Home > Work > The Four Kingdoms Box Set 1: Three Fairytale Retellings (Four Kingdoms and Beyond Box Sets)
1 " After he left, I spent half an hour crying into my pillow. "
― Melanie Cellier , The Four Kingdoms Box Set 1: Three Fairytale Retellings (Four Kingdoms and Beyond Box Sets)
2 " Emotions aren’t weaknesses,” he said. “If you let them, they can even be strengths. I know my own are. "
3 " It was everything I had imagined and nothing like I had imagined at the same time. I suddenly knew with absolute certainty that I never wanted to kiss any other man. Max was it for me—would always be it. "
4 " No,” she said, “we were both to blame. Henry acknowledges that. There were so many misunderstandings. It only took the complete breakdown of our world for us to realize it.” She sobered. “It’s a pity there are some things not even true love can fix.” “There is still hope,” I repeated, but when she pressed me, I would say no more. "
5 " The park was dotted with small copses of trees, and I stopped before the first of these to look back. I picked out the princesses’ tower and gave it a silent farewell. I would miss Lily and Sophie, and I hoped they would be safe from whatever came. “I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you,” I whispered. At least they had their mother now—a far more fitting and satisfying companion than I had ever been. Max will look after them, I thought. Turning around, I urged Starfire forward. I needed clear eyes and a clear head if I was going to effect my own escape. "
6 " I saw it coming from the beginning,” he said. “I just thought Max was acting like an idiot and needed a bit of prodding.” He seemed very pleased with his claimed foresight. All of this, I ignored. "
7 " I clung to him as he twirled me around in joyful abandon. He finally set me back on my feet and leaned down to press his lips to mine. The laughs and cheers of our friends and family swirled around us, and I felt certain my heart would burst with happiness. "
8 " Of course, it didn’t burst. It kept right on beating. It beat away happily as a new engagement was announced to the kingdom. The news was greeted almost universally with pleasure. Lady Marissa never quite recovered from the shock, but she was in the minority. It beat on as my family arrived from the forest to grace our wedding with their presence. And it beat particularly fast as I walked down the white carpet one last time, my eyes fixed on two spots of blue shining above a tall, white and gold figure. It beat with joy as I snuggled inside my husband’s arms as we honeymooned in his hunting lodge, deep in the woods. And it beat on as news trickled in from all over the kingdom about the spectacular early harvest. Queen Eleanor was gracious enough to credit us with the change in the kingdom’s fortunes, but I suspected her own, newly-restored, true love had a little something to do with it as well. "
9 " Something was making Hans uneasy, and Ava wanted to know what it was. Knowledge is power. Once again, she heard the voice of her father in her mind. Trust is for fools. "
10 " You were ready to flee with me at a moment’s notice; that is enough.” Ava spoke firmly, for once letting her true emotions fill her voice without need for manipulation. “We are both highly skilled, and we will survive. And, for now, what we need is information. So, go, and see what you can discover. I’ll be here when you return.” Hans regarded her steadily for several moments and then nodded. “You will survive, Your Highness,” he said. “I pledge my life on it. "
11 " Ava sank down onto the ground. Alone at last, she could admit that she was exhausted. Much of the strength she had shown Hans had been a façade. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt so physically and emotionally drained. "
12 " Finally, Ava decided that she simply had to sleep. Hans will return even more tired than I am now, she reasoned. I need to be rested enough then to keep watch, or he’ll never agree to rest himself. She would simply have to trust that if anyone approached the clearing, Cinnamon would be spooked enough to wake her. Knowing that sleep was her best and most effective strategy made it easier to give in to what her body was demanding. She wrapped herself in her cloak and lay down. Sleep came within seconds. "
13 " Cinnamon was the only one she could truly be herself with. "
14 " One who knew how to feel and to love. "
15 " Hans regarded her, and the dark intensity of his gaze kept her silent. After a minute that seemed to stretch into an hour, he turned his head away. “It’s not only princesses who have to hide their true selves, Your Highness.” Ava blinked twice in rapid succession, but he wasn’t watching her. Instead he slid into his bedroll and rolled to face away from the fire. "
16 " I’m rather sick of all the troubles currently burdening Princess Ava. "
17 " Max had said he loved me, but what good was love if it didn’t motivate you to action? If he loved me so much, why wouldn’t he fight for me? He was so certain we could never be together. But he had never even tried. "
18 " But it’s not just for your sake, Alyssa,” said Lily. “My family chose you, my Father asked you to be Princess Companion. If they disrespect you, they disrespect us. It’s not enough just to be liked. We have to be strong, too. "
