Five Enchanted Roses: A Collection of Beauty and the Beast Stories by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Rooglewood Press
Published: 2015-07-26T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

THE NEXT MORNING, Ritter and Karyna resumed their journey. The weight lifted from Karyna’s shoulders as they traveled. Having someone to talk to besides her horse felt like seeing the sun burst from behind the clouds after a long winter storm. Ritter had always been a charming companion, and his presence and easy friendship made the journey far more enjoyable. He turned everything into an adventure, and his smile was infectious.

The forest was deep and dark, but sunlight filtered down through the emerald canopy and dotted the ground. As they rode, Karyna explained to Ritter about her dreams, the roses turning to stone, and how she believed the curse had been cast by an enchantress who had kidnapped Bellenya and was hiding in Rivenloch Palace.

“You mean you were planning on facing this enchantress alone?” Ritter asked, incredulous. “You don’t have any idea how to break the curse, do you?”

Karyna picked invisible burs from Pippa’s mane. “I thought I’d figure something out along the way.” She gestured expansively. “I sort of believed the dreams would tell me what to do, but they stopped the night I left. I’ve only had one since, and it wasn’t particularly helpful.”

“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised,” Ritter said at length. “After all, you’re the one who convinced Barend, Bellenya, and me that it would be a good idea to climb that pine tree so we could slide down the branches and land in the snowdrifts.”

“It was a good idea,” Karyna retorted, but her eyes sparkled at the memory. “In fact, it was an excellent idea! Especially when you consider that I was only eight years old at the time and the youngest in the group. I’d never seen a tree like that before, or that much snow. It looked perfect for sliding, and it was. Admit it—it was great fun!”

“It was . . . until Bellenya got the sash of her dress caught on a branch and none of us could get her down.” Ritter chuckled heartily, his dark eyes alive with laughter. “I’ll never forget the sight of her hanging there, arms sticking out of her cloak sleeves, legs kicking. I thought she would be stuck there forever!”

Karyna laughed. “Barend was the only one of us with any sense. He ran straight to your father.”

“Who came running through the snow with a groundskeeper and a ladder.”

“I couldn’t believe it when the king went racing up the ladder to rescue Bellenya.” Karyna shook her head. “I always was a little in awe of your father after that.”

Ritter grinned. “We’re not quite as formal in Norvue. I remember the day Barend and I learned that the hard way.”

“Oh?” Karyna’s eyes widened. “You’re talking about the time you visited during the Feast of Christouge? I’ve always wondered: Wherever did you and Barend find all those frogs?”

Ritter’s laughter rang through the forest. “I’m not telling. We were sent home in disgrace. No desserts, no free time, just lessons and chores for weeks on end. It was worth

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