Lucky Charm (Reverse Fairytales Book 2)(4)

“I want to thank each and every one of you that came out today to wish me well. It has brought happiness to my heart to think that we can now be a kingdom as one, not divided by race, color, gender or magical ability.” I emphasized the last one as it really was the only thing that did divide our kingdom. “The past year has been a difficult one for many of us, but I’m confident that if we all pull together, we can make Silverwood a stronger, happier place to live for all of us.”

“I noticed there were some anti-magi protestors outside the palace,” interjected Frederick.

“Yes, there were. There is still a lot of anti-Magi feeling in the kingdom, and it is my wish that we can all learn to live together in peace. Silverwood will be a place where we can all feel safe.”

Frederick stared at me, putting me on edge. “And how do you propose making Silverwood safe for the Magi? There aren’t many left.”

“I’ve talked a lot about Magi rights in the past. As you know, Frederick, it is a topic very dear to my heart. Silverwood has become a divided nation, something which the monarchy of the past has had a lot to do with. I’ve gone on record and told the truth about the palace’s involvement. I can only ask forgiveness from those who have been hurt, but I plan on making changes. No more will the Magi be treated differently than anyone else. We are all people of Silverwood and, therefore, will all have the same choices and chances. University admission will be opened up to all, and no employer will be allowed to discriminate on the grounds of magical ability. There will always be jobs here at the palace for those magi that left. My home and my kingdom are open to them.”

“That’s a very different approach than that of your father,” Frederick reminded me.

I really didn’t want to bring my father up again. I’d spent the last six months trying to change people’s opinions. They still loved him.

“My father had his own reasons for not wanting the Magi in Silverwood. I, personally, would like to look to the future and put the past where it belongs.”

I hoped that would be the end of it, but he carried on, wanting to know what exactly were my father’s reasons. I’d told the truth about my father to the press, but there were a lot of things I’d kept from them. They didn’t know that Xavier was my cousin, and they didn’t know that my sister died at their hands.

“A lot of people think that your father had the right attitude and that you are tearing down the monarchy.” Frederick smiled in such a way I wanted to punch him. Being queen, that was high on my list of no-no’s. I was appalled by his words, but I could hardly show it on live television. Instead, I smiled sweetly.

“People are always afraid of change, Mr. Pittser, but I assure you that I will do my best for this kingdom. I am committed to being a ruler that the people of Silverwood deserve. I...”

Frederick cut me off, “Well I expect that they’d all like to see another reality TV show about it. The last one certainly won hundreds of thousands of viewers. I, for one, was taking bets on what color dress you’d wear next.”

Sadie would have probably said something similar, but with her, it would have been genuine. Frederick Pittser had said it to put me down, to show the world I was nothing more than an airhead princess. I wanted to fight him, to tell him and the world that I wasn’t that person, but the truth was, that’s all they had ever seen of me. It didn’t matter what I said to him now. What would matter was what I did in the coming months and years. His views weren’t unusual, unfortunately, but that didn’t mean I liked them. I’d hoped for an interview where things would be resolved, but Frederick Pittser seemed determined to make me look bad, as if I needed the help. I made a mental note to call the network to speak to them about Magi rights and, hopefully, find someone more appropriate to be the royal correspondent. For now, this interview was over.

“I’m afraid I must go and join my guests,” I said, standing. “They can’t eat until I’m there, and I’m sure I heard Prince Luca’s stomach rumbling during photographs.”

Frederick gave a forced laugh and turned to the camera to wrap up. I had left the sitting room and was halfway down the corridor when he caught up with me. He grabbed me roughly by the arm, spinning me towards him and taking me by surprise. His pleasant but boring TV manner had left him, and instead, he had a fierce look on his face that startled me.

“What are you doing?” I asked, alarmed. A quick glance up the corridor told me that we were alone. “Get off, you are hurting me.”

“I know, Your Majesty,” he hissed.

“What?”

“I know more than you think.” He pulled back his lips to reveal a ghastly grin that put me completely on edge.

After a second or two, he let go of my arm and smiled a sickly smile as though he’d not just assaulted me. I rubbed my arm where he’d grabbed it. A year ago, I’d have gone to my bedroom and cried, but I’d seen too much to put up with this kind of behavior.

“I don’t know what you think you know, Mr. Pittser,”—I raised my voice.—“but I cannot and will not have you touching me without my permission. I’ll be calling your network and telling them what you just did.”

I tried to sound as intimidating as possible. It obviously didn’t work.

“No, you won’t. I know about your affair with the kitchen hand. If I lose my job, I’ll tell the world. I don’t think Prince Luca would be too happy to find out what his fiancé was up to behind his back would he?”