Page 20 of Of Curses and Beauty

“Don’t touch her,” he snarled.

The witch threw her head back and laughed, a great cackle that shook the dust from the rafters. It was then that Daric noticed nocrackleorpopsounded from the burning logs in the fireplace. He needn’t have worried about waking Alaine since whatever the witch was doing seemed to be containing all sound.

“I knew leaving her beauty untouched would make this too easy, but I had no idea you’d fall for her so fast without it,” she said as she clapped her hands together in giddy amusement.

“What are you talking about, you mad woman?” He resisted the urge to rub out the headache that was forming behind his eyes. He needed to keep her in his sights at all times and strike if ever there was an opportunity.

“You’re falling in love with her.”

He staggered back as though physically struck. “She’s been here three days. You wouldn’t know love if it stabbed a blade through your blackened heart.” His own blade lifted in emphasis.

She looked at him sidelong with one raised eyebrow and his arguments died on his tongue. He’d already admitted to himself that he cared about Alaine. He felt responsible for her curse. Not only that, but she was a good person and a joy to be around. Anyone would feel the same way about her. She was infectious and addictive, but he would know if he was falling in love with her. Unless he was deliberately ignoring his feelings in an effort to save himself from heartbreak. Though, that was putting a lot of faith in his subconscious. He shook his head to dislodge the thought, like he could forget the four letter word by sheer force of will.

“What is it that upsets you, Daric? Perhaps Alaine is exactly what you need to see yourself freed once and for all.”

“I’m not holding my breath.”

The witch shrugged, her lips twisting to one side as though she could care less, but Daric knew he had her full attention now. She’d come here for entertainment. Well, he could be entertaining. He felt a renewed sense of hope as a dangerous idea took shape.

His face must have revealed his thoughts because the witch squinted at him in curiosity.

“What are you thinking, Prince?”

He licked his lips, suddenly nervous. “I’d like to propose a bargain.”

“You’re in no position to bargain.” She crossed her arms, regarding him with renewed interest.

“I’d like to bargain for Alaine’s freedom.”

Her pupils dilated and he knew he’d piqued her interest.

“Go on.”

“Alaine must fall in love with me, right? That is the way to break my curse.” The witch neither accepted nor denied his claim, but Daric pushed on. “Give her one year, one year from the day she was cursed, to fall in love with me. If she doesn’t love me after a year, you’ll let her go.”

“And why would I agree to that?”

“If you free her of your own accord, I’ll give you what you always wanted.” He took a deep, steadying breath. “My crown.”

The witch huffed out a laugh. “You know nothing of what I want. Besides, your kingdom is long gone, torn apart by wars and lost to the ages. You are a prince of nothing.”

Daric had long suspected it, but hearing her confirm the truth of it was like a punch to the gut. Still, he was desperate to see Alaine freed.

“Me, then. You can have me.”

She froze and Daric could see the thoughts whirring behind her eyes. She wanted him. He knew not in what capacity, sensed he would regret offering this bargain if he ever found out, but he had her in his grasp, ready to do as he asked.

“I already have you.”

“Do you really, though? I’d be yours to do with as you will. No more curses, no enchanted cottage. Just me.” He considered dropping to his knees, would have if he thought it would grant him any favors.

“You would give your life for hers?”

“Yes,” he answered without hesitation. With that one word, Daric confirmed what they both already knew. What he’d been fighting for days. He loved Alaine. He might not bein lovewith her. Yet. But somewhere along the way, his feelings of affection had burgeoned into something far deeper.

“Interesting.” She drew out the word, her expression inscrutable as she raked her eyes over him. “Very well. I accept. You have three hundred and sixty-two days left, Prince Daric. Enjoy!”

Her echoing laugh lingered long after she faded from view, but Daric knew she was gone when a log popped, startling both him and Alaine. She sat up suddenly, blinking away sleep as she took in her surroundings. When her eyes found his in the dim light, he gasped.

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