Page 24 of Of Curses and Courtship

“When can I see you again?” The earnest glint in his eyes makes me more uncomfortable than when he swooped me into his arms. “I know I’m not from Far Water, nor am I from the Moon Palace, but I will arrange?—”

He wishes to see me again? Oh, this is no good.

“That’s not an option, Your Highness.” I stand and smooth down my gown. The glitter on my bodice had been so beautiful when I arrived, but now, it’s rough under my fingers. My racing heart doesn’t feel like running to him anymore—it tells me to run away. Far.Go. “I must take my leave at once.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Don’t follow me.” I back away, shaking my head. “Please. This was a wonderful night, but for me, it can only be one night.”

He reaches out uselessly, but he listens—he does not follow. “I’m offering you more, my lady. I wish to offer you the world. Will you truly not take it?”

“You can’t.” I lift a side of my lips, smiling sadly. “You don’t know me, Prince Emyr, but I’m not fit to be a queen. I’m not the one you are seeking. Good night.”

If the prophecy is believed, I may just be the one to damn his throne, and the rest of us along with it.

CHAPTER SIX

OPHELIA

“Up!” A shrill voice shouts.

Someone tears the blanket from my body.

Heavens, it’s far too early for this.

I sit up, blinking in the sunlight. Last night was a dream, and my spirit remains there, floating with the prince. It hardly makes sense to be in my dull, undecorated bedchamber. Lady Ashbridge’s nostrils flaring like a bull is an equally jarring sight.

What does she have to be upset about this early? I can’t pretend to care. Somewhere, deep in my bones, I’m still dancing with a handsome prince—a prince! The man who showed me magic, who held my hand in his, who spun me around the garden…

How can I return to my ordinary life?

“What is it?” I mumble, swinging my legs over the bed. I smooth out my nightgown as I stand, rubbing my eye with one fist.

“I’m sure you already know.” Her nose curls. “Fix your glamour, lest the whole world witnesses you likethis.”

I glance at the looking glass above my dresser drawer.She’s right. I am shimmering and glistening in the morning light. Silver glitter falls at my feet and collects on my lashes like morning dew clings to the grass. My soft, transparent wings wrap around me as if they’re protecting me, and under the cutting stare of my stepmother, it’s the only thing that brings me comfort.

My stepsisters stand in the doorway. Elisa’s eyes are wide with terror, and Raia looks… apologetic.

Guilty.

Oh no.

“How could you?” Lady Ashbridge stands close enough that I can see every pore on her button nose. “I told you not to let them leave the house, yet you did.”

“I don’t know what you’re?—”

“Liar.” She storms off. “I was gone for one night, and the fae nearly took my daughters.”

“Mama, that is not—” Elisa starts.

“Why aren’t you following?” Lady Ashbridge barks.

She must be speaking to me. Even when her daughters misbehave, I’m the only one she talks to in this manner.

All three of us scramble after Lady Ashbridge.

“Raia didn’t mean to,” Elisa says.