Free Princess of Athelia: An Unfinished Fairy Tales Novella by Aya Ling Page A

freezes when a tear runs down my cheek.
    “Girlie, what’s there to cry about? You’ve been through some rough patches, but you got to the happy ending. Wasn’t that what you wanted all along—to go back to the human world?”
    I swipe my sleeve over my eyes.
    “Krev . . . this Story World . . . is it only a dream I’m living in? Edward, and everyone else . . . they’re fictional characters, right? They aren’t real , are they? They just feel real because I’m in the book.”
    Krev looks waspish. “What do you want me to say?”
    “The truth.” Even if it’s going to break my heart.
    He props a hand under his chin. “Don’t go bawling again. Your eyes will show it in the morning.” Then he blows air out of his cheeks and shakes his head. “My, you have fallen really hard for Eddie.”
    I don’t say anything. I just stare at him. Before the ball, I was way too occupied with achieving the happy ending to ask more questions, but now I need to know more.
    “The magic Barthelius weaved into the book is a highly complex spell,” Krev begins. “He was super powerful a hundred years ago—in fact, he’s what you humans call a child genius. He didn’t just create the book you held—he created a whole alternative realm. It’s supposed to be closed off to humans unless they tamper with the book. You entered Athelia through a portal that was produced in the cover you ripped off.”
    My breath catches in my throat. This is insane. “But . . . if Athelia was created a hundred years ago, was it still in existence when I ripped the book?”
    “Of course. It has continued to exist even after the original happily-ever-after ending. Since you damaged the book, a time-turning spell was triggered, taking you right to the beginning.”
    “Wait . . . did you mention an original happy ending? Does that mean Edward did marry Elle after all? How could it happen?”
    Krev rolls his eyes. “Dunno. We’ll never find out since you have altered Athelia’s history. Now, the records are going to say that Edward married the second daughter of Earl Bradshaw.”
    His words weigh heavily on me like a sack of potatoes pressing me down. If only I hadn’t tried to help Elle get together with Edward. If I’d just relaxed and waited for Edward to eventually fall in love and marry, I wouldn’t have meddled with Athelia’s history. But it’s too late. Katriona is going to come back—as the princess.
    “What is Katriona like?”
    “Haven’t a clue.” Krev sounds annoyed. “Didn’t you listen to me? The book occurred a hundred years ago. Barthelius doesn’t even remember who the fairy godmother is. Look, if you’re that concerned about Eddie, why don’t you find another bride for him? Then he won’t have to deal with the real Katriona.”
    I feel like punching him again. “How could you make such a callous suggestion, after everything that we’ve been through? He isn’t a puppet for me to manipulate. He’s a human being.”
    Krev doesn’t seem affected. Not surprising, since he was cruel enough to advise that Edward ditch me and find another, as though he could switch his feelings on and off. I honestly believe that the goblins don’t know what the word ‘feeling’ means.
    “Don’t be so sensitive, girlie. Eddie knew what he was getting into when he decided to marry you. Besides, who said you have to take my suggestion? You’ve always told me my ideas are crap anyway.”
    I throw my pillow at him. “Get out.”
    When he disappears, I let the tears flow for a moment, until I realize that my crying will reflect in my eyes the next morning. I force myself to swallow the lump in my throat and go to sleep. But even though I’ve successfully repressed the tears, I can’t repress the pain that’s growing in my heart.
    * * *
    In the morning, Amelie enters my room to help me dress. I stare blankly at the mirror, a hollow feeling in my chest. When I think of Edward being stuck with the old Katriona, no matter what she