Page 15 of Of Curses and Courtship

My heart thuds in my ears. Taking her hand doesn’t feel like my decision; it’s as if my body does it for me, moving without permission. She lifts me to my feet with strength someone her age shouldn’t possess.

I’ve never seen someone as beautiful as this woman, who shines like a star, her skin glowing in the moonlight. How can heavenly beings be so hated? Sparkling, glittery stars are woven into her cloak, which trails on the ground behind her. Her pale hair is the same soft lavender as her wings, a perfect match, so unlike how I feel in my fae form.

“What are you doing in my garden?” I shake my head. “I’m not sure if my magic has become too strong?—”

Perhaps I summoned this strange fae into my life without trying. Is that within my abilities?

“I can assure you, your magic is not yet strong enough to manifest me—or anyone else, for that matter.”

Each word from the strange fae seems to be an inside joke with herself. I never quite know what she is laughing at.

My gaze flits back to the door. “Then why are you here?”

Lady Ashbridge could step outside at any moment.

“Because you made a wish.” Her eyes sparkle. “I heard you through the water, dear one.”

Through the water?Oh, I’m sure.

I roll my eyes, brushing off my gown. “I hope you understand how little sense that makes.”

“Magic doesn’t have to make sense. You wish to go to the ball, and claim there is no way to do so. I’m here to show you hundreds of ways it can be done.”

How does she know what I do and do not wish for?

I step back. “And if I don’t trust you? After all, what reason would I have to put my faith in a peep like you?”

“Then you’ll not attend the ball.” She taps my nose. “It’s that simple.”

I flinch from the slight touch.

My stomach turns as I envision staying home while my stepsisters spin around the ball, dancing with beautiful fae. The envy doesn’t become me.

“How can you possibly help?” I mutter. “It’s hopeless.”

“As I said, I’ve already thought of many ways.” She lifts a finger. “Shall I tell you of my current plans?”

No being, mortal or fae, can devise a plan that helps me attend the ball.

“Yes,” I say in a dry voice. “Please. Tell me more.”

“On the day of the ball, your stepmother will find a serious distraction. It will be disastrous, forcing her to leave Far Water for the evening.”

Unlikely. Nothing can distract my stepmother from ruining a lovely evening. Nothing. Nevertheless, I continue.

I lift a brow. “Will she?”

“Yes. Yes, she will.”

I sit down on a marble bench and cross my arms. “Go on, then. What is the rest of your masterful plan?”

“You’re worried about your lack of carriage, aren’t you?”

I squint. “How do you know everything I’m worried about?”

“Because your worries are loud, dear one—but that does not matter. I will arrange a portal like the one you saw in the fountain tonight.”

Is that what it was? A portal? I hope curiosity doesn’t reflect in my features, though I can feel it bubbling in my churning, anxious stomach. “Sounds terrifying.”