She pressed her lips together, recalling the day she had stumbled into the forest alone and frightened. She had managed to make it all the way from the castle without being spotted by any villagers. It had taken her days to traverse the kingdom. She hid in barns, stealing food to survive along the way. She recalled how hurt she was none of the servants came looking for her. Now that she was older, she understood it was probably Seraphina’s doing. If they left to search for her, they would tempt her wrath.
Finally, she said, “What if I am?”
He sat back in his chair, his gaze never leaving her face. “Hair black as ebony. Lips red as the rose. Skin white as snow.”
A prickling sensation when over her. “Where did you hear that?”
“That’s you. Isn’t it?” he asked, ignoring her question.
She shook her head. “I don’t know how it could be.”
The pendant felt heavy around her neck. The one that proved she was Princess of the Mystic Vale, heir to the throne. The one with the rose and crown embossed on it.
His eyes glinted with knowledge and a smile crossed his face at her denial. “I rarely leave my archives, but I am not so sheltered I don’t hear the stories from others.”
Finally, Snow leaned forward, reaching a hand toward him. He grasped hers, his hand warm on hers.
In a low voice, she said, “I am that princess.”
“I knew it!”
“But,” she said quickly and squeezed his hand to press her point. “You cannot tell anyone. No one knows. Not Yirrie or Elator. Promise me.”
Harwin didn’t move for a long moment as she gripped his hand.
“Why do you not wish for anyone to know? You are a princess and—”
“Seraphina cannot know I’m here.”
Even as she said it, she realized the truth of it. Seraphina likely already knew she was there. That was why the Shadow came for her and tried to kill her.
Finally, Harwin said, “I promise.”
She released his hand and sat back in the chair. “Thank you.”
“But, Snow, why do you stay here? You are of age now. You can return and take back your throne.” He paused, a knowing smile coming over his face. “And destroy the Magic Mirror.”
It was a valid question. “How can I fight her? She has the Magic Mirror and castle guards and soldiers at her disposal. I am one person.”
“Perhaps the Elders can help—”
“No,” she said, cutting him off with a slash of her hand. Then she shoved her chair back, the legs scraping along the floor. “I must go. Poor Ardan has waited long enough.”
Harwin also rose. He came around the table and reached for her, gripping her by the shoulders. “Consider it, Snow. The Mystic Vale is yours by birthright. If you destroy the mirror, then you destroy Queen Seraphina and her magic.”
And the dark wizard, but she didn’t say it.
If she left the Wyldwood, she’d leave Yirrie and Elator behind. How would they take the news she was the missing princess and she decided to return home to reclaim her throne? She wondered if they would even believe her. The only proof she had of her identity was the pendant around her neck.
She gave him a nod. “I’ll consider it.”
“Thank you for telling me about the dark wizard and the mirrors. Now, I must decide how to share that information with the Elders.” A sort of sadness crossed his face.
“I think you tell them you were unable to prevent their theft. After all, she used a portal to steal them,” she said. Then she bent and kissed his cheek. “Good night, Master Harwin.”
His eyes lit with a spark of joy. He pressed his hand against his cheek as she turned to the door and left.
Chapter 16
