Haydn?
Evelyn took the package and retreated into her room. She ripped the gold paper off and unsealed it. Inside sat a book and a flatter, square wooden box. She picked up the book first.
Channeling Energy Magicby Engelbert Dreher.
Is this a spell book?
Evelyn found an inscription inside the front cover:Let’s see what you can do, Princess. -H
She traded the book for the wooden box. It opened on hinges to reveal a necklace and a note:This belongs to you. I had a hell of a time getting it. Wear it but don’t show anyone. Also, don’t open it or you will release the magic. -H
She flipped the note over.P.S. I miss you. Let me know when you tire of the kingdoms.
Evelyn’s stomach lurched and she set the note down.
Now. I want to leave now.
Leo doesn’t want me, but Haydn does. Haydn has secrets, but he’s not lying to my face. He’s not kissing me and then scheming with lords to marry my sister.
Hannah can stay here, and I could go to Lochmatten. I don’t want to be a queen, and she does.
Haydn promised me magic and equality and…
Evelyn thought about the vision he showed her of life in Lochmatten.
Happiness?
She held up the necklace, which could open like a locket. It was made of clear glass, with nothing visible inside. The thin gold chain was long enough to hide the locket below the neckline of a dress.
Haydn said there’s magic inside. Is it enchanted? Will I be under his spell or something?
The memory of Leo agreeing to propose to Hannah filled her mind again.
“Fuck it.”
Evelyn put the necklace over her head. The locket started glowing. She lifted the chain and saw gold light inside the glass with a halo of red.
It’s like a jeweler caged the sun.
Evelyn’s heart raced, not knowing if the locket was powerful or dangerous or just pretty. She picked up the note again:This belongs to you. I had a hell of a time getting it.
That’s odd phrasing, isn’t it? “This belongs to you,” not “This is for you.”
The locket stopped glowing, like it had wanted to show off before going back to sleep. Evelyn tucked it into her dress.
Haydn can’t hurt me. Well, he used magic I don’t understand and can’t verify to promise not to hurt me. That’s close enough. So, in theory, the necklace isn’t dangerous. But what is it? And where did he get it?
Evelyn grabbed the book again.
“Why did he send me a book about magic I don’t have?” Evelyn whispered, as if the book would respond. When it didn’t, she flipped to the table of contents.
Preface by the Author
Chapter 1: Accessing Magic
Chapter 2: Summoning Magic
Chapter 3: Forming Energy
