Page 3 of Jasmine's Enchanted Genie

“Where’s your meal?” she asked with a frown.

“I’m not hungry. Cordellia fed us a wonderful lunch today, and I’m still full.” If one could call bread and a moldy slice of cheese wonderful. Still, it had been enough to tide me over. “I made enough soup for you to have it again tomorrow for your lunch. There’s plenty of bread for your breakfast.”

Lana swiped out the last of the broth with her bread and ate it, chewing slowly. “Thank you.” She didn’t look up. If she did, I was sure I’d see tears in her eyes. They were mirrored in mine. “I . . . hate this.”

I leaned forward and gave her a hug. We sobbed a bit, but when we leaned away from each other, we shared watery smiles.

We might not have much, but we had each other.

Rising, I put the rest of the soup in a container and placed it in our cool box.

“I’m going to lay down,” Lana said. She got up and staggered to the sofa. When I went to bed, I’d carry her there while she slept, then snuggled close to her to keep her warm.

“Don’t forget to take some medicine.” While she did, I added a few more sticks to the stove. I’d have to go to the forest tomorrow to collect more, something I could do after work.

Once she was sleeping, I slumped on the other stool in the kitchen and nibbled on the heel of the bread while getting out the fabric I’d use for Flo’s blouse. Fortunately, I had just enough left after making a dress for someone else. I bought the fabric from Cordellia, and while she never gave me a bargain, she didn’t mark it up much beyond what she paid herself.

It was only when I went to the sink pump for a glass of water that I saw the rumpled envelope still lying on the counter. Should I wait until tomorrow or deal with the bad news right now? I opted for the latter. With a blouse to make, it wasn’t like I’d have much time to sleep even if I remained awake trying to figure out how I’d pay a higher rent.

The envelope held only a cream card.

I gasped as I read.

Jasmine Bains has been selected to

attend the palace weekend ball.

Please present this invitation at the

castle gate promptly at six on Friday.

The card slipped from my fingers, fluttering to the floor. If it hadn’t landed on my foot, I might’ve believed I was dreaming.

I slumped to the floor beside it. How was this possible?

A bitter taste filled my mouth.

This was a chance to beg the palace healers to help my sister, but . . .

“I can’t go,” I whispered. “I don’t have a thing to wear.”

2

JASMINE

“Don’t you have something to share with me?” Cordellia asked the moment I walked into the dressmaker’s shop the next morning to work.

I hung my sweater on the peg near the back door, smoothing my skirt and patchwork blouse. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

Her sigh went on forever. “Come with me.” She stalked toward the stairs in the back of the display room and started up toward her office. “We need to talk.”

Please don’t let her fire me.

“Who’ll take care of customers?” I asked.

A flick of her finger and the Open sign in the window flipped around to Closed and the lock clicked. I’d suspected she had magical abilities, but she’d never openly displayed them before.

Swallowing hard, I followed her up the stairs and into her office.

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