Belle’s Quest (Fairytale Bureau #3)

Epilogue

While the evil spirit controlling the Grimm Effect remained bound—not just in the magical chalice but also wrapped in iron, then a layer of silver, then lead, before being buried in hallowed ground under a temple the Grimm Knights guarded twenty-four-seven—the curse remained active in our world. Those already affected kept playing out their story, but at least with some, we knew what would cure it. True love.

An unexpected side effect? Excess magic. With Methuselah no longer siphoning the power from humanity affected by the curse, people began to wield this new power. Some could do wondrous things—healing being the most positive aspect. Others could be quite terrifying like those who used it to raise the dead.

It also affected the world at large, transforming it. For example, unicorns appeared, galloping down streets or through yards, pristine white, with glowing manes and glowing horns. Then there were the darker versions, named the night furies, with red eyes, fur dark as night, their hooves striking sparks as they gored those in their path with their obsidian horns.

Mermaids began to crop up in oceans around the world.

Dragons multiplied, fighting over territory and stealing sheep.

The mountains became the property of dwarves.

Elves ruled the forests.

It meant the Knights and the bureau were busier than ever.

As for me? I was a princess in Corsica, but before you think I was involved in all that political mumbo-jumbo, I had a different job. Since the island only ever had transient agents, I opened an official Fairytale office, and to my delight, my friends chose to be the agents working it, because, as Cinder declared, “If I’m going to work, why not in paradise?”

Hood also joined me with her wolfish husband. In his case, true love didn’t make him fully man again. But me? I was beast-free and in love.

Life was better than any story in a book. Even with my overbearing mother-in-law. But I kind of enjoyed the coddling I’d never gotten as a child, especially when I got big with twins.

My husband doted on me, and when those babes were born, I’d never seen him look so happy—unless sexy times counted.

And when little Morgana began throwing lightning bolts from the crib and Arthur changed into a little furry beast each time he had a tantrum, my husband took it in stride. Rubber room for the wee princess to avoid fires. Jungle gym for the energetic prince.

Every day was a new story in our fairytale, and I, for one, wouldn’t change a thing about my happily ever after.

Hope you enjoyed this series inspired by some amazing covers.