The Wishing Well

  Evver promised she would have a friend go to them and bring them to a safe home. Only after much reassurance, she calmed. In a way, it was easier to be alone today. Every time I looked at her tortured gaze, an immeasurable pain coursed through me.

  My voice was lost whenever my eyes met hers.

  I felt like I had failed her. Part of me wished that I could have been there to save her. I hated knowing another fairy would never flutter her wings again. My heart ached for her children, would they ever see their mother again? Would I?

  Lote was busy checking on everyone's work this morning. Lotetra, or Lote, as everyone called her, was like the castle mom. She was always around. Lote always had a shoulder to cry on or an open ear for anyone and everyone.

  I wasn’t as enamored with her as the rest of them.

  She was the oldest fairy I had met so far. Lote’s hair was salt and pepper and cropped short around her ears and neck. Heavy bangs stopped short from covering her dark grey eyes. She wore the same dress as the rest of us, except it was navy instead of black. There was just something about her that rubbed me wrong. I could never place it, but there was something behind that permanent smile that never rang true to my heart. I could never pinpoint it. Never did I share my feelings about her with anyone, not even Evver. Possibly, it was just more confused feelings about my new life.

  I could hear humming coming down the hallway.

  Lote was rushing her ever present smile, ready to welcome the next person she saw. Her wings seemed different from the others. They moved more than any others I had seen. Maybe it was because they were older, more broken in? Unlike the others, her wings looked ready to take off at any moment.

  “Busy, busy,” she quipped.

  Forcing a smile to match her, I replied, “Yes, Lote.”

  With that, she hurried past me. Relief flooded me when I could no longer hear her tiny footsteps. Why was it, when she was near I could feel a vice tighten around my anxious heart? Turning back to the bubbly suds, I was grateful for the muddy floors to keep my thoughts busy.

  *

  Drayben stood silently in the South wing.

  He was Tommit’s right hand. Tall and thin, his body resembled a beanstalk. Dark beady eyes made his prominent nose stand out. Long oversized teeth pushed out his upper lip. The way he constantly played with his hands made him resemble a weasel. The only thing missing was whiskers jutting out of his face.

  Drayben wore an oversized white puffy ruffled shirt. It looked like it was made for a man two or three sizes larger than him. A sparkly red vest helped pull it toward his body. Gold pants, which could light the night sky, finished it off. He looked like he would have fit in at a Las Vegas show. Right now, he was in his “workshop.” It was more like a house of horrors.

  He loved to tinker here during his free time. He could have been using this time to build things for the good of the kingdom, but instead he was busy making devices or coming up with plans to destroy Tommit’s enemies. Right now, Drayben was looking for ways to secure his power and Tommit to keep in his throne.

  The Destroyers were already working on one plan, but there had to be another way in case things didn’t work out. Perhaps the old trick of the king having an heir. If Tommit had a wife whom the kingdom loved and she had a child…well, the thought was delicious. Drayben was practically salivating at the thought.

  Tommit’s bride would have to be beautiful.

  Someone the people wanted to love and take care of. She had to be young and willing. If that meant threatening her life, then Drayben would enjoy it even more. Right now he was waiting for a report. He had eyes and ears all over the castle and kingdom. One of his moles was on their way. Drayben relied on his “friends” for information. He had his hands everywhere. It was his idea to kill all of the older Giants. Drayben thought up to the age of ten wasn’t a threat. Anyone over that age was swiftly dealt with.

  He enjoyed his role, helping Tommit crush the wills of those around him. A humming could be heard from down the hall. It was followed by the familiar flutter of Fairy wings. She was getting closer. Drayben rubbed his hands together in anticipation. Around the doorway popped Lote. Her normal smile had deviousness to it, which she normally kept hidden from the rest of the world.

  Her wings fluttered to a stop, “Feels good to stretch these old girls.” Lote made a big flutter with her wings. “How’s your day, Dray?”

  He hated it when she shortened his name, but he tolerated her quirks because the castle staff trusted her. She was able to glean information where no one else could.

  “Well, and you?” feigning interest in her day.

  “Oh busy, busy. There is always something new going on and new arrivals to usher in.”

  “Very nice. Now, have you heard anything of interest as of late?”

  “No. Thankfully, everyone is under control. They all are eager to serve. It’s wonderful.”

  Drayben sighed with a sense of relief. It made things easier when he didn’t have to worry about things at the castle.

  “Good. Good. Now I have a new task for you. We need to find a suitable bride for King Tommit. I want the kingdom searched high and low. She must be beautiful from the outside and within. I want someone for whom the kingdom would be willing to die for; willing to fight for– but we need leverage against her, as well. We need someone who can be easily controlled.”

  Lote’s eyes were bright with excitement. She loved having a new task. It caused her great glee to be able to work in secret with Drayben. She wasn’t one that cared how Tommit ruled, only that she was able to live comfortably.

  “You know I will do anything you need. Don’t you know that by now, Dray?”

  Revulsion seeped through him. Yet he smiled in appreciation.

  “Go now. We must make haste. You shouldn’t waste your precious time talking to me. Off you go then.”

  Bowing slightly, her wings started fluttering and off she went.

  *

  Lote reveled in her position. She had the run of the castle, which was more freedom than anyone else. Lote hated how she couldn’t fly in the open. When Fairies were enslaved at the castle, their wings were immediately clipped. On each wing, there was an Arek muscle. It controlled the movement of each wing. It was excruciating when clipped, and stopped them from flying forever. She had to pretend hers were gone, as well. It was an irritation, but worth the ruse.

  Being older, and acting like she cared for each lost soul, she was privy to their thoughts and feelings. It was perfect. Any time she brought news she was well rewarded. Lote was busy dreaming of the possibilities that finding Tommit’s bride would bring. She was drooling at the thought of making all her dreams come true. Lote was so consumed with her thoughts, she almost flew toward Aurora. It was only the sound of her singing that stopped her short.

  *

  To pass the time, since I was alone, I had started singing to myself.

  It was something I had done a million times before I became trapped in Paradan. To keep myself focused I, sang childhood lullaby’s. They always soothed me before. I was so caught up in my thoughts and the song, that I was startled by Lote coming swiftly around the corner.

  “LOTE!” escaped my lips. She looked frazzled for the first time since I had met her. Her face looked like it was trying to remember just how to smile.

  “Aurora, how are things going?” Her normal calm demeanor seemed shaken. She looked agitated, almost guilty. It was incredibly strange—it was like she didn’t remember seeing me earlier. She talked to me like it was the first time she had seen me in a while.

  “Fine. How’s your day?”

  “Fine. Fine. Just very busy, as you know. I will see you later.” I smiled warmly in response, waiting for her to make her retreat. She just stood there staring at me.

  She was looking me over, and it sent chills up my lower spine. I could feel the ice crystals starting to form around the crevices of my spinal cord. The way she continued to look at me, with that glazed over smile,
gave me the willies. Growing up, my Grandma used to say how someone was walking over her grave. I always thought she had a flair for the melodramatic. Now I finally understood what she meant, this was the way that Lote’s stare was making me feel.

  Feeling my heart tighten and my breathing stop, I forced my eyes from her.

  I tried to focus on the muddy floors. My neck muscles were threatening to seize up. Terror had taken hold of me and I was clueless as to why. Lote’s humming began, and I heard her footsteps moving down the hall. The fear remained and I gasped for air. My lungs screamed at me, pleading for air. I appeased them and my eyes began filling with tears. The way she had looked at me reminded me of the way the Huntsman had looked at Snow White before taking her into the forest. I quickened my pace. Finishing the floor in record time, my breathing remained strained. My chest still felt like someone was standing on it. I needed to see Evver. My heart longed to see Cassius. They grounded me in this unimaginable dream. They were my lifelines. Fear still bubbled in my blood.

  I headed to my newest safe harbor, the kitchen.

  Strangely enough, it calmed me being in the warm tiny room. Smelling the scents of fresh baked bread and spicy soup, my steps quickened. The loud rumble of my hollow stomach announced my arrival. Heads turned and strained eyes met mine.

  My smile quickly faded.

  Something was wrong. I had sensed it when I saw Lote, but looking at my friends fear, sadness and resignation filled the space around them.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Evver’s eyes were red and puffy. Tears still fell from her wide green eyes. My feet couldn’t get to her fast enough, my arms encircling her. No one was speaking. They were afraid to say the words out loud. This made me want to hold the moment a few seconds longer. I tried to regain my courage. Knowing is always better than not knowing. Right? Then we could deal with it. Fight it, even. I have learned there are some times when the best thing is denial. Now, would have been one of those times. Seated around the table were people I had grown to care about.

  There was Evver, Shia, Reber and Simit. Simit was a Dwarf that worked around the castle. His face had been deformed during one of the early battles. Normally he worked in the kitchen or stable, away from any of the kingdoms watchful eyes. King Tommit liked to put up a good front in front of the other humans. Kazor was seated near the doorway. He looked like a child who had awoken from a terrible nightmare and was desperately searching for his favorite teddy bear.

  “Evver, why is everyone so upset?”

  She looked up at me, trying to make my face come into focus. She remained silent. My fear was building.

  “Evver, please, tell me.” I begged.

  “Simit was delivering King Tommit’s dinner. They ignore him, normally. Today was no different. King Tommit was talking to that awful—Drayben.” She paused furrowing her little brow in obvious disgust. “They are searching for a bride for King Tommit. Drayben has people searching the kingdom but…” she trailed off. Her voice silenced by the quivering lips. Anguished fear overtook her tiny features. Ice began to inch its way around my heart.

  “But what, Evver?”

  “Drayben mentioned you! Your name, Aurora! King Tommit wants you in the throne room just after breakfast in the morning.”

  My heart stopped.

  Chapter 6

  My eyes were close to swelling shut.

  Terror had passed, and despair had set in for the long haul. I was in my night dress. It looked like a long baby doll dress with long open sleeves. It was made of some sort of cotton material, off-white in color. At first, it felt rough on my skin. But now, it was reminding me I was still alive. Curled up in a ball at the end of my bed, my tears had dried out.

  Evver was fast asleep.

  I had tried to be brave in front of her. It didn’t last long. I welcomed the darkness of the unlit night. My mood matched the utter gloom of the shadows, which slipped deeper around me. A touch tore me out of my misery.

  I should have screamed—but there was gentleness to the touch I found comforting.

  “Aurora,” a quiet voice whispered.

  “Cassius?” My voice was rough with emotion. Struggling to pull myself up, I felt the familiar warmth of his strong hands steady me into a seated position. I noticed his arm had found its way around my back.

  “Aurora what’s going on? Everyone is so upset. I couldn’t even find Evver. What’s wrong? Is it Evver?” his voice was controlled but upset.

  “Evver’s fine. She’s asleep on my bed.”

  His head turned and his hands began searching for her. His hands found her tiny legs. A deep sigh of relief escaped his lips.

  “Thank goodness,” he said. I could feel his body release some of the tension. “But why is everyone so upset?”

  I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to say the words out loud. The longer I waited, the tighter his grip became.

  “Aurora…please,” he begged.

  “Simit overheard something earlier. It has everyone upset. Tommit has decided that he wants to take a bride and secure an heir.”

  A short gasp escaped his mouth.

  “That is upsetting.” I could tell he was weighing the possibilities in his mind. “I was worried, the way everyone was acting—it is like someone died.”

  Fear overtook me again. I could feel tears starting to fall again. Only the feel of his heated breath, hot against my skin, kept me from drowning in it.

  “What is wrong?” His voice was husky and heavy.

  My heart was heavy.

  “Drayben mentioned my name. I am set to appear before King Tommit just after breakfast, tomorrow.” I stopped talking, allowing my words to seep in. With every second that passed his grip tightened around me.

  The pleasure this caused was tempered by the pain of his grip. I could feel his muscles tightening as he pulled me closer. Cassius’s lips almost touched mine. His breath left me dizzy. He kept repeating the word, 'no,' over and over, willing it to be true. Each one more pained than the first. I wanted to comfort him. My mind was blank of anything but fear for my future and the rush of heat from his touch.

  I tried to focus…he was making it impossible.

  I finally thought of something to say, but just as I opened my mouth to speak, he pulled me even closer and kissed me. Our lips and bodies molded together as if they were made for only this purpose. When we finally parted, a groan was heard–but I wasn’t sure which of our lips uttered it.

  Cassius continued to hold me close to his rapidly beating heart. Our kiss changed something in me. It was as if my whole life had been in black and white. The only change were mixtures of gray, which would sneak in on a stolen occasion. Now I could see all of the colors that the entire world had to offer. My heart soared and sunk at the same moment. At that very moment, I realized what my heart had known since I first laid eyes on Cassius. I loved him. If King Tommit had his way, we would never be together.

  *

  Cassius held me in his arms for hours after our first kiss.

  Not a word was spoken during that entire time. We sat clinging to each other. The sun was threatening to make an early appearance. I knew what that meant…Cassius had to leave.

  “You have to go,” I told him, hating the words I forced out of my trembling lips.

  “I—can’t.”

  “Cassius, you can’t be found here. If not for me, then think about Evver. Please.”

  The mention of his tiny sister had his eyes looking for her gentle face. The sunlight filtered in through the window in my room, making her skin shimmer.

  I could tell he was torn on what choice to make. He didn’t want to leave me, but we both knew what would happen if we were found together. Especially now that there was a chance I was possibly going to be Tommit’s Queen. There were soft sounds coming down the hallway. I didn’t have to guess, I knew it was one of the guards coming to check in on me. Making sure I remained on time for my meeting with Tommit.

  “Go, now!” I whispered
frantically. His eyes went from me to the sleeping Evver. Pausing for the briefest of moments, he leaned over and gave me a quick kiss, just brushing my lips, then ran to the window. I was on the second story of the castle. There was no time to object to the insanity of him jumping through my window. The knob on my door was turning. I hurried and lay down on my bed, using the blanket and my body to hide Evver.

  Slowing my breath I could sense eyes on me.

  A satisfied grunt sounded over my face. Heated sour breath rushed over my face. Shuffling heavy feet sounded clumsily out of my room, not taking any care in closing the door, as it closed with a loud bang and a curse. I wondered if they had run into my door, but I didn’t dare open my eyes. I was exhausted. So much had happened today. My head was spinning. My stomach was fighting with my desire to sleep, since and I hadn’t eaten anything since yesterday morning.

  I had been in the south wing since early that morning, and then I found out about Drayben and Tommit’s conversation. It had wiped any thoughts of eating clear from my mind. Normally, Evver was on top of me to eat at every meal.

  It was funny how much of a mother hen she could be. Tonight she was a child–scared, in pain. Her thoughts had been elsewhere. Hunger and stress warring with each other.

  Finally, sleep won the battle with my weakened body.

  Chapter 7

  It took all my effort to force back my eye lids this morning. Evver was gone already and I felt guilty for oversleeping. I blushed, grateful she had slept through my moment with Cassius last night. My lips still smoldered from our kiss. Remembering the heat of his touch, I shivered in the cool morning air. There wasn’t much time to savor the sweet memory. Three fairies, none of which I recognized, burst eagerly into my room.

  One held a beautiful, deep burgundy gown. The bottom was full and the top was a jewel encrusted at the sweetheart neckline. The arms reached from my wrists, stopping just short of my shoulders. My bodice was tightened like a corset by golden ribbons. Each looked like they had been dipped in diamonds.

  Another fairy went to work on my hair.

  I was surprised at how much it had grown since I had arrived in Paradan. There were six to eight inches of new growth in only a few weeks. It had tripled in thickness. Maybe it was part of the magic of this place. I couldn’t be sure. She pulled up a portion from the front and braided it so it looked like a crown set high on my head. The rest she curled with her fingers. The remaining fairy opened a bag filled with jewels and deep burgundy flowers that I didn’t recognize.