Page 17 of Crown of Slumber

I shook her more violently. “Mother, wake up!”

Still nothing.

I tried Gigi next. I jostled her, pinched her, even slapped heracross the face—knowing she would forgive me for it later—but nothing would wake her.

I sank to my knees, choking on a sob. What was going on? Waseveryonein the palace asleep?

I had to know for sure.

I raced down the halls once more, passing by sleeping servants along the way. When I reached my father’s study, I barged in without knocking, which ordinarily would earn me a stern scolding.

There he was, fast asleep, his head resting on a stack of papers on his desk.

Oh, gods.

My stomach roiled as I left, darting down the spiral staircase before heading to the servants’ quarters.

“Hello?” I shouted as I strode down the hall, barging into room after room. Most were empty, but a few housed snoring subjects. I descended to the kitchens and sucked in a gasp.

More than a dozen figures were lying on the floor, including the chef. On the hearth, several pots were bubbling over. With a yelp, I hurried over, using a cloth to protect my hands as I eased the still steaming pots of stew onto the countertop.

The kitchen staff had fallen asleep in the middle of preparing supper. How in the hell had this happened?

After ensuring the hearth was doused—I didn’t want to inadvertently burn down the palace—I left the kitchens, my body quivering with exhaustion and fear.

What was I to do? I didn’t have any magic. I didn’t knowanythingabout powerful spells, but I had no doubt this was the result of an enchantment. But what could I do about it?

My thoughts turned to Samiria and the witches. Surely, they would know something! I had to find them.

With renewed purpose, I made my way to the entrance doors, easing them open to reveal the courtyard bathed in the amber glow of the setting sun.

I froze when a shout rang out from the other end of the courtyard.

My body went stiff with awareness. Someone was awake!

My feet were moving again, careless of the concrete biting intomy bare skin with each step. I hastened down the steps and rounded the corner, then faltered at the portcullis separating the palace from the main road.

A man stood on the other side, banging against the metal bars. “Hello!” His voice was hoarse as if he’d been shouting for hours.

My eyes narrowed as I came toward him. He straightened at my approach. “Thank the gods!” he said. “Are you all right? What’s going on?”

I descended the final steps, then felt my blood run cold.

It was the stranger from the woods.

My mouth fell open as I took him in, still wearing the same fine tunic as before. His eyes grew wide, his face turning pale as he recognized me, too.

“You,” I said, stopping before I got too close to him. “Did—Did you do this?”

His head reared back. “What? No! I came here straight from the forest and found everyone asleep! Even my envoy can’t be roused.”

“Your envoy,” I repeated. I glanced over him with more scrutiny. I’d thought him to be nobility before. But what if…

“Who are you?” I demanded, my voice sharpening.

He stood a bit straighter, his chin lifting. “I’m Prince Fennick of the Court of Midnight, here to see Princess Aurelia to negotiate on behalf of my kingdom. The matter is urgent.”

The world seemed to freeze for a full beat as I processed his words. Then, a harsh bark of laughter burst from me. “Oh, this is just wonderful, isn’t it? The prince of an enemy kingdom—my enemy—has arrived at the precise moment my people have fallen under an enchanted sleep. A little too convenient, wouldn’t you say?”

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