Ever After (Unfinished Fairy Tales #3)(12)
“How do we get to the goblins?”
“There is a portal from an ancient mound in Cornwall. As a matter of fact, you are the first American I’ve heard of, who has been to Athelia. All the people I’ve interviewed were from various regions in Britain. I’d imagine that the goblin king’s books were scattered closer to where the goblins emerged.”
“I remember now,” Mom says. “Kat, the Cinderella picture book you had was a present from your grandfather on your father’s side. He went vacationing in London and picked up a few books for you.”
“Okay.” That explains how I ended up with the book, but I’m more interested in the route to the goblins. “Did you find the portal in Cornwall?”
Professor Bartlett releases a sigh. “I asked the woman to show me where the portal is. She led me to a hill, but no matter how we combed the area, we could not find it. She blamed her faulty memory, though I also believe she didn’t want to recall her experience in Athelia. She inhabited the body of a scullery maid, unfortunately.”
“That certainly is awful.” In the hierarchy of female servants, the scullery maid occupies the lowest rung.
“It took her nearly ten years before she completed the story and was able to return. We spent three days searching, but our efforts were in vain. Whether it is she identified the wrong portal or that the goblins had to activate it for humans to access...I do not know.”
Dang.
“Wait,” Paige interjects. “Even if you succeeded in traveling back to Athelia, you can’t survive. Didn’t that goblin say they don’t have oxygen in that other world?”
The bubble bursts. Professor Bartlett nods. “I’m afraid my experience was the same when you first traveled to Athelia. I inhabited the body of that poor gentleman, and so I had no problem with living in Athelia. It is quite novel that the goblins could transport you back by force. Maybe you can just wait, my dear. If they had tried to have you reunited with the prince, it is likely they would try a second time.”
He’s trying to comfort me. I wish I could be hopeful, but I can’t bring myself to be optimistic. Krev told me that the elements required for the oxygen spell no longer exist in the goblin realm. Moreover, the goblins are no longer as powerful as they were before. What if it takes ten, twenty, or even more years for the goblins to regain power?
“Thank you, Professor Bartlett.” I rise and shake his hand. “I’m glad I came here and met you.”
“It is a pleasure, my dear.” There’s sympathy in his face. “I am sorry I could not provide more assistance for you, but if I can help you in any other way, I will be sure to give it.”
* * *
After a few days in Wales, Paige suggests that we go up to London. Since we are here, we might as well make the most of the trip. I agree, but no matter how much fun we have in London, my heart isn’t in it. I keep thinking of my conversation with Professor Bartlett, and I keep wondering if I could return to Athelia.
“Honey?” Mom says. “What would you like to have?”
I come back to my senses and focus on the menu. They say Indian food in London tastes much better than anywhere but India. “A tandoori chicken sandwich.”
“Kat.” Paige looks at me with concerned eyes. “Maybe we should go back to Canada. I’ve seen enough of London.”
“Maybe that’s the best,” Mom says gently. “Kat needs time to heal.”
I look up. “Do you believe me now? You don’t think I’m mental that I’ve been transported to another world and got married to a prince?”
Mom and Paige look at each other. “I don’t think Professor Bartlett was lying, he seemed pretty legit,” Paige finally says. “If that storybook prince really is as wonderful as you described, I understand why you want to get back to him.”
A tear drips down my face. “He is. But I...I might never see him again.”
Mom places her hand over mine. Paige hands me a napkin. They know it’s better to let me cry; it’s not the time to convince me to move on with life in the modern world. A waitress passes, asks if there’s anything wrong, and Paige waves her off.
When we leave the restaurant, Paige slips her hand into mine. The last time she did that was when she was in elementary school.
“I’m sorry, Kat,” she whispers. “Whatever you decide, you know you’re not alone. Mom and I will always be here for you.”
I try to smile. I should be glad that my family believes me, but it’s not going to help me return to Edward. A part of me is left in Athelia.
They say that time will heal any wound. I wish I could move on with my life, but having seen Professor Bartlett, I feel like my memories of Athelia have come back stronger than ever. I don’t know how I am ever going to go on with real life here, now I know there’s a chance of getting to Athelia.
No wonder that Morag had my memories removed last time. Because I know that living like this is agony. And I don’t know how long I can take it anymore.
8
Edward
I am reluctant to have dinner with my parents and Katriona that night, but it has been a long time since we all dined together. I try to avoid Katriona as much as possible, taking my meals in my room, or sometimes simply going without them. In the rare occasions I have an extended period of free time, I’d visit the spicy food restaurant, sit in the small booth where Kat and I used to dine, and indulge myself in meat and sauce that make my eyes water, a nuisance I cheerfully endure. Sometimes I sneak in a snack with Galen or with Bertram in the gardens. If Madame Dubois could see me now, she would be horrified. The prince does not share a meal with his servants. But I would rather spend my time in their company than Bianca’s sister.