“Live your life, be happy, and save me from this curse.” He takes a slow breath, his eyes still on mine. “Greta—say my name.”
I take a deep, ragged breath. I can do this. I have to do this. I can’t lose my daughter. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” He looks as serene as I’ve ever seen him, but just as I’m opening my mouth, he stops me. “Wait—this is important. After I’m gone, once the council realizes what we’ve done, they might send someone else to steal the baby away.” His eyes lock on mine, his expression fierce. “Keep her here, in the castle, locked away and safe, until she reaches twenty years of age. Do you understand? Never, under any circumstance, allow her to set foot into the forest.”
I look at my daughter, and terror runs through me.
“Promise me,” Rune demands, and I nod. “As soon as she’s old enough to wear it, give her my medallion. It will keep her safe.”
As long as she never goes into the forest.
“I can’t do this without you,” I say, clutching his arm. “I just can’t.”
“Yes, you can.” He gives me a sad smile. “You are the most powerful woman in the kingdom. You can do anything.”
“Rune…”
“That’s not the right name.” Somehow he finds it in him to smirk, and then he whispers, “Try again.”
For several moments we look at each other, dozens of unspoken thoughts passing between us. After what seems like the longest time, Rune nods.
I take a deep, ragged breath. “Rumpelstiltskin.”
Rune grimaces as if he’s been stabbed, and my breath leaves me. Before my eyes, he begins to fade. “No…Rune…”
“I love you,” he says, grabbing my hand. “Always.”
“Please,” I beg, horrified at what I’ve done. “I’m sorry.”
I cling to him, clasping his palm, loathing myself. Before he’s completely gone, he looks at the baby sharply, realizing he’s forgotten something. “What did you name her?”
“Rapunzel.”
He smiles and squeezes my hand for the last time. And then, like the wind, he’s gone.
In shock, I stare at the spot where he stood only moments before. I let out a keening wail, freeing the agony in my heart, and sink to my knees. In my distress, I wake the sleeping princess.
Her hiccups turn to sobs. I hurry to my daughter’s side and stroke her downy hair. She’s the most precious thing in my life, and Rune told me to protect her.
I pull her into my arms and hold her close until she quiets.
A few minutes later, Conrad enters. Without a word, he wraps his arms around us, and the three of us stand together, united and strong.
“I love you,” he whispers, kissing Rapunzel’s downy-haired head first, and then my temple. “You two are my world.”
I cry freely, unable to stop myself, but Conrad understands my grief—and he doesn’t resent it. I lean into him, so grateful.
“She’s safe here,” he murmurs to me, knowing I need to hear it.
Softly, I whisper to the baby, “I swear to you, I will guard you with my life. Even if it means you never leave the castle.”
Conrad chuckles under his breath. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
I look up, meeting my husband’s eyes. “Do you think he’s truly gone?”
“I have no idea.” He loops his arm around my shoulders. “But I know I owe him a great debt.”
I glance over my shoulder, at the spot where Rune last stood. I press a kiss to my palm and hold it over my heart, wishing him the best, wherever he might be.
The Sorceress in Training
Available
February 25th, 2019
Click Here to View the Book on Amazon
Also by Shari L. Tapscott
Silver & Orchids
Moss Forest Orchid
Wildwood Larkwing
Lily of the Desert
Fire & Feathers: Novelette Prequel to Moss Forest Orchid
Eldentimber Series
Pippa of Lauramore
Anwen of Primewood
Seirsha of Errinton
Rosie of Triblue
Audette of Brookraven
Elodie of the Sea
Grace of Vernow: An Eldentimber Novelette
Fairy Tale Kingdoms
The Marquise and Her Cat: A Puss in Boots Retelling
The Queen of Gold and Straw: A Rumpelstiltskin Retelling
The Sorceress in Training: A Retelling of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Contemporary Fiction
Glitter and Sparkle
Shine and Shimmer
Sugar and Spice
If the Summer Lasted Forever
Just the Essentials
Writing as Shannon Lynn Cook
Obsidian Queen
Guild of Secrets
Princess of Shadows
Knights of Obsidian
About the Author
Shari L. Tapscott writes young adult fantasy and humorous contemporary fiction. When she’s not writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, making soap, and pretending she can sing. She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.
Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and two very spoiled Saint Bernards.
Sign up for Shari’s fantasy newsletter and get a welcome letter with all kinds of book goodies, including several short stories and two novelettes!
shariltapscott.com