Page 19 of Once Upon an Enchanted Kiss

She took the clothes and entered the room, which was the smallest bedroom she had ever seen. It had nothing but a narrow bed and one wardrobe in the corner. A large box was on the floor open. Inside, there were other pieces of clothing shoved around haphazardly. Rosamund closed the door behind her and placed the stack on the bed to examine them piece by piece.

The stack included a pair of tan breeches, an ivory tunic that tied at the neck with cuffs that buttoned at the wrist, a padded vest, a soft jacket in taupe, tall woolen socks. She gazed down at the items, then stuck out a foot to examine her black soft shoe. She wondered where she would find something more suitable, but then decided to worry about that later.

Rosamund slipped off her cloak and quickly changed, folding her day dress neatly. She kicked off her shoes. Scooping them up along with her dress and cloak, she opened the door. Anne sat in the lumpy chair waiting for her to emerge. When she did, she hopped to her feet.

She looked her over, as though inspecting her, then paused on her stockinged feet.

“Ah, boots.”

Anne went to a narrow closet and flung open the door. She knelt, then rummaged around the bottom until she came up with a pair of worn black boots. She handed them to Rosamund.

“These used to be mine. I hope they fit you.”

“Oh,” she breathed, staring at the boots. “I shouldn’t—”

“Take them. I insist. I don’t have much use for them anymore.”

Cradling her items in one arm, she reached for the boots. Anne removed the dress, cloak and her shoes and waved her to the nearby chair. Rosamund sat on the edge and pulled on first one boot, then the other.

“They fit,” she said.

“Good.” The woman smiled, pleased with her handiwork.

“But I don’t understand. Why are you helping me?” Rosamund asked, looking up at the woman who still held her clothes.

“You appeared to need it,” Anne said. “Someone helped me once. A long time ago. Seemed fitting to help you out.”

Rosamund was touched and she vowed to never forget the kindness. Perhaps someday she would pay her back in kind. She got to her feet and reached for her things. Anne handed them over.

“Thank you for everything,” she said.

“You’re most welcome. Now you’ll at least have some comfort while riding.”

She nodded. “Well, I should be on my way.”

“Take care, lady. I hope you find what you’re looking for,” she said.

Not knowing what she was looking for, she merely nodded and said, “So do I.”

Chapter 9

Inthefarreachesof the realm of Faery in the Eternal Court, Rowena spent the long days of the last eighteen years waiting for the Myst Kingdom to announce the death of the princess. And though the girl’s birthday was still a few days away, she was impatient to see to it the king and queen were properly punished for their slight.

While the other Court rulers return to their lives, Rowena harbored her ill feelings for King Stephan, letting them fester over time until they had almost consumed her. She thought about her curse every day since the day of the christening. Remembering the royals’ horror-stricken faces kept her warm at night.

She paced the confines of her cavernous great hall, waiting for her messenger to return with news. She had dispatched him days ago, watching as he sifted away from her court. All the while, she had thoughts of what to do if her plan did not succeed.

Her guard appeared in the great hall, clearing his throat to get her attention.

“Your majesty, he has returned,” he announced.

“Send him in at once.” She didn’t need an explanation as to who had returned.

The messenger, though, was already entering the hall before she finished. He was a young Fae who had the ability to sift through time and space. A strong Fae in which she had placed her faith.

“What news?” she asked, her hands clasped in front of her as she waited.

“First, I must tell you the royal rose garden was removed and all roses outlawed. No one is allowed to plant roses in any part of the kingdom,” he said. “As decreed by the king.”

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