Lady Tremaine released her grip on Nanny’s arm, realizing she had been squeezing it rather hard. “What are you then, if not a witch? Some sort of fairy godmother?” Lady Tremaine asked, making the old woman laugh.

“No, that’s my sister. But a fairy godmother is closer to the mark than witch, at least in the way you think of witches anyway,” she said, giving Lady Tremaine a kind but sad smile.

Lady Tremaine could see this old woman was telling the truth. She had cared for her daughters for five years and had been nothing but loving and caring to her and her girls since the day she arrived at the château. If only she had known this woman was magical, she would have asked her for help sooner.

“If you’re a fairy, then please grant me my wish and free me and my daughters from this horrible place.” Lady Tremaine heard her voice crack as she pleaded with Nanny, willing herself not to burst into tears.

Lady Tremaine had never seen so much pity in someone’s eyes, not even after her husband had passed away. “Oh my dear, I’m so sorry. I truly wish I could. But I’m simply not allowed to help by using my magic. That’s why I have been here, doing what I can without it.”

“I don’t understand,” said Lady Tremaine, throwing her hands up. She was so angry. This place made no sense to her. Maniac witches showing up at her door with a bottle full of poison and fairies pretending to be nannies? “I thought that’s what fairies were supposed to do—use magic to help people. Why else would you come here if not to protect me and my daughters? We are in danger! You see how Sir Richard is with us!” Lady Tremaine was desperate, and it seemed only to break Nanny’s heart.

“We’re not allowed to help villains, my lady, and the book of fairy tales has decreed that’s exactly what you’re about to become. I physically can’t do any magic that would help you.”

Lady Tremaine scoffed. “Lies! All of this is lies! Then what may I ask did you just do in the entryway downstairs?”