Page 74 of The Mirror and the Curse

When Raquel resumed flinging invectives, Geoff lowered his hand, and the sound cut off, although Raquel’s mouth was still moving. “Enough of that,” he said mildly. “Take care of White and yourself, Your Highness. I hope I caught all the curses Miss Cambout scattered around, but I might have missed a few. Don’t worry if you’re followed; I’ve assigned several guards to protect you until I return. Should be back before nightfall to wrap things up here.”

Eddi returned to her parents. When reporters clustered around, asking for quotes, she simply praised her amazing horse and gave credit to her still-missing trainer, Kai Longthane. It all seemed surreal, as if she watched some other girl going through these motions. Memories of the hatred in Raquel’s voice and eyes made her feel sick inside.

She felt grateful when her father, who was nearly bursting with pride in his daughter, took over as her spokesman—he had always loved a microphone and camera. Hearing King Koldo rave about “the great Snow White” to anyone who would listen warmed her aching heart. There would be no more disparaging remarks from him, she was certain.

While he related his story of rescuing Snow White at an auction only last year, Jakinda moved closer to Eddi. “Are you all right, dear?” she inquired, a tiny crease appearing between her perfect brows. “You must be simply exhausted. Twenty-seven miles! I had no idea the race would be that long. But the horses are so fast, it didn’t seem long to us here on the ground.”

“I am pretty beat. I need to take White to his stable. We’re both tired of the crowds and the noise.” She patted White’s shoulder, feeling the dried sweat.

“Of course, darling. We’ll see you in our suite. You should try to sneak in a nap before the banquet tonight. I’ll do your hair and makeup if you like.”

Eddi’s smile was genuine as she reached up to give her stepmother a little hug. “Thanks, Jakinda. That would be awesome. Um, I would really appreciate it if you’d fob off any reporters or media people. Tell them I’ll be happy to give interviews later, after I have a chance to recover.” She paused. “Come to think of it, they’ll probably follow me.”

Jakinda held up one hand. “Just a moment.” She dug into her clutch and pulled out a little tube rolled up at one end. “Now, this is a strict secret, all right? If I rub some of this potion on your face and White’s, no one will notice you for the next ten minutes.”

Eddi stared in surprise from the tube to her stepmother and watched as Jakinda’s cheeks went pink. “Your father doesn’t know about it, and I promise I use it only when particularly annoying media people are around. It also kind of moves people out of your way without their suspecting a thing.”

Eddi felt her lips curl into a smile. “Naughty.”

Jakinda grinned. “I know. But at times it has preserved my sanity. It doesn’t take much, even for a horse. Now, put your hand on White so you don’t lose him; you won’t be able to see each other either.” She unscrewed the cap. “No one will even notice when you disappear.”

“Did you make this stuff?”

Eyes wide, Jakinda put a finger to her lips. “Shh, yes. It’s my magicalmagnum opus.” She winked.

“You’re the best stepmom ever,” Eddi proclaimed, and meant it. With no hesitation, she allowed her stepmother to smear the potion on her face, then White’s.

“Now hurry,” Jakinda advised her. “It won’t last past ten minutes or so.”

Eddi led her horse away by his long forelock. White was tired but immensely pleased with himself and eager to get back to his stall for supper, grooming, and a nap. Although the post-race crowds seemed more jam-packed than ever, the great winged horse passed through with no interference at all, thanks to Jakinda’s potion.

Along the way, Eddi thought back over unkind things she had thought and said during the past few years both to and about Jakinda, suspecting her of evil with no evidence, let alone proof, simply because she was “the stepmother.” Far from turning King Koldo against his daughter, Jakinda had influenced him to give Eddi more attention and affection.

How many more childish opinions had she clung to long past their expiration date?

With a sigh, Eddi figured she might never learn the full story about her misadventures that summer. Her old rival really was the villain, so she’d been correct on one point. But how? Raquel didn’t have the magic to mix effective potions. And that mirror-thing she’d dropped into the ravine, what was it? The more Eddi thought about it, the more she wanted answers, but Geoff Bryant was under no obligation to tell her. Maybe she would be called to witness in a trial? She almost hoped so.

Well, no sense in fretting about that now. She must get White settled, then hurry up to the castle in time for a quick nap before the banquet . . . although, seriously, she wouldn’t sleep a wink. And the banquet? Might be fun if she could sit with Kai . . .

While afternoon sunlight glowed over the mountains, Eddi let her gaze drift over the familiar, beloved views and felt her heart clench. She might see Kai again if she came for a winter camp, but next summer . . .

Nothing would ever be the same again, and the thought made a bottomless pit in her belly.

Motion in her peripheral vision drew her attention as she and White crossed the little bridge across the creek that flowed from the gardens. It was weird to feel her horse’s warm hide against her palm while he was invisible. She stopped abruptly and felt him jolt to a stop. His query slipped into her mind, but she was too busy staring at a tree. Something white had ducked behind it. Hadn’t Annette mentioned a white rabbit skulking around the pavilion? And the tree . . . had it always stood there beside the creek?

She wasn’t exactly worried, but a shiver ran down her spine. “White, did you see that?” He was far too focused on hay, grooming, and sleep—not necessarily in that order—to care. What could a rabbit and a tree do to them anyway?

By the time they entered the stable courtyard, Eddi could clearly see her horse again, but the potion had done its job. When Emenike and Karishma appeared in the stable’s doorway, Eddi almost wished it had lasted longer. Which was decidedly antisocial of her . . . but even her bones felt tired.

“And here you are! That horse is a wonder,” the prince said with his beaming smile.

“We’ll race you again another day,” Karishma said, her dark eyes intense. “But today belonged to Snow White. That comeback was . . . epic. We’re all so grateful you weren’t hurt.”

Impatient with this chatter, White clopped across the courtyard and into the stable, leaving politeness to Eddi.

“Who would have thought Raquel would attack you, a royal princess?” Emenike frowned, shaking his head. “And using forbidden magic. I saw the whole thing, so if they need a witness, call on me.”

“Thank you.” Eddi smiled weakly, grateful for this unexpected support.

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