Page 17 of A Filling of Fables and Firelight

“‘Well, it’s gold,’ the woman laughed, and the bright hopefulness in her eyes caused a pang of guilt to pierce Prince Kamden’s heart. ‘And about the size of an apple.’

“‘What does one do with a ball made of gold?’

“‘Oh, no. It’s a golden ball, not a ball of gold.’ The woman shook her head. ‘A ball of gold would be terribly impractical.’

“Prince Kamden offered her his most charming smile. ‘I stand corrected. What does one do with a golden ball, then?’

“‘I’m afraid that’s a secret,’ the woman answered. She rose to her feet, and the prince was surprised to find that when she stood, her eyes were nearly level with his own. ‘But I’m incredibly grateful for your offer. Golden balls are incredibly rare, and it took me several years of intense, tedious study and painful searching to find it in the first place.’

“Prince Kamden’s smile faltered, the thoughts of doing the right thing and returning the ball to find one of his own chased away by the idea of such overwhelming effort. ‘Perhaps we should retrace your steps. Why don’t you lead the way?’

“She nodded and stepped past him, and once her back was to him, Prince Kamden slipped the ball into his jacket pocket. They searched the garden for several hours, but of course, found nothing.

“As the sun was setting, Prince Kamden offered her a sad, sympathetic smile. ‘I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to help.’

“The woman’s demeanor changed in an instant, and her eyes were sharp as she seemed to peer into his very soul. ‘I’m sorry as well, Your Highness—both for you and for your kingdom.’

“Before Prince Kamden could open his mouth to respond, the golden ball in his pocket suddenly burst into flames, burning a hole through the fabric until the incriminating sphere dropped to the ground and rolled to a stop by the woman’s feet. She bent down and picked it up, the flames snuffing out the moment her fingers made contact. ‘It seems your search didn’t leave you quite as empty-handed as you wanted me to believe.’

“Prince Kamden’s blood ran cold, and he held up his hands as he put a few more steps of space between them. ‘I can explain!’ he began.

“The woman shook her head sadly. ‘There’s no need. I’ve already seen all that I need to know. You’re as cold-hearted and indolent as a reptile, Your Highness, and it’s only right that your kingdom should see you for who you really are.’

“The woman’s hands began to glow with a cold blue light, and with a flick of her wrist, she sent a stream of magic shooting across the distance into the center of the prince’s chest. He screamed, falling to his knees, as the light enveloped him, growing brighter and brighter until it disappeared with a final flash.

“On the rocky path, where Prince Kamden had been standing, was a small, gray-green lizard with a fringe of spikes where his crown had been.”

Rana tied off her thread and snipped the excess before holding up the garment to examine her handiwork. Over the fabric, she caught Kamaran’s eyes as he leaned forward. “What happened next?”

She shrugged. “He probably ate a bug or two.”

The Sultan shook his head. “No, I mean, how does he turn back into a man?”

“Who’s to say he does?”

“You can’t just end the story like that.”

She carefully folded the dress. “I direct your attention to rule number one. No complaining or arguing.”

“But he’s a lizard.” Kamaran crossed his arms.

“Such a shame. He should have made better choices.”

“How is he supposed to break the curse? There’s always a way to break them.”

Rana lifted a brow. “Is there? Maybe some princes are just lizards.”

“There has to be.” There was an edge of desperation in his voice that struck a stark contrast with the cool, smooth demeanor that he normally wore.

She pulled her legs in and stood, taking a moment to stretch out her lower back. “Tonight there isn’t.” She snapped her fingers, beckoning for Zade to follow her as she made her way to the door.

“Does that mean another night your answer will be different?”

Rana paused at the threshold, looking over her shoulder and offering him a small smile.

“I guess you’ll have to wait and see.”

Chapter Ten