No, a dark little voice whispered inside my head, you’ll be choosing your own selfish desires over the good of your family.

“It won’t be only music you learn,” my mother said softly. “You’ll learn to read. You’ll have a proper education.”

I could hear the persuasion in her voice, but it was entirely unnecessary. I already wanted those things – that wasn’t the problem. “The pigs need me,” I said, my voice sounding tight in my own ears because it wasn’t really the pigs I was talking about.

Nobody said anything for a long time.

“Don’t make this decision about the pigs,” Gran finally said, and I knew she wasn’t talking about the animals either. She was all but telling me to follow my heart, to do whatever it was that I wanted to do. If only I could be certain what my heart really desired. I wanted to go to Trianon. I wanted to be with my family. But I couldn’t have both.

Choose.

I swallowed hard. “I’m sorry, Papa,” I whispered. “But I have to know what it’s like.”

His face tightened, but it seemed like he’d known what my choice would be even before I did. “I’ll make arrangements for the folks you send to stay at the inn,” he said to my mother. Then without another word, he turned around and left. Gran rose and went after him.

As soon as they were gone, my mother flung her arms around me, squeezing so tight my ribs creaked. Then she kissed me on both cheeks. “You made the right decision, darling. I knew you would.” She unclasped a golden pendant from her neck and fastened it around mine. Leaning down, she whispered in my ear, “Beauty can be created, knowledge learned, but talent can neither be purchased nor taught. And you’ve talent, my dearest girl. When you stand on stage and sing, the whole world will love you.”

Her words repeated over and over again in my head as I watched her pull back and away from me. “I cannot linger here, my love; I’m needed in Trianon tonight.” A soft laugh erupted from her throat. “I wish I could take you with me now, but it’s better if we wait. You need to be ready so that everything will be perfect.”

I watched her retreat to her carriage, my mind whirling with elation, fear, and excitement. I had four years to practice. Four years to learn. Four years to prepare.

And when I turned seventeen, I’d be ready to take on all the world had to offer.

A Character Guide to the World
of The Malediction Trilogy

Aiden du Chastelier – (ay-DUH(n) doo shah-tel-YAY) Son of the Regent of Trianon.

Albert – (al-BAIR) One of Cécile’s guards.

Alexis de Montigny, III – (ah-lehk-SEE dih mohn-ti-NYEE) King of Trollus during The Fall.

Anaïs d’Angoulême – (ah-nah-EES dah(n)-goo-LEHM) Daughter of the Duke d’Angoulême. Close friend of Tristan, and key member of the sympathizer revolution.

Anushka – (uh-noosh-kaa) Witch who cursed the trolls to the confines of Trollus after The Fall.