The Wishing Well

  They matched my dress perfectly.

  I was decked out in jewels, a dark garnet choker necklace, followed by a matching bracelet. Matching hair pins adorned my “crown.” A large garnet ring, had to be at least ten carats, sat on my right hand ring finger.

  My left hand ring finger was noticeably empty.

  When they finished I looked every bit the part of a soon-to-be queen. It was difficult to not get caught up in the moment. I wished Cassius could see me like this, even if only for an instant. There was a knock at my door.

  “Come in,” called one of the mysterious fairies. The door opened. Standing in the door frame was a man who I didn’t know. He looked me over, licking his lips in the process. It made me feel incredibly dirty.

  I longed to bathe, and wash off the slime that his look had left.

  “Perfect! You may now leave.”

  With a quick bow in his direction the Fairies rushed out of the room, leaving me alone with the slimy creature.

  “Aurora, you will be meeting with his majesty shortly. First, I would like to make a few things clear. King Tommit is going to ask for your hand in marriage.”

  I had guessed this, but hearing the words come out of this creepy animal caused a slight gasp to spill out. He laughed darkly at my dismay.

  “Now, now. You need to work on accepting your fate,”

  I shook my head no, with his every word.

  “You will accept his proposal and you will be a gracious and humble woman, who is fit to sit next to a KING!” His voice got more forceful, and then he smiled a mocking smile. I could tell that he fed off of my fear. “I would hate to have anything happen to your little red headed fairy friend.”

  Terror swept through me.

  I thought of Evver. Where was she? Did he do something to her? How could I have slept through her leaving my bed this morning? Drayben knew he had struck a raw nerve. I could see how he was savoring the moment.

  “Where is she?” I snarled wildly at him, then lunged at his throat.

  He put his hands up at me and shook his spindly pointer finger at me. “She is perfectly safe….. for now.” It hit me that if I played nice, then Evver would be safe–and if I didn’t…I couldn’t even think about it. An immense, sharp, crippling pain shot through my entire body, pooling in my heart. I lowered my head in concession, and he knew he had won. Drayben had found one of the things for which I was willing to endure anything—even marrying Tommit.

  “You have chosen wisely, my dear. I will have a little reward for you— if you behave yourself when you meet with King Tommit.”

  All I could think about was Evver. I would do anything it took to see her and know she was safe. He reached out his slimy hand, willing me to take it. With trepidation, I added my hand to his. It was cold and scaly and it reminded me of snakes I had once been forced to hold one day in Biology. It had been poisonous once but since, had its ducts milked. Now when it took a bite out of someone it would cause a mild irritation, instead of being life threatening.

  Drayben’s poison came from his threats and manipulations.

  We walked down the labyrinth of halls. Finally, we arrived at the throne room. Before we stepped inside, he whispered a single menacing word into my trembling ear.

  “Remember.”

  Today was only the second time I had been in the throne room. The first time I had been called a thing, traitor, and spy, and looked at in total disgust. Now here I was, taking steps toward being King Tommit’s queen. He was seated on his massive throne, looking smug and bored at the same time. When he spotted us his hands gripped together in anticipation. I was hoping when he saw me it would inspire revulsion. Praying he would reject me at first glance.

  Instead of revulsion, there was lust and desire in his sinister eyes.

  Whether it was lust for me or desire in securing his power I would never know. I only knew one thing…. my fate had been decided.

  *

  A sinking sensation pierced him deep in his pained heart.

  Cassius couldn’t be certain, but it was close to the time Aurora was to have an audience with Tommit. How could this be happening? Finally, he felt like he had found someone who could be his other half. She made him feel whole, for the first time in his lifetime.

  His walls magically disappeared when she was near. His heart warmed when he thought of last night, and their kiss—his first. It left Aurora forever burned in his heart and soul. He was brushing Darant, Tommit’s prize Pegasus.

  Cassius shared a special bond with him.

  He was the only human who had ever been able to ride him. Even Tommit was forced to sit on the sidelines as Cassius rode him. Darant was beautiful–pure white with icy blue eyes, which matched Cassius’s perfectly. He had been wild before Cronan had captured him, bringing him as a prize for his king. No matter what was tried, no one could ride him, or even get close enough to touch him. This all changed when Cassius met Darant.

  It was as if they had always been together.

  With Abow deep in hiding with Ember, he was the closest thing Cassius had to a friend. Normally, he would have just told Darant what was bothering him, but King Tommit had eyes and ears everywhere. He couldn’t chance it, so he counted down the hours before he could see Aurora again. Every moment which passed made him wonder what was happening in the castle.

  Not knowing was torture.

  *

  “Your Excellency. I present you Miss Aurora.”

  His hand tightened around my trembling fingers, pulling me closer to the salivating ogre before me. King Tommit stepped up out of his throne, coming inches from my face. His heated breath sending chills running deep into my bones. Warning bells went off deep in my stomach, pushing me to run far and fast, anywhere but next to this despicable monster.

  “Nice choice, Drayben. The people will like her. On the plus side, this will be fun for me as well.” His hand caressed my cheek. I fought back the urge to vomit. The thought of his hands on me, his lips touching mine the way Cassius’ had was too much to deal with. I could feel the sting of tears fighting their way trying to escape.

  One word…Evver.

  It was all I needed to stop them from falling. Forcing a smile, I pictured Cassius in front of me, instead. Closing my eyes for the briefest moments, I pictured Cassius standing before me. When I opened them, he had taken Tommit's place.

  “You will make a lovely Queen.” His warm smile held me in place. I longed for my mirage to be real. It didn’t last, “Drayben, give me the ring.” At the mention of the terrifying creature, Cassius was gone and Tommit had returned. He reached for my hand; there was none of the gentleness I had experienced with Cassius. Tommit reminded me of the bullies I had left behind in the real world. Drayben handed over something bright and sparkling. Tommit slipped it on my ring finger. It was the largest diamond I had ever seen. It reminded me of the cosmetic jewelry they sold on those home shopping networks. The square cut diamond was set in the middle. It had to be at least ten carats. It was surrounded by small square cut diamonds that continued around the band. It was dazzling.

  Tommit took my quivering hand and kissed it.

  He was almost charming for a minute. Almost. I was certain some would find him handsome, but he was no Cassius. Instead of the warmth of Cassius’ kiss, his had given me arctic chills down my spine. I bit my tongue—stopping the disgust from showing.

  Tommit turned to Drayben, ignoring me once again.

  “We will need to start introducing her to the kingdom. I think we should announce 'my' engagement within the next three days. We need to have the wedding within the next two weeks. The sooner the better, as far as I am concerned.” He continued on as if I wasn’t in the room. I could see I was just a prop in his game. When Drayben finally recalled I was still in the room, he turned to a guard.

  “Take Aurora to her new room.” He said, then he turned back to Tommit.

  I wanted to object. If I was sent to another room in the enormous castle how would Evver find me?
Cassius? After Drayben’s threats, I was frightened to speak out. Following the guards into a new wing of the castle it was more opulent than the other wings I was familiar with. We ended at a long hallway; the guards paused before opening the double doors. He motioned for me to enter the room. It’s strange to be afraid of a room. This hasn’t happened to me since I was a little girl.

  It was my first day of Kindergarten.

  I clung to my mother afraid of what a classroom might offer. It had all been in the vain. The second I passed the threshold I was fine. Would it be the same here?

  Taking a deep breath I stepped forward.

  Chapter 8

  The room was unlike anything I had ever seen. A large canopy bed was centered on the far wall. The four corners of the bed looked like tree trunks growing up into the sky. They grew together the branches intertwining into themselves over the bed. It was golden and shimmered in the daylight which slipped through the windows. It was beautiful but nothing could have compared to the beauty of the little girl who stood next to it.

  Evver!

  I tried to contain my excitement and relief. The guard shut the doors behind me. I rushed to my friend.

  “Evver!”

  “Aurora you look beautiful.” I pulled back out of our embrace. Looking her over to make sure not a hair had been harmed. She looked perfect so I started to relax.

  “Where have you been all morning?” It came out more accusingly than I had planned. I was just so concerned Drayben had hurt her.

  “It was odd. I woke early and headed to the kitchen. Lote was there and she wanted me to work out in the garden this morning. I spent hours gathering herbs to dry before the snow falls. Where were you? Why are we here?” My breathing calmed.

  She hadn’t been hurt or terrorized. All of the things my imagination been taunting me with. It struck me as odd that Lote was the one to send her away. Did Lote know what happened with me this morning? How could I explain it all? After all, when I said it out loud then it would make it real. I sat her down on the window seat, which looked out into the kingdom. The view was stunning, but I couldn’t let that distract me.

  I had to tell her before she noticed my ring.

  “I know you think Cassius will find a way out of this. There are some things that cannot be fixed no matter how much you wish it. Evver it’s hard to explain. This morning I woke up and I was brought this beautiful dress. They did my hair and had me prepared to see King Tommit. Drayben came to my room and then— he brought me to the throne room.” I paused trying to make the words work with my mouth. My brain and heart were fighting each other. She put her tiny hands on mine. Her eyes were wide with fear and concern. I could see the tears starting to form around the edges.

  I reached out to touch her tiny face attempting to soothe her pain.

  “Aurora, no!” her words were fierce.

  “As it stands…..” Taking a deep breath before saying the words out loud. “I am set to marry King Tommit in three weeks. I pray something changes before then but whatever happens we will be ok.” I opened my arms inviting her in. She sunk into my arms and sighed heavily.

  “Cas will find a way, Aurora. I know he will.”

  I honestly didn’t think she would have such a strong reaction. It was easy to forget how Evver was only just a child most of the time; due to the fact she acted older than anyone I knew. Here I was, the one who should be taking care of her, instead of the other way around. Playing with her hair soothed both of us. We sat there for over an hour until my stomach betrayed me. A large growl was mixed with a deep gurgle. It had her sitting up immediately.

  “Did you eat today?” Her tone was tough and I looked down sheepishly. It made me want to laugh about how she could go from pained child to mother hen in two seconds.

  “I honestly hadn’t thought about it.” She climbed down off the bed and straightened her uniform.

  “Wait here. I will be back with something to eat. Stay here,” she ordered pointing her little finger at me.

  I threw up my arms in mock surrender, “Promise!”

  She rolled her eyes at me and giggled. Forgetting the tension of from earlier, she skipped out of the room gleefully. Before closing the door she smiled sweetly at me. “Cas will find a way.”

  She shut the door with a knowing smile. I adjusted my sitting position on the window seat and looked at the kingdom below. It was really a beautiful place. Maybe Cassius could find a way out of this. A small ray of hope started to grow in the pit of my stomach.

  Could it be possible?

  Could my fate be changed?

  Is there a chance I could still have my happily ever after? Maybe even with Cassius. My smile started to spread as I thought of my life taking shape with Cassius at my side instead of Tommit. Thinking of my life with Cassius had my hope soaring I was starting to see it.

  There was a loud rap at the door.

  At first I thought Evver had forgotten something. She hadn’t been gone long enough to make it to the kitchen and back. Without even waiting for my reply, the door opened.

  It was Drayben.

  Chapter 9

  All hope disappeared when I saw the sinister look in his eyes.

  They were black as the darkest night. I was sure they matched the color of his soul—if he even had one. His smile was sinister and to be honest it was quite frightening. The familiar steel vice of terror returned to my already quaking heart. He moved to quickly corner me into one of the empty walls. His breath was hot and smelled like that of a dragon.

  At least the way I imagined it would smell.

  “Finding your new room comfortable, I hope.” I nodded afraid to speak. “Good. And you’re little reward for being such a good girl? Your little fairy friend will be assigned to only you. She will be at your beck and call. I have made sure she is assigned to be your hand maiden, as long as you continue to…..cooperate.” I tried to make my lungs breathe in and out. Drayben continued to weld shut the door on my happily ever after with Cassius.

  “I am having some gowns delivered to you. The future Queen should look the part.” I forced a smile but I was certain it was more of a grimace. “Remember I have eyes and ears everywhere. Guards will accompany you everywhere. If you even think of running off…. I will know it before you have even left your room, and it won’t end well for your little— bug.”

  I tensed at the use of the word bug. I had called Evver my little bug one night when we were talking after bed time. The fact he was aware of this had me chilled to the bone.

  “Remember what I have said.” He traced the outline of my face with his spindly finger.

  Then he turned and made his way out of my room, taking any hope of a happy life with him. Drayben had been in my room less than two minutes, and in that time he had taken me to a new level of terror I had never experienced. I was questioning every movement I had made in the castle. Did he know about Cassius? Was Cassius safe? I couldn’t take it! My chest got tighter and my breathing got shorter and shorter. I knew that I was about to have a panic attack.

  I had to get it together.

  Evver would be coming back soon, and I didn’t want her to see me like this. I had to be strong I had to be in control. I couldn’t give away what had transpired in this room. Pretending like I still held out hope, for her at least. In reality I had accepted my fate.

  I was going to marry Tommit.

  Chapter 10

  Cassius looked around. He was pleased to see so many in attendance. They were going to need the numbers if they had a prayer of making this work. His heart ached. He couldn’t focus on his pain—he had a purpose, and getting caught up in his emotions was the last thing he needed to do.

  “I want to thank you all for coming.”

  Around the flattened black speckled toadstool, which measured about ten feet in diameter, there were twelve others anxiously seated. There were three trolls, three fairies, three giants and three other humans. Most were seated on old withered tree stumps. Fireflies lit the
night sky. Soft candlelight had the fairies' shimmering bodies sparkling in the twilight. Cassius looked at the would-be rebels, and prayed that his words would move them to take action.

  It was the only hope of bringing down King Tommit.

  “We all know how dangerous it is for us to gather here. So, I will keep this brief. King Tommit will not stop until we are all enslaved and most of us are…dead. Now he is taking steps to cement his hold on the throne. He has chosen a bride and seeks to bring an heir as soon as possible.” Cassius paused. Thinking of Tommit touching Aurora had him on fire. Fury had been simmering since he took the throne, but the thought of him forcing himself on Aurora…Well, let’s just say that proved to be the match strike to the dormant gasoline coursing through his veins.

  “The wedding is planned for two weeks from tomorrow. That gives us only thirteen days to bring him down.”

  One of the trolls looked around nervously. He raised his hand, though he looked too terrified to speak.

  “We may have less time than that.”

  “What do you know, Bontox?” Cassius asked, afraid of the answer.

  “King Tommit is searching for something, something that would change everything. He has a legion of his Destroyers and Cronan looking.”

  “What is he searching for?”

  Bontox paused before speaking fearing their reactions. “Ecraicias' wishing well.”

  Gasps of shock and disbelief were heard around the tense circle. Murmuring started between them all. Cassius was shaking with rage. If Tommit found the well, then all would be lost. Ecraicias' wishing well was built over a thousand years ago. It had been a gift to Princess Ecraicias. The whole magical community had gone in together, building it. She was then gifted with twelve Para’s. They were each a single golden coin that had her mother’s image on one side. Queen Erat had died during childbirth. They saw this as a gift to her memory as well.

  None of them realized the power the well possessed. At first Ecraicias’ wishes were small— a unicorn with pink polka dots. Then, as she grew, her wishes grew. One of her last wishes was for a dragon to fly. Instead of one, three dragons appeared and nearly destroyed the kingdom. They were rounded up, and now the dragons guarded the kingdom.