the cottage door w

argument between the woman and the child. The voices, however, swi

ottage I had once sent my ne

ped in climbing rose vines. I stepped over a flowerbed of paeonia, confusion sweeping through me. There was puzzlement evident on the servants' faces; they clearly d

ned. Her blonde hair looked like melted sunshine, flowing in golden waves down her back. She was petite, small but standing with a certain dignity. Her sma

family of daisies. Who was this go

r, incredulous

ce. Even snarling, she was beautiful. Her eyes glowed like poison

ed. "This is my cottage, woman.

e recognized me in the worst way–with hatred. She asked who I

n, slowly. "

, and she looked up at me with flaring nostrils. "You

owned. "I do.

umorous, acidic laug

ough my bones as I realize

*

a

s the noble prince stood in front of me w

of me, clearly looking for the scars that once warped my face. The

s learning to walk again. I did not have to be taught; it occurred to me like breathing. In my first step of revenge, I used the plants growing on the floorboards of the

because beauty was

sure to coat him with my own scent and veil any remaining traces with the strong, sweet cloud of flowers and witchcraft plants that masked scents. S

o one ever came back to check on me. For all they knew, I was lo

hase us food instead of collecting small rations of berries and nuts within the woods. I always disguised myself, of course. Sure, I was near unrecognizable, but I did

I met Clement, I mastered my abili

ognized the bite in one of my pharmacy pamphlets; the insect bit me with a poison called Klizal. It killed its host within a mere hour as the

to the ground. Thankfully, I never strayed fro

nt knowingness. The young man was beautiful, his hair a jet, glowing black, and his eyes looked lik

, but he seemed to know. Nonchalantly, as if he was just observing food at the market, he took one glance at my collar

combined. He was the only other healer I had met besides myself and my sister, and I vehemen

to heal people. But there was something that needed to be done

n Aldrich

nt?" Aldrich demanded, frowning.

, laying a protective hand across Theo's back. I started to

asked in his tiny, demanding voice, "M

y cursed