Sold Out

This is final, and we know better than to try to change it. "So we’ve been moving around to avoid our father?" This is the first thing Lana, Lia, says since the news.

"No, to avoid King Zachary until it was time." The doorbell rings and she gets up to answer it. "And now, you must go."

We followed her to the door, where a person was waiting. A small woman stands there, a hood covering her hair, and a cloak shielding her dress. She holds out two like hers and we automatically put them on.

"It is unsafe to travel without disguise now," she says. "I am Cassandra, but call me Nadia until we get to the castle. If anyone asks your names, you are Audrey and Leah Starton, and I am your aunt, taking you home to your mother and father. Do you understand?" We nod quickly and follow her out of the door to three horses, one black, one brown and gray, and one gleaming silver in the moonlight. Cassandra smiles at my face. "I think you already know which horse is yours." Lia goes directly to the brown and I mount the silver easily.

We ride off into the night, keeping quiet with few words. Cassandra leads us into the heart of the kingdom just as daylight is breaking.

She slows and we ride up to her. She points to the castle. "That’s your new home." She is silent for a moment, then gestures for us to follow.

We were welcomed warmly at the castle. The next few weeks passed in a blur, and soon I found myself getting restless. I think Cassandra realized this.

"Don’t get any ideas, Princess Adalia. You are to stay here and rule this kingdom just as you are doing now." I ignore her words.

We are invited to the wedding, ironically. Again, Cassandra warns me off, but I decide to take no heed of her warnings.

That night I creep out into the stables. There is no one there to stop me as I saddle up my horse and mount him, galloping off. Cassandra stood in the window, looking grim as I look back. But I am not returning without my mother.

King Zachary and the woman I know to be my real mother welcome me grandly, making me feel at home. The wedding is to be the next day, and that night I cannot sleep.

I wander around until I come upon a small room hidden in the shadows at the end of a hall. Zachary is in there, chanting, as I enter.

"Well, well, well, the princess has come to visit me alone. Not very wise, Adalia." I look up at him resolutely. I know what I had come to do.

"What do you want with my mother?" I demand.

He laughs. "you know, Adalia," he pondered, avoiding my question, "you would be very good at the dark arts. Ever consider giving them a try? Your sister could rule the kingdom, or better yet you could return after I teach you what you need to know?"

"You think I will fall for that?" I ask scornfully.

"Your mother did." My eyes narrow.

"What did you do to her to make her this way, a willing slave? She was born into a royal family, not one of low class work."