“Iama herb witch,” I had corrected her, and that was the end of that conversation.
Like the other women, Noni wore a long-sleeved white blouse tucked into a dark brown skirt, and her koa colored hair was down today, like mine. On her table sat jars offresh honey. She and her family ran a beekeeping business, and locals and visitors alike would buy her goods like the swarming bees Noni cared for. I always had to ask her to save a jar for me because she ran out so quickly.
The addition of my banana bread and ginger snaps was a great idea, and I finally caved, hoping that selling my goods might make me a few extra coins, something I could always use. I did odd jobs here and there, making medicine for people, but I hoped to one day have a more sustainable job… if only my reputation as a witch didn’t precede me…
“Aue, don’t grab your sister’s hair!” Noni snapped at one of her children then let out a breath before returning her attention to me. “Did you bring the goods?”
“Yes.” I barely opened my basket, the aroma of banana bread and gingersnap cookies filling the air, when someone spoke from behind.
“That smells incredible. What is that?”
Noni and I turned to see a young man. Noni curtsied, and it took me a second longer to make out his features. His regal attire and the crown on his head signified that he was the prince of Corallure Kingdom, Elias. He was handsome, with light chestnut brown hair, blue eyes, and tanned skin. He had always been very kind when I’d met him several times. But he’d been especially kind when I first sought refuge here. Despite his compassion, there was also a distance in his emotions.
Even now, he tipped his head to us and smiled, but the smile never reached his eyes. Something haunted him…
Her.
He motioned to my basket. “May I see?”
“Of course.” I pushed it towards him, watching as he examined the contents. “You’re welcome to try,” I added, and when he took a bite, he seemed to melt just a little.
“Wow Miss Malia, those are so good.”
Miss Malia.Noni gave me a suspicious look. How did the prince know my name? I swallowed hard, hoping she would not ask.
Prince Elias nodded. “I’m sure my father and Damien would love to try some of this too. They don’t get out much.” Damien was the Crown Prince, Elias’s older brother. And Elias’s father, King Halstead, was a good and benevolent king. If every kingdom had a ruler like him, the world would be a much better and kinder place. Corallure had its faults, like the lack of border control, the overbearing tourism industry, and the rigid class system, but it was much better than Moanalei…
For me at least.
If only I could live in a wooden cottage here in town, surrounded by the colorful roofs, cozy homes, and view of the cream-colored palace in the distance.
But for now–and maybe the rest of my life–I had to be content hiding.
Perhaps in time people would accept me.
King Halstead set the tone for his kingdom, and while people still didn’t trust me and a nasty rumor got around that I was a witch who “ate children,” I would still rather live here than back at Moanalei, my homeland.
Prince Elias was the only person here who did not look at me like a witch and who did not hesitate before trying something to see if it was poisoned, cursed, or spelled… I felt grateful for that. I wouldn’t say we were close or anything, but there was an unspoken understanding between us.
We had both dealt withher, and the hurt from her actions was something we shared, a poison that ranthrough the veins of our past. Though, I was sure his heartache must run deeper than mine.
He’d been married to Sereth, the queen some people called Snow White.
A clinking noise distracted me from my thoughts as the prince handed me a little bag of coins.
“Oh, that’s too much–” I began to say, but he ignored me.
“How often do you bring these baked goods to the market?” he asked.
“Today is my first time trying.” I smiled nervously, trying to make sure my face was in his direction, but hating that I couldn’t see his face when I looked directly at him. “And you’re my first customer.”
Elias laughed, but it sounded hollow. Everything about him felt like the ghost of someone who once was, and my heart hurt for him. “Well what a treat–literally.”
Noni laughed at his joke, and while there was a lightness in the conversation, there was a secret heaviness, a burden that he and I shared, and one that felt like a festering wound that would never heal.
The prince bought a jar of honey from Noni, then went on his way.
“How did he know you?” Noni folded her arms. “You never told me you knew the prince personally–”
