Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
I stare intently as an image begins to appear. A grand party appears before me. People dance around happily as beauty and elegance surround them. As I look closer, I realize I know the room. However, I can’t think for the life of me from where.
The hologram zeroes in on a group of laughing women. The ones facing me have their faces painted. Some gold, others silver. The one with wild reddish-brown curls falling down her back catches my attention. My spirit roars loud and deep, I have to grit my teeth to keep from separating.
“Princess,” a woman calls.
As if in slow motion, the one with the full springy curls turns. I inhale sharply as Blaise’s face comes into view. However, where her scars would be are bronze and gold paint.
No scars. She’s breathtaking as she smiles. The paint on her face causes me to long to see her the way I know her, with her lavalike scars.
I pause the player and print the data file on this reel and all related files. I collect the pages and search for the reference numbers in the bound books section.
I get lost in the information until the sun rises. When the light starts to creep into the library, I’m fuming and determine to destroy the web of lies and magic that has been spun. I don’t know how, but we have all forgotten Blaise.
The daughter of King Basil of the kingdom of Puissance. A kingdom that has all but vanished from our history. It’s time I bring the princess home.
Chapter 26
Remember This?
Argon
“Good morning, Father. I’m glad to see you looking so well,” I say as I walk into the dining room.
“Argon, my son. Just who I wanted to see. Come, sit.”
I move to his side and take the seat next to him. He looks me over and a smile comes to his face. I’m happy to see him like this. It seems his strength has fully returned.
“Something is different about you. There is a light in your eyes that hasn’t been there in a very long time.”
“I can say my time with Blaise has changed me for the better.”
He furrows his brows. “The beast?”
“Father, Blaise is more than a beast. To be honest. I don’t think she’s a beast at all. Do you remember King Basil or his kingdom?”
“King Basil. Sounds familiar, but I can’t say I remember the name.”
“Then you have no memory of Princess Blaise either?”
“No, I can’t say I do. What is this about?”
“Father, there is so much going on. Coralo was never my match. In fact, I believe I know who is. We need to find out what happened.”
“Yes, I agree. We need evidence of the foul play.”
“I say we have another ceremony. That’s the only way to prove what I already know.”
“I know just where to begin. I don’t like this deception within the walls of my kingdom. Our ways have been trusted since the beginning of time as we know it.”
“Then I say we restore the truth and build that trust back before it’s too late.”
“Yes, this is true. We must act quickly. Fill your stomach then we will settle this matter.”
Chapter 27
True Match
Blaise
“Princess… Blaise.”
Peeking out from under my pillow, I groan when I find Hiasha, Soila, Ms. Posh, Dinesh, and Bach floating above me. I roll onto my stomach and cover my head.
“We only want to check on you, dear,” Ms. Posh says.
I know that’s why they’re here. I haven’t moved from this bed in hours. I can’t. It feels like my heart has truly broken into pieces. I also feel like I’m going to split in two or something.
That’s the biggest reason I refuse to move. It’s as if my soul is searching for something outside my body and I’m afraid if I move, I will lose myself forever. I’m going out of my mind with this ache in my chest.
“Princess, princess, princess,” Dinesh says as he lands on my shoulder. He sits, swinging his feet until I turn my head to face him.
“What?”
“First, you reek,” he mumbles and falls onto his back as if he has fainted. I think hard about plucking him right off my shoulder. “Like really. This is unhealthy. Do you guys smell this room?”
“Dinesh, if you don’t shut your mouth,” Bach growls.
“I’m staying in bed. You all can go find something to do.”
“You’re not the only one about to lose everything,” Dinesh says.
“Ugh, we all know you will miss sex,” I huff.
“Yeah, right,” Hiasha coughs into her hand.
Dinesh sits up and turns to look at her. I roll my eyes and hide my head under the pillow. I’m not in the mood for this.
“What’s that supposed to mean, you little brat?”
I swear I can hear Hiasha roll her eyes. “You think we never hear you and Soila when you two hide in the closet?”