Brynn blushes and stares at the platter she’s holding.

“Prue says you guys need to get a move on,” Kira tells me. “Olivina is headed to the banquet hall to give her opening remarks.”

“I think Princess Scarlet could use some air,” says Heath, grabbing Raina’s arm and steering her away from the table. “We are going to step outside for a moment. Excuse us.”

I suppress a giggle as I set the covered plate in front of Clarissa and follow the others back the way we came. I’m still close enough to hear Clarissa.

“Hey!” she complains. “How come my plate has only one carrot and no sides?”

Chapter 15

The Prince in Disguise

We wind up in one of the castle hallways that lead to the dormitory turrets. A group of pixies fly by, but they’re moving so fast, I can’t pick anyone out. One pixie with a mischievous smile hangs back, bobbing in the air like a hummingbird.

“The ball is over! Go back to your room and go to sleep!” says one with a mischievous smile. Those pixies—what tricksters they are!

I look around, trying to get my bearings. There’s a wishing well in an alcove to the right and several mirrors dotting the hallway, along with some of Olivina’s aspirational signs. This one has a gleaming glass slipper on it.

When the shoe doesn't fit, don't despair!
Maybe it's just time to buy a new pair!

“Prue can block Milo the Magic Mirror from seeing you in the halls, but you need to get to Olivina’s private quarters ASAP.”

Heath is holding his ear and listening to the same message I just received. “How do we remember which hallway leads to Olivina?”

“It’s easy! It’s to the right.” Raina spins around and frowns. “Or maybe it’s to the left.”

The three of us fan out. Tara isn’t helping at all.

“Any clue where it could be?” I ask, thinking again of her wand.

She blinks rapidly and won’t look at me. “No. I’ve only been up there once.”

I’m no mind reader, but I’m pretty sure she’s lying. What if this is another one of her traps like that day she found us in the forest? What if she’s already tipped off Olivina that we’re here? What if the two of them have been planning this moment all along? “Maybe your wand knows the way,” I say lightly.

“My wand?” Tara repeats, blinking again. “I don’t think so. I don’t know a spell for finding hidden rooms.”

“Are you sure?” I press. “Because I think you do know.”

“Devin? What’s going on?” Heath asks.

“Prue says stop fighting and find it!” Kira tells me.

But I can’t hold back my feelings any longer. “I want to know why the wand Tara is carrying has an O on it. Aren’t wands engraved with their owner’s names? Tara’s has an O, which, if you ask me, stands for Olivina.” Raina audibly inhales.

“It doesn’t,” Tara insists, but she’s looking at her feet.