Page 37 of A Storm of Fire and Ice

An elderly woman emerged from the back of the room. “Play it,” she commanded, and I opened the music box as instructed.

As the melody began to play, Aria gasped, eyes filling with tears.

“That’s my mom’s lullaby,” she choked out, her voice trembling with emotion. “She always hummed it to me before I went to sleep. I’d know it anywhere.”

“As would I,” the elderly woman said. She also began to cry. “For I was the one who imbued the magic into this music box. Its melody will only play when opened by someone of Fire Kingdom royal blood.”

What the . . . ? It will?I never knew that.

A councilwoman stood up. “Let me try!”

Reluctantly, I closed my treasured music box and offered it to her. It was the only way that could prove my identity . . . but if she dropped it, I would absolutely murder her.

For a moment, doubt crept into my mind. What if the old woman was wrong, and it worked for anyone? I racked my brain trying to remember if I’d ever let anyone else open it before. I’d always been protective of it.

The councilwoman took it and carefully opened its lid. But, when she did, no sound came from within, to my own amazement and relief.

She returned the music box back to me, and I flipped the lid open. The gentle tune spread through the chambers once again.

Whew.

Astonished cries rose from the council, while others became tearful as the melody continued to fill the room. The leader held up his hand, motioning for silence.

“The music box confirms the truth,” he declared. “Princess Helia has returned!” he exclaimed. “It seemsbothof our long-lost princesses have returned home at last.”

The chamber filled with cheers.

“We have much to discuss, but you must be tired from your journey,” he continued. “We will have maids escort you to your chambers, where you can rest. They’ll make sure you have everything you need.”

“No, allow me,” Aria interjected. “I’ll show my sister around.”

“As you wish.”

Once the meeting concluded, Aria rushed forward, throwing her arms around me. I froze, stunned by the embrace. Slowly, I returned it, tears springing to my eyes. A sudden warmth radiated between us, a connection I never knew existed.

“Helia,” she whispered, and the sound of my birth name on her lips felt like a balm to my soul. “I can’t believe I have a sister!”

“Neither can I!” I admitted, my voice cracking with emotion. We stood there for a moment, simply staring at each other, unsure of what to say or do. It was surreal, finally meeting my sister after all these years apart.

“Did you happen to bring Oreos?” Aria broke the silence first.

“What?” I said confused.

“Oreos. You’re from the real world—I mean, Unenchanted Realm too, right? God, I miss Oreos.”

I let out a loud laugh. “I miss Oreos too. And Snickers!”

“Yes, Snickers!”

As we giggled happily, I realized how similar the sound of our laughter seemed. It felt like a breath of fresh air having somebody from the Unenchanted Realm who I could relate to.

“I heard you went to Huttleston College before you got your powers,” Aria continued.

I nodded. “That’s right.”

“I used to live twenty minutes away in Back Bay, trying to save up to go to Huttleston before I got my powers.”

“Are you serious? That’s crazy!”

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