by Aron Lewes
“This is awful!” Sharman complained. “I don't want to be stuck in a cave with you, of all people! When I imprisoned you, I knew you were a witch, but I didn't realize you were Donnabella! You're the very same witch who captured my fiance! I was going to increase your prison sentence and keep you there for life!”
“Sharman?” the snickering witch tried again, pointing at his bare chest. “Are you ever going to realize you're... naked?”
“Good god!” With an exaggerated gasp, Sharman seized the blanket from Donnabella's shoulders and wrapped it around his waist. Tatty as it was, it barely kept him covered. “And now my night has gotten even worse!”
“That doesn't happen often,” Donnabella told him. “The nakedness, I mean. Fenix shifts shapes all the time, but he rarely loses his clothes.”
“Who is this man? This... Fenix?” Sharman's eyes narrowed as he checked the blanket for holes. He wanted to be sure his privatest parts were covered.
“He's my lover. Well... sort of,” Donnabella answered with a shrug. “He seems to be significantly more interested in your fiance right now.”
“She has feelings for him?” Sharman's lips dipped into a pout. “I didn't realize Cinderella was cheating on me. Reality is... harsh.”
“I feel your pain, Your Highness. Truly,” Donnabella sighed. “It seems we're both being cheated on... although... if it makes you feel any better, Cinderella and Fenix will never be able to act on their passion for each other.”
Sharman's nose wrinkled. “Why not?”
“Because I've cursed him,” Donnabella casually replied. “Oh... and speaking of curses, how did you enjoy life as a frog?”
As Sharman scooted away from her, he held the blanket in place. “I hated it,” he told her, “and I will punish you for it.”
“Puh-lease.” Donnabella's eyes rolled at this threat. “Your Highness... why don't you stop thinking about revenge and start worrying about more important things? Such as... the fact that we're in the middle of a desert without any food or water?”
“I... have considered that.” Nevertheless, Sharman's scowl intensified as he studied the witch's face. “I hate you, you know.”
Donnabella flashed her sweetest smile. “I know.”
“I hate all witches, and I hope you all burn.”
“That's... harsh,” Donnabella replied. “Not that I particularly blame you.”
“You need to warp us back at once!” Prince Sharman demanded. “If you're as powerful as you claim to be, it should be easy for you!”
“I've tried. Repeatedly. If we could warp, I would be in a warm bed already.” When her lips were stretched by a yawn, Donnabella concealed it behind her hand. “Just the thought of a bed is making me tired.”
“Try it again!” Sharman begged as he seized the witch's arm. “Maybe you haven't tried hard enough?”
The shrugging witch complied. “Itinerantus dissipatia.”
When he realized they were still in the cave, an agonized whimper rose from Sharman's throat. “Again!” he demanded. “Try again! And this time, put some feeling into it!”
With a wave of her arm, Donnabella cried, “Itinerantus dissipatia!”
“Again!”
“Itinerantus dissipatia.”
“Agaaaaain!” whined Sharman, whose hope was nearly lost. “Never mind. You're useless. The most powerful witch in the world is absolutely useless. That's quite a revelation.”
As a grin snaked across her lips, Donnabella warned him, “You better be kinder to me. You wouldn't want to be a frog again... would you?”
“I actually wouldn't care!” Sharman claimed. “It would be better than sitting here naked, forced to have conversations with you. It would be better than--” When Donnabella's hand raised, Sharman's lips snapped shut. Before she cast the curse, he quickly said, “A-Actually, Donnabella... I'm sorry. I'd rather not be a frog again, so... I'll try to be more kind, I swear.”
Before Terra disappeared into her bedroom, Prince Elliot rushed over and lightly tugged her sleeve. “Terra!” he exclaimed. “What on earth is going on?”
“Apparently, a young prince named Gideon just took over the Winter Palace. Sharman is missing, and Princess Rose put up no resistance.” As she summed up the day's events, Terra sighed heavily.
“I knew about Gideon. I was just wondering what happened with all the young ladies,” Elliot explained.
“Oh.” Terra's lips sank into a frown as she considered her stepsister's fate. “Prince Gideon lined up many young ladies and chose a few to be his personal attendants. As for what that entails... I can only guess.”
When Terra tried to enter her bedroom, Elliot's arm blocked the doorway. “What happens now? Are you leaving the Winter Palace?”
“I would leave... if I could. But I have no way to get home, and I could never leave Cinda,” Terra said. “Besides, I haven't been kicked out of the Winter Palace... yet.”
“Well, if you ever require transportation, let me know, and I'll provide one of my carriages,” Elliot told her. “So far, Gideon has been treating me kindly.”
“You're the only one he's been kind to,” Terra grumbled. “He had some rather scathing opinions of me.” Until she met Prince Gideon, only her mother was tactless enough to use words like plain and crippled to describe her.
“What did he say?”
Terra never had a chance to answer. Her attention was stolen by Rank, who swung his walking stick as he whistled down the hallway. He had swapped his soldiers' uniform for a bright red coat with four wide pockets. On each pocket, there was a different symbol: a clover, a spade, a diamond and a heart.
“'Ello, Terra!” When the mage greeted her with a bow, his red top hat almost slipped from his head. “How are you, love?”
“Awful,” Terra replied. “I'm worried about Cinda. You know about Prince Gideon, right?”
“Aye.”
“Well, Cinderella was chosen as one of his attendants, and I'm really worried about her,” Terra said. “I hope nothing terrible happens.”
Rank turned to Elliot, whose pinched brow suggested he was confused by Rank's attire. “'Ello, Ellie,” he mumbled.
“Um... hello?”
“You don't have to be bashful around me, mate. You should be greeting me like an old chum! We had some good times together, didn't we?” Rank affectionately whacked Elliot's arm with his walking stick.
Elliot quietly disagreed, “Our good times ended with a dragon attack and me getting my leg roasted. So... no. I don't really reflect too fondly on that night.”
“That's a shame.” As he tucked his wand beneath his arm, Rank turned his attention back to Terra. “So, Lovely, I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a picnic in the garden?”
“A picnic?” Terra's eyes flashed with surprise. “Are you sure? It will be sundown soon.”
“I know. A sunset will make for a romantic picnic,” answered a winking Rank. “I'll meet you in a few minutes, alright? I need to have a chat with Ellie, and then we can go.”
She hadn't officially accepted his invitation, but Rank wasn't giving her a choice. Terra's eyes rolled as she entered her room. “Fine. I need to change shoes, and I'll join you in a moment.”
As soon as Terra's door was closed, Rank brought his lips to Elliot's ear and whispered, “I just thought I'd remind you... Terra's mine, mate. Back off.”
“Actually, Mr. Rank, Terra belongs to no one.” Elliot had more to say, but he had to wait for Rank's snickers to subside. Any time someone referred to him as Mister Rank, the mage responded with a fit of giggles. “Furthermore...” the prince continued, “I have no interest in romancing Terra. I already met someone else.”
“Really?” Rank's eyebrows shot up. “You just called off your wedding the other day, mate. You've already moved on?”
Elliot answered with a firm, unapologetic nod. “I believe I have. After Rose and I ended our engagement, I was feeling rather depressed, and I took a walk in the woods to clear my head. There, I happ
ened upon a lovely young woman named Scarlet White.”
“Scarlet White?” Rank repeated with a sniff.
“Indeed. When I saw her, she was singing. She had such a lovely voice, even the forest animals were spellbound. I swear to God, I saw a little fawn bobbing its head!” Elliot exclaimed. “Anyway, to make a long story short, I introduced myself, I expressed my woes... and now I have a date with her tomorrow.”
“Hmm. Well, congrats, mate! I'm happy for you!” Rank slapped the prince's arm as he celebrated his success. “Now that I don't have to compete with you for Terra's heart, I'm even happier.”
“Scarlet is amazing,” Elliot declared, sighing dreamily. “I've never seen a more beautiful young woman. Her hair is pitch black, her eyes are darkest obsidian, and her tawny skin is positively flawless!”
“That's nice. That's lovely, that is,” murmured Rank, whose yawn suggested a loss of interest.
“She lives with her grandmother in the woods,” Elliot went on. “The poor, old woman is losing her mind... but Scarlet takes care of her. Does that not tug at your heart?”
“Yeah. My heart's so tugged, it's practically been ripped from my chest.” Rank gave the prince a dismissive little push. “Now... if you don't mind, I've got to wait for my date with Terra.”
“Very well,” Elliot sighed as he headed down the hall. “If you hear anything about Cinderella or Sharman, keep me informed.”
“I'll do that,” Rank replied with a flick of his hand. When the prince was halfway down the hall, Rank turned his attention to the little witch in his pocket. “Gloriosa!” he hissed. “Can you believe it? Terra actually accepted a date with me!”
“Hmm.” Gloriosa shook her tiny head. “I'm not so sure about that, Rank. The word date was never used. However... either way, you've been given an opportunity to spend some quality time with her, so you better not muck it up!”
“Give me some advice!” Rank squawked as he kept an eye on Terra's door.
“Be kind to her. Always be kind,” Gloriosa coached him. “Also, she was looking a bit melancholy, so you should probably say something to cheer her up. A compliment, perhaps?”
“What kind of compliment?”
“Tell her she's pretty. All girls like to hear that,” Gloriosa said. “And you should end the date with something romantic. Do something so sweet, she'll stay up all night thinking of it.”
“Alright.” Rank used his wand to scratch his cheek. “I'll try my best.”
“Oh, and if she's worried about Cinda, try to share her concerns. Try to--”
Gloriosa's voice trailed off when the door opened. When Terra reemerged, she was wearing a plain yellow dress—which was one of her best—and her dark hair was tethered into a messy braid. She was hardly as extravagant as Cinderella at the ball; nevertheless, Rank's jaw dropped when he saw her.
“My god!” he exclaimed. “You look beautiful.”
“Pffft.” Terra dismissed his compliment with a snort. After enduring Gideon's insults, praise was even more difficult to accept. “Hardly!”
“No. You do. You look stunning,” Rank insisted. With a wave of his wand, Rank manifested a single sunflower and stuck it above her ear. “There. It matches your dress.”
Terra graciously accepted his gift. “Thank you.”
When Terra smiled at him, Rank started to stutter. “So... uh... uh... we, uh... we should probably collect the food, yeah?”
Together, they went to the kitchen, where they gathered a basket of sandwiches and salads. Then Terra followed him to the garden, where crickets were already singing in the hedges. They sat at the table where Terra usually enjoyed her afternoon tea. Only one thing was different: Rank lit a candle to set the mood.
“Isn't the sky lovely?” Rank asked, gesturing toward the setting sun.
“I suppose,” Terra sighed. “To be honest, this feels like an odd time for a picnic. Gideon could appear at any moment and toss us out!”
“If he tries to do that, I'll wiggle my wand and toss him... literally toss him... across the garden,” Rank snickered. “That'd be a sight to see, eh?”
“Well, he certainly deserves it!” Terra declared. “I hate him. And if he hurts my stepsister, I'll put an arrow in his arse. I swear I will!”
“I like the way you think, love.” Rank tried to reach for her hand, but Terra pulled away and started rummaging through their basket. With a disappointed sigh, he claimed a sandwich and stuffed his face.
“I was ready to go back home, to be honest. As soon as Cinda was married, I was going to travel back with Mother and Gaia,” Terra said. “When they left last night, I opted to stay behind. But now... I almost wish I'd gone.”
“But if you'd gone, you wouldn't have gotten to spend time with Rank,” he poutily pointed out.
“True... that's true. I enjoy spending time with you, believe it or not.”
Rank's eyes lit up at her words. “You do?”
“I do. But it's madness here!” Terra exclaimed. “Ever since Cinderella met Prince Sharman, every day has been absolutely insane. I just want to live a quiet life somewhere, free from dragons and witches and mad princes.”
“How do you feel about... mages?” Rank asked.
“I don't have a problem with mages,” answered a smiling Terra. “However, I only know one mage... but I do find him amusing.”
When Rank returned her smile, it was so wide, his face could barely contain his lips. “I like you, Terra,” he suddenly blurted.
His confession made her blush. “You... do?”
“Aye. Look.” When Rank wiggled his wand, every scattered petal in the Winter Palace's garden suddenly stirred to life. They were carried upward by a gust of wind, and when they gathered over Terra's head, she gasped.
“What's this?” Terra asked as she watched the swirling petals. “What are you doing?”
Rank concentrated as hard as he could, and with a flick of his wand, he made the petals spell the words, Rank likes Terra.
His magic trick made her smile grow even wider—until he lost control of the petals, and they all came raining down on her head.
“Oops...” the mage croaked as he plucked a muddy petal from Terra's braid. “Sorry about that, love. That, uh... that wasn't supposed to happen.”
As he watched Princess Rose tidy his room, Prince Gideon's lips ached from smiling so much. There was nothing better than having a fellow royal as a personal attendant. It made him feel special. It made him feel like the most powerful person in the world.
“Fetch my soup!” Gideon suddenly demanded. “I always have soup before bed. It's a tradition.”
“Must I?” the princess whined.
“Yes. Unless you want me to burn down the Winter Palace... you must.” Gideon smiled maniacally as he watched her stomp to the door. “Oh, and I expect you to deliver it sweetly. Stop scowling at me, or I'll have my guards pluck out your eyes!”
“I can't believe I have to serve Tye's murderer,” Rose muttered to herself as she slid through the door. “I swear to God, when Sharman and my father regain control of this place, I am going to kill that spoiled little boy...”
Gideon reclined on the sofa and folded his hands behind his head. When he snapped his fingers, one of his two guards rushed forward with a bow.
“Yes, Your Highness?” cooed the dutiful guard, who was ready and willing to serve his prince.
“I want Cinderella!” Gideon exclaimed. “Bring her to me.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” the guard repeated as he sidled to the door. “Is there anything else, Your Highness?”
“Did I ask for anything else? No. I didn't. Goodbye.” Gideon rolled his eyes at the exiting guard.
Less than a minute later, Princess Rose returned with Gideon's soup. Despite her temptation to hurl the bowl's steaming contents into Gideon's face, she restrained herself. She wasn't entirely sure he wouldn't deliver on the many threats he made throughout the day. What if he really did pluck out her eyes?
“Ah, Rose!
You're back!” Gideon exclaimed, sitting up. “That beef stew looks delicious. If nothing else, Sharman knows how to hire a decent cook. My father was quite partial to the biscuits as well. What other meals might you recommend? What recipes have been mastered by the Winter Palace chefs?”
Rose's lips didn't move, but her fingers clenched around the bowl.
“You're not replying? Oh well. I hate the sound of your voice, anyway. It's high-pitched and screechy.” Gideon pointed at his mouth. “Now you're going to feed me... but the stew looks hot, so I need you to blow on every spoonful to cool it down.”
Rose's eyes narrowed at his request. “Are you serious?” she shrilled.
“Oh, I'm absolutely serious.” Gideon smiled at her. “Tomorrow, you'll be cutting my steak into bite-sized bits.”
“And if I refuse?”
“I'll have Stewart break both of your arms.” Gideon bowed his head at the seven foot soldier who followed him everywhere. Gideon's bearded bodyguard was so tall, his head grazed the ceiling.
“You're such a little turd!” Rose whined as she dropped to her knees beside the reclining prince. “I hate you. I hate you so much!”
“I thought I told you to be pleasant, Princess. Be sweet to me!” demanded a pouting Gideon. When Rose's lips pursed to cool his stew, the prince nodded approvingly. As she blew on the steaming spoonful of carrot, beef and broth, she resisted the urge to add her saliva to the mix.
Without another word, Gideon opened his mouth and leaned toward the spoon. Rose dumped the stew in his mouth with an aggravated grumble.
While Rose was feeding him, Cinderella entered the room. When she paused in the doorway, Stewart grabbed her arm and pushed her inside.
“Cinderella! Now that is a face I longed to see again!” Gideon exclaimed. Rose finished cooling a spoonful, so he paused to slurp from the utensil. As soon as the stew was down his throat, he continued, “I don't think I've ever had a prettier attendant. Please... come in and clip my toenails.”
“Your toenails?” Cinderella barely finished gasping before Stewart shoved the clippers into her hand.