Page 12 of The Beauty and the Griffin

I simply stared at him, unable to process his words. From all around I heard gasps, scandalized whispers, and splutters of embarrassed laughter. Then a sharp-faced girl seated at the far end of my table added, “My grandmother says ‘Nanny’ Beatrice’s mother was related to the crazy hermit enchantress who lives somewhere in these mountains. The one who cursed Adelboden’s last king before he was torn to pieces by a wild beast.”

I sat like a stone, struggling to process these unprovoked attacks. Then my gaze fastened on Eddi, seated across from me, who continued eating without the slightest hint of concern. “Have you been spreading rumors?” I asked directly.

“I?” My princess pressed one hand to her chest, widening her big brown eyes.

“Yes, you. Did you tell lies about my parents? About mymother?”

Something like guilt flickered in her eyes, but the unnatural child blinked it away and spoke with theatrical exaggeration. “Why would you suspectmeof spreading sordid rumors? I’m only nine years old! Raquel’s grandmother is the gossip, not me.”

I narrowed my gaze and spoke quietly. “Did you tell anyone that my parents had an unhappy marriage?”

For an endless moment, she didn’t move.

“You know nothing about my family, Your Highness. Torment me if you will, but you, of all people, should know to leave my mother out of your horrid stories.”

Her gaze dropped, and her face flushed a deep red.

Only those seated nearest heard us and went quiet. Everyone else joked and laughed, making plans for the day. I had never felt more alone in all my life.

As my tale ended, a few tears escaped again. “It’s not true,” I added. “None of it is true. My parents were happily married.” The words sounded lame even though they were factual.

“I believe you.” The kindness and sincerity in the Gamekeeper’s voice prompted more tears. While I dug a tissue from my pocket and tried to mop my face in a ladylike manner, he added, “I don’t know why you haven’t been informed, but the resort staff is responsible for escorting minor guests to and from their scheduled activities.”

“But Eddi takes private riding lessons.” My words escaped as more of a wail, but he somehow discerned the words.

“Kai will gladly escort the princess to her next activity. Once the staff members collect young guests after breakfast, you legally have no further responsibility for Princess Eddi until early dinner is served unless you choose to spend your lunch hour with her. If King Koldo objects, I shall address the matter with him.”

Somehow, this welcome news made me cry harder. “Thank you!” I managed between hiccups. “I’m sorry for crying.”

“You’ve bottled up the tears for so long that a flood was inevitable.” His playful tone and cadence made me smile even before he added, “If ever you were to eavesdrop on the full-time staff members, you would hear tales of their run-ins with the Tiny Terror of Bilbao. They’re rooting for you to succeed. You’ve outlasted all her other nannies already.”

Never in my life had I felt more relieved, and yet, “I feel wicked though, talking behind her back. I mean, she’s a frighteningly intelligent and complex child, packed full of anger and fear.”

“And guile,” he inserted.

“Yes, but there’s more to her. I mean . . .” The right words wouldn’t come, so I blurted, “I kind of think she could be lovable if she’d give herself a chance. Or give me a chance.”

“Perhaps she’s testing you.”

“Testing? You mean, to see if I’ll stick it out?”

After a pause, he said only, “Feel free to come to me anytime you need to let off steam. But I believe today’s royal riding lesson will end soon. I would advise you to have a private chat with Kai as soon as possible. He can handle Princess Eddi.”

A load seemed to drop from my spirit. “Thank you. I will.” I glanced at my wind-up watch. “I’ve got to run! Thank you.”

“Helping you is my pleasure.”

Before I could reply, he was gone. But I didn’t mind. I felt so much better after our chat that I smiled all the way back to the stables. Funny, how I found conversation with an immensely powerful invisible being far more relaxing than interacting with humans my age.

Honestly, it required hanging out with someone mysterious and ineffable for me to feel normal? I jogged from the garden gate to the stables with a grin on my face.

Arabella

Two more years passed in a blink, as they all do nowadays. On the spring morning before early guests would begin to pour through the gates of Faraway Castle, I lolled on a warm flat rock at the tip of Palau Kalah, congratulating myself.

“Ellie Calmer, as I call her—you know, my little rescued waif? Well, she completed her training, applied for a junior-staff position at the resort, and passed easily. I’ll miss having her around the cottage, I suppose, but at least I can drop that hideous hedge-witch disguise.”

Pukai, lying belly-down in her mermaid form, arms folded to support her head, merely grunted.

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