“Yes, Lady Tremaine, we can help you,” said Ruby, taking a small bottle from her pocket and holding it before Lady Tremaine. “The laws in the Many Kingdoms are similar to those in England. Should your husband die, all the money would revert to you since there is no male heir.” She smirked.

Lady Tremaine backed away from the sisters, scared and revolted. What were they suggesting? And what was in that little glass bottle?

Her fear only made them laugh, which made Lady Tremaine’s head swim more.

“Oh, don’t play the dainty little thing with us, Lady Tremaine. We know your heart. It’s what brought us to you. Only moments ago you were wishing for Sir Richard’s death,” said Lucinda, laughing.

“It’s really the only way out of this,” said Martha.

“Yes, the only way,” Ruby added, joining in her sisters’ laughter.

Lady Tremaine had the terrible and sudden realization that Mrs. Bramble had been right about this place. Could it be that these were the witches she had warned her about? The authors of the book of fairy tales, standing right in front of her?

“I suggest you leave here at once before I call someone to throw you out,” said Lady Tremaine.

The sisters laughed again as they pressed their way into the house inch by inch.

“Who are you going to call?” asked Martha, advancing on Lady Tremaine, causing her to back up farther and farther into the house. The two women were practically nose to nose.

“Keep away from me, you witches!” Lady Tremaine stumbled backward as all three witches slowly bore down on her. The odd trio laughed even louder.

“Your lady’s maid is off sending a letter to your friend in London that will never reach her hands, and your nanny is so old she has forgotten she is the most powerful witch in the Many Kingdoms, aside from our sister Circe, that is. You are quite literally alone and powerless, Lady Tremaine, but we can help you. Just take this.” Martha took Lady Tremaine’s hand, put the small glass bottle in it, and closed her fingers over it with a theatrical wink.

“Keep it. Just in case you need it,” Ruby said.

Her sister Lucinda added, “And should you ever need us, just call to us from any of your mirrors and we will be here.”

But before Lady Tremaine could reply, the witches went flying backward all at once, and the door slammed closed behind them with a powerful blast. Lady Tremaine quickly turned around and saw Nanny standing there.

“What in the heavens just happened, Nanny? Did you…How did you do that?” asked Lady Tremaine, clutching at her chest and wishing her brooch was there. She ran to the window and saw the three strange sisters standing a good twenty feet away, dusting off their dresses. “They’re still here, Nanny!” She rushed to lock the door.