“Aren’t you protesting too much?” Snowdrop laughed. “Mother asked Cook to make apple meringue, and you know it’s Esmond’s favorite.” Her expression grew solemn as the girls crested a hill. A makeshift grave stood atop the hill, a grave that they had watched Esmond and his family dig. Esmond and Feo’s father lay buried within the grave. He had been a skillful magician as were his offspring. But the refusal to cure their cousin’s deformity had resulted in a curse being placed on the family. Only Feo and Esmond, who were toddlers at the time, had been spared from the transformation into animals. “We were the only children raised purely on honeycomb and berries,” Feo had explained with a laugh. “Father visited us often as did our brothers and sisters. They brought us food and cast what protection spells they could to keep us safe.”
The girls had thought of making some sort of marker for the grave, but they had decided against this. Instead, they now bore the only memorial they wished to leave.
“We’ll plant it together,” Rachel said. Both girls knelt and tenderly placed an apple seedling in the lush soil. It would flourish, a fitting memorial. Snowdrop cleared her throat. “Apple meringue awaits,” she said. “As does Esmond.”
“He won’t stay,” Rachel said, but the protest was halfhearted. Esmond had been coming for tea as frequently as his schedule allowed. Of course, Feo was invited, too, and he often accepted. Rachel’s hands went to her neck, and she fingered the small locket that rested there, the locket that Esmond had given her for a gift. She thought of the painting that lay within its simple, gold-leaf frame. Esmond had painted a picture for her, a picture of her own face. In the picture, her hair was straight and brown, and her face looked as it always had. However, the painting had another aspect as well. Rachel’s eyes sparkled with an inner fire, and her cheeks gleamed with vibrancy. Her slightly parted lips wore a kind smile, and knowledge emanated from her eyes, a knowledge of pain and of deliverance. The painting was beautiful, and when Rachel had first seen it, she hadn’t believed her eyes. “It’s how I saw you from the beginning,” Esmond had told her.
A year had passed since the incident of Rachel’s confinement. It had been a difficult year, but Snowdrop’s friendship, as well as Esmond’s gift, had helped her. She had spoken with Mother and Stepfather, admitting her actions over the years. They had found a physician who could help her. Mother spent time with the physician as well. Perhaps the most liberating aspect of this year had been the discovery that Mother needed help as well. Neither Rachel nor Barbara were fully cured by any means, but each day was a gift from Egaphia, a chance to continue the fight.
Rachel had also found solace at Esmond and Feo’s cottage. They often allowed her to use their paints. She was no artist, but being able to find a way to express herself had been an unforgettable experience.
Rachel smiled and turned to Snowdrop. “Cook’s making cream puffs, too. They’re another of Esmond’s favorites.” Leading the way, she skipped through the woods. Behind the girls, an apple tree stood, its branches covered in vibrant blossoms.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meredith Leigh Burton was born on July 4, 1983. As a result of a premature birth, she was placed under oxygen to develop her lungs. The three month's exposure to the oxygen led to the development of retinopathy of prematurity. Meredith attended the Tennessee School for the Blind in Nashville, where she enjoyed choir, theater classes, and participating on the forensics team. After high school, Meredith attended Middle Tennessee State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and theater. She is a certified English teacher for grades 7-12.
Meredith loves assisting with church activities, spending time with family and friends, and reading any book she can get her hands on. She is a chocoholic and Mexican food fanatic. She has always devoured allegorical books and was first introduced to the fantasy genre by a teacher who whetted her appetite by taking her to the Narnia books in the elementary school library. "The kids in these stories go to another world," the teacher whispered enticingly. That was just the hook Meredith needed. Her favorite fiction book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and her favorite nonfiction book is The Holy Bible. Meredith lives in Lynchburg, Tennessee with her parents. She has two precious nieces, Aliya Davine and Tristyn Layla.
Also by Meredith Leigh Burton
BLIND BEAUTY AND OTHER TALES OF REDEMPTION
A blind beauty ... a slave girl ... a lonely daughter.
Immerse yourself in three stories that are unique but reminiscent of tales as old as time. Enter worlds where trees transport you to enchanted castles, evil lurks in mysterious places, and the earth tells of buried jewels. The earth sings ... Will you listen?
Can’t get enough of Snow White?
This book was published as part of the Magic Mirrors, a collection of seven unique and exciting retellings of Snow White. Check out these other titles, each showing a side of the tale you’ve never seen before!
Red as Snow
Kendra E. Ardnek
Snow needs a husband in order to claim her throne, but it’s hard to compete with a younger, prettier stepmother.
A Twisted Fairy Tale.
Blood in the Snow
Sarah Pennington
The fairest of all, Baili is destined by prophecy to unite ancient enemies – but her stepmother has other plans.
Asia-esque Fantasy.
For Such a Time as This
Heather L.L. FitzGerald
It’s a beauty pageant to determine the new queen – but the deposed Vashti is not ready to relinquish her power.
Fantasy Dystopia.
Overpowered
Kathryn McConaughy
Fleeing a terrible crime, Taliyah bat Shammai finds herself barred from the city of refuge. Can a band of seven landless fighters protect her from the Avenger of Blood?
Near Eastern Fantasy.
But One Life
Wyn Estelle Owens
Ginny serves the Revolution as a spy in New York City, but when her stepmother’s Tory leanings endanger her life, will she be brave enough to do her duty?
Historical Fiction.
The Seven Drawers
Kendra E. Ardnek
After her father’s death, Gwen’s normal life takes a turn for the crazy when a chest of drawers appears in her bedroom.
Contemporary Fantasy
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