Reign (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale, #4)(36)

He nodded and his long face stretched into an awkward smile. He leaned forward and whispered softly to her. “Wear now.” Mina opened her mouth to ask a question, but he cut her off. “Now. Wear now!”

Mina’s mouth lost all of its moisture. “Sounds good.” Her tongue felt like a piece of sandpaper when she tried to answer him. She watched as Schumacher turned and stepped off of the porch. He walked to the nearest shadow, made from a large maple, stepped into it, and disappeared.

She turned and showed the shoes to Mei who only whistled. “You hear him. Listen to Schumacher. Don’t dilly-dally. Put them on.”

Mina did just that. Her toes felt weird sliding across the cool mirrored glass, and she was terrified that they would shatter if she put her whole weight on them. But they held. And she didn’t go flying across the floor when she walked in them either.

Another knock sounded on the door.

This time it was Brody. He smiled, showcasing his dimple. In his black form-fitted tux, which only made his blond hair look even more sun-kissed, handsome wasn’t quite the word. Mina thought she heard her own mother sigh.

Mina’s mom showed them the camera and they posed for picture after picture, but no matter what Mina did, she couldn’t regain her joy about this evening. She knew her smile must looked forced. Every time she took a step, those darn shoes tinkled against the wood floor. Taunting her about her duty—her journey that could start any minute.

They were about to leave when Mei ran back up to Mina and gave her a quick hug, pressing something cold and round into her hands—the seam ripper. Mina ran back to her bathroom tucked it in the dress. She took one last look at her reflection in the mirror and tried to smile.

The smile froze on her lips when her reflection began to flicker in and out.





Chapter 18


The conversation on the way to the ball was a bit stilted and one-sided. She knew she was being a terrible date by not responding with more than one word answers. Brody even asked her multiple times if she was okay. She could see by the way he gripped the steering wheel that he was getting frustrated.

“It’s the curse, isn’t it?” he choked out as he pulled the car up to valet parking.

“Yes,” she admitted.

He breathed a sigh of relief. “Good, because for a minute there, I thought you didn’t like me anymore. But don’t worry. I’m here. We’ll finish this tale together.” He reached out to touch a lock of her hair. “I never got a chance to apologize.”

“Apologize for what? I’m the one who should be apologizing. I’m making this into a horr—”

Brody’s finger touched her lips, silencing her words midsentence. And making her accidentally kiss his fingers. “I’m apologizing because I never got to say how beautiful you look tonight. When your brother answered the door and I saw you standing there, I was at a loss for words.”

Mina was afraid to move, her cheeks burning in embarrassment. He leaned forward to kiss her when the driver-side door swung open.

The valet attendant stood there awkwardly. “Oh, excuse me. I’m s-sorry.”

Brody didn’t pull back but changed direction and ended with a slight peck on her cheek instead. She was slightly disappointed, but they had an audience.

Brody hurried to make it around the car before the attendant, to open her door for her. She took his hand and let him lead her toward the steps of the country club.

The club was built to mimic old plantation homes but on a much grander scale. Large columns lined the front of the building and its long wraparound balconies. A light shone in each window giving the place a warm and inviting feel. For once, the weather was cooperating and the evening was warm.

She saw a fire truck pull up the driveway and circle around to the back of the club.

“What’s going on?”

Brody answered. “There’ll be a fireworks show at midnight tonight.”

“Oh, cool,” she replied, trying to not sound stressed. He took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She was sure it was probably cold and clammy, but she tried not to think about it as he led her up the steps to the front doors.

His mother was one of the greeters, and she looked regal in a gown of gold, her hair secured in a coif with gold colored pearls.

“You made it, and you’re on time,” Melody teased her son.

He gave his mother his most dashing smile then leaned in and gave her a kiss on each cheek.

Melody held her mask in her hand and turned to greet Mina warmly. “Welcome, Mina. I hope you have a magical night.”

“I’m sure it will be one to remember.” Mina returned her smile.

Melody pointed to the mask Mina was twirling in her fingers. “Don’t forget. You can’t enter without wearing your mask. Brody, where’s yours?”

“I forgot it…at home.” He didn’t seem the least bit sorry.

“Well, that’s no problem. We are prepared for just this scenario.” His mom turned to a stand next to her and handed Brody a plain silver mask from the small tray.

Brody shrugged his shoulders. “It was worth a shot.” He picked up the mask and placed the black elastic band over his head. Mina followed suit, although hers was attached with thin silver ribbon.

“Here, let me.” Melody reached out and helped Mina. “You look lovely, dear.”