EPILOGUE
What a difference aweek made!
A week ago, Clarissa was under a spell that made her believe she wanted to marry Prince Ormond. Now, she knew she loved Ryder and she always would. A week ago, the witch was disguised as the queen, and now her mother was back and the palace was happy and content once again. And a week ago, three of the king’s guards were on their deathbeds. But since the witch’s demise, they were suddenly cured.
The king was so grateful to have his family back—and that his life was back to normal—he decided to throw a ball. Originally, the celebration was for Clarissa and Ryder’s engagement, but she knew her father was just thankful that the witch was truly dead and would never disrupt their lives again.
The queen was finally regaining her strength, and her weight. She had color in her skin, and her cheerful attitude had lifted. No longer did she have nightmares about being kidnapped. Instead, she devoted herself to the people of Woodmist, and gave of her time and love, to serve them like the wonderful queen she had always been.
Clarissa loved parties, but this one she loved even more because she could tell everyone about her feelings for Ryder Grey, who coincidentally, her father promoted to be the Commanding Officer of the Royal Guard—and, in this job title, Ryder was also given the authority to be the kingdom’s special investigator. She couldn’t be more proud of her soon-to-be husband than she was right now.
On this festive occasion, she chose to wear a new gown. The off-the-shoulder silk gown had a deep blue, heart-shaped bodice. The short sleeves were a baby’s blue and nearly see-through. The sarong of the gown was also a blue color, more like a sky blue with ruffles trickling down the back of the fullness. She’d pulled the sides of her long hair back where she pinned red and white flowers, and the bulk cascaded down her back to the middle of her legs. Although she thought she looked very elegant this evening, her appearance didn’t compare to Ryder.
He wore the uniform of his new title. A white jacket and trouser with red velvet, and gold trimmings, hugged his muscular frame. On his chest were a few medals the king had rewarded him with during yesterday’s promotional ceremony. Indeed, he was one fine looking man who took her breath away.
She stood beside her parents as they greeted their guests, but Clarissa’s attention was on the extremely handsome man roaming the ballroom, visiting with the guests who had already arrived. Every so often he would lift his gaze to her and smile. Butterflies danced in her stomach just like what happened that first day they kissed.
“Good evening, Queen Ruth and Prince Ormond.”
Because Clarissa hadn’t been paying attention to the guests in line, she was jarred out of her thoughts when hearing the name ofthat man.She whipped her head toward her father. Standing in front of him and her mother, were the ones mentioned. Silently, Clarissa groaned.What were they doing here?To be sure, she hadn’t invited them. Would her parents have invited them knowing what the prince had done to her?
“Good evening,” Queen Ruth said sharply as her son stared at the ground, shifting from one foot to the other.
“What a surprise to see you here,” Clarissa’s mother said.
Queen Ruth lifted her chin, stubbornly. “Since we weren’t invited, I took the opportunity to come and speak to you, knowing you’d be in a lighthearted mood.”
Clarissa’s parents exchanged irritated glances. “What do you feel is so important to say that you would disrupt our celebration?” the king asked.
Clarissa bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing. Sometimes her father could be so blunt. But that’s one of the things she adored about him.
Queen Ruth threw a sizzling glare at Clarissa before returning her gaze to the king. “I thought you had promised that our children would join in marriage—for the good of our kingdoms. And yet, here I see you have allowed her to get engaged to another man.” Her mouth tightened in a thin line.
Gasping, Clarissa looked at her father. Had he really promised the queen of Edan that? Her heart wrenched.Please say this isn’t right!
Slowly, her father shook his head. “I beg to differ, Queen Ruth. I neverpromisedanything of the sort.”
Clarissa blew out a relieved sigh.
“What I did say,” he continued, “is that your son could court my daughter. It’s my daughter’s life so she should be able to find the man she wants to love enough to want to marry. Unfortunately for your son, my daughter was quite put off when he had a witch place a love spell on the flowers he presented to her. My daughter has her own mind. She doesn’t need a spell to help her make a decision.”
Prince Ormond never met anyone’s eyes. However, his face turned several shades of red, having been caught in his trickery, Clarissa was certain.
