Page 52 of Apples Dipped in Gold

“If they die, many will suffer,” I said.

“And if they don’t?” asked Lore.

“Then only I will suffer.”

“Are these people you are trying to save worth all this pain?” asked Cardic.

“No,” I admitted. It felt terrible to do so, but no one in that town had ever tried to save me, though they knew how horribly I was treated.

“Then why do you care if they live or die?”

“I care because I will be blamed,” I said. “I care because if I am blamed, the people of Gnat will destroy my home.”

I cared because my home was where my mother and father had lived and the only place where I could still feel their love, despite all the bad that had happened since their deaths.

The brothers were quiet for a few moments, but then Cardic was the first to speak.

“Perhaps it is good that you are going in search of the wishing tree,” said Cardic. “By the time you reach it, I hope you will find the courage to wish that your brothers no longer exist.”

Chapter Eight

The Nixie

Samara

I waited for Lore at the entrance to Cardic’s palace with the fox at my feet.

I worried about what lay ahead, both because of my brothers and because I was about to be isolated with Lore as we crossed the Enchanted Forest on an errand to free him from the curse of true love.

My fingers curled into fists. I clenched my jaw so tight, it hurt.

He was inlove. He was in love, and he had tried to kiss me. At least I thought he had. I could still feel the press of his forehead against mine, the warmth of his breath on my lips.

I could still hear the way he said my name.

It shivered through me and then heated me up, and I wassoangry.

Ladies do not get angry, I thought.Ladies do not get angry.

Usually, my mother’s words would quell my emotions, because I would remember how her warnings about my behavior made me feel—ashamed and embarrassed—and while I felt that way now, it wasn’t because of my anger.

It was because of Lore.

“Goodbye, beast,” said Cardic as he came to stand beside me.

I jumped, so lost in my thoughts, I hadn’t heard him approach.

He smiled at me, though it was teasing. “I’ll keep your bed warm in case you get bored of Lore.”

“I’m not sure your nun would approve of you offering beds to young women,” said Lore.

I turned to look at the prince who had suddenly appeared behind me. He looked more composed than earlier and now carried a linen bag, the strap across his chest.

“Did you just say nun?” I asked.

“Ignore him,” said Cardic, glaring at his brother. “He knows not what he speaks.”

“I appreciate your offer, Cardic,” I said, looking at him again. “I will keep it in mind.”

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