Scene: The Odd Sisters’ Suspicion

The Odd Sisters swept into the tower chamber as dawn broke, their sharp heels clicking against the stone. The princesses sat at their long table, yawning over bread and fruit, eyes heavy-lidded, hair slightly undone from the night before. The floor gleamed as though scrubbed too quickly, and the scent of lavender from Elena’s hidden garden still lingered in the air.

Belladonna’s pale lips curled into a snarl.
“Look at them—circles under their eyes, gowns wrinkled, shoes worn thin under the bed. Those spoiled brats have been out dancing!”

Regina straightened sharply, but before she could speak, Serafina placed a hand on her arm, silently pleading for her not to.

Vivienne’s painted smile spread, sharp and knowing.
“Do you know what this means, sisters?”

“Marriage,” she said sweetly, though her voice dripped with venom. “If a king, prince, or lord falls for those pampered pretties, all our work is undone.”

Ravenna folded her hands in her lap, her golden eyes hard.
“Then we must act now. We cannot allow their childish whims to ruin us. If they think themselves clever enough to deceive us, then let their father decide how to cage them.”

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Scene: Court the Next Morning

The throne room was filled with nobles, courtiers, and petitioners, all waiting on the king’s word. The thirteen princesses stood in a row, still in their plain gowns, their heads bowed. The Odd Sisters stood beside the throne, demure as ever, though their eyes glittered like knives.

King Arthur rose slowly, leaning heavily on the arm of his chair. His voice rang out, tired but steady.
“I have been told troubling news.” His gaze swept his daughters. “My beloved children—my legacy—have been deceiving me. Each night, they slip from their chambers to dance until dawn. I know not how they escape, but the truth must be found.”

The court buzzed with whispers. Some nobles gasped; others chuckled knowingly. The princesses stood frozen. Vira fidgeted, glancing nervously at Pandora, while Anastasia clenched her fists at her sides.

Arthur raised a hand for silence.
“So hear my decree. From this day forth, any man in my kingdom—be he king or lord, soldier or gypsy—who can uncover the secret of my daughters’ nightly escape shall have his reward: the hand of whichever princess he chooses in marriage.”

The murmur of the court grew into a roar. The princesses looked at one another, stunned.

Marina’s mouth fell open. “Marriage? He can’t mean—”

Rosalia gripped her hand tightly, eyes darting to the Odd Sisters, who stood behind their father with unreadable expressions.

Arthur’s words continued, his voice echoing through the hall.
“But the man shall have only three days. Three chances. Fail, and he leaves my castle with nothing.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd again.

The sisters looked at each other. This wasn’t what they had intended at all.

Belladonna’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
“This fool will undo everything,” she hissed under her breath.

Vivienne’s sugary smile faltered for once.
“We wanted control, not suitors.”

Ravenna’s jaw tightened.
“Then we’ll make it work. Somehow.”

The princesses, however, stood in silence, their hearts racing with dread and confusion. For the first time since they’d stepped into the magical world, their freedom was at risk—not just from the witches, but from their own father.