Rumpelstiltskin (Timeless Fairy Tales Book 4) by K. M. Shea Read Free Book Online Page B

said, some of the bite fading from her manners.
    “Why?”
    “I already told you. He wants her to spin flax into gold.”
    “Yes, but why would he demand such a thing of her in the first place?”
    “Whilst in an inebriated state, her foolish father said she could do it. When it is proven that she cannot, King Torgen will kill her,” Lady Linnea said.
    Prince Toril nodded and rubbed his eyes with his hand. “Yes.”
    “…Yes?”
    “I will help you,” he said, glancing at the sky, which was painted dusty pink by the setting sun.
    Lady Linnea eyed Prince Toril. “Why?”
    “Why?”
    “Why the sudden change? Not five minutes ago, you were as limp as a dead fish washed ashore. Now you are willing to help?” Lady Linnea asked, trying to unobtrusively study his head for blood. Perhaps she hit him with the branch too hard?
    Prince Toril took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. “It’s because you’re correct.”
    “Of course I am,” Lady Linnea scoffed.
    “If Princess Elise knew that I turned away someone looking for my help, she would be horrified. In my heartbreak, I have become the kind of man she despises.”
    “Stupid?” Lady Linnea offered.
    Prince Toril frowned. “Complacent.”
    “Oh.”
    “So, where is this servant of yours?”
    “In the dungeons.”
    “Then we should start there.”
    “I quite agree,” Lady Linnea said, starting for the palace. “And…thank you,” she added more than a little awkwardly.
    Prince Toril blinked. “For?”
    “For helping.”
    Prince Toril cleared his voice. “Of course,” he said.
    They hurried to the dungeons as the sun started to sink behind the horizon. When they cleared the last step into the oppressive place, a guard standing duty shook his head.
    “The servant girl?” Prince Toril said.
    “You are a moment too late, My Lord. King Torgen had her taken to her to a room full of flax,” the guard said.
    “Then we will find her and claim her there. Do you know where they went?” Prince Toril asked.
    The guard shook his head. “I’m afraid not, My Lord. But you will need to speak to your Father to free her.”
    “Why?” Lady Linnea asked, her mask of temperance and serenity back as she clasped her hands together.
    “Because she’s locked up, and King Torgen is the only one with the key,” the guard said.
    Lady Linnea went as white as a snow. She reached out and placed a hand on the dungeon wall to stabilize herself.
    “I see. Thank you,” Prince Toril said to the guard.
    “Of course, My Lord.”
    “Come,” Prince Toril said, taking Lady Linnea’s elbow and guiding her along.
    “I can’t leave her,” Lady Linnea whispered. Desperation permeated her words.
    “No,” Prince Toril agreed. “But you can’t hang about the palace the entire night either. Return home. I will speak to my father. Your servant will not die, I promise.”
    Lady Linnea wasn’t exactly reassured, as Prince Toril was as terrifying as butterflies. But he was right: her reputation would not recover if she gadded about the palace unaccompanied after dark. She would go home to gather additional resources and return in the morning.
    “Very well. I must thank you further, My Lord, Prince Toril,” Lady Linnea said when they left the terrible dungeon staircase and emerged in the palace.
    “Thank you , Lady Linnea. You have helped me more than you know,” Prince Toril said, bowing over her hand.
    Lady Linnea wanted to roll her eyes at the prince’s dramatics, but she didn’t. Idiot or not, if Prince Toril saved Gemma, Lady Linnea would be his most loyal subject ever.
     

 
    Chapter 4
    Gemma stared at the wads of flax dusting the room. There wasn’t as much as she expected. Bundled up, it was roughly the size of a rectangular hay-bale. The small amount was most likely because King Torgen knew she would fail at the task.
    The flax fibers were a shade of dirty cream and smelled like the outdoors.
    “Set to work, Gemma Kielland,” King Torgen said, pushing the