Page 6 of Jasmine's Enchanted Genie

“I’m a genie in a bottle,” I sang in a robust voice. “A lovely woman can come to me. Come for me.” Ha. Ha.

Sadly, there wasn’t anyone here to laugh at my joke, let alone drag off to my bed.

Just when I was about to order sushi, the world started shaking. I dropped the barbell with a bang and straightened, bracing my palm on the wall to maintain my balance.

Was it an earthquake or . . .?

Mist swirled around me.

Someone had summoned me. Would I finally find a way out of this golden cage?

4

JASMINE

By the time I was ready to leave for the palace on Friday evening, I was exhausted. But I’d delivered Flo her new blouse, which she adored. A generous amount of food and wood had arrived to tide Lana over for longer than I’d be away. And my new wardrobe was packed in a large satchel by the door.

“I’ll be back Tuesday morning,” I told Lana, hugging her. “I promise.” And I’d bring the healer to her before that. Soon, my sister would be cured. I couldn’t imagine how amazing that would be.

“Don’t worry about me,” she said with a shaky grin. “I feel fantastic, and I’m so happy you’re going.”

The new medication from Flo appeared to be helping, but sadly, herbs such as this only alleviated Lana’s symptoms. They didn’t cure her disease. It would take a skilled healer to do something like that.

I could only hope the palace healers could perform magic.

Anticipation swirled through me. Soon, I’d not only have the chance to speak with the healers, but I’d also be sneaking into the treasure room. Cordellia gave me a map. The treasure room was on the same floor as the ballroom, where the first event would take place tonight.

“Go,” Lana said with a smile, nudging my side. “Meet a lord and fall in love.”

“No lords. No love.” Not unless they had money to help my sister. I was desperate and would gladly sacrifice myself to make her well.

She walked slowly over to the door and lifted my bag, grunting at the effort it took. She held it out to me, and while her smile wavered, it showed me how well the medicine was working. Days ago, she wouldn’t have been able to lift it. “Have fun. I want to dream of you dancing, flirting, and enjoying yourself.”

“I’ll try.” I took the bag from her and after another hug, left, walking across town to the entrance to the castle grounds. A high fence surrounded it to keep out riffraff like me.

When I showed one of the seven guards my invitation, they let me in. I walked quickly up the very long, winding driveway toward the entrance of the enormous stone structure crafted ages ago in this area by magic. For many generations, my family had struggled to survive in this village. If the rumors that there was a larger world beyond the forest were true, wouldn’t everyone choose to leave the drudgery found here to seek something better?

I joined others streaming toward the tall entrance doors, each with servants carrying their numerous bags. I pinned mine to my big puffy skirt, hoping no one would notice that I not only carried it, but that I only had one. A few women gave me snide looks and one went so far as to step away to put distance between us as if I’d cause her harm just by existing.

Lifting my chin, I returned their looks with one of steel. I wasn’t here to flirt or dance or make friends with them. I had a purpose. I’d find Geradine as soon as possible, beg her to help, then complete my bargain with Cordellia. I could be on my way home by morning.

Inside the three-story foyer, I gaped at the plush rugs underfoot, the portraits of stern-face royalty hanging on the walls, and the cream satin draped across the high ceiling.

A butler strode over to me and bowed. “I’m Viscar.” He stared down his nose at me, though a hint of kindness shone in his eyes. “You’re dressed for the ball already, I see.”

“Yes. I’m Jasmine Bains.”

He examined a list he held. “Ah, yes, you’re one of the villagers.”

“Yes, that’s me. I’m here to attend the weekend festivities.” And find the healer. And sneak into the treasure room.

Little things.

“Yes, so you are,” he said. “We’ve been expecting you.”

I wasn’t sure why he stressed the last word. I was one of three women chosen from the village to attend, not the only one. “If you’ll give me your bag, I’ll take it to your room.”

“Thank you.”

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