“Yes, that was sweet dear–using my name,” my mother smiled. “But I'm sure they've realized by now that you gave them an alias. They're already searching for you, you realize?”
“Already?” I stared at the palace, still lit with the gleaming lights of the ball. We were standing in the garden, the pumpkin still sitting on the ground before us. “I've only just left.”
“And you caused quite the stir.” She laughed. “Those princes, running out after you in the nude, will never be forgotten. The whole court is atwitter.”
“Wonderful.” I sighed and looked down at myself.
“Yes, I know how you appear, sweetheart.” She smiled wider. “But that works in your favor.”
“Excuse me?”
“You're beautiful, Daughter,” she said gently. “I know you don't realize this, but you're a lovely woman. How could you not be,” she teased as she patted her hair. “But your beauty is hidden beneath rags and ashes. Those princes have lived their whole lives consumed with pleasure and beauty. They need something more than a pretty girl. They need to fall in love with youdespiteyour outward appearance. My enchantment will keep them returning to you until they see the beauty of your heart.”
“Not likely,” I huffed.
“Then they will never be happy.” She shrugged. “But I think you're not giving them enough credit. They have been raised to be as they are, but beneath that hedonism lies three hearts longing for love. When you laid your curse upon them–”
“I laid what now?” I gaped at her.
“Your curse.” She blinked at me in surprise. “Didn't you know that you worked your first spell tonight?”
“No. What are you talking about?”
“The curse, darling.” She sighed deeply. “That bit about when they lie in bed this night, they'll know they gave up something real.”
“Oh,” I whispered. “I did feel a little tingle when I said it.”
“That was your magic coming to life!” She exclaimed excitedly. “Oh, darling, I'm so delighted and proud. You will rule the kingdom with magic and wisdom.”
I scowled at her as I recalled what I said. “So, they'll know they lost something real. That doesn't make them regret it.”
“Ah, that's what I was about to say next; that you've opened their eyes at last.” She nodded. “They have finally been shown what they were missing, and it has amped up my enchantment considerably. They are nearly mad with wanting of you.”
“Cease,” I huffed. “They are not.”
“Look you there.” She pointed back to the road that led to the castle, where a line of torches was winding down it. “They are off on the hunt for their Lily.” She giggled. “I just love that you gave them my name, dear.”
“I've missed you, Mother,” I whispered.
“Oh, sweetheart”–she pulled me into a hug–“I've missed you too.”
“I don't know if I can face them again,” I mumbled into her hair.
“You're brave, and strong, and wise, Madelyn.” She pulled back to look me in the eyes. “They will be the luckiest of men to have you for their wife.”
“The King and Queen will never allow them to marry one woman.” I shook my head.
“Let me handle the King and Queen.” She smirked. “You just take care of their sons.”
“They will never associate me with the woman they met tonight.”
“Have a little faith, Maddie.” She kissed my cheek. “Just hide in these rags a little longer, and they will prove themselves to you. Then you'll be able to see the men they can be, and perhaps you will love them as much as they'll love you.”
Chapter Six
Being so close to the castle, our manor was one of the first the search party approached. My throat closed up as I saw them riding up the road to me; the three princes in disheveled elegance. They were as gorgeous as ever, perhaps more so, with their wild hair and wilder eyes. They reined in their horses before me; their eyes coasting over me and dismissing me immediately. I smirked; yep, just as I predicted.
“You there,” Prince Ashton called to me. “Have you seen a carriage pass by tonight?”
