The Stepsister Scheme

on Danielle’s stomach. “The babe in your womb is another matter. He’s a blending of your essence with Armand’s. Over time, as he grows into his own man, the bond will fade. But for now, that child is the most intimate connection we have to the prince. Even more intimate than your own, Princess.”
    The queen cleared her throat. “Please, Snow. A little less lecturing, and a little more magic, if you would be so kind.”
    “Sorry.” Snow brushed her fingers along the platinum frame of the mirror. “Mirror, mirror, with power so wild. Show us the father of Danielle’s child.”
    The mirror brightened. Clouds rushed past, so fast Danielle reflexively pulled back. She would have fallen right off the stool if Talia hadn’t caught her shoulders and held her in place.
    Danielle found herself looking down at a great chasm, as though she were a bird circling far overhead. A silver bridge spanned the gap, sparkling like a spider’s web in the morning dew. Slowly, the mirror drew back, revealing elaborate palaces to either side of the bridge. Spires of ebony and gold stretched into the sky, reaching to touch the clouds themselves. She saw great, thick forests and cities of such color they looked like a rainbow had shattered and fallen to earth. A group of winged horses circled an empty field, carrying glowing men and women so small that six could ride on a single horse.
    “I can’t get any closer,” Snow said. “There’s too much magic.”
    “That’s enough,” said Talia. “I told you it was fairies.”
    Snow rolled her eyes. “Just because he’s in Fairytown doesn’t mean—”
    Fairytown . Danielle squinted, trying to see through the whirling images in the mirror.
    “Enough,” interrupted Beatrice. “I’ll talk to Ambassador Trittibar tonight. He will arrange for the two of you to enter Fairytown. You leave in the morning.”
    “I don’t understand,” said Danielle. “If we know where he is, why can’t we go to the fairy king or queen and ask them to find Armand? Doesn’t the treaty—”
    “If we could prove that one of their subjects had taken a citizen of Lorindar to Fairytown, we could present evidence to the fairy court,” Snow said. “The treaty requires them to respond to any request for such a hearing within seven days.”
    “But even if we had proof that one of their people was involved, we don’t know which court to go to,” Talia added. “The king and queen aren’t on very good terms. We could spend days arguing our case to the queen, only to find it’s the king’s people who helped your stepsisters.”
    “So we go to both courts.” Danielle looked from one to the other, onto the then turned to the queen. “Ask them both to help find Armand.”
    “And they’ll help us why?” Talia asked. “Out of the goodness of their hearts? They lost the war. Humans forced the treaty on them. They’re not exactly our friends, Highness. If we want Armand back, Snow and I need to go get him.”
    “Then I’m going with you.”
    The queen was already shaking her head, as if she had anticipated Danielle’s words. “No, Danielle. The demon in that tree nearly killed you. I’ve already lost my son. I won’t risk losing my daughter-in-law and grandson as well.”
    “You haven’t lost Armand,” Talia said. She was already heading to the other room, gathering weapons from the wall. “We’ll bring him back.”
    “I know my stepsisters,” Danielle said. “I know how they think. I can help.”
    Beatrice touched Danielle’s cheek. “I do understand how you feel. If it were up to me, I’d be on a horse to Fairytown this very moment. But we have other responsibilities, Princess. I trust Talia and Snow with my life. They will find Armand.”
    “Fairytown is a big place,” Danielle said. “And what will they do if Charlotte and Stacia decide to move Armand elsewhere? Without me, they’ll have no way to find him.”
    Talia returned, tucking small knives about her person. “They murdered your mother. They would have murdered you if I hadn’t saved you. Twice. Come with us, and you’re more likely to get yourself and your son killed than to save your husband.”
    “The first attack was in my own bedroom,” Danielle said. “Do you truly think I’ll be safer here than I would with the two of you to protect me?”
    Both Snow and Talia watched the queen, waiting for her to choose. Deep down, Danielle could understand their protests. She was no warrior, and the thought of