Page 95 of Beauty's Beast

“It does not displease you, then?”

“I think you will be good for her,” Erik replied. He regarded the wizard a moment. “And that she will be good for you.”

“She told me of her marriage to your father, that it was not a happy one. That he was, on occasion, unkind to her.”

“Unkind? He beat her when he was angry. And when he was young, he was often angry.”

“And yet you vowed to give him an heir.”

“It was his dying wish,” Erik said flatly. “I could not deny him.”

“So, what would you have of me this day?”

“When I am fully a beast, will Charmion still have power over me?”

Caddaric frowned. “I’m not sure I understand your question.”

“You said your magic would not work on me because I was under her power. Will I still be under her power when her spell is accomplished?”

“I cannot say for certain, but I would think that her power would be even stronger once the transformation is complete.”

“Is there nothing you can do to render me invulnerable to her dark magic?”

“Invulnerable?” The wizard stroked his beard, his expression thoughtful. “Why? Do you think she will decide to turn you into a toad?”

“I don’t know. I only know that Kristine and my child will not be safe so long as Charmion lives.”

“Ah.” Understanding sparkled in the wizard’s eyes. “Do you truly think you can destroy her?”

“I don’t know, but I intend to try.”

“It will not be easy. She rarely leaves Cimmerian Crag.”

“I will go to her.”

“And do what?”

“Become her pet, as she intended. I will crawl on my belly, and lick her feet, and do whatever else she asks of me.”

The wizard nodded slowly. “It is a plan so simple, so wise, it may very well work. And yet it is not without risk. Should you fail, her vengeance will most likely be swift and cruel.”

Erik lifted his left hand. “More cruel than this?”

“I shall see if I can conjure a spell that will offer you some measure of protection, but it is doubtful. And even should I find one, there would be no way to prove its effectiveness until you are face-to-face with Charmion, and then it will be too late.”

“It is a risk I am willing to take.”

To the wizard’s credit, he did not try to dissuade him. “I shall protect Kristine and your mother with my life. Do not fear for their safety.”

“You will not tell either of them we had this conversation.” It was not a question.

“No.”

With a nod, Erik left the tower room.

Caddaric stared after the lord of Hawksbridge Castle, thinking he had never known a man of such courage.

With a sigh, he went to his desk and sat down. “So, my Fidella,” he said, “we must find a spell that will withstand Charmion’s power. But first we must bring a bit of Christmas cheer to this sad household.”

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