Seasons of Magic Volume 1 by Selina J. Eckert

Author:Selina J. Eckert
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: anthology, fairy tale, fairytale, retelling
Publisher: Selina J. Eckert
Published: 2021-07-30T16:00:00+00:00

Eleven

Pumpkin Spice Blueberry with the Best Autumn Party Ever!

It would be another hour before the judges completed their evaluations, and the winner wouldn’t be announced until the evening’s festivities. I tried to enjoy the festival with Thea and the sprites, but anxiety kept resurfacing and obscuring any fun I was having. Eventually, we sat down in the food tent with mugs of hot cider and wine and huge plates piled high with turkey, potatoes, and vegetables.

And then it was finally time.

Right before the night’s live music, the mayor and Prince Forrest climbed the stairs to the stage near city hall, the Prince’s hob assistant holding a stack of cards that was half her size.

My heart fluttered in my chest, and I suddenly regretted all that food at dinner, and the wine I’d washed it down with. I clenched my hands together to stop picking at the loose threads in my scarf and stared at the stage without blinking.

The mayor approached the mic amidst cheering and drunken yelling. He smiled brightly and held up his hands while other city hall officials tended the bonfire near the stage, its light reflecting off his glasses and outlining him in bright orange.

“Welcome, Cider Hollow!” he boomed, and the people cheered again. “It’s another glorious fall day, and a perfect day to welcome our Fae friends to our small community. Thank you all for opening your arms so warmly to them.” He turned slightly toward the Prince. “And thank you, Prince Forrest, for selecting our small town to be the beneficiary of your Harvest Ball! I know I can’t wait to attend, and I hope many of the town will visit as well!”

The Prince smiled and nodded. He said something to the mayor, but he was too far away, and the crowd too rowdy, to hear.

“And without further ado,” the mayor continued, “let’s welcome the Prince to announce the winner of the dessert competition!”

He stepped aside, clapping as the Prince and the hob stepped forward. Thea and the sprites grasped my hands, the two sprites sharing one of them, and we bounced on our toes, all anxious to hear the outcome.

All I could think about was the lost revenue. The broken website. The opportunities this contract would mean for Pie-Jinks, and the loss I could suffer if I didn’t win.

And of course the Prince. His eyes. Those lips kissing mine.

I flushed and banished the thought. It was time to focus.

“Thank you, Cider Hollow. I could not have asked for a warmer welcome, and we are excited to throw the Harvest Ball with all of you next Saturday!” the Prince said in that delicious British accent.

More cheering.

After it died down, he continued, reaching a hand toward the hob. “And now, our runner-up for the dessert competition.” He opened an envelope, reading quickly. “Annette Green, homebaker, for her unique take on a pumpkin cobbler.”

The hob stepped forward, holding out a gleaming, glowing silver medal. A scream came from the crowd, and the sea of people parted to allow a squealing Annette to approach the stage.

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