Breaking His Spell

by Foster Bridget Cassidy

  A servant led Carishina and me up to our designated rooms. She kept trying to catch my eye, but talking in the hallway seemed unwise. We’d have to put up a barrier in my room before I even opened my mouth.

  “Here we are, Almas,” the servant said, bowing low. “Alma Carishina’s is here.” She gestured to the one on the right side of the hallway. “And Alma Klint’s is here.” She pointed to the left. “Please let me know if you need anything. I will be available to see to your wants, whatever they may be.”

  “Thank you,” I replied. Carishina headed for her room, so I grabbed her wrist. “I need a word, please.” I tugged her toward the left side. The servant gave us an appraising look—perhaps she thought us lovers—but said nothing.

  Inside the room, I closed the door and sagged against it. The exhaustion of the events had finally caught up with me. I felt like I could sleep for a week. But first things first.

  “What did the little dragon say to you?” I asked as soon as I put the barrier in place.

  “A better question is why you’re shaking. What happened, Klint? I thought we were going to interrogate Desian and Antonio?”

  “The plan’s changed. And I’m not shaking. Or, if I am, it’s because I’m tired. We’ve been awake for a very long time. Now, the dragon?”

  “Well, he told me how romantic it would be for a kiss to break the spell on a prince. And if so, it meant true love. I’d nearly forgotten those old legends, but he reminded me. Did you ever read the one about Rozella and Tomasu? That had been one of my favorites as a child.”

  I clapped a hand over my face. “You still are a child. Carishina, I can’t believe you’d take advice from a talking dragon. Don’t you have any caution? It could have been a dark wizard, for all you knew.”

  “A dark wizard in the Alma Palace?” She laughed. “I don’t think so, Klint.”

  “It might be. That dragon is Desian.”

  Her giggling cut off and she stared at me with wide eyes. “Desian? How?”

  “I don’t know yet. But Prince Yarling orchestrated all of this, the whole situation. He gave himself a potion to make him sleep.”

  “Why?”

  I shook my head, exasperated. “Because he wanted that guardsman to kiss him.”

  “There has to be easier ways than this.”

  I looked at her with newfound respect. Finally, she showed she had some sense.

  “Either way,” I continued. “The prince was furious we lifted the curse before Antonio attempted a kiss. He’s given us the task of finding out how to make the guardsman fall in love with him. And I’m afraid he won’t let us leave until we succeed.”

  “Who is he to order us around? We are Almas, after all.”

  I didn’t feel like launching into the tale. I tried to conceal my tremors and speaking of the event would likely make my terror worse. Also, I couldn’t believe how easily he’d grasped a hold on my powers. I hadn’t even been able to resist or break free once he had a grip on me. Not something I wanted to admit.

  “Because the purpose of the Alams is to help mankind, no matter their level or status.”

  Carishina accepted my statement with a shrug. “Well, this should be easy. Let’s make a love potion.”

  “Such a route is completely unethical. I don’t care who he is, I’m not going to stoop so low. We’ll have to do it the old-fashioned way.”

  “Which is?”

  “Convince the guardsman Prince Yarling has charm.”

  “Does he?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “How is lying to a guardsman any less unethical than a love potion?”

  She did have a point. “Well, what are your other suggestions?”

  “We can teach the Prince how to be charming!”

  I nodded slowly. “We could show him the way he’s supposed to behave in order to woo another. Of course, he doesn’t seem to be receptive to things he doesn’t like.”

  “It’s worth a shot. Besides, I’m happy to be staying longer. I wanted to get out of the Alma Palace, and I’m not ready to go back yet!”

  “Carishina,” I said hesitantly. “Do you have any of your own experience with lovers or whatnot?” It seemed an awfully personal question, but this situation seemed to warrant such prying.

  “Maybe,” she offered vaguely.

  “It’s a yes or no question.”

  “Well, technically no. Klint, you must understand I haven’t been allowed to leave the Palace since I got there! Forty-six years of putting up with you old fogies….” She trailed off uncertainly. “What I mean is, there’s no one there I like. But now I’m free, I plan to act.”

  “I’m sure we can convince the king and queen to host a party with eligible bachelors or bachelorettes. They are ready to do anything we request.”

  She squealed in delight and spun around the room. “I’ll have to buy a new dress. Or seven.”

  “Carishina, please focus. If you don’t have experience with this, and I don’t have experience with this, we’re doomed.”

  She stared at me, tilting her head to the side. “You’ve got experience. What about what’s-his-name, Prince of Valikomen?”

  “Vulten of Farlerotna,” I supplied. “And I told you how the relationship ended. It doesn’t help.”

  “The ending doesn’t, but you lived with him happily for nearly sixty years. That’s amazing, Klint.”

  I shook my head. She didn’t understand. “We’ll have to enlist the aid of someone else.”

  “Oh, Desian! He’s so handsome!”

  “I don’t know if he can be trusted.”

  “The prince trusts him.”

  “Yes, but if he were capable of helping Yarling be charming, he would have done so by now.”

  “Roberta?”

  I shivered. “She’s still suspicious. I’ll have to question her about her deal with our dragon friend. They were conspiring about something. And it didn’t involve Guardsman Antonio.”

  “Then who, Klint?”

  I grinned, more a baring of teeth. “We’ll call in Franik, of course.”

  Chapter Nine

  FRANIK WAS NOT very enthusiastic when he arrived by lift the next morning. I’d sent an emergency message to the Alsa Alma requesting Franik’s assistance. It seemed my demands had been met.

  “This had better be good,” Franik said in greeting.

  “It’s so great to see you!” Carishina said, rushing forward to hug him. At least that softened him up a bit. “You won’t believe what’s been happening around here. Poisons and spells and true love.”

  Franik smirked at me when she said the last. He waved his arms in grandiose gestures. “So, you need me to be the love expert.”

  “Yes,” I admitted.

  His mouth dropped open in surprise. “Seriously?”

  “You’re exactly right. But it’s not safe to talk here. Please come with us inside.”

  We led him into the palace; the maids we happened to pass in the hallway did a double take at Franik’s handsome features. He was a good-looking man, with thick brown hair, hazel eyes that changed color in the light, a sprinkling of freckles along his nose, and a perfectly trimmed beard. His personality made him ugly, in my opinion. The man was too full of himself.

  When we got to my room, I threw up a barrier. Franik eyed my magic curiously but remained silent as I worked. With the wall firmly in place, I launched into the tale of everything that had occurred. His face turned absolutely blissful when I mentioned the kiss. He nodded in mock sympathy as I insisted it was all a coincidence. Like Carishina, he even doubted my reasons for helping.

  “Why didn’t you tell him to solve this himself?” Franik asked, sitting on the edge of my bed. “I know you’re not as kindhearted as you’re claiming to be.”

  I scowled at him. “Your younger generation is filled with nothing but cynics and idiots,” I retorted. “We have a moral obligation to assist someone in need. Besides, the prince said he would pay us well for completing this task.”


  “I don’t need the money,” Franik answered offhandedly.

  I ground my teeth. “I don’t care if you need the money or not. I am your senior, Alma Franik, and it is your duty to assist when I deem necessary. Do as I say, or report back to the Alsa Alma and tell him you refused your orders.”

  Franik shivered at the thought. I nearly did too. Having my magic an inch away from being bound had shaken me to my core.

  “I will help, but only so you know I’m better than you.”

  I laughed mirthlessly. “You want to be known as better in matters of love? I’m fine with that.”

  Franik nodded as if we’d come to some sort of compact. Whatever got the job done. “I’ll need to meet the prince immediately.”

  “Let’s head to his room now,” Carishina insisted.

  I cringed, not at all eager to see the devil again. The prince had instilled panic within me. Last night, my dreams had been filled with horrible images, terrifying sensations, violence, and dread. But with the other two with me, Yarling wouldn’t try anything. He’d never be able to bind all three of us at once.

  We wandered the halls, drawing the eyes of all we passed. I even spied Roberta at the end of one corridor. She turned around and went the opposite way when she saw us. I almost chased but decided my time better spent with the prince and Franik. Right then, Roberta could do little damage.

  The prince’s actual chambers were on the floor above ours. With him healed, he’d returned there last night. Carishina and I had to inform him we were calling in reinforcements. He hadn’t cared for the idea—the more who knew he was a wizard, and one incapable of capturing the eye of his love interest, the worse he looked. His eyes had flashed with fury and I’d shrunk back from him. Luckily, he’d given in to our suggestion, and we were able to go back to our rooms in one piece.

  I shuddered remembering the displeasure in his gaze. If we didn’t succeed….

  I knocked on the prince’s normal door. The entrance seemed lackluster compared to the royal chamber. How touching that the king and queen had given up their extra bit of protection—the eye of the Rynce wood—for their eldest son. Perhaps even this country’s unusual election system derived from the same desire; a ruler could want their child to not inherit the throne, perchance keeping them safe from assassination attempts.

  Desian opened the door. I glared at the dragon-man, and he grinned openly at me. “Almas,” he greeted, dipping his head.

  “Lord Desian,” I replied formally, barely lowering my chin at all.

  “We were expecting you,” he said, opening the door further. “Please come in.”

  Up close, the man was much more handsome than I’d remembered. Though his hair did appear wild—with curls poking up every which way—his face was round and open and pleasant. A gleam in his eyes hinted at a laid-back personality and someone who never took things seriously.

  Human or dragon? I still wondered. My question would have to be put off until a more opportune time. For now, my focus shifted to the prince.

  Here was real beauty. His hawkish nose gave him an arrogant cast, as if he peered down on lowly mortals below him. Those eyes, the palest brown I’d ever seen, had been smiling at Desian, but they narrowed when we entered the room. Dark skin, the color of melting sugar, peeked out of laced cuffs on his sleeves, and along the curves of his face. Even in his quarters, he was a masterpiece, dressed in the finest clothes and accessories.

  My eyes took in the rest of the room. The prince’s quarters were much as I expected from what I knew of his personality—which meant his pompousness—and his passions—which meant magic. There were normal furnishings, all with elegant spirals carved into the wood, silk curtains around the bed and windows, a wardrobe full of finery. Mixed in were magical artifacts: a cauldron in the fireplace, colorful bottles of potions placed on the mantelpiece, books and scrolls on shelves and on the table. It smelled of cinnamon and spice—a familiar scent as I had sniffed the fragrance on the prince’s body multiple times. I could see now that the delectable perfume came from incense burners placed throughout the room.

  “Your Highness,” I greeted, lowering my head politely. I heard Carishina and Franik echo my words.

  “Yes?” he snapped impatiently. “What is your plan, you bumbling fools?”

  Carishina squawked and Franik growled low in his throat. These two had no idea the power Yarling possessed. I nearly cowered.

  “We’ve brought Alma Franik,” I said, my voice wavering slightly. “He has a solution to your problems with Guardsman Antonio.”

  The prince turned flat eyes to Franik. The Alma glared right back. They’d likely stand there all day in a staring contest.

  “Alma Franik,” I prompted.

  Franik relented. “Your Highness, the mechanics of love are very simple. The only necessary component is admiration. All other feelings are secondary to this.”

  Admiration? I thought back to my relationship with Vulten. I had admired him greatly. He’d been kind, thoughtful, with a hint of deviousness. He’d always tried his hardest at any task set before him. He would have made an excellent ruler if he’d ascended to the throne. Of course, if that had happened, he would have been forced to take a wife—someone to give him an heir. Maybe a mortal lover could have kept his interest until the very end.

  “I have everyone’s admiration,” Yarling told Franik hotly.

  “Not mine,” Carishina added helpfully.

  From his place on Yarling’s bed, Desian roared with laughter. Carishina grinned at the young man-dragon, and he winked at her.

  Yarling, who had been standing beside the bedpost, stalked to his window—framed in sheer curtains, a delicate lilac. His back stood straight, but I noticed the underlying tension, the white on his knuckles as he gripped the wall. Carishina’s words had upset him. Carishina often said hurtful and insensitive things—it was her nature to blurt out whatever came into her head. But a prince should be able to handle such an offhanded comment without this much offense.

  Franik pushed on, either unaware of the prince’s hurt feelings or unconcerned. “If this Guardsman Antonio already admires you, then we’re halfway there, Your Highness.”

  The comment seemed to bolster the prince’s spirits a bit. He turned to face us. “Excellent, Alma. So, what do you suggest?”

  “Our first course of action is to increase his admiration for you. You need to impress him, Your Highness.”

  The prince nodded. Honestly, this approach didn’t make sense to me. But if it got the prince his suitor and got me out of here, I’d agree with Franik’s methods.

  Chapter Ten

  I RETREATED TO my room after Franik worked out the basic details with Prince Yarling. The plan was to have the prince walk by the guardsman surrounded by all the court’s ministers. A well-timed anecdote would cause the ministers to laugh, which, in theory, would pique Antonio’s interest in the prince. A couple days of this and Antonio should come around.

  Foolish, I thought as I made my way back to my own room. Love isn’t that simple. Even having the other’s affection doesn’t make love simple.

  Regardless, relief filled me with the task in someone else’s hands. In fact, the prince had seemed mostly civil with Franik. There had been very little browbeating done. Why had the prince bullied me but worked well with my fellows? Maybe the prince put on a show, waiting for me to drop my guard? That wouldn’t happen. I knew his tricks and wouldn’t trust him in the least. But how could I get the message across to the others without actually admitting how easily the prince had gripped my magic?

  On top of this whole fiasco, the bigger issue lingered of what had really woken the prince.

  At my door, I opened the magical barrier by placing my palm flat along the wood. As I entered, I fastened the spell back in place.

  I grabbed my thick stack of tomes off the table beside the bed. There had to be something in here about delayed results. If not, I’d have to search the royal library. They could have somethi
ng useful. Or maybe I’d have to have some sent from the Alma Palace.

  Sighing, I sank down on the bed and set the books beside me. I pulled one close, flipping open the cover. Though my eyes peered at the neatly scrawled words, I didn’t read any of it. Instead, I saw the prince, lying below me, face peaceful in sleep, dark skin glowing in the light of the morning sun. When my lips had touched his, something stirred inside me. Did I imagine the feeling deep within? Something spurred on by Carishina and her foolish talk? Or could it be….

  “Hey, Klint!”

  I squeaked as I turned toward the voice. Carishina stood beside my bed, her curls now sporting golden highlights. It made her look like one of Myl’s angels. An improvement from a gorgon to be sure.

  I stared at her in astonishment and a hint of irritation. “How did you get in here?”

  “Oh, Desian showed me how to lift a barrier.” She sat on the edge of my bed, her fingers reaching out to touch the corner of one of my books.

  I sat up and faced her. “What?”

  “Franik and Yarling were off to gather the ministers, so Desian said he’d walk me to my room. When I said I needed to talk with you first, he showed me how to get in. Isn’t that great? I always had a hard time with unraveling spells.”

  Unraveled? I reached out with my senses and found her statement correct. She’d picked apart my barrier. And I hadn’t even felt the magic fall.

  I shot to my feet, suddenly full of adrenaline and fear. I backed away from her by instinct. “Carishina! Why would you do such a thing? You know I would have let you in if you knocked!” My heart thumped uncomfortably fast.

  Unraveling a spell was possible but difficult. And even more challenging to do stealthily. How had Carishina managed? And for what purpose?

  She’d insisted on coming after a conversation with the dragon, my mind worked out frantically. Perhaps she’s part of this ring of dark wizards!