The clerk shuffled through a pile of papers before pulling out hers.“Do you swear allegiance to the crown and only the crown?”
She hesitated before saying, “Yes.”
The clerk nodded, looking down at the set of papers in front of him.
Interested witches had been instructed to send in our application to the palace the week before, which entailed giving our name, age, and type of magic.Shauna was a very talented confectioner, and her candy shop did very well.I wondered why she decided to seek her fortunes aboveground.
The clerk set aside her papers.“I’m afraid we won’t be needing your services.Thank you.”
Shauna gasped.“But sir—”
“Next, please.”
A guard took her by the elbow and escorted her away.I watched her disappear behind the arched exit, wondering why Shauna of all people seemed so desperate to find a situation outside Witch Village.She struck me as the sort who would be satisfied with her situation—she was practically beloved by every witch child for her shop—but she must’ve believed the same thing I did: the world was bigger than Witch Village and there were better things in store aboveground.
“Name?”
Belatedly, I realized it was my turn.I hastily stepped forward, stopping before the table.“Giselle Phula,” I said, proud of the steadiness of my voice.
“Do you swear allegiance to the crown and only the crown?”the clerk asked.
I didn’t hesitate.“Yes, sir.”
He scanned the paper before him.Even upside down, I recognized my own hand and the words I had written.
Giselle Phula
Nineteen years old.
Charmwitch.
Accomplished charm maker and seamstress.Skills include fine needlework, pattern drafting, tailoring, and breaking enchantments.Can finish a ballgown in a day.
An impressive list of accomplishments, I thought.But the clerk’s eyes remained dull and disinterested.
“I’m afraid we won’t be needing your services.Thank you.”
The floor seemed to drop from beneath me.I didn’t come all this way just to be told no.In fact, I was almost sure I’d be accepted.I had worked so hard at my craft.I knew I was good.So why wasn’t I enough?
A guard approached to escort me away.
“Wait!”I took a breath, my heart slamming wildly against my chest.“I can do more.”
