Page 3 of Vanish

“I shouldn’t have brought her,” he muttered. “Why did I let you talk me into risking her safety?”

I gave a shrug of equal parts shame at his accusation and disappointment—I’d known full well that Evelyn wouldn’t be able to help, but my desperation to save my vanishing kingdom had stirred up baseless hope; her own desire to help had led to her acquiesce, though both of us knew her presence was pointless.

I glanced to where she still crouched, scouring the ground for evidence I knew she wouldn’t find. The curse was too thorough, leaving no trace except the occasional taunting reminder as it obliterated everything in its path regardless of whether it was a weed or a member of the royal family.

Horror knotted my stomach at the memory of how close I’d come to losing my brother, who was still my best friend despite the difference of opinion that had divided us these past several months. My relief must have pierced the hardened mask I’d constantly worn since the disappearing curse had infringed the land, just enough for his expression to soften.

He rested a hand on my shoulder. “I understand the burden weighing upon you. I have never forgotten my own duty, only come to realize that there is always a higher path.”

“If it ever existed, surely it’s long since vanished, swallowed up with the rest of our kingdom.” My voice escalated as my fragile hold over my composure faltered.

Ryland sighed. “Evelyn and I didn’t accompany you to argue, but to do our best to offer our support. Even if Evelyn can’t provide the magic you need, we still want to help. You need not shoulder this burden alone.”

He looked like he wanted to say more, but at that moment his wife wandered over with her report. “From my examination, the curse that destroyed this village is the same disappearing blight that has affected the rest of Brimoire.”

I released the long breath I’d been holding. Though the news was unsurprising and could even be considered good considering it meant we didn’t have two enemies to battle, it still left me trapped in my prison of helplessness. “And you found no sign of weakness?”

She grimly shook her head.

Ryland frowned. “We shouldn’t have come. My understanding of the gravity of our kingdom’s circumstances and my love for our people isn’t enough to expose you to this dangerous situation, especially considering we’re not just risking your safety but also…” Worry furrowed his brow as he rested a tender hand on her stomach.

She placed hers over his. “I have enough magic to protect myself and the baby. If I can offer any assistance, no matter how small, I will. As I’ve already told you, I want to be here for you.” She laced their fingers together and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, which he returned with a small smile, even as the worry creasing his forehead remained.

I watched them with mixed feelings. While I was happy my brother had found love in the wife he’d initially married with insincere motives, envy mingled with longing twinged my breast at the tender scene. I turned away to stare down the long road stretching towards Thorndale, my thoughts drifting to their favorite place whenever my eclipsing worry granted me a rare reprieve.

Only a few more days. For all their power, my nerves couldn’t fully quench the excitement I constantly masked with all my other unproductive feelings. Even if nothing else changed, having my fiancée’s calm and steadying presence would make my overwhelming difficulties easier to bear…though not enough to regret thrusting her into a horrible situation she hadn’t asked for, one which her timid nature would only make more difficult.

Our accompanying guards’ uneasiness drew me reluctantly back to the situation at hand. “We shouldn’t linger.” It was unwise to remain in cursed territory too long, lest we risk not just our wellbeing but also those residing in the capital. Even with the palace’s protective charm that had been cast anciently back when magic still existed in the land, there was still so much we didn’t know about how the curse spread, leaving us uncertain whether it had the potential to follow us into the palace to wreak havoc there.

I turned to lead the way to the awaiting carriage, but paused when I spotted the frantic approach of men on horseback in the distance. When they drew closer, I recognized the livery of the curse specialty division in the royal guard.

My stomach sank. Even before they imparted their news I feared my legs would give out, unable to bear the force of yet another burden to what already crushed me beneath its relentless weight. They yanked their horses to a stop just short of us and the captain wasted no time sharing his dire report.

“The entourage from Thorndale has vanished.”

Horror seized my breath even as my mind scrambled to comprehend his words. The Thorndale entourage, the very one I’d been expecting in a few days. But…it couldn’t be. It was too soon for them to arrive.

My legs gave out and I stumbled, only spared from collapsing by Ryland’s steadying support propping me up. It was a struggle to regain enough composure to force a single word past the emotion clogging my throat. “Lisette?”

The captain’s grim expression confirmed the fate I most feared, one I refused to believe. My outward expression didn’t change, but within my heart a tumultuous storm raged. Without a word, I seized the reins of my horse and hoisted myself up.

My guard lurched forward. “Your Highness, where are you—”

I ignored him and kicked my horse into a gallop, leaving my brother and the others behind. Moments later, my guard had followed, accompanied by the captain who had delivered the crippling blow.

I slowed my horse just enough for my voice to rise above the sound of their hooves. “Explain,” I hissed. “My fiancée wasn’t due to arrive for several more days when we could arrange for an escort to meet them at the border to lead them along the safest route through the villages not yet touched by the curse to the palace.”

“We only just received word that they left early.”

I gritted my teeth. The King of Thorndale was mad to have ignored our precautions given to ensure his daughter’s safety. Was he so indifferent to her that he would send her directly into the fray of a cursed land without any regards to the fate that could potentially befall her?

The captain continued. “Upon learning of their early departure we went to meet them, only to discover the faint remains of horse tracks coming from the direction of Thorndale, and a small portion of the carriage that didn’t disappear bearing the Thorndale royal crest.”

My panic escalated so that I could barely remain upright on my horse. “And its occupants?”

“Gone without a trace.”

No!

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