Aurora Magazine 2019

pain, and Marigold smiled. “Does it hurt to know that I have full power over your daughters, King Xavier? To know that at any moment, I could extinguish them, and naught could be done?” Francis sat by and watched as all this happened. He smiled, and beckoned for his sister. The two talked a moment, and Marigold nodded. Slowly, Xavier’s binds loosened, and he rose to his feet. “Marigold,” the king droned. “I have been plagued by you for too long. I am sorry for all the pain I have caused, but my daughters are innocent. Please, use me for your revenges.” A grin crept across Marigold’s face, who nodded smugly. “I rather hoped you would offer yourself. It will make it all the more delicious when I refuse your offer.” She raised her hands to cast a final spell on the girls, who now sat upwards, unable to move. Just as she cat the spell, Xavi - er’s eyes brightened in a way they had not since Juniper passed. He sprinted down the steps to his throne, across the Great Hall, and in front of his daughters, shielding them. Marigold’s wicked grin faded as the King’s natural magic deflected the spell back on the Witch. In an instant, she was no more. When the Witch was gone, Xavier slumped to the floor, barely able to breathe. The girls, still exhausted and startled by all that had happened, ran to him. “Father!” Everly held her father’s face in her hands, and watched him smile. He raised his hand to Aileen, who knelt be - side him, and rested it on her shoulders. “My girls,” he groaned, still smiling warmly. “My loves. Rule... together. You need no husband, not when you are already far wiser than me. Rule well.” His face slackened, and he grew still. Everly looked to her sister, and they embraced for the first time. --- In the years that followed, the girls worked to reestablish order. Once more, the palace opened its doors, and great feasts 92