Twice Upon A Time (Unfinished Fairy Tales #2)(58)

I’ve got all my memories back. I’ve spent loads of time with the prince. It’s time to make a decision.

When I first arrived in Athelia, I was absolutely determined to go home the first chance I get. Usually, when I make a goal, I’ll stick to it no matter what. This is one of the very rare occasions that I’ve changed my mind.

I roll over on the bed and burrow my head in the pillow. All the time I’ve spent with Edward, plus the retrieval of all my memories, have tipped the scales dramatically. Even if I can go home, I know I won't be able to forget Edward. I can’t imagine going out with Jason while knowing that in another world, there’s someone who loves me but can never find me.

Turning over, I lie on my back and look up at the canopy. Since I can’t think about anything but the prince, I may as well indulge myself. Calling up my now-complete memory, images of Edward flash over the canopy like a screensaver. I can see Edward bringing me flowers from his garden, Edward handing me a new book that he knew I’d appreciate, Edward twirling me in a dance, Edward leaning close with desire in his eyes . . . I put a hand on my cheek. It might be my imagination, but my skin seems warmer than usual. If I hop out of bed and look into the mirror, I’m pretty sure that I’ll see a big red tomato looking back at me.

I love him. Compounded with my seventeen-year-old memories, my love for him is stronger, more powerful than ever. He is the ultimate Prince Charming that any girl could ask for. No matter the difficulties I have experienced in Athelia, I’m staying. Mom and Paige will understand, and as for Jason? I hate to say this, but two years with Jason simply can’t measure up to three months with Edward.

Tell him. Tell him you love him and want to be with him forever. In fact, why don’t you tell him now?

A tingle of pleasure and excitement runs through my mind when I think of entering Edward’s bedroom in my nightgown. I’m going to make up for all these nights that he had to sleep alone.

I throw the blankets aside and sit up. Time to go to my husband.

Pop.

A yellow mist forms in the air, and an ugly goblin hovers above my bed, his ears brushing the canopy.

“Krev! Why did you have to appear when I was least expecting you?”

He blows out his cheeks, looking relieved. “You’re not sleeping with Eddie? Good. It’s better that you not form an attachment to him again.”

“What are you talking about? Oh. You’re here to help me go home.”

If Krev had appeared when I was still in Enrilth, I would be only too thankful to get back. But now, I’m reluctant—unwilling—to go.

To my surprise, the goblin shakes his head. “We still don’t have enough magic to transport your body from this realm. I’m only here because I need to check on you.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Has anything particularly strange occurred to you since you entered Athelia?”

“Apart from meeting you?”

Apparently that’s the wrong thing to say, for he bristles. “I was referring to your physical health.”

“Well, I do have a tendency to get dizzy or even faint, thanks to the corsets I have to wear in this place.”

“Is that the worst? Good.” Is that a relieved expression on Krev’s face? “Did you recover your memory?”

I nod. “Yes. Wait . . . how did you know I lost my memory?”

He frowns. “I guess that since you’re living in the palace, it’s impossible that the spell put on you wouldn’t crumble . . .”

“Spell? Are you saying that I lost my memory because of some spell?”

Krev has the grace to look guilty. “Never mind, girlie. What’s done is done. Listen, we are working to gather enough magic to send you back to your own world. You can count on that. The next time I come for you, I expect I will be able to send you home.”

I sit up. “Krev, actually, I don’t think I—”

“However, you must remember one important thing. It is vital that you remember this, or there can be dire consequences.”

I begin to feel uneasy. I mean, Krev looks like the type who loves to play tricks on others. He doesn’t seem to have a serious outlook on life. It’s weird that he should be issuing a serious warning to me.

“I’m listening.”

Krev flies closer, and his large eyes seem to bore into my face. “Do not fall in love with Eddie.”

If Edward were still courting me, and the queen warned me I couldn’t marry him, I’d have expected to hear this kind of warning. But to have it uttered by Krev, who looks nothing like an interfering mother-in-law—I stare at him in total shock.

“What did you just say?”

Krev flies closer, his ugly goblin face disturbingly close. There is this menacing look on his face, a look that jars with his usual mischievous self. If he threatens me, I will do exactly what he asks.

“Keep. Away. From. Eddie. You can’t marry him.”

“I’m already married to him.”

“Whatever you want to call it. The point is that you don’t belong in Athelia. You must leave.”

“Excuse me? You forced me to return to Athelia, and now you are telling me that I shouldn’t stay?”

“It was a huge mistake.” Krev looks frustrated. He looks down, and I notice that his legs have disappeared. “Darn it, the magic is fading quicker than I thought. I don’t know how much longer I can hold out, so I’d better make this quick. Give me your arm, girlie.” When I blink at him in astonishment, he snaps, “Now! Before I disappear!”