A Darkness Found

by T K White

  Grishelda winced as Kal screamed. She touched her own hair as if she could feel the yanking herself. Stepping behind a fountain, she made herself as invisible as possible. She didn’t need Kal seeing her and saying something stupid. But Grishelda had to know why that nuisance was here. It couldn’t be coincidence. Vindictiveness oozed from Kal, and Grishelda wouldn’t be surprised if her former friend had heard about the recent marriage and decided to come ruin it all.

  Kal was a poison. One Grishelda was going to make sure she kept from spreading.

  The stench of unwashed prisoners and misery filled the dark dungeons. It wasn’t hard to locate Kal. She screamed the entire way down, fighting the guards with every ounce of strength she possessed. Between the flailing guards and Kal kicking, they were a tangled mess of moving limbs. After a harrowing two minutes of nonstop shrieking, the guards had enough sense to knock her unconscious.

  Unlike in the courtyard, there were no big fountains to hide behind, but there were plenty of shadows. Grishelda took advantage of the dark corners and dim lighting. Only a few strands of sunlight fought their way through the iron bars from the upper cells’ small windows. As the guards turned a corner and their torchlights faded, Grishelda kept her distance. She followed at a slow pace, waiting at the top of the steep stairs until the guards were out of sight. Only then did she make her way down. Any natural light from the prison cells above was soon eaten by the hungry dark. They traveled far below ground to the deeper part of the dungeon which—if Grishelda had to take a guess—was reserved for the most dangerous of criminals.

  If only she had a torch to light her way in this wretched place, like they did. No matter. She kept as close to them as she dared, watching their faint shadows skim along the walls.

  The steps went down much farther than Grishelda thought they could. This dungeon was considerably beneath the castle, and from the puffs of her frosty breath, she guessed it was far below the surface as well.

  Goosebumps pebbled their way across her skin, and Grishelda shivered from the chill in the air. What horrible conditions to have to suffer every day. She supposed the prisoners stuck down here deserved it. She certainly harbored no friendly feelings toward Kal, but she also couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for the misguided witch. How long would Kal be a prisoner here? Maybe Grishelda could put in a word with Theo.

  She treaded across the floor, careful not to make any noises that would alert the guards to her presence. One guard looked behind him. Melding herself to the wall, Grishelda sucked in her breath, not wanting a white puff of air to give her away. The guard peered into the shadows for a long moment before continuing on his way. At last, the guards came to a stop.

  “Is this the one?” the one carrying the torch asked.

  The guard who carried Kal grunted. “Hurry up! She’s getting heavy.”

  Keys jangled and the guard with the torch laughed. “If you can’t handle carrying a lightweight like that, you’ve no business being in the king’s guard.”

  “I didn’t say I couldn’t handle it. You try carrying this sack of potatoes down that many stairs and through these dungeons. I’d love to see it.”

  The guard with the keys stopped and puffed out his chest. “Oh, really? Take her back up then.”

  “You can’t be serious.”

  “I am. I’ll show you how strong I am.”

  “Enough!” The third guard snatched the keys away and unlocked the door, gesturing toward the cell. “This ain’t a pissing contest. Get the prisoner in there before she wakes and decides to use her magic on us!”

  The guard carrying Kal dropped her like a heavy log onto the hard floor. As the guard with the keys locked the door, the one carrying the torch lit a larger torch in a sconce next to the cell.

  Their job done, the guards turned to leave. Grishelda hid in the shadows of a pocketed corner as they headed back to the stairs that led out of this cold, dismal place. The sound of their steps bounced from the walls, fading into the distance. When she finally deemed it safe, Grishelda slipped from the shadows and approached Kal’s cell. To her surprise, Kal was wide awake.

  A malevolent smile curled the prisoner’s mouth. “Well, well, well. Look who’s moved up in the world.”

  “Kal, what are you doing here?” Grishelda was careful to keep her voice low for fear of it traveling.

  “You heard my charge. I was caught dealing dark magic.”

  “How did you even get a hold of dark magic?”

  “You really are so naive.” Kal sat in the back corner of her cell, right where the guards had dumped her.

  “Well then, enlighten me.” Grishelda tried to keep the curiosity out of her voice.

  “After getting kicked out of school, I couldn’t find a way to help my siblings.” She shot a searing gaze at Grishelda. “So, I decided to turn to more sinister methods of making money. I hunted fairies. Dark ones. I figured, I’m doing the world a justice by getting rid of them.”

  Grishelda stared. Helping Kal kill her evil mother was one thing, but killing fairies? “You’re killing innocent beings.”

  “I wouldn’t exactly call them innocent. Do you know anything about dark fairies?”

  Kal’s loud voice brought whispers rising from other cells, farther down the dark hallway. Grishelda flinched. She hadn’t realized there were other prisoners so close by, and she felt too exposed. The sensation of being watched sent tingling jitters down her spine. “Will you keep your voice down?”

  Kal raised her voice instead. “Why, worried about being seen with me?”

  This was a waste of her time. As Grishelda lifted her skirts and turned on her heel, Kal spoke again, this time quieter. “Wait, I’ll tell you how I got the dark magic. Just . . . stay with me a little longer.”

  Pausing, Grishelda weighed her options. She supposed she was queen and could do whatever she pleased. If the king discovered she was down here, she could easily make up a story about how she knew Kal. But Grishelda didn’t want Theo knowing about her expulsion from Mageia.

  “Dark fairies live in dark places,” Kal explained, encouraged by Grishelda’s hesitation. “Places where humans and light fairies don’t dare step foot because it’s too dangerous or too difficult to reach. I had to really rack my brain to come up with a list of possible places dark fairies might be lurking. Once I did, I set off with a plan.”

  She paused, her smile widening when Grishelda gestured for her to continue. “I went to the Caverns of Yur. They were the closest to me, and there were rumors of an evil loitering within. It was a three-day journey, and once I arrived, I knew I was in the right place. All I had to do was reach out with my mind, and I could feel the immense depravity from within.”

  Grishelda moved closer to the bars, hoping Kal might lower her voice even more.

  “So, I waited. I waited until I knew every fairy was asleep, and then I went to work. I slipped into their minds and wove dreams of wonder. Dreams that would keep them wanting to dream forever. Dreams that would draw them deep into their slumber until nothing could wake them.”

  Kal flashed a grin.

  “That’s when I struck. Dark fairies are rather small, and I had a brilliant plan. I would set their cavern on fire. I sprinkled leaves and brush on top of the sleeping fairies, and then I torched them. I kept them sleeping the entire time, dreaming sweet gems while their bodies turned to ash. They felt nothing.

  “By morning, all the fairies were nothing more than cinders. I bottled their ashes up and began selling to the highest bidders. You’d be surprised how many people want to get their hands on dark fairy magic. Even those with no magic. I don’t know what they think they’ll do with it. Maybe sell it again.”

  Though morbid fascination had kept her entranced while Kal shared the story, Grishelda couldn’t quite wrap her head around the last part. “Why wouldn’t those with no magic want the fairy dust?”

  Kal rolled her eyes. “If you don’t possess magic, you can’t use it. No matter what.”

&nbs
p; She’d burned the fairies alive. Disgust crawled over Grishelda’s body like little spiders. “But that’s evil. How could you kill like that?”

  Kal leapt at the bars and Grishelda took a few steps back. “Don’t you dare judge me. Here you are, a queen. And I’m still suffering. But I almost have enough money to get them away from my mother. To pay my aunt—on my father’s side—a hefty wage for taking them in. You escaped your nightmare, but I’m still escaping mine. You don’t get to be the arbitrator of what’s fair and just.”

  Shame washed over Grishelda, soon followed by anger. “Do you think I wanted this? Any of it? I wanted to go back to Mageia. You might not have cared about that place, but I did.”

  “It looks like you’re pretty comfy now, Your Majesty.” Kal flopped onto a meager stack of hay, the only comfort the cell offered.

  She was right. Grishelda hadn’t thought of Mageia in weeks. Would she still try to go back when she was allowed? Grishelda already knew the answer. Not if King Theo would have her, would love her. She would stay by his side and rule as his queen.

  “That’s what I thought,” Kal said. “Don’t give me a sob story about how you became queen. It’s laughable.”

  “What does consuming dark magic do?” The words tumbled out before Grishelda could stop them.

  “It gives you the power of fairies, but without having to use their wands or know the spells. The fairies are infused into your blood, into your very being. You can do any bit of magic your heart desires. Dark fairies themselves practice cannibalism for that reason. They actually devour their own kind to omit having to learn the spells and magic. It’s all a very gruesome business.”

  “Have you tried it? This dark magic?” Grishelda felt a tingle of exhilaration at the thought of so much power.

  “Of course.” Kal went on, answering the questions she knew Grishelda wanted to ask. “It feels like you could climb an entire mountain, or fight a bear to the death, or like you’re suddenly full of ice and fire all at the same time. It’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced.”

  “So, why don’t you break yourself out?”

  “It doesn’t last forever. You have to keep taking the magic to be able to use it. And the guards took my stash.” Kal looked up, her green eyes glittering. “You could find it.”

  This conversation was treading dangerous territory. Grishelda took a few steps back. “No, I can’t. I’m queen. Are you mad?”

  “Exactly. You’re queen. Who better to steal back my magic?” Kal’s voice turned coaxing. “Listen, break me out of here, and I’ll show you how to use it.”

  Grishelda knew better than to accept a promise from her former friend. “No. I’m sorry you’re in here. I’m sorry about your family. I’m sorry about everything. But I can’t do that. I won’t ruin my life again because of one of your schemes.”

  Kal’s jaw ticked. “This won’t ruin your life. They’ll just assume I escaped. We can make it look like I had some magic left they couldn’t find on me.”

  Grishelda turned, and for the second time that day, Kal was able to stop her in her tracks. “I’ve heard rumors, you know. Of your King Theo. Of how he pines for his late wife. People feel sorry for you.”

  Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. Grishelda pushed them back, refusing to turn around.

  “They say the king loved his wife more than anything in this world, and he only sought you out so he could use your magic for the protection of his kingdom. But no one is fooled. In his eyes, you aren’t really queen. But think, with dark fairy magic, you could make him love you. You could make him worship you.”

  Grishelda quivered down to her bones. That would be deplorable. She didn’t want him, not that way. Not willing to hear any more, she lifted her skirts and ran.

  Kal’s voice followed her in the dark. “Help me save my family! Do the right thing, Grishelda. He doesn’t love you!”

  When Grishelda finally escaped the vile prison, she vowed she would forget everything Kal said and would never step foot inside that dungeon again.

  14

  As best she could, Grishelda tried to cast away the dark seeds Kal planted in her mind. Of course the king pined for his wife. Who wouldn’t mourn the death of a loved one? But he married Grishelda, and he would learn to love her, in time.

  She hadn’t been back to visit Kal, nor had she spoken a word about the prisoner to the king. It all seemed too risky, and she still wasn’t sure if Kal had ill intentions toward her. Still, Grishelda would have to figure out what to do about Kal soon. She couldn’t just ignore the prisoner and hope she’d disappear. Kal had to be taken care of, one way or another.

  “Grishelda, my dear, what’s wrong? Is the champagne not to your liking?”

  Returning to the present, Grishelda smiled and took a sip to show her appreciation of this romantic date. Theo did his best to plan opportunities for them to spend time together, without Snow. Today’s date was in a field of flowers, all as tall as the king himself. The thick field of flowers—all different colors—surrounded them.

  Sitting in the midst of them, it was easy to feel as though she was lost in an entirely different world. Any time Grishelda was near elements, such as water or plants, she felt an urge to reach out and play. The ground that housed the elements called to her. But she turned a deaf ear to those callings in front of her husband, not ready to show him her magic yet. Not yet knowing if he would accept it.

  “You know, I really appreciate you coming on these dates with me.” Theo sipped his champagne. “I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. I feel like every day I’m growing closer to you, learning more about who you really are. You’re truly an amazing woman.”

  If nothing else, Theo was always good with his words. He weaved charming tales and compliments so well that he always left her a little breathless.

  She tried to shrug it off, not wanting to seem too intoxicated by his words. “Of course, I wouldn’t dream of saying no to an invitation from my husband.”

  Theo set down his glass on the checkered blanket. “But sometimes, I feel like something holds you back. Like you’re not quite ready to divulge all of yourself to me.”

  Grishelda couldn’t tell if she was displeased or happy with his observation. “That’s just a defense mechanism, I suppose.”

  Theo leaned closer, knocking over their glasses. He paid the spilling golden liquid no mind. His eyes were intent on one thing and one thing alone: his wife. “I don’t want you to keep anything from me. Not now. Not ever. I’m here for you. I’m here to be yours forever.”

  There he went again, knocking Grishelda’s breath right from her lungs. She forgot about Kal, about his conversation with Snow, about the magic stirring under her skin. All her focus stayed on this man in front of her, the man her heart yearned for.

  She made the first move to close the gap between them. Theo’s lips were no longer cautious, as they had been those times he kissed her before. This time, his lips sent a clearer message, one of desire. Their bodies met, and Grishelda almost felt like she was floating above her body, watching everything happening below. She was hyperaware of his arms around her waist, his hands roving the skin underneath her skirt. His scent filled her nose, soap and lavender and a hint of amber. Most of all, she felt the urgency of his lips, the need for something more.

  “Theo.” She had to say this. Grishelda didn’t know why, but the words were so important to say before they took this next step in their relationship. “I love you.”

  A broad smile came to his lips as he drew back for a moment. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for you to say those words.”

  He kissed her again with a fervor and passion she wasn’t prepared for.

  “Father!”

  Oh no. Not now.

  The rustling of flowers and the princess’s repeated call wrested Grishelda and her husband apart. Her chest rose and fell in rapid successions, and Theo straightened his rumpled clothes. When would this stop? Would the
re ever be a time Snow didn’t come between them?

  Appearing from the cluster of flowers, Snow was breathless, much like Grishelda, but for very different reasons. Theo shot an apologetic smile at his wife before turning to his daughter.

  “Snow, what are you doing here? I thought I told you I was spending time with your stepmother.”

  “Oh, but Father. You forgot about our riding lessons!”

  Fight for me, Grishelda wanted to yell. She wanted to shake the king and make him stand up for her. For them.

  His words crushed those hopes. “You’re completely right. I did forget. I’m sorry, Grishelda, but I did promise her we’d ride today.”

  Fighting the urge to roll her eyes, Grishelda stood. “It’s not a problem. I’ll just excuse myself. Perhaps we can try another day.”

  It was only after she worked her way through the maze of towering flowers that she realized the king hadn’t said “I love you” in return.

  15

  It took three days after that failed date for Grishelda to find herself standing before Kal’s prison cell again, this time armed with a plan and the fervor for seeing it through.

  “What are you doing back here?” Kal’s surliness was hard to miss. She slumped against the grime covered wall of her cell.

  “If I get the dark magic back for you, can I make the king love me?”

  That made her sit a little straighter. A menacing smile twisted Kal’s lips. “Oh, honey, you can make the king do whatever you want with dark fairy magic.”

  The key in Grishelda’s hand glinted in the light of the torch she held. “Good. Then I’m going to get you out of here.”

  Kal shot to her feet. “Do you know where the dark magic is hidden?”

  “I have a pretty good idea. I think it’s in the vaults. That’s where they take everything that matters.”

  Under the creeping eyes of the other prisoners, Grishelda pulled her hood further over her head. No one would ever know the queen was here.