Looking for a Story

Madeline sat in the tower waiting. How had the wizard noticed he'd grabbed the wrong girl? It had been years. Surely at this point, the king had found his real daughter. Had she not been worth saving? How foolish had she been to swap places with the princess like this was some kind of fairytale?  She missed her family, her friends, and the village. As she leaned against the stone of the window frame one face entered her mind, Ralph. The boy her mother had called her childhood sweetheart.  He was brave and kind and when she was younger she'd believed he would come to save her but she was older now.  She'd tried to free herself from the tower but it seemed to be designed to keep her there. She'd thought because she wasn't the princess it would let her go. But no she was trapped – possibly forever. Would she die here? Would her parents die not knowing she was alive this whole time? She didn't even know how far she was from the village.  Sure she had everything she needed, the magical tower gave her food, water, clothes that always fit and even things to keep her entertained. She didn’t even need to clean but she was lonely, and she wasn't free.  Madeline watched the sun come up and sat at the window until the sun reached its highest point in the sky, "Time for a meal." She sighed and turned to see what the tower offered her today but before she could slide off her window seat something appeared on the horizon.  She squinted, there was a rider! She quickly pulled the pillowcase off one of the one too many pillows on the bed and waved it out the window, hoping to catch his attention. The dot on the horizon kept getting bigger.  Her heart raced, could it be? As the dot got closer she saw them, "Look out !" she shouted as jagged rocks jutted out from the ground. She watched the horse and rider weave through the new obstacles. He made it through the rocks and as he passed the last one a great chasm opened and flooded with water, the horse reered up and panicked.  The rider quickly jumped off the horse and calmed the animal. Looking around he tied the horse to one of the jutted-out rocks. She couldn't hear him but it seemed he calmed his animal companion. How was he going to get across the new mont around her tower? Surely he wasn't going to swim across – was he? Who knows what was in there?  He walked along the bank as if he was looking for something. Then he tossed some stones and a few of them landed in the water, but some floated in the air, he walked across a magical bridge "My Fair Lady?" He called from below.  "Yes Brave knight?" she squinted to get a better look at him.  "Do you know what I might face as I climb up your tower?" He unsheathed his sword.  "No, I've never been able to make it past the floor below me." She paused – "Please be safe."  “I will move with hast it to save you at once my lady!" And with that, he was off.  She opened the trapped door and listened for any sound, "Hello? Is everything okay down there?"  "Keep talking! It's a maze down here!" He called out his voice sounding very familiar. She quickly grabbed a book from her shelf and started reading out loud. Eventually, she heard his steps. "I can hear you!" she called out.  "I think I can see the light of your room!" His voice sounded close. Madeline kept reading until she saw his face," Raluphy?" "I knew I'd find you, Maddie!" His smile still had the same boyish charm she remembered.  "You saved me," she whispered.  "I became a knight so I could save you. I wasn't going to let the king forget you." He stepped closer.  "I thought everyone forgot about me." She reached out and took his hand.  He kissed her hand, "Shh say nothing more of that, your parents will be thrilled you’re back and the king owes you a great debt." He rushed and picked her up and thrilled her around. "Let's get you home."  Taking her hand he let her through the towers whose magic seemed to fade. The chasm closed and the horse and rider were reunited, "Let's get Madeline home, old boy." "I can't wait to see what adventures I can find." She takes in a deep breath of fresh free air.  "I'll come with you if you'll let me." Ralph offered her a hand up the on his horse. "I think I'd like that." Madeline took his hand and climbed up on the horse, ready to go home.

Victoria stands on the edge of the tournament hall. Her mom is rambling on about finding a seat and looking forward to watching her compete. “Yeah, yeah, mom. I gotta go! Coach isn't going to be happy if I’m late!” Victoria runs off, hearing her mom chuckle making some comment about being in such a rush. “Hey, kiddo! Perfect you’re early, I’ve got some bad news.” Her coach sets his bag down and sits down so they are closer to the same height. “What is it?” Her heart races. “They added a new round of competition - An Improv Round.” He pauses. Victoria interrupts, “Oh no big deal couch, Becca and I do improv all the time.” “No, they're going to pull names from a hat. You could be paired with anyone here. They want to test your ability to think on the spot.” He shrugs, “It shouldn’t affect your scores too much, but if you and your partner fail to make a routine both teams will lose points. So play nice.” He gives her a look. “Hey! I’m always nice!” She throws her hands up. “Always…” Her coach raises an eyebrow. “If I get paired with someone from Stormdale I’ll be as nice as they are.” She huffed, “As if dancing with elements was hard enough, sure add in new improv partners.” She chuckles and stretches. Soon the competition starts, and she only half watches the other competitors, the last thing she needs is for someone to get in her head. To an outsider, she’s watching everyone, but in her mind, she’s playing through her routine, sometimes she matches hers to the beat of the current dancer's music other times it’s as if she is not in her body and she is watching herself dance. She only leaves this zone to watch her teammate's routine. Eventually they call her number. She stands on the edge of the mat, and all four elements; fire, water, wind and earth, sit on their pedestals waiting for her to tell the ref which two she’s chosen for this dance. After seven years of competing, many of the other veteran dancers know what she’ll choose. She points to earth and fire - a difficult pairing but she loves the challenge. Soon her music starts. She dances, weaving the fire and earth together to create little statues around the mat. Each one is higher than the last. As the music builds, she jumps and leaps up on each statue. Making it atop her highest stature just as the song ends. She smiles and waves until the runners take their scorecards, then she uses the water element to help her get down. Then with a snap of her fingers, everything vanishes. Her coach beams with pride, “You get better every time you perform, if you keep at it, you could get a scholarship to one of the magic schools. I’m sure you’ll medal in your age group.” “I hope so. I’m not sure we could afford it otherwise.” She joins her team in watching the other performances. She watches the girls in the age group above her, none of them used the elements she did, would she stand out when she moved up? Soon the regular competition was over and it was time for this freestyle improv round. Pairs start being announced, and Victoria listened, “Victoria Evans from Whistle Brooke and Avery Gladice from Stormdale” Avery from Stormdale? Who was that? Victoria couldn’t remember who she was. Her coach gives a look, she smiles promising to be nice. Soon a first-year performer was standing in front of her. “‘Hi! I’m Avery!” The young girl waved. “Hello! Ready to dance?” Victoria led her to their practice area. “My favourites are earth and fire, I was preparing to perform while your group was on the mat. First years only have one element right? So what's yours?” “Water!” She did some funky hip-hop moves and the water flowed around her. “That's a cool trick! We should definitely use that!” Soon Victoria and Avery had a routine. They combined Avery’s hip-hop water moves with Victoria's way of making statutes to create a fun flow. While they didn’t place in the top three, they did have fun. Victoria saw a lot of herself in Avery and from then on, until Victoria graduated she looked for Avery at every meet. Giving her pointers when she could, and ironically enough a magic school in Stormdale offered Victoria a full-ride scholarship to join their college dance team. When Victoria could, she would stop by the local teams practise and help out Avery with her skills and create a bond that would outlast their time on the dance mat.

Ellie sat in the old chair in her Granny's room, a well-worn book in her lap, she'd read and reread this book hundreds of times. Her Granny lay in bed, eyes closed, but still awake, Ellie could tell because her fingers still tapped along her hand. Ellie always visited alone on Tuesday afternoons, while her boys were at school, and her husband was at work. “Ready for another story Granny?" She nodded slowly with a small smile on her face. Ellie started, “Once upon a time, in a land not so much unlike yours and mine, there lived a girl who believed in fairies. She would spend her days hunting for them in the flower garden, deep in the forest and even near the pond. The world felt so magical to her that she couldn't believe there wasn't something to it. Her mother would laugh and shake her head at the silly girl, "Just remember darlin, should you ever meet a fairy, always have a gift for them they are sneaky little things.” "Oh, no Mama, fairies are the kindest, nicest and prettiest mythical creatures of all! They are always helpful! And we made them a home in the garden! You'll see, they'll help us.” She just knew it. "I don't know who fairy lore you've been reading but sure it's right." Her mother shakes her head and keeps preparing supper. The girl watches out the window as if the fairies could come out from anywhere. “Winter is coming Mama, soon the snow fairies will be here soon, I'll need to make sure the fairy house has supplies for the spring fairies." She swings her legs on the stool as she plans. “Oh and what do the spring fairies need for their winter rest?" She teases as she plates food for the family. “In the house, pieces of fabric for extra blankets, a tea light candle would probably last a long time for the fairies and keep them plenty toasty, and they're magical so they won't need a match to light it. Oh! And can you buy the fairy food again this year and we can sprinkle it near the fairy house again?” The little girl ran to the table. "Of course, darlin'. I'll add it to the grocery list." Her mother kissed the top of her head, a smile hidden from her daughter's gaze. As the weather got colder, the little girl collected small scraps of fabric and found a small tea-light candle in the junk drawer. Soon the little fairy house was ready for the snow. Together she and her mother make a fairy feeder. And she was happy to see that every morning more of the feed was gone, “See Mama, the fairies know we are helping them!" “You might be onto something, darlin’." Her mother smiled, and if the girl were paying attention, she would notice a secret hiding in her mother's eyes. Then one night, as the first heavy snow fell, the little girl’s mother woke her, “Come quick!" They raced to the kitchen window that overlooked the garden, "Look!” She points to the garden where the garden, the little house stood, “Mama! The candle! They lit the candle! We have spring fairies taking their winter rest in our garden!” She shook with excitement! "And the winter fairies are putting on a show before the spring fairies take their rest. Would you like to stay up a little bit and have some hot chocolate and watch the snow fairies dance?" Her mother strokes her hair. “Can we make a little bit of popcorn too?" She looks at her mother with eyes full of wonder. "Of course darlin'." The two sat and enjoyed their late-night treat and show. Over the winter the little girl found gifts in her boots, mittens, inside a coat pocket and sometimes under her pillow. Sometimes it was small pocket change or small candies, and little drawings of flowers to remind her of spring. “Mama look! Another gift!” "I guess the winter fairies wanted to thank you for taking good care of their spring friends. And for the help you are to them." She poked the girl's nose causing her to giggle. "I hope the spring fairies are staying warm under the snow." The little girl looked out over the garden where the little house was hidden under the deep snow. “I'm sure they are safe and warm, blissfully sleeping through winter. I kinda wish I could join them!" Her mother laughed as she and her daughter bundled up for another day in the cold. “I bet the kid fairies get bored sleeping all winter! Maybe that's why we have some really nice days in the winter!” The little girl spoke like she had all the answers. “You just might be onto something there darlin." Her mom took her hand and together they looked for winter fairies hiding in the snow and frost. For a few more years the little girl believed in fairies and the magic they gave the world. But as all little girls do, she grew up, and soon stopped looking for fairies because she knew the real magic came from a mother who cared an awful lot." Ellie softly closed the book and glanced at her Granny who stared at her, “That was a lovely little story dear. Where did you find it?" Ellie smiled, “I brought it from home, it's one of my very favourite books, it's a collection of stories from my very favourite author.” "And who might that be dear?” Her Granny slowly sat, reaching for her granddaughter's hand. "Victoria Ellie James.” Ellie smiled softly. "That's my name, isn't it?” Her Granny looked at her, and Ellie nodded, "I wrote that?” She pointed to the book. Ellie nods again, “And so much more, I have a whole shelf of your books." "I can hardly hold a pen and sign my name anymore, and you're telling me I used to write stories? And I've forgotten them?" Granny shook her head, "Well, I suppose if I can rediscover them with you, it's not so bad.” She pats Ellie's hand. “Did I write this story for you?" Ellie loved reminding her of this story, “For me and mom, you wrote it for my first Mother's day, to remind mom and me about the power of a mother's magic.” She closed her eyes and nodded, as if she was remembering the moment, "You will keep reintroducing me to the worlds I used to create, won't you?” Ellie squeezed her hand, “Always."

Ivy watched as a younger version of her ran off into the distance, she finally felt at peace. She had become the person that would have helped her as a child. She felt amazing. She went to bed that night feeling like she could do anything.  Then the morning hit and hit hard. She groaned as the sun lit her room and her alarm blared, “No…” She mumbled as she hit soon. After twenty minutes she finally committed to getting up. She got dressed and walked into her bathroom to put on some makeup.  “Since when do we dress like Mom?” Ivy jumped and in the mirror, she saw a version of her teenself.  “What? Really? I just helped child me, can’t I get a break?” She yelled up at the roof.  Teen Ivy rolled her eyes, “Dramitc much?” Ivy couldn’t help but cringe a bit at this version of herself, sure child her had been cute and a little sad but she could see the good it did her adult self. But why on earth did she have to deal with this version of her? “But like seriously why are dressed like Mom? She is such a buzz kill.”  “Hey, Mom worked hard so we could do all the things we wanted.” Ivy continued to work on her makeup. “And I happen to like this outfit. It makes me feel professional. People take me seriously when I dress like this.” Ivy smiles at herself and grabs her bag. “Well come on, we’ve got to get to work.”  Teen Ivy rolled her eyes again, Ivy made a mental note to apologize to her mother because man was that annoying. “So you still dress for others?” Ivy momentarily paused, had she done that in the past… no she hadn’t… right? “No, this is just the dress code for my office.” Teen Ivy raised an eyebrow and slumped into a seat in the car. “Music?”  “Of course, and you know I think still have that playlist we made!” A quick search on her phone and found the list she now called her angst list. The two girls sang at the top of their lungs. Then they were at the office, “Are you following me around today?”  Teen Ivy huffed, “Not sure what else I’d do.” Ivey said nothing and led her to her office. “Oh, you have like a legit office. What do we even do?”  Ivy chuckled, “I was wondering when you’d ask me that. I do graphic design for a big marketing company.”   “So… so Mom and Dad let us do art?” Teen Ivy sloched into on of the chairs.  “It took some convincing but yeah, eventually they came around to the idea.” She shrugged, she hardly remembered that Mom and Dad hadn’t wanted her to do this. “They even bought us a new laptop for college.” She pointed to a photo on the wall for her graduation, both her parents beaming.  “D-do they brag about us to their friends like they did for Tony?” Teen Ivy glanced at the photo and crossed her arms.  Ivy paused, they had always bragged about her big brother's accomplishments more than hers when they were teens - hadn’t they? Well, Tony had struggled more in school, but it came easier to her, it’s why they wanted her to do something ‘more than art’ they saw her potential. Tony needed the encouragement, but she didn’t. But it would have been nice… Ivy felt her heart sink, and then she looked up at the photo, “All the time.”  “As they should!” Teen Ivy snapped and pulled out headphones and shut her older self out.  “I guess we are done talking.” Ivy shrugged and got to work.  As lunch approached, her boss knocked on the door, “Ivy? A minute of your time?”  “You couldn’t have picked a better time boss, I was just getting ready to hit pause on this sample for that makeup company. Come in.”  “Thank you.” He pulled out an envelope. “Remember that hair care company you did the last-minute design overhaul for?”  Ivy chuckled, “How could I forget, it caused me so much stress I didn’t sleep for like forty-eight hours. What about it?”  “They sent you a bonus thank-you gift, it’s a voucher for the Le Fancie. I can make some calls and get you a reservation, think you and your boyfriend can be available this Friday?” He slid the envelope across the desk.  “Woah, he’s been saving to take me there for months! Yea! We’ll make Friday work. Thank you, sir!” She beams and picks up her phone to call Kent.  Teen Ivy watched her with wide eyes as she filled Kent in on what happened.  “Are you sure? You can keep saving that money for another date, I don’t need a new dress.”  “Darling, how often do we get to go somewhere that nice? Let me spoil you and go get a new dress. I already sent the money over, please go get yourself something nice.” He tried to do his best rich man accent.  Which only made Ivy laugh, “Fine but you had better where that suit we got tailored last month.” She teased.  “Deal. Enjoy your lunch break darling!” He hung up.  “We have a boyfriend?! How did you not lead with that?” teen Ivy yelled, “What’s he like? What music does he play? Is he hopelessly romantic? How often does he buy flowers? Do Mom and Dad know?”  Ivy couldn’t help but bend over in laughter, “Slow down, girl. Here, you can look at some of the photos.” Teen Ivy snapped the phone out of her hand so quickly. “He buys me flowers every so often.  He is romantic in his own way. He’s not a musician-” She mumbled, “Not making that mistake twice.” then cleared her throat, “And of course, Mom and Dad know about him. Dad introduced us.” Teen Ivy immediately handed back the phone. “Oh. So he’s lame then?”  “No! He’s wonderful!” Ivy didn’t remember disliking her parents this much as a teen, but she couldn’t even ask teen Ivy more questions, cuz she’d shut down again.  So Ivy made it through the workday. And she led her teen self back to the car. “Do you wanna go dress shopping? We have a few hours till the mall closes.”  “Sure whatever.” Teen Ivy let out a huff. So they drove to the mall and Ivy walked to her current favourite store, “Really you shop here?” Teen Ivy deadbanded.  “Hey, I am this store's target demographic now you know.” Ivy walked in. Teen Ivy sulking behind. “Hey Melisha! Can you get a change room ready for me? Kent gave me money for a new dress.”  “Of course Miss! We just put out the new dresses for the season, I would even buy some of those.” The teenager who ran was working the till chuckled.  “You are on a first-name basis with the employees?”  teen Ivy rolled her eyes. “She does great work and she came to the office for an experience day so she’s easy to remember.” Ivy started looking through the dresses. “Let me know if you see anything I should try on.  They looked through the dresses, and nothing really stood out the them, then teen Ivy picked up one, “I’d wear this one.” It was dark blue and had a light shimmer.  “It looks familiar…” Ivy felt the fabric, “Oh it’s shockingly soft. I think it's the only one worth trying on.” Once she was looking in the mirror she loved it. “Oh, it’s so perfect.”  “Woah. It’s amazing.” Teen Ivy seemed to be whipping tears away. “I should send Mom a picture. She’ll love it!” Ivy snapped a photo and sent it to her mom, asking for her thoughts.  “Why do you care what they think so much? They can’t give us the time of day before! They don’t care!” Teen Ivy’s anger seemed to radiate off her.  “Woah.” Ivy watched as her teen self fell to the ground. “Melisha, hold this dress for me alright? I’ll come pick it up another day, something came up and I need to go.” Ivy quickly changed and raced her and her teenage self home.  Once they were in the safety of her room, Ivy pulled out an old scrapbook. “Look through it.”  Teen Ivy looked at the photos. “What is this? We didn’t make this.”  “No, but Mom did, dad even added some notes to it. It was a grad gift.” Ivy knelt in front of the girl, “Look I know it feels like Mom and Dad didn’t care back then, but they did. They just had a lot going on.” teen Ivy rolled her eyes, and Ivy set a hand on the girl's knee, “But that doesn’t make the pain you feel any less real. You are allowed to feel alone and forgotten.”  ‘I just wanted someone to see how hurt I was!” the teen's voice was dry and horse. “I know. I know.” Ivy spoke softly. “They should have seen the hurt, and they didn’t.” She hugged the girl. “You know something tho?”  “What?” Teen Ivy sniffled.  “They apologize for all of it. And they become our biggest and loudest fans. They share every design we work on, it’s actually kind of embarrassing.” Ivy giggled, “I had a breakdown after an award show and…” Ivy stopped as she looked down at the page the teen had stopped on, “It’s the dress.”  Teen Ivy looked down, “Oh wow! It looks so much like the one in the store.”  “I wore that dress all the time, well after the award show I didn’t wear it again. It hurt too much, I think I still have it in storage.” Ivy felt a familiar hurt well up.  Teen Ivy put her hand on Ivy’s hand. “Maybe it’s time for new memories?”  “I think so.” Ivy smiled as her phone buzzed and her mom’s praises for the new dress came pouring in, “See I told you still embarrassing.” The two girls simply giggled.

Dark Lightning was an oxymoron of a hero. Whenever she used her powers they came out as deep purple streaks of lightning. Same colour as the villains from the line of Mystique Villains. Mystique is the matriarch of the villains. All her children seem to have powers and she has to ability to give and take powers away from any civilian she chooses. Her children, however, she can't take their powers away seemed. So everyone assumed that Dark Lightning was a child who had rebelled. This only made her more popular. She was a beacon for the idea that even villains could be redeemed. Dark Lightning was happy with this life. She got to fight against the evil in her city and she could dodge questions about her lineage.  Which in truth she knew nothing about. All she knew was when she was 20 she suddenly had powers and when she clapped her hands, she was suddenly in a costume that hid her identity. That was until today, It was the perfect day. Not a cloud in the sky, not as ideal for her power but she loved the warmth as she flew around on the cloud of Electric Charge.  It was her day to patrol the city, letting the people know the Heroes of Glory were keeping watch. When suddenly she was knocked off her cloud and crashed to the ground. "Pathetic." a low voice rumbles.  Dark Lightning recognizes that voice, "Wave Braker.” She got up slowly and made sure she wasn't badly injured. "What do you want?"  "We want to know who you are.'' The Four Children of Mystique, all full-grown adults towered our her. "We know you aren't our little sister." The youngest son sneered.  "Yeah and none of us have children yet!'' The older daughter beside Wave Breaker snapped.  "And yet Mother can't remove your powers.'' The younger daughter rolled her eyes.  "I've been telling you for the last 5 years I have no idea! I just refuse to be like you." She stomped her foot and set a small shock that knocked the four villains to the ground and she took off. Trying to alert the other heroes but the fall had enough to damage that her tech was down.  Sure her powers had kept her from being hurt but she worried her suit might need a reset. She tried to find someplace to rest, only to hear their laugh behind her. She tried to get faster but everything was aching. "Oh did that fall do more damage than you thought?" She heard Wave Breaker’s taunt.  Dark Lightning let herself land somewhat haphazardly. She landed with a thud. She could feel her powers losing their hold. The little brother bared his ugly dark purple claws "It would be so easy..."  The oldest sister lowers her brother's claws, "But Mother has forbidden your death until we know who you are." The next sister smirked, but we could force your suite to reset." They didn't need to. Her powers grow tired and her suit faded, leaving only Gabrielle. The quirky and awkward young woman who was halfway through college. "Gabrielle?" Wave Breaker's voice broke and he used his powers to incapacitate his siblings and he pulled her away on a wave of sound. He got them far away, to a spot he knew his siblings would never look. As soon as his feet hit the ground in the small clearing, he dropped his costume, and Gabrielle pushed herself free. "Who are..." she stopped... "Wait, Dad? You are supposed to be dead..."  "That's what your mother and I agreed to yes." He sat on a stump even Gabrielle could see his mind reeling.  "You are not dead," she stated  "And you have powers... I thought...." He put his head in his hands.  "What did you guys have your Powers instantly?" Gabeial but across the clearing. "within a year." He shrugged. "I met your mom when I tried to leave the Mystiques, We even got married at a courthouse and had you just before I turned 21." He stood up and started walking around the clearing. "Mother eventually found me. I hanged to keep you and your mother a secret and because I thought you didn’t have powers I thought I could hide you and keep you safe."  "Why are you still there, aren't you like an adult?" Gabrielle looked at the aged man who looked like the photo on the mantel.  "I'm the only one who wanted to leave. My siblings would hunt me down. This is also all I know. Ask your mother about how badly I handle life." he lets out a sad sigh. "She speaks very highly of you." she shrugs. "Well now that I know you’re a hero... Maybe we can find a way out of this. And maybe we all could be together again."  "Mom would like that I bet. We could find a way to rebrand you as a hero and we could be heroes together.” She smiles, "Let's do it."

I shuffle my notes for the third time while I wait for Crowned Princess Catarina to join me in her study. I have chosen to interview her before her marriage tournament. I hear the door open, I quickly stand and bow to her, “Please raise kind, sir.” Her voice is soft and gentle, not like that of her mothers. “Thank you, my lady. The Gazette is honoured to be chosen to interview you before your tournament.” I wait for her to take a seat before I sit. I notice she seems uncomfortable in her dress, but I say nothing, after all, she looks lovely. “The Queen thought it might be nice for the public to have a glimpse into their future queen’s life. And the Gazette is my favourite in all the kingdom. ” She suppresses giggles, and her smile seems so real. “Well, that’s definitely something to go into the article.” I tease, “Now onto the basics my lady, may I have your full name?” She shakes her head as a well-practiced smile appears as we begin, “Oh that’s a loaded question, I am Catarina Genevieve of Noviala, Catarina is my paternal grandmother's name, and Genevieve is after the Queen herself.” She is so calm and collected, yet she fidgets with the long sleeves of her dress, an odd choice given the summer heat. “I know everyone calls you Princess Catarina, but surely even the princess has a nickname?” Her well-practiced smile cracks slightly, “Cat, that’s what my family and closest friends call me.” “Cat, I like that, it's sweet.” I make a few notes. “Now, your younger brother, Edward,” She nods, “He will be your chief adviser after you are made queen, yes?” “That’s the plan, there is no one I trust more, and he is the smartest, bravest, kindest prince I’ve ever known.” Her smile softens, clearly the two of them are close. “Keeping with the family questions, your mother is a powerful queen, she has an impeccable reputation among most of the kingdoms, and your father has one of the sharpest minds in all the kingdoms, what strengths do you think you will bring to the throne someday?” She pauses, giving it some thought, “I have inherited my father's wit and mother's political grace, so I would like to think that I will be great at diplomacy and problem-solving.” “We all know the Princess of Noviala is perfect in every way,” I tease, but is there anything you would change about yourself, hair colour, eye colour or maybe something deeper than that?” She quickly wraps her arms around herself, at first I think my question has hit a nerve then I notice she’s not putting a guard up she seems to be rubbing her arms, she can’t be cold, can she? After a moment she pulls herself together, “This is going to sound silly but I would change my voice, I’m not sure it will ever capture a room like my mother’s does.” “I don’t think that’s silly,” I say gently, scratching that question off my list. That one can stay between us. “Would you say the Queen is your role model?” She gives a moment of pause, which surprises me because the Queen and her always seem quite close in all public appearances, “My mother has done amazing things for the kingdom and the idea of following in her footsteps is a bit daunting but I hope to do it.” Her smile seems tighter now, maybe I can paraphrase her answer in my report. “Tell me, princess, the public would love to know would you rather be hiding indoors or on adventures outside?” I try a lighter question. “Maybe not adventures but I love spending time in the royal gardens, I would much rather be outside than inside.” She seems more relaxed now. “So then would you say you enjoy the busy parties of the court or are you more of a sneak-off to the garden and hide kind of person.” I lean in like it’s some kind of secret we are sharing. She once again lets a giggle slip out, “While I very much enjoy the music and dancing of all the parties we host, I must admit an evening in the cool of the garden cannot be beat.” She points to a photo in her study, “It’s the view of the garden in full bloom from the ballroom balcony. My favourite spot during royal balls.” “I can understand that. I’m sure much of the public will agree with your assessment.” I chuckle. “Last few questions, you have been meeting with many of the princes who are vying for your hand, and while I know you can’t tell me if any of them have caught your eye… But can you tell me do you believe in love at first sight?” Her face quickly turns pink and her hand darts to a necklace I hadn’t noticed she is wearing, it looks like some kind of gemstone. She quickly pulls herself together, “Um I’m not sure it does for me, I am crowned princess, I need a husband so I can produce an heir for the crown, it would be unfair of me to put that weight on my brother. So if true love exists it is not…” She slows her thumb sliding over the smooth stone, “It is something I would have the luxury of experiencing.” She quickly adds, “Though who knows maybe when I meet my prince in a few days my opinion will change!” She trying to sound cheerful. “Thank you for your time my lady. I think I have enough here to write something for the Gazette, I’m sure all the village girls will love to read all about it.” I smile and wait for her to stand. “I look forward to reading it.” She smiles, and quickly leaves the room, no doubt off to another meeting with a prince. As I am accompanied out of the place I can’t help but think about how tense and uncomfortable she looked at times during our meeting and why the long sleeves. And when I asked her about love well the emptiness in her voice was impossible to miss. What was our princess hiding? Would you like to know what Princess Catarina is hiding? Guess what you can find out in my short story Curse of Draconic which can be found in the anthology collection Creatures, Crowns, & Curses ! On July 30th I will update you with all the preorder/release info and let you see the cover!

Once upon a time, Ella worked as a maid for her stepmother and step-sister who were incredibly wicked. Ella dreams of a better life. "Well no duh. Wouldn't you if you are practically a servant in your own home?" Ella looked up towards the roof. You can hear me? The narrator had never had a character interrupt him before. "Yes I can hear you." she rolled her eyes," Don't get me in trouble, ya hear." Of course. Back to the story. Ella often dreamed of a better life, and little did she know her life was just about to change. "Yeah right." Ella chucked as a letter fell through the mail slot. "Just a coincidence, Ella whipped her hands on her apron and collected the letter. "It's from the Palace!" She whispered as she ran her hand over the royal seal. She rang the bell and her stepmother came out of her office. "Here Miss, it’s from the Palace." Ella bowed. Her stepmother snatched the letter from her. "Alexandra!" Her spoiled brat of a sister came running. "Yes, mother?" "We have received a letter from the Palace." Alexandra gave out a high-pitched shreek. "Hush!" The stepmother scolded. "To the ladies of this house, the prince is in want of a wife. All eligible you ladies are to attend the royal ball held in three days!" "Mother! A ball!" Alexandra was practically vibrating. "We must go get you a new gown." The stepmother looked at Ella with a sneer. "I hope you don't accept to be allowed to go." "No stepmother. I don't." Ella bowed. "We are low on supplies for the week may I go to town and collect what we need?" Her stepmother stood smugly." Good. I suppose I can allow it. Don't delay!" Her stepmother called a carriage for herself and Alexandra. While Ella hooked her horse up to the old cart and headed to town. Ella longed to go to the ball, but alas her life was not her own - "I don't really care about the ball.” Ella rudely interrupts the narrator. What do you mean you don't want to go to the ball? That is what your whole life has been leading to! "My whole life? Really? Isn't that a touch dramatic?" The narrator ignored Ella’s comment. Ella made her way through the down and headed to her favourite shop. It was run by an old friend of her father's. "Hello, Mr. Ken. How is business?" "Oh same old, same old, Ella dear. And how are you fairing?" The man gave her a kind smile. "As good as I can be. I've come for the usual." She handed him the list. "It will take me a moment to collect everything if you would like Thomas is in the backroom." Mr. Ken winked. Who is Thomas? He's not in my story! The narrator frantically searched his notes. "He's my best friend," Ella spoke in a low tone so as to not alert the shopkeep, unaware of the blush creeping across her cheeks. Wait blush? No! You can't like this boy! That is not the story. Ella ignored the narrator and entered the backroom. "Tommy." she quickened her pace. "Ellie!" He set the crate he was unloading down just in time to pick her up and spin her around. "The step monster let you out today?" "She did, Alexandra needs a new dress for a ball to try and be the prince's bride." Ella rolled her eyes. “Oh really? Are you going to attend?" Thomas leaned on the crate trying to play it cool. "Ha no! Like the step monster would let me anyway." She took his hand, "But it could be the perfect opportunity." Thomas's eyes lit up, "You think? But… what about your father's estate? You’d never get back at her for wrecking your life." Ella squeezes his hand, "What better way to get back at her than to live my life as a happy little shopkeeper's wife?" She stands up on her tip toes and he quickly kisses her before his father can see. "I will make the arrangements." He could hardly contain his excitement. "You have three days." Ella hugs him tight. "That is perfect.” Thomas started pacing, “The new store is almost ready to open and Father wants me to go run it… You can come with me! I can find you someone to stay with until we can wed! Then we will make the home above the store!” Ella watched him pace with a love-sick grin, “That sounds amazing, it’s not like I have much to pack so I'll easily sneak it out to the stable, then the night of the ball you can come to save me.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, “I always hoped I’d be the one to save you.” “I always knew you would be.” She kissed his hand and stepped away just as Mr. Ken peeked his head back. “Your load is ready Ella dear.” He gestured for her to join him again. Ella smiled at Thomas, “See you soon. I’ll wait up by the kitchen window.” She whispered. Ella road back home. You can’t be serious about this. He’s a shopboy! You could have a prince! Ella laughed, “Sure. Look I’ve loved Thomas since I was ten. I will be with him. And there is nothing you can do about it.” She shrugged. Over the next three days, the narrator tried everything to get Ella to follow the plot and every time she refused. She wouldn’t restore her mother's old dress, she wouldn’t ask her stepmother about being allowed to go instead she packed to leave. And to make matters worse, the prince who the narrator was also dealing with also refused to follow the plot! He was excited about the ball and was using it to choose a noblewoman he’d met and fallen in love with. But the narrator had a plan! The day of the ball approached and all three parties set their plans in motion, Ella waited by the window with bated breath for Thomas to come, no chance for the fairy grandmother to appear. The prince danced with his beloved noble. Thomas picked up Ella and as they rode through the darkness, the narrator redirected their path, so that as the prince and his noblewomen slipped into the garden for a moment alone the runways pass by. The narrator spooked the carriage's horses so they stopped, Ella and Thomas got out of the carriage to calm the horses and the prince made eye contact with Ella and… “To true love!” The prince raised his glass. “To true love!” Ella curtsied before she grabbed Thomas by the shirt and kissed him like she might not get another chance. The prince pulled his noble close and they too shared a powerful kiss of true love. The narrator finally gives in and lets the love birds have their happy ending even if it wasn’t the story that was planned…

Pepper sits in her spot on the spice rack. Along with all the other spices Becca's mother had bought her when she moved. Well, almost all... "Babe!" Solomon the Salt Shaker called from the countertop.  "Hey baby!" she smiles.  “I miss you!" He calls out.  Pepper listens to the other spices groan. "I miss you too, "she says softly. She looks at the space on the spice rack. He was supposed to be here, to be next to her. But he hadn’t been since Becca and her mom filled all the spice jars. Becca's only seemed to use salt and nothing else. Pepper can't figure out why she and the other spices didn't matter as much. Were they a problem?  “I wish she'd put me away when she is done with me." Solomon sighs heavily. Before Pepper can respond, Becca pulls him off the counter and back to the table for who knows how long. Pepper feels a familiar longing well up inside and maybe a tinge of jealousy too. She hates being away from him but also hates feeling useless. Salt and pepper were supposed to be together. And Becca seems determined to keep them apart. Was Pepper just not good at her job?  Becca finishes eating and leaves Solomon on the table. Pepper's heartaches, she just wants to be with him. Weeks go by and Pepper hardly sees Solomon.  However, one day Becca enters the kitchen more dressed up than normal and cooks more food than usual.  All the spices watch with baited breath will she use them? She didn't but she did set the table. Becca walks over and hesitantly grabs Pepper and sets her on the table. Soloman smiles. Who was coming that Becca put her on the table?  "Hello, my love." Solomon smiles, "You're here." “I am! Do you know why?” Pepper enjoys being close to her love.  Before Solomon can give her his guess, there is a knock at the door. "I bet that's the reason."  A gentleman walks through the door, "Welcome Tony. I just pulled dinner out of the oven."  The man hugs her, "Can't wait, my dear, I've been looking forward to seeing your lovely home."  They take a seat at the table. Pepper notices the look on Tony's face as he looks at the food. He says nothing though and fills his plate, they eat in silence for a moment before Tony reaches for Pepper and adds it to his food. Pepper looks down at Solomon, she is useful! Solomon winks at her, beaming proudly. "Darling?" Tony starts gently. Becca glances across the table, “Do... well… um... When we go out to eat you don't ask questions about allergies or anything. so..." He pauses as if hoping she will finish his question for him, but she doesn’t. "So why is salt the only thing on this?” He tilts his head to the kitchen, “You have a full spice rack."  Becca puts her fork down." I... I don't know how to use them... and I hate wasting food.”  Tony lets out a sad chuckle and shakes his head. "Next week darling, we will eat here again and I will help you learn how to use what's in your house." He takes another bite, "Because you’ve got too much potential as a chef to have bland food!”  Tony and Becca laugh and flirt for hours. Pepper and Soloman do too. That night they were even placed back on the spice rack together.  Over the next few weeks, the kitchen became full of life. The spices sometimes just stay on the counter but no matter how crazy the kitchen got, Pepper and Solomon would enjoy a quiet night at the table while Tony and Becca sat and talked about their day.  "I'm glad I'm at your side where I belong." Pepper smiles at Solomon as the sun sets and the world feels complete.

Belle and Aurora couldn't be more different. Belle was loud and filled a room; Aurora was quiet and would happily avoid a crowded room. For sisters, they couldn’t be more opposite. Even when they were similar in a way, they were also different: both were bookworms, but they wouldn't be caught dead reading the same book. Both were skilled riders. Belle was a performance flyer; she and her dragon were graceful as they did flips and tricks. Aurora and her dragon were racers; Aurora could speed through every obstacle course with ease. They were both record-breakers. Aurora went to Belle's shows and found them to be like watching paint dry. Belle hated race day; it was hot and long and oddly too loud for the louder sister. The girls got along well enough that their mother didn’t worry, but they were not friends. They had their moments though. "Hey Belle, I'm going to feed Spitfire, want me to feed Glits while I'm at it?" Aurora called from the backdoor. "Oh that's nice of you, but I was just getting ready to head to the pen myself.” Belle paused. “Want some company?" Belle finished lacing her shoes. "Oh um, ya sure." Aurora slung her bag over her shoulder. Belle kicked a rock down the well-worn path. "So, um…Mom was telling me, you moved up another level in racing?" "Oh yeah! I am! Or at least I'm running the trial." Aurora beamed, and as an older sister Belle felt proud. "You're still working on that drop trick right? "Yeah… or at least I was.” Belle kicked the rock hard, and it disappeared into the grass. “Last practice the safety rider had to catch me. So Coach is making us take a break." Belle looked away, her face tinged pink with embarrassment. Aurora now felt awkward for asking. "Hey, I'm sorry, I didn't... But that's like the hardest trick, isn't it? Like only a handful of riders can do it?" Belle straightened up. "Yep. I'm gonna get it! I trust Glits to catch me. She's just not quick enough yet! But I know she will."' Aurora looked at her older sister, impressed. "Of course you'll get it! You and Glits are a strong pair.” "So are you and Spitfire." As if on cue, the dragons heard their riders and raced toward them. "Hello, ladies!" The girls laughed as the dragons landed next to them. The dragons nuzzled their owners. The girls led their dragons back to the pens. They worked on cleaning their dragons and giving them their meals. Soon they were on their way back to the house, when Belle looked over at Aurora. "Is your coach pulling a name to go to the hatching?" "Yeah, tomorrow. Yours?” Aurora picked up a weed and slowly pulled it apart. Belle nodded. "Think one of us will get chosen?" Aurora paused. "I have one more year left in the club, so I hope it's you." Belle smiled at her sister. "Thanks, kid. I know Mom is hoping we can go together." “A whole road trip just the two of us alone?" Aurora scoffed. "Sounds like a death trap." The girls couldn’t help but laugh. *** The next afternoon the girls stood with their clubs. "Alright, everyone gather around! " The racing coach called. "As you know, it's time for the dragon's eggs to hatch!" The performance coach smiled as there was a murmur of excitement. "It's time to see who gets to join the dragon protection squad on their trip!" Each coach pulled a name out of a hat. "Belle and Aurora." The sisters looked at each other from across the field - this could be a long trip. Later at home, their mom went on and on about how great a bonding experience it was going to be for them. But the girls were worried. They didn't enjoy travelling together at the best of times. But this was a once in a lifetime experience, and they were each riding their own dragons… maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. So the girls silently packed their bags, working off the list they'd been given. The day of the trip arrived and they headed off with the protection squad. After a bit of chatting with the other members, the girls ended up at the back of the pack, riding in awkward silence. "This is crazy," was all Belle could think to say. "The trip or us?" Aurora teased. "Both!” Belle laughed. Aurora fiddled with the reigns of her dragon. "You mentioned that Glitz wasn't moving quick enough for that trick?" She paused. "What if I worked with you guys? I mean, I'm as speedy as you are graceful."' "You would do that?" Belle looked at Glitz. "Think it would help?" "I mean it can't hurt. Right? Maybe you can help us.'' Aurora stroked Spitfire's neck. "I'm sure a little grace wouldn't hurt as in the races." "Might make you more appealing to the pros," Belle teased. "Miss record-breaker!” "Maybe some grace will keep my penalties to a minimum." Aurora giggled. "If you nail that trick you would be a shoe in for Gliders." "You know, if we both make the teams, I'll forever be at race day and you'll always have to watch me perform." The girl's laughter caused a few members of the squad to look back at them. "Wo-would that be so bad?" Aurora looked out at her sister. “I mean... No. No it wouldn't. If we both make it." Belle picked at the scales of her dragon. "Hey, if we don't make the pros, we can always use our skills in other ways." Aurora offered gently. "I know, I just always wanted to be one of them." Belle sighed. Aurora flew closer and put her hand on Belle's shoulder. Belle touched Aurora’s hand, and as the tender moment came to an end the horn was blown, signalling their arrival. "Woah! Belle, look!" "I'm seeing! I'm seeing!" In front of them was a field of untamed dragons, tending to eggs. Whatever came next, the girls knew this moment was going to live with them forever.

In a world where everyone goes on quests, Nadia noticed that everyone has to pay when they run low on morale. They have to buy special food or a potion to get them a moral boost. That didn't sit right with Nadia. She had a rare gift; she could see how close to burnout people were. She also came from a line of healers. So she made a choice: she would travel around and give people the boost they needed, no questions asked. She had a few landing places, and if a rich traveller insisted on paying she wouldn't refuse. After all, having some gold on hand was useful when trading for her skill for supplies wasn’t an option. A hot meal was placed in front of Nadia. "Thank you for healing my boy, ma’am. I wasn't sure I could get to the next town before he ran out…” She reached out and touched the man’s arm. "It's okay, you don't have to worry about that now. Just be sure to buy some tonics when you're in town next. I'm not sure his problem won't return." Yes, the boy's problem was physical but his emotions seemed damaged. "You know why I am on the road; tell me, why are you?" The man took a few bites of his meal. "My wife passed early this year, and this was our dream - to travel. So my son and I have taken on small quests to fund our trips. We are heading home now.” Ah, grief and anger. "I can't heal that hurt for your son, unfortunately. But here - " she pulled a small vile out of her bag. "Mix no more than three drops in your tea or coffee until the vile is empty; it should help with the heartache." "I couldn't take more from you, ma’am." He tried to push Nadia's hand away. "I insist, sir. It will help both of you. A warm meal and protection for tonight is thanks enough." She placed the vile next to him with a gentile smile. "I guess it's true what they say about the magic healer." His smile felt more real. As the stars came out, the two finished their meal and Nadia slept under the stars, like always. When morning came, she slipped away before the two woke up. She wasn't in need of supplies, so she could keep on the move. By mid-morning she had cut through the forest and was already on another path. She kept a sharp eye out for someone in need. Soon she noticed a young woman who was also travelling alone. Nadia saw immediately that her support bar was low. Nadia approached slowly. "Are you alone as well?" "Oh! Yes, you could say that. I was with a party but got lost. So I'm trying to find Ock’s Edge. But I fear I am even more lost." The woman chucked. "Well, you are in luck; I have spent my life wandering in these forests. I can take ya." Nadia extended her hand. "Nadia.” “Ivy." The woman shook Nadia's hand. The women walked a while, chatting about their separate adventures. After a while, Nadia observed, "I can’t help but notice you haven’t drunk anything since we met; are you out of water? I have some to spare if you’d like.” “I am out, that would be great.” Ivy offered her canteen. Nadia filled hers from her spare canteen. Ivy quickly took a drink. “Wow, I was more parched than I thought.” Nadia watched her support bar rise a bit. “Do you need a pick-me-up as well? I have a few snacks in my bag.” Ivy looked at her. “You are very willing to help… That has not been the normal on my quests; even the party I am with isn’t the most helpful.” Nadia pulled one of the special snacks from her bag. “I come from a family of healers who took to the road; I like to help when I can.” Ivy took the snack with some hesitancy. “Thank you.” She slowly ate it, her eyes widened, and her health bar filled to the top. “You’re the healer!” “At your service. You figured that out quicker than most.” Nadia gave a little bow. “You saved my mom - it was seven years ago. You probably don’t even remember it.” Ivy opened a locket, showing a photo of her mom. “I met you on the road during the plague. You two were trying to get your father’s station. She collapsed on the road… Your cries got my attention. I see your life hasn’t been any easier.” Nadia slowed and looked at Ivy closely. Ivy shook her head, and Naida brought her in for a hug. “Sometimes hugs are more healing than you know.” “Thank you.” Ivy whispered so softly that it could barely be heard over the forest. “Do you have to join your party in Ock’s Edge?” Nadia led them to the side of the trail. “No… They’ll probably be happier if I don’t rejoin them.” Ivy picked up a leaf from the forest floor. “But I don’t have a home to go back to; I need to take quests to afford to survive.” Nadia smiled. “Then I have an offer for you: become my apprentice.” “What do you mean?” Ivy tilted her head. “While I do have a gift for knowing what people need, I believe it can be taught, and I’m not getting any younger…” Nadia extended a hand. “What do you say?” “I’ll try.” Ivy extended her hand, and a new adventure began.