Somehow, that thought infuriated her. They were taking advantage of ogres and making them pawns in a princess test. So what if the ogres were naturally evil and most of the girls were no real danger to them? Mina had imprisoned one forever. She’d had no choice. Evil or not, Royals shouldn’t just use them as bait.
She would really have to have a talk with Teague again later.
Mina entered the waiting room to find Dinah and Ever alone. Dinah seemed surprised at Mina’s appearance, but she masked it quickly. Ever didn’t even look at her. She was too busy reading a book on a settee.
“Is this it?” Mina asked. “Did the others not pass?”
“Looks that way,” Ever answered shortly. “Do you see anyone else? I guess it’s just us…and probably Annalora.”
“What makes you so sure?” Dinah asked.
“Oh, she’ll pass the test all right. One look at her face and the ogre is sure to drop dead.” Ever delivered the dry line with a deadpan face and perfect timing. Dinah snorted, and Mina had to cover her mouth to keep back the giggles.
“No, she’ll pass because the ogre will hear her complaining a mile off and run before he ever sees her,” Dinah added.
Now Ever started laughing. The jokes definitely helped to relieve the mounting stress that made the room so suffocating. “Or she’ll try to sing, but it will be so bad, the ogre turns himself to stone.”
The tittering laughter continued on, until a small cough at the door made them look up in surprise.
Annalora stood there in her slim blue dress, which didn’t look wrinkled at all. “Or Annalora will pass the test, because she is worthy of being queen, and she will kill anyone who gets in her way.”
Mina was stunned. “You passed the test already? How many were there?”
“What does it matter? They’re dumb and illiterate like you,” she taunted. “What would really help everyone would be to banish all of the horrible, evil, and dangerous creatures to a faraway land. Elle, what land did you say you were from? I’m sure there’s plenty of room for more stinky ogres.” Annalora smiled cruelly, waiting for Mina to respond.
Hateful, spiteful, inappropriate names were on the tip of Mina’s tongue. She was seriously ready to lash out against the ignorant girl. But she curbed them. Something about Annalora’s smile seemed a little too eager. She was ready to start a fight, and Mina knew how to read between the lines. Responding to her jabs would just be adding fuel to the fire. The girl thrived on the emotional turmoil she caused others. Mina had seen plenty of girls like her in her school and on the Internet. They called them trolls. Man, that thought entertained Mina.
Mina’s silence in response to the subtle bullying did not by any means signify that she conceded. Only time would prove who was better. Mina would have to beat the girl in life, and not with words. After all, Annalora could say as many mean and hateful things as she wanted, but they would only hurt if Mina believed them, and she didn’t.
But she couldn’t let the conversation lead to more questions about where she was from. She had to let her pride take the hit to protect her home.
“What’s that? You don’t disagree? Well, when I’m queen that will be one of the first things I do.”
“Well, if you become queen, I will volunteer to go to this far off land just to get away from you,” Ever responded.
“Pixies are the bane of society,” Annalora snarled. “Everyone knows they are the weakest in Fae magic. Truthfully, I’m surprised you made it this far without cheating.”
“I didn’t cheat.”
The gnome rolled her eyes and answered, “Quit lying to yourself.”
“I. Didn’t. Cheat!” Ever yelled, her wings fluttering furiously. The wind picked up, tossing things about. A ceramic vase flew across the room and crashed into the wall inches from where Annalora’s head had been just moments before.
The smug smile fell from her face at the same time the vase crashed to the ground. Ever realized her mistake and quickly calmed herself, but not before Annalora got in one last jab. “You are one messed up pixie.”
“Enough!” Dinah spoke out. There’s no use fighting amongst each other. This is not a battle that will be won by tearing each other down. Focus on the next test. Only one will be crowned Princess to rule beside Teague as a Fate. Only one will someday have all the power that is bestowed upon the queen. And that girl will be one of the four of us. Who among you is confident enough in your position to be making enemies with one of the future Fates? I, for one, am not willing to take that chance.”