her? Helena?”

“I believe so.”

At least she’s not alone. Helena is strong and sound in her own right. She’s handy with locks, too, if rumors are to be believed. I would not be surprised if the two of them sneak out alone.

I peer up at the windows, looking for a sign of Ophelia. “You must tell me the layout of the home, and you must retrieve the key for me or find another way to undo the lock. Can you do that?”

“I can try.” It’s not even a bit chilly, but the poor thing is shaking like a leaf. “My sister will help. She’s better at these things.”

“Good.” I point to the woods. “I’ll be hiding in the woods until you’re ready. Find a way to give me a signal when it’s time.”

“I will.” She takes a step back. “Prince Emyr?”

“Yes?”

“If you free Ophelia again… can you take us with you? My sister and I?” She looks up at the house with terror in her round eyes. “I don’t know how much longer we should stay with Mother. She is unwell…”

That is what Ophelia would want, isn’t it? This woman claims to be her sister, and while Ophelia has rarely spoken about her sisters, I know who Ophelia is. She cares about people and is committed to doing what is right. If Ophelia isn’t safe here, neither are these poor mortals.

I care about what’s right, too, and leaving two harmless people to a wolfish sorceress is as wrong as can be.

“I’ll do everything I can.” I press a hand to my heart. “That’s my solemn vow.”

OPHELIA

A letter slips under the door, and Helena plucks it up before I can tear myself from my spot at the window. All day, I’ve been willing Isa to reappear… or the prince. To see him standing in the middle of the garden, with his heart still open to me, would be a sight for sore eyes.