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  I continued to stare at her, trying to fathom the depths of her dark nature. But out of all the things she'd said, only one thought kept floating to the surface. She compared us, but I didn't know why. I was a good person, torn from my family stolen from the people who loved me and taken to this retched place. A's she pinned another lock of hair, I felt bold and angry. It came out in my question. I no longer cared if her hand flew.

  Why do you keep saying us? I am not like you. I moved across the room and stood at her back. I have no power. I'm no witch.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  My pulse raced in my ears as I waited for a reply that didn't come. Instead the sorceress continued to weave her hair, and threaded precious jewels into it. The jewels appeared in her hand, forming from colored mist until they took a solid shape.

  Then she plucked the gem from the mist and threaded rubies, pearls, and sapphires into her golden mane.

  Courage and insanity collided within me. I didn't want to be like her! I couldn't be. She spoke lies. Hear me, old woman! I am my father's daughter! A mortal. He did not kill children and rip their beating hearts from their tiny bodies. He was a good man and would still be alive today if you didn't slash your blade through his gut! I screamed the words. I'd held them inside of me for so long, never daring to speak them. But no more. The witch slowly turned. Her gray eyes sparkled as she looked up at me, amused. I snapped, We are not the same.

  Deny it all you like, child. But we are alike for one reason and one reason only. She tilted her head, pausing before she spoke. Do you really have no idea? After all this time, do you not see it?

  There is nothing to see. I bit off the words, hating her.

  It's only more lies more carefully crafted lies to make me submit to you. I'd had more to say, but she didn't allow me to finish.Before another word fell from my lips, the witch grabbed me by my throat and pressed my face into the glass. The mirror cracked as she screamed, LOOK! Tell me what you see? I am now as I looked when I bore you. Notice the eyes your father's dark eyes but the rest is mine. Your figure. Your hair. Even the delicate shape of your face. See it, Ella. I am your mother.

  She released me. Horrified, I stared into the shattered glass seeing dozens of tiny reflections. I was standing closest to the mirror, with the witch behind me. The tension that lined my body made me utterly rigid. She was right. We were the same.

  My face was a copy of hers. I could see it much more clearly now that she had restored her youth. Everything from the shape of our bodies to the way we stood was identical.

  Through narrow hate-filled eyes I stared at her in the broken glass. That night you came back. That night you slayed my father what were you fighting about? I heard you. He kept telling you no, but you wouldn't listen...

  She laughed, You! We were fighting about you, stupid girl! She huffed and turned away from me. Crossing the room she pulled an object from the wooden cabinet. It was an emerald green snake. She hung the beast across her shoulders. It hissed in her ear, ready to strike, when she reached out and snapped its neck. The bone cracked in her hand, and she didn't even pause.

  A spell fell from her lips and transformed the dead beast into a gleaming green gown made from the finest silks.

  She continued to speak while she crafted her gown. I know that they won't accept you, because you and I are the same. We are dark creatures with dark hearts. We thirst for power the way mortals thirst for water. Our lust for conquest is insatiable.

  Uncontrollable. And yet... her voice softened as she gazed at the floor. Her eyes seemed unfocused as she remembered, I had hoped that I'd found one that could accept me. He was a kind man, seeing all of me and not just the darkness. He'd said it was worth the risk to be with me. And so he did. He took me as his wife, though his family shunned him. They didn't even know what I was. They just assumed I was a peasant after his gold. So they expected me to leave when they retracted his fortune. But I did not. Besides, your father was a self-made man, and we didn't need their money to survive. And that was all we managed, but it was enough.

  And I was happy. I was happy, Ella... Her eyes were glassy when she looked up, but the expression on her face was deathly cold. Until we had you. That was when the fighting began. You were a witch, a sorceress daughter and you needed to be groomed properly. It's a trait as obvious as the color of your hair, but your father didn't see it.

  Eventually, he sent me away. I wasn't allowed near you.

  He feared for you when he discovered the source of my power the contents of the stone box. She laughed, The fool. As if I would kill my own daughter. But he didn't understand. He didn't accept me as he promised. And I knew, once you were able to walk on your own, that you wouldn't fit into his world.

  They would destroy you when they found out what you were. A witch cannot be hidden. It would be like trying to hide the sky.

  Being able to channel power as we do is an inherited ability. But it must be controlled, taught. Or you would have died. And they would have traced you back to me. Your ignorance would have risked both our lives. I could not tolerate it.

  That is why you were locked here. That is why I destroyed him that night. He turned on me, Ella he turned on us. There is no place for our kind in this world. Never forget it.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Though our coach was built for comfort, I could not relax.

  Anger coursed through me tightening every muscle in my body.

  The witch was my mother. I was like her. I was her daughter.

  I would have given anything to be anywhere else at that moment. Instead, I was sitting in an elaborate gown crafted by the witch. She'd plucked three swans from the sky and made them into my dress. The skirt billowed and moved lightly. It looked as if I was flying when I walked. The silvery gleam of the creatures white feathers made my gown shimmer. The neckline swooped low, showing my ample curves. The witch had crafted a necklace of white gold and pearls that hugged my neck in front, and draped across my bare shoulders in back. The corset of the gown sat so low that it exposed more skin than I was used to. As was the style, white gloves adorned my hands and stretched up my arms. Instead of fabric draping off my shoulders, the witch used more silver and pearls, adding rows of soft, glistening gems. My hair that was so like hers in its golden color and thickness, she pinned up more elaborately than I'd ever worn. Braids, twists, and tucks made the most beautiful style I'd ever seen. It showcased the skin on my long slender neck, skin that hid the witch's blood that flowed through my veins beneath.

  The witch snapped, Sit up straight. I complied and glared at her. Ella, this is your destiny as well as mine. If you make a mistake tonight we both die. I do not have enough power to overtake them. If they discover you, you are on your own until I can come for you.

  If there's enough time, I added, staring at her.

  Her voice was low and menacing as she leaned toward me in her fine green gown, What do you mean by that?

  I glanced callously at her face. Blood is power, but you have no more. Royal blood fuels your dark magic. You wanted me to win his heart tonight, but that's not enough, is it? My voice had grown louder.

  If there had been a real coachman, she would have scolded me. But there was a corpse driving the carriage, animated by the witch's magic. His fine clothes and the thick night shadows hid his rotting flesh, and the spell disguised the stench.

  The witch smoothed her skirts. Of course it's not enough.

  And the blood is necessary for both of us to survive. What do you think sustained you all these years? You have ingested blood from the heart as well. Witches need it to survive. And young witches that come of age are especially hungry. A witch in her seventeenth year could slaughter a small village and still not feel sated. That is why I am here tonight. That is why I will help you. She spoke sternly, scolding me. However, the only thing I heard was blood. She'd fed me blood from that heart, and I'd unknowingly swallowed it. I nearly wretched, but the woman said a spell, sealing my lips, and stilled my stomach.

  Rea
lly, Ella. You do not grieve when I feed you the flesh of animals, but the blood of one boy sickens you. You're too soft. Too much like your Father. Thankfully witches are born, not bred. You will develop a taste for it over time. Tonight you won't have to do that part. I will kill the prince. That is why I came with you this year. When the prince chooses his princess, he will take her to the royal gardens first, at the eleventh hour and no later. During that time, I will do what must be done.

  If everyone saw me walk to the garden with the prince and he died, they would think I did it. They would know what I was when they saw his heart carved out of his chest, just like his brother s. The carriage rattled as I stared at the witch. My mother.

  She glanced at me, arching a perfect brow, speaking as if she could read my mind. You need not fear for your own safety, Ella. I have taken care of that, too. They will not discover you. You must trust me child, as I trust you. You could expose me before we even step through the door. People remember your father. They remember his death, and that no one was brought to justice. You could reveal his murderer.

  I would not be so foolish, I replied and turned my head to look out the window. Trees towered above us, flying past as the coach sped toward the castle at an inhuman pace. The white horses that pulled us seemed to fly. It was almost as if their magical bodies were trying to ascend into the heavens, for they were made of nothing more than bones of mice and the rotting flesh of a mare. They were made from creatures that had been wakened from their eternal slumber by my mother's dark spells.

  A smile twisted across the witch's ruby lips. Good. A cry for help will only destroy you. No one will help the daughter of a sorceress, no matter what you say. You'll thank me for this one day, Ella.

  I doubt it, I said plainly. But the witches hand did not fly across my face. Her staff did not connect with my skull. We were too close to the palace for her to risk ruining my appearance.

  Do not be so bold, girl, she growled. Not unless you can take what I plan for you later...

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The witch and I stood atop the grand staircase waiting to be announced. My throat tightened when I saw him look up. The prince was beautiful. He stood a head taller than me in the crystal slippers that the witch forced me to wear year after year.

  They made dancing awkward, because every time I stepped, the heavy shoes clacked against the floor. I half expected them to shatter under my weight, despite the witches reassurances that the glass slippers were stronger than any metal.

  A smile spread across the prince's face as he turned from a dark-haired girl across the dance floor. My heart fluttered, as I looked away shyly. He was the only boy I'd ever spoken to. But, now he was a man. And in a room filled with beautiful women, his green eyes were still on me. The witch took my arm, snapping me out of my trance.

  She whispered in my ear, The magic is working. He only sees you. But I didn't want that to be the reason he looked at me. The old witch didn't know what happened at these parties in the past. She didn't know that the prince favored me already.

  That he spent hours talking to me, and at the last ball, he'd shunned everyone else to enjoy my company for the evening.

  But then the eleventh hour tolled.

  And I ran.

  My mother and I stepped forward and the man in the gray wig announced us to the court. The king and queen nodded once, and we stepped forward into the grand room. Candlelight filled the space, casting a soft glow on the white marble walls. A massive golden chandelier hung high overhead.

  The witch gazed up at it, breathing, In the garden, then.

  She squeezed my arm hard and then disappeared into the sea of people.

  For a split second, I thought about fleeing. I'd tried it once before, but she caught me before I had a chance. And then punished me severely. She'd said that I needed her. She kept saying that over and over again with every brand of the hot iron on my skin, trying to burn it into my memory. I shuddered at the recollection. I didn't think I needed her then at all. But now I wasn't so sure. Would these people truly destroy me if they knew what I was? Or would they accept me as I was?

  Swallowing hard, I pressed back the thoughts and tried to figure out what to do. I had to be free of the witch, but I didn't want to sacrifice the prince. He was my only friend. As if he knew I was thinking of him, Prince Phillip touched my arm gently with his hand. I smiled and turned slowly toward him.

  His voice was deeper than last I heard it. His shoulders were broader, too. May I have this dance? He bowed his head and held out his hand. I smiled softly and placed my palm in his.

  Eyes were on the pair of us as we walked toward the dance floor. I heard whispers as passersby wondered who I was. It was as if they'd never seen me when I was a child. But, I'd been here. I'd danced with their prince. When we were ten, we both ran out of the ball and got covered in mud chasing frogs in the garden. I was the same girl, even if they didn't notice me then.

  Prince Phillip smiled down at me, Ella. It's been too long...

  I smiled faintly, both loving and dreading this moment. I didn't care that he was the prince. At that moment, I wished he was just a poor sailor. Then we could escape and my mother wouldn't pursue him. But she cared too much to let her precious royal blood run off with her daughter. And she was watching me. I could feel her eyes on my back, which made my skin prickle.

  I answered, Yes, my Prince. It certainly has.

  He grinned as we swept around the dance floor. His hand felt warm in mine. His arms were firm, leading the pair of us around the room with ease. I doubted to see you again after that exit last year. You ran out so quickly. Did I say something that upset you? Did I offend you, Ella?

  Looking into his beautiful face, I said, No. Nothing like that at all. Please believe me when I tell you that I would have stayed, if I could. His grip on my waist tightened as he spun me closer to him. I gasped at the lack of decorum. Our bodies were pressed tightly together, and we stopped. He stared down at me, taking a loose curl between his fingers.

  Will you stay tonight? Will you dance with me, Ella, and stay in my arms until the dawn? His eyes studied my hot face, blushing at the open confession of his intentions.

  The corner of my pink lips pulled into a smile, If that is what you wish. I didn't know how to defy the witch, but the thought of staying in his arms all night drowned out my reasoning.

  I do, he replied and began to move us around the room again. Everyone was watching, but the prince moved as if we were alone. His hand felt perfect in mine, strong and confident.

  It pained me to lie to him. I have very few friends who speak to me plainly, as you do you. If there is something that gives you pause, please enlighten me. We turned with a flourish and the skirt of my gown billowed around my ankles showing off my crystal slippers. I kept step with him, with a clink, clink, clink, as the crystal struck the floor.

  There is nothing, my prince. I fibbed. I felt the bitter taste of the lie thickly coat my tongue, nearly choking me. How could I save us? The memory of his brother's heart in the stone box filled my mind. My pulse pounded, echoing loudly in my head.

  I didn't realize that the prince was waiting for me to answer until he dipped his head and whispered into my ear, Are you worried that I won't choose you? If that is the case, I could stop the ball now, and announce my intentions toward you. Ella? Is that what concerns you?

  Hmmm? I asked looking up at him. A wrinkle formed between his eyes as he pulled me tighter.

  The prince's dark hair fell into his eyes. His warm breath rushed across my skin as he spoke in a whispered hush. You make me crazy. I see you only once a year, and every year you grow more beautiful. More wonderful. And this year, the year I can finally announce to the world that you are the woman who has my heart, you aren't all here. Something's troubling you. I can see it. Please, let me help you, Ella. What is it? He held his arm up and I passed underneath with his hand on my back, still following the moves of the dance. The music continued. Other dancers passed us by, cat
ching pieces of the conversation.

  It was a conversation that I'd never expected to have. In my wildest dreams, I never expected him to choose me. Yes, he favored me, but I was always the girl who did things she wasn't supposed to. I ran through these halls, got him covered in mud, stole him from the parties, and got him into too much trouble over the years. Our governesses had many sharp words, usually to the effect of me ruining their perfect prince.

  But tonight. I could see the worry on his face, but it was all I could manage to push him away. If he did not enter the garden with me, then witch could not slay him. That thought shaped my next words.

  Though I am honored that you've chosen me, my Prince, I cannot marry you. I'm sorry. When I said the words, it felt like the world stopped. Prince Phillip was rendered motionless. He was about to turn me, but instead, his arms dropped to his sides.