Page 79 of Once Upon an Enchanted Kiss

As these thoughts passed through her mind, her father ran from his private sitting chamber and came to a halt several feet from her, his face ashen as though he might have seen a ghost. As though he didn’t quite believe her mother when she told him the curse was broken.

“My darling girl.” His voice was but a whisper. Her mother appeared at his side and gave him a nudge.

He moved toward her. Rosamund hurried toward him, too. He hugged her, squeezing her tight in his embrace. Then he pulled back and held her at arm’s length to look her over.

“Your mother said the cruse was broken, but I didn’t quite believe her.”

“Believe her, Papa,” she said. “It’s true.”

“Thank the gods you’re all right!” He hugged her again. This time when he pulled back and glanced over her, it was with more of a critical eye. “What in gods’ name are you wearing? And where the bloody hell did you go? We were worried about you from the moment we realized you were gone.”

“I know and I am truly sorry for that. I didn’t mean to worry you. Come sit down, Papa, and I will tell you.”

She took him by the hand and tugged him toward the small conversation area by the hearth.

“Shall I ring for tea?” her mother asked.

“Frankly, my dear, I think I will need something stronger than tea,” he muttered as he allowed Rosamund to tug him along.

They sat together. He on the long sofa piled high with cushions and pillows. She took the oversized wing-backed chair opposite him. She placed her hands in her lap, took a deep breath, and began.

“I do wish you had told me about the betrothal sooner,” Rosamund said.

Guilt swept across his features for only a brief instance before he concealed it. Before he said anything, she hurried on.

“And the curse. Why didn’t you tell me Queen Rowena cursed me when I was a babe?”

“We were trying to protect you,” her father said. “I didn’t think it was necessary to tell you because I never expected the curse to come to pass.”

“Well, it did,” Rosamund said. “Apparently, from what Phillip recalled, all the Fae royals bestowed a gift upon me.”

Her mother came into the sitting area holding a small glass with an amber liquid. She handed it to her father. He took it from her, giving her a glance of thanks, before taking a sip.

“They all did, yes,” her mother said.

Rosamund pinned her mother with her gaze. “What were they?”

“I don’t think that’s of any importance—” her father began.

“I’d like to know,” Rosamund said.

“One queen gave you beauty, charm, and grace. One of the kings gave you strength and bravery. Another king gave you the gift of intelligence and quick wit. It was Rowena who placed the death curse upon you,” her mother said. “She cursed you because—”

“I know why and that reason no longer matters. Queen Rowena thinks I’m dead. However, it was Queen Elara who reversed that curse,” Rosamund said. “She came to me when I was sleeping. She told me how to break the curse.”

“What do you mean came to you?” Her father scrutinized her as confusion flickered over his face.

“I don’t know how she knew I was under the sleeping curse, but she appeared and told me that there was only one way to break the curse. She also told me something else, Papa. And you must listen.”

Now her father’s brows rose to his hairline. Rosamund scooted to the edge of her seat.

“And what is that?” he asked, genuinely interested.

“She said she knew you feared the Fae royals. But there is no need to fear them. They do not wish to conquer Stonebridge or expand their borders. She said Faery is not interested in Stonebridge lands.”

He stared at her in silence for a long moment, his face devoid of emotion.

“That’s very good to hear,” her mother said. “Isn’t it, my love?”

---