Once Upon an Enchanted Forest by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ink House Books

She faced his seated figure, awaiting his answer. The wind ran teasing fingers through her golden curls, pulled at the diaphanous gown she wore, delicate as flower petals. The silence between her and Owen stretched until it became a type of tension, a spider’s web laden with dew. His answer was slow to come, but judging from the wary look in his eyes, it was one of many he had considered before speaking.

“My magic does hasten my healing, to a point. I will need to cast quite a large spell to recover, or it will take me many weeks.”

“A sorcerer hunted by the king’s brother must be very well-known,” Thalia said.

Owen nodded. “You are astute, Queen Thalia. I am the king’s sorcerer, and sworn to him. I am happy to answer any of your questions about my person or my magic. However, I cannot betray the king’s trust by telling you of my quest. Suffice it to say that I remain loyal to the king, and Lord Anthony wishes to dissuade me from my decision.”

“How did you breach our spells?” she asked. King Calvin was sick and dying, she knew. Townspeople, foresters, hunters: all spoke within earshot of trees, of birds. He would be searching for a secret cure, a fountain of youth, as all sick and dying kings did. Thalia knew what Owen was searching for, and she knew he would fail. Then there would be another king, and she would meet with him and ensure he honored the peace the dryads had upheld with the royal family for centuries.

“Your barriers allow magical creatures entry, my lady. Fairies, gnomes, dryads. Technically, I am a magical creature, human though I be.”

“Our spells exclude mortals,” Thalia said, feeling guilty that it was so. “No one has ever entered without our permission.”

Owen grinned. “Sorcerers can live forever,” he said. He sobered as he gazed at his chest wound, which wept a cloudy fluid. “Assuming I survive this injury.”

Thalia paced on the dew-laden grass, her thoughts on safety. It had been foolish to have left this man unchallenged for so long, and their clan was lucky he had meant no ill will. She had to ensure that her tree was protected.

She was aware of his eyes on her, following her curves when he thought she couldn’t see, and a self-mocking smile twisted her mouth. Human men were so simple, she thought, easy to fool with surface appearance.

“Queen Thalia, I didn’t mean to alarm you,” Owen said. She stopped her movement and waited. “I didn’t breach your spells without help. King Calvin has sent me on a personal mission, and I have in my possession the ring passed down to him from King Robert, and King William before him.”

“Calvin vowed to keep the existence of the ring secret,” Thalia said, anger and betrayal sharpening her voice.

“And so he had, my lady,” Owen held up a placating hand. “I learned of this ring from King William’s private records, which I have since hidden. King Calvin continues to honor the pact between our races.

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