CHAPTER THREE

My parents cautioned me about witches and warlocks as I grew up. They claimed they were manipulative and coercive, that they were dangerous, and that their only motivation was to get control of all the Four Courts had.

I used to be terrified of them as a kid. They were scary, according to Mother's account of the conflict between the courts and the witches. As a result, expressing their type's name is outlawed, and publications regarding their race are burned and buried. They'd been forgotten for a long time. Anyone who speaks the name will be punished by the kingdom. Their kind's name is thought to be associated with death and misery.

Witches, particularly the heads of the courts, are said to despise royalty. That's why my father was forced to conceal my identity by telling his people that I died in the fire with my mother because he believed witches were responsible. Only ashes remained after my corpse was completely incinerated. The palace had been keeping it hidden from the citizens of the Kingdom of Ruby. A secret worth a hope for individuals who aren't quite up to par.

The reason I'm perplexed right now is how these witch books ended up in the attic when I discovered it the other day. Who was there? Is there someone staying with us in secret, digging up information on the witches? Is it possible that these books originated from the library?

I sigh and shake my head. It isn't possible. If these books were there before, father would have known about it, unless—

I gasp. 

Unless, he knew about it all along.

But why? Why would my father keep anything like this hidden from me?

When I discovered these books in the attic, I sneaked them out and placed them in my room. I can't possibly risk returning them to the library. I'm not sure how I'd hide it well enough in the library so Tremaine or the servants cleaning it wouldn't notice.

The only place I know these books are safe is in my room, which Tremaine and her girls are unlikely to visit.

After cleaning the basement, I go through the books one by one. I use a damp rug to wipe away the dust that has clung to it.

Book of Prophecy: The Witches’ Oracle

Something tugs my curiosity. Is prophecy even real anyway? 

And Oracle? What’s that?

I take out the book and open it. The first page is blank, while the second is ripped. I keep flicking through the pages. Nothing makes sense to me. The letters function as symbols. I have no idea what those symbols mean, so I am unconcerned.

When a small piece of paper falls from between the pages, I stop turning the pages. I open it and see words that, thankfully, I recognize.

Twin draco from obsidian stone

For who will prevail may sit thy throne,

The forgotten one will rise awake

Balls of magic, so little to take.

Crystal fortress of missing stone,

Find by the stealer of the sacred bone,

Once you leave, consider it the last,

For no one sees her more than once.

I sigh deeply as I close the book. Those words have a strange effect on me. Even though I know how to read it, I have no idea what it means. To me, it appears to be pointless. Perhaps only witches are capable of comprehending their own writings.

I reopen it and see that those are the only words on the page. The following pages are empty. I shake my head in dismay and slam the book shut before putting it on the table.

I don't think the books are dangerous. Maybe that's why Father let them sit in our library for so long. They don't do anything other than collect dust and become worn out. I suppose witches aren't really gifted writers. Those two phrases I just read appear to be a mishmash of words.

I emerge from the cellar and swagger my way to the yard to divert myself. On the threshold, I pass Tremaine and her daughters.

I approach her because I remember something I want to ask her about. 

   “Mother, may I speak with you?”

She looks at me in a displeasing manner. Anastasia and Drizella make a face. 

   “What is it, Sol? Hurry and we are not done talking yet with my daughters.”

Drizella nods. “We’re talking about the ball. And you are, as always, interrupting our discussion.”

   “A ball? Where? Here?”

   “No. At the Cromwell’s. Why?”

Cromwell? The neighboring kingdom of Larimar? And since when did she able to persuade the Cromwell to participate in her schemes? The last thing I know, Father and the King of Larimar Kingdom aren’t friends.

   “What of the ball? Why are you having a ball, Mother?”

   “It is none of your business, Solstice.”

   “It is certainly my business, Mother since this is also my kingdom. I also heard about you inviting one of the families of Winter Court over here. You know what my father feels about them—

    She snaps. “Your father, Solstice, is dead. My decisions no longer concern him or you. I am to be the queen of this Kingdom and not you. My affiliation to the Winter Court is for alliance. You know nothing about it.”

    “Why would you need an alliance? The Four Courts are peaceful on their own!”

She smirks, menacingly. “You know nothing of how the world works, sweetheart. You’re better hiding on your basement.”

    “Father will never approve of this.”

   She smiles. “I need no one’s approval to make my own move. Now if you must, leave us be. We need to get ready for the ball tomorrow. One of the royal families of Winter Court is coming, my daughters are not going to miss it.”

Alongside her, Anastasia and Drizella are giggling. Before stomping my feet out of the threshold, I give them a cold stare. I try to calm down, enraged. Something has to be done. Otherwise, I won't know what will happen unless I attend the ball tomorrow.

What does Tremaine have up her sleeve this time? It takes more than an armistice to form an alliance with a neighboring kingdom and another court. She appears to be preparing for something more.