Lady Millicent hardly seemed to mourn once the news of my father's death arrived at our house. Bridget was the only one who seemed upset. I had to talk to her. I finally understood what was going on.

"My father was under a spell, wasn't he? They're magic, aren't they?" I asked, the sudden realization making me nervous. Bridget nodded.

"They're both powerful witches! My mother was shunned long ago, and vowed revenge! Now she's back, more powerful than ever and with a cold and vindictive heart! Evangeline is the same way she wants power, though. They want to mhhmmhmm!" she exclaimed as her mouth clamped shut, almost against her will.

"You little rat!" exclaimed Evangeline. "You told!" Bridget shook her head, but Evangeline slapped her anyway. I pulled Bridget back, hiding her behind me. Lady Millicent walked in, silently observing us.

"She didn't tell! I figured it out! You won't slap your sister! She's your own flesh and blood, for goodness sakes!" I exclaimed. Evangeline smiled wickedly.

"You're not. Oh yes, you're family by marriage, but what does that really stand for? Maybe you're the magic one, delusional, stealing my sister away from her own flesh and blood," she answered. I shook my head.

"That's ridiculous! Bridget likes me because I actually care about her for who she is! You wouldn't know it, but she's a very smart and sweet girl! You've frightened her into being so passive and quiet, like a mouse!" I turned to Bridget. "Bridget, don't listen to her! She may be your sister, but she does not love like real family should," I urged. Bridget looked up at me and smiled. Lady Millicent glared at her and she looked down again.

"Bridget, you must choose. It's either us, your own family, or this lying little imposter," stated Lady Millicent. Bridget looked like she wanted to cry. I couldn't be sure, but it looked like Evangeline muttered something under her breath.

Bridget stood by Evangeline, looking morose. Lady Millicent smiled.

"Excellent choice, Bridget." She turned to me. "You. We need a housekeeper. The others were found incompetent. Go fix dinner," she ordered. I stood there stubbornly.

"You may think you're powerful. You think you can rule the world with cruelty. You're wrong. Just you wait. Your cold heart and cruel behavior will someday be your downfall," I stated, walking briskly into the kitchen. At least I was good at cooking, and often enjoyed it, opposed to cleaning.

Life continued on like that for weeks and weeks. I rarely saw any of my friends. I hadn't seen heads or tails of Allodia for a long time, Silverspark was banned from the house (he was too big anyway, but slept outside my window) and I did not have a chance to sneak out to see Leo. After all of my tiresome chores were finished, I managed to disappear for a few minutes to go to the garden.

I ran. I knew I couldn't risk walking; I might not get back in time. Leo was not in the garden, although I was not surprised about that. I checked the willow tree. A letter! I smiled in relief.

Dear Mari,

I must meet with you as soon as possible. When we last met, we reconciled, and I promised you that I would figure out who I am. I have kept that promise, and I need to talk with you. I will be in the gardens at three o'clock until five every day until I see you. Please meet me there. I miss you.

Love,

Leo

I smiled in joy, hope swelling in my heart. I would make sure that I would be able to sneak out of the house in time tomorrow. I quickly ran back to the house, clutching the letter in my hand.

"Welcome back, pig," said Evangeline. My heart sunk. They knew I was gone. There was sure to be a punishment.

"You know, you seem to really enjoy sneaking out of the house. Oh don't look so shocked. I know much more than you realize. You know, this notebook is so lovely. It would be a shame if it landed in this fire," she said, holding my precious notebook that was stuffed full of all my thoughts and ideas.

"You wouldn't!" I exclaimed, horrified. Evangeline smiled, the fire illuminating her eyes wickedly.

"Of course not. I just want to know whom you're meeting tomorrow at three," she stated, smiling. My eyes opened wide in shock and my jaw dropped open.

"Dear pig, don't open your mouth like that. You'll catch flies. Yes, I know about all of your letters. Who is this Leo character? He seems so very princely."

"He's no one! Just a friend!" I exclaimed, trying to cover my feelings and his identity.

"I talked it over with mother. She and I both agree that you should not go out without an escort. It isn't proper, you know," she said, waving my notebook around. "Besides, your our servant now. After your father's death, we realized that we didn't have the funds to keep the servants. You're all we have left. A servant girl meeting with a noble boy in secret? The scandal!"

"Put my notebook down, Evangeline! It's not like that and you know it. I am not your servant. I am my father's daughter! You will let me go tomorrow at three, though, won't you?" I asked desperately. Evangeline smiled her cruel smile.

"At a price," she replied, tossing my notebook into the fire. The flames licked at the paper, eating up the words I had worked so hard to put there.

"NO!" I screamed, rushing after the paper. It burned much to quickly for me to save.

"After tomorrow, you are forbidden to leave the house without an escort. Your new position would not allow you to leave the house without our permission anyway. Which, by the way, you do have permission to see Leo tomorrow. But you may never see him again. You may tell him goodbye forever. Have fun," she stated, walking away with a skip in her step. I crumpled to the floor. My notebook…I was fine as long as I could write. But she burned it…my ideas…all to ashes now. They couldn't break my imagination. That could never be broken. But they could break my spirit. My will, my only comfort was now in ashes. I was determined to meet Leo tomorrow, whatever the cost. And I would make every second count. After all, I was saying goodbye. I refused to believe that it would be forever.