He scratched his neck. Little good did her mother’s warnings do... “By chance, do you think she could put a spell over herself to become another person—like the queen?”
“Yes, she has that ability, why?”
“Because nobody knew the queen was missing, so I’m thinking the witch is disguised as the queen.”
Cordelia stomped her foot. “I wouldn’t put it past her.”
He sighed heavily and frowned. “If only there was a way to stop her.”
If this evil witch could turn herself into someone else, what would she be able to do to Ryder when he tried to stop her? He didn’t want to even think about such dire consequences. But there had to be a way.
He didn’t like feeling so helpless. He especially didn’t want to let Clarissa down in any way.
SEVENTEEN
Clarissa stood by thewindow, looking out toward the sky. The clouds were disappearing, and the late afternoon sun was beginning to show itself today. She’d stayed by her mother’s side, only stepping out of the room when her mother fell asleep. But Clarissa was always nearby. Her mother slept fitfully, and would wake up crying out, which was to be expected considering the circumstance.
She peeked at her mother. Just as she had expected, her mother’s face was tense and her head turned on the pillow fitfully. Mrs. Grey mentioned making a soothing drink that could help the queen have a peaceful sleep, but the other woman was still in the kitchen creating the concoction. Clarissa didn’t want to hurry her, but she hated to see her mother so miserable.
Glancing back out the window, she frowned. She was also worried about Ryder. Could he defeat the witch and make everything right again? Deep down inside her, she knew he needed her help. He couldn’t do this alone. She didn’t want him to do it alone. She wanted to work with him as a team...just like they used to do in school. Whatever they accomplished—either good or not—they had done it together.
Today was no different. She desperately wanted to be with him. Yet, her mother needed her just as much.
The sudden gasp from her mother jerked Clarissa around. Her mother’s eyes were wide, her face pale as she gazed around the room as if trying to gain her bearings. Clarissa hurried to her mother’s side and took hold of her hand.
“I’m here.” She smiled the best she could under the duress of the situation.
The queen took slower breaths and relaxed. She struggled to sit up, so Clarissa helped her.
“Have you heard from Ryder yet?” her mother asked.
“No. It’s only been a couple of hours.”
The queen frowned. “Then I hadn’t been asleep for very long.”
“No.”
