Once Enchanted

by Marie Higgins

  “Mr. Grey, I fear I don’t know why you are accusing me of such horrid things. Ask anyone around here. I am a good witch. I would never hurt anyone.”

  Irritation grew inside him, mainly because he was beginning to feel she was telling the truth. He wanted to keep pointing the accusing finger, and yet, the more he thought about it, the more things began making sense. If she were a bad witch, she would have put a stop to his accusations by now. She would have put some kind of spell on him to shut him up—or turned him into a frog. Instead, she defended herself.

  “I just don’t understand.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I know horrid things have been happening, and a witch has been involved.” He cocked an eyebrow and said sarcastically, “Unless there are two of you running around our town that nobody knows about.”

  The color in her face disappeared and her mouth hung open. Fear was the emotion on her expression now. It couldn’t be. Had he guessed correctly? Were there two witches?

  “What?” he asked quickly. “Am I right?”

  Slowly, she nodded. “I have a twin sister. When we were younger, she was the witch who always created spells to harm people.”

  He cursed under his breath. “Where is she now?”

  “I haven’t seen her for years. The last I saw her, she resided in the east forest. There’s a small cottage nearby the tower.”

  Shock coursed through him, and this time he allowed his curse to be heard. “East forest...near a tower? Are you certain?” Unless there was more than one tower, this was where Clarissa had kept him prisoner...the same place they’d found the queen. And, the cottage Clarissa had found when trying to fetch him water must be where the witch’s twin had been residing.

  “Yes.”

  Another question popped into his head, but it was one only Clarissa could answer. How had she known about the tower?

  “She hated people,” Cordelia continued. “Because her heart had been broken so many times, she kept herself hidden from the kingdom. She hadn’t used magic for years, mainly because every time she had, she made bad things happen to people, but fate always came back around and slapped her.” She tapped a finger on her pointy chin. “If I remember correctly, the last time my sister did something truly evil, it almost cost her life. Apparently, she’d kidnapped a little girl, and the girl’s father nearly killed her.”

  Something about this story picked at his conscience. Why did this sound familiar?

  Frowning, Cordelia shook her head. “My sister was a sore loser. Clarissa was never happy, poor thing.”

  He sucked in a breath. Clarissa? “That’s your sister’s name?”

  “Yes...why?”

  Suddenly, the tale the princess had told the children at the hospital returned to his memory. The king picking a Rapunzel flower for the woman he loved. The promise he’d made to the witch to name the child after the witch. And...the tower. However, in the princess’s tale, the witch had died. Apparently, she had not. Did the king know this?

  Ryder blew out a pent up breath. “Well, if my feelings are correct, your sister is up to her old tricks again. I think she is the one poisoning the king’s guards, and I think she is the one who kidnapped the queen.”

  Cordelia gasped. “The queen has been kidnapped?”

  “Was kidnapped. She was being held at the tower in the east forest.”

  “Ohhh...” Cordelia grumbled. “I swear that sister of mine was beaten too many times with the stupid stick when we were children. Why would she do something like this? I cannot believe she hasn’t learned her lesson yet. When we were children, Mother would always warn her that if she didn’t stop her wickedness, Clarissa would never be able to look at herself in the mirror without seeing all the bad things she’d done in her life and feeling guilty about them. Mother told her once that guilt destroys a person.”

  He scratched his neck. Little good did her mother’s warnings do... “By chance, do you think she could put a spell over herself to become another person—like the queen?”

  “Yes, she has that ability, why?”

  “Because nobody knew the queen was missing, so I’m thinking the witch is disguised as the queen.”

  Cordelia stomped her foot. “I wouldn’t put it past her.”

  He sighed heavily and frowned. “If only there was a way to stop her.”

  If this evil witch could turn herself into someone else, what would she be able to do to Ryder when he tried to stop her? He didn’t want to even think about such dire consequences. But there had to be a way.

  He didn’t like feeling so helpless. He especially didn’t want to let Clarissa down in any way.

  SEVENTEEN

  Clarissa stood by the window, looking out toward the sky. The clouds were disappearing, and the late afternoon sun was beginning to show itself today. She’d stayed by her mother’s side, only stepping out of the room when her mother fell asleep. But Clarissa was always nearby. Her mother slept fitfully, and would wake up crying out, which was to be expected considering the circumstance.

  She peeked at her mother. Just as she had expected, her mother’s face was tense and her head turned on the pillow fitfully. Mrs. Grey mentioned making a soothing drink that could help the queen have a peaceful sleep, but the other woman was still in the kitchen creating the concoction. Clarissa didn’t want to hurry her, but she hated to see her mother so miserable.

  Glancing back out the window, she frowned. She was also worried about Ryder. Could he defeat the witch and make everything right again? Deep down inside her, she knew he needed her help. He couldn’t do this alone. She didn’t want him to do it alone. She wanted to work with him as a team...just like they used to do in school. Whatever they accomplished—either good or not—they had done it together.

  Today was no different. She desperately wanted to be with him. Yet, her mother needed her just as much.

  The sudden gasp from her mother jerked Clarissa around. Her mother’s eyes were wide, her face pale as she gazed around the room as if trying to gain her bearings. Clarissa hurried to her mother’s side and took hold of her hand.

  “I’m here.” She smiled the best she could under the duress of the situation.

  The queen took slower breaths and relaxed. She struggled to sit up, so Clarissa helped her.

  “Have you heard from Ryder yet?” her mother asked.

  “No. It’s only been a couple of hours.”

  The queen frowned. “Then I hadn’t been asleep for very long.”

  “No.”

  Tears formed in the queen’s eyes. “I can’t stop thinking about it. I don’t want to remember what happened to me, but I can’t help it.”

  Clarissa patted her mother’s hand. “I understand.”

  “The witch’s words still ring in my ears.”

  Confusion filled Clarissa. Her mother hadn’t spoken of this before. “What words?”

  “After I had awakened in the tower, the witch kept repeating, soon, everything will be all mine.”

  Panic choked the breath out of Clarissa, making it difficult to breathe. “What do you think she meant by that?”

  The queen wiped away a tear sliding down her face. “I think your father is finally getting paid back for picking a Rapunzel flower to prove his love to me all those years ago.”

  “What?” Clarissa jerked back. Suddenly, the story she loved telling at the hospital resurfaced in her mind. “What does your kidnapping have to do with father picking the flower?”

  “The witch is the one who forced your father into making that deal with her.”

  “But...I thought she was dead.”

  “So did we.” Her mother wiped another tear off her cheek.

  “Are you certain it’s the same witch?”

  The queen nodded. “She was happy to tell me her name was Clarissa, and that she should have been your mother.”

  Clarissa gasped and jumped to her feet. “The devil, you say! There is no way that woman could be my mother—or anyone’s mother. She’s evil.”


  “Indeed, she is. She’s greedy, and I believe she fell in love with your father during that time, too. He was a handsome man back then, and still is for that matter. The witch was lonely and I think it really bothered her to see your father so happy. That’s why she kidnapped you. And when your father rescued her and tried to kill her, I think she stewed about it for years until it came down to this.”

  “Father thought he’d killed her, so...she’s not dead and has been plotting all of these years?”

  “Yes, I assume that’s what happened.” Her mother frowned. “My dear daughter, I worry what she’ll do to you if we don’t stop her somehow. She kidnapped you once and took you to that tower. Who knows what she’ll do next.”

  Clarissa’s heart sank. Suddenly, her mind opened up and memories flooded through. She couldn’t recall the actual moment the woman had kidnapped her; however, she remembered being in that small cottage for a time. That doll was indeed hers! How long she’d been there, Clarissa didn’t know. Then she was taken to the tower—the same tower where she had taken Ryder.

  Groaning, she rested her face in the palm of her hands. No wonder she had felt something evil lurking around that tower when she had gotten water for Ryder. Her father had known evil was there as well.

  How could she not have remembered something so vital? Unless the spell she had been under—because of Prince Ormond’s Rapunzel flowers—had prevented her from remembering.

  Scenes flashed in her mind. She’d been so frightened of that witch. Clarissa hadn’t been chained to the wall; however, she was held on the top floor of the tower with only a window to look out of. Whenever she had wandered to the window, peering over the edge had made her sick. Her fear of falling had started at that moment.

  She also recalled other things about the tower. There had been a table and two chairs. A small bed—just big enough for a small child—stood against the wall where Clarissa had chained Ryder. Pictures hung on the walls, but not many.

  And two mirrors... Two broken mirrors, actually. They had been shattered, and the pieces were too small for her to see her reflection. She never had asked the witch about it, mainly because talking to that old hag had frightened her to death.

  She snapped her attention back to her mother. “That woman must die. She’s too dangerous to remain alive.” She glanced toward the bedroom door. “Ryder needs to know what you told me. He’s in danger. I need to warn him.”

  “Clarissa?”

  Her mother’s voice brought Clarissa’s attention to her. “Yes?”

  “Why are you so concerned with Ryder? What has happened between you two?”

  Heat warmed Clarissa’s cheeks. She couldn’t stop the smile from tugging on her lips. “I’m in love with him.”

  “What?” Her mother gasped and sat up straighter in bed. “You love him? When did this happen?”

  Chuckling, Clarissa shrugged. “I think I’ve loved him for years, but I didn’t realize until lately just how much I loved him. We have grown close since I returned from visiting with Fiona.”

  “Does he return your love?”

  “Yes, although I nearly lost it.” Clarissa shook her head. “I don’t ever want to go through that turmoil again.”

  The queen smiled. “Does your father know?”

  “Not yet. I only just discovered this. Ryder plans on talking to Father and ask for my hand in marriage, but...” she lost her smile, “not until we can figure out a way to stop the witch.”

  “Not to worry, my lovely daughter. We shall find a way.”

  There was something at the tip of Clarissa’s memory that just wasn’t coming forward. Deep down inside, she knew this might be the answer to their troubles. A small pain throbbed in her skull, and she rubbed her forehead. It had something to do with her time as the witch’s prisoner inside the tower. Oh, why can’t I remember?

  Ryder was in danger, and she needed to help him. The feeling of urgency overwhelmed her. She prayed her mother would understand, but Clarissa must leave and help Ryder immediately...or risk losing him forever.

  RYDER RODE HIS HORSE hard all the way to the palace. The guards on duty ran to him as he dismounted—his friend, Adam, in the lead.

  “Where have you been, Grey?” Adam asked breathlessly.

  Ryder shook his head. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you later, but right now, I need to see the king. Is he in?”

  “Yes. He’s been worried sick about the princess. She is also missing. We thought the two of you might be together since she went riding with you yesterday morning.”

  Ryder arched an eyebrow and tried not to grin. She had told the guards they were riding together. Very clever of her to keep the guards from questioning his disappearance. “The princess is not missing. She is actually visiting my mother right now. I left them only a few hours ago.”

  The four guards all heaved a sigh of relief. “That’s good to know,” Adam said. “The king had us four stay guard here and he sent the others out searching for her.”

  “Well, I’m sure if they stop by my mother’s house, they will find her.” He clapped his hand on Adam’s shoulder. “But there are other things afoot here, which I need to discuss with the king. While I’m doing that, I need you to make sure the queen doesn’t leave the palace.”

  Adam stepped back and gave Ryder a curious stare. “Why?”

  “Trust me on this,” he told Adam and glanced at the other three guards. “The queen cannot leave the palace.”

  They nodded, which eased Ryder’s nerves slightly. He turned and hurried up the stairs and inside the palace. The first room he went to was the king’s favorite—his study. He knocked on the closed door and waited for a response.

  “Enter,” the king boomed.

  Ryder opened the thick door and walked inside. The king stood by the hearth, staring down into the roaring fire. A frown consumed his face, and his whole body seemed tense, as though weighed down by some unseen force. Thankfully, the imposter witch wasn’t with him. Ryder could tell him Clarissa was safe, and thus ease the king’s burden, even if only marginally.

  “I hope I’m not intruding, Your Majesty, but I need to talk to you.”

  The king lifted his gaze to Ryder. The other man’s eyes widened, and he strode toward him.

  “You’re back!” he exclaimed. “I was told you were missing.”

  Ryder closed the door to keep their conversation private. “I was missing, but I’ve returned. However, I’ll tell you what happened later. Right now, let me assure you Princess Clarissa is safe.”

  The older man hitched a breath. “You know her whereabouts?”

  “Yes. She was with me this morning, and she is at my mother’s house as we speak. I bade the princess to stay there so I could talk to you.”

  A wary expression creased the king’s face. “What is so important that Clarissa has to stay away?”

  Taking a deep breath, Ryder tried to find the words to explain the situation to the king. So many stories weaved together; he just hoped he made sense of it when telling the king about it.

  “Well, you see,” he began, “while riding through the east forest, the princess and I—”

  “You rode through the east forest?” the king bellowed.

  Inwardly, Ryder cringed. Of course the king was going to remember why that particular forest was a touchy subject. “Your Highness, please listen to what I have to say. It will explain everything.”

  The king’s scowl worried Ryder, but he had to believe the king’s temper would ease once he knew what was going on... Well, until he found out the witch had been impersonating his wife for at least two weeks.

  “Very well, but make it quick. I have a short fuse today.” He folded his arms across his wide chest.

  “I will, Your Majesty.” He swallowed hard. “As I was saying, when your daughter and I went riding, we came across this tower—”

  The king’s eyes widened and he opened his mouth to speak, but Ryder quickly held up his hand to stop him. “Yes, I know abo
ut the tower’s history, but please let me explain before you say another word.”

  Anger lines appeared on the king’s forehead and around his mouth. He didn’t speak, but nodded instead.

  “When we came upon this tower, we heard a faint voice crying for help. When we finally discovered where the voice came from, we realized this person was being held prisoner in a dark and dingy room. This person had been in there for nigh on two weeks.” He licked his lips, readying to continue. “Your Highness, this person was...your wife,” Ryder ended quietly.

  Most of the anger left the king’s expression and was replaced with confusion. “My wife, you say?”

  “Yes.”

  “How can that be when she has been in the palace all day?” He cocked his head and scratched his chin. “I’m assuming this happened today?”

  “Indeed, it happened today.”

  “Then you must be mistaken.”

  Ryder shook his head. “The princess knows her mother, and this woman was indeed, the queen.”

  “But how can one person be in two places at once?”

  “Well, you see,” Ryder cleared his throat, “after talking to the woman we found in the dank room, we realized the woman who has been at the castle for almost two weeks, is an imposter.”

  “Imposter?” The king’s voice boomed in anger, once more.

  Ryder motioned with his hands, trying to hint that the king keep his voice down. “Yes, an imposter,” he answered in a quiet voice. “And I know who she is.”

  “You know this imposter?”

  Ryder nodded. “She is the witch who caught you picking her Rapunzel flower...and the same one who kidnapped your daughter.”

  The king stumbled backward as if he had lost his balance. Ryder quickly grabbed his arm to steady him. Carefully, he helped the king into the closest chair. Color had disappeared from the older man’s face, and Ryder’s heart went out to him. Such shocking news, indeed.

  “I...don’t believe it,” the king muttered. “I killed that witch.”