The Evil Queen (The Forest of Good and Evil) Read online

  WELCOME TO THE FOREST OF GOOD AND EVIL.

  A DREAM COME TRUE...AND A LIVING NIGHTMARE.

  Far, far away, in the realm of Enchantia, creatures of legend still exist, magic is the norm and fairy tales are real. Except, fairy tales aren’t based on myths and legends of the past—they are prophecies of the future.

  Raised in the mortal realm, Everly Morrow has no idea she’s a real-life fairy-tale princess—until she manifests an ability to commune with mirrors.

  Look. See... What will one peek hurt?

  Soon, a horrifying truth is revealed. She is fated to be Snow White’s greatest enemy, the Evil Queen.

  With powers beyond her imagination or control, Everly returns to the land of her birth. There, she meets Roth Charmaine, the supposed Prince Charming. Their attraction is undeniable, but their relationship is doomed. As the prophecy unfolds, Everly faces one betrayal after another, and giving in to her dark side proves more tempting every day. Can she resist, or will she become the queen—and villain—she was born to be?

  The battle between good and evil is on.

  Gena Showalter is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author whose teen titles have been praised as “unputdownable.” Growing up, she always had her nose buried in a book. When it came time to buckle down and get a job, she knew writing was it for her. Gena lives in Oklahoma with her family and a menagerie of dogs. Become a fan on Facebook and visit her website at genashowalter.com.

  GenaShowalter.com

  Books by Gena Showalter

  available from Inkyard Press and Harlequin TEEN

  (each series lists titles in reading order)

  The Forest of Good and Evil

  The Evil Queen

  The Everlife Novels

  Firstlife

  Lifeblood

  Everlife

  The White Rabbit Chronicles

  Alice in Zombieland

  Through the Zombie Glass

  The Queen of Zombie Hearts

  A Mad Zombie Party

  The Intertwined Novels

  Intertwined

  Unraveled

  Twisted

  Gena Showalter

  The Evil Queen

  I dedicate this book to my nephew and niece:

  Nathan Hurt and Meagan Hurt.

  I treasure, adore and love you. If ever you doubt it, just remember

  I did some public speaking for you, and only whined about it a little

  beforehand...and during...and after. And every day since.

  You are both so incredibly talented, beautiful inside and out,

  and bright, shining stars—and I just want to make sure

  you never forget that I did, in fact, stand in front of

  a room full of people and make words.

  Love,

  Aunt Gena

  Contents

  A Tale As Old As Time

  From The Annals Of Enchantia

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  A TALE AS OLD AS TIME

  Why do we love fairy tales? Oh, let me count

  the reasons. Magic. Inspiration. Adventure.

  True love.

  But there are reasons to hate these stories, as well.

  Murder. Betrayal. Heartbreak. Some characters live,

  some die, but all suffer in one way or another.

  I do. I suffer. My name is Everly Morrow,

  and I am the star of “Little Snow White.” Except, I’m not

  the heroine foolish enough to eat a poisonous apple.

  I’m the villain. The Evil Queen.

  You think you understand what drives me. You think

  I’m cruel and heartless. You think you know the truth

  about good and evil. You think wrong.

  Hidden inside every fairy tale is a prophecy of events

  to come, and I play my part to perfection. Not that

  anyone understands my endgame—yet.

  But you will. Soon. I will set the record straight.

  Fair warning, my darklings.

  This tale isn’t for the faint of heart.

  Mirror, mirror on the wall,

  who will perish when I call?

  FROM THE

  ANNALS OF ENCHANTIA

  THE REIGN OF GOOD and EVIL

  Once upon a time in the magical land of Enchantia, a queen sat in her turret, dreaming of a new life. One of hope and fulfilment rather than dread and emptiness.

  She was not alone. Whether a royal or a peasant, a newly married woman had twelve months to conceive a child. If the clock ran out, a husband had the right to end the union—with the wife’s beheading.

  The queen had been married for eleven months, had seduced her husband time and time again...to no avail.

  Desperate to survive, she joined forces with four other women trapped in similar situations. Another queen, a princess, a witch and an oracle. The five females scoured the earliest Annals of Enchantia...and learned of the mystical Tree of New Beginnings.

  Owned by a cruel king, the tree possessed a trunk both towering and broad, its ebony-black limbs displaying snow-white leaves and bloodred apples. A mesmerizing triad of colors.

  The king guarded his treasured possession mercilessly. Eons had passed since the consumption of an apple. A shame, for legend claimed the apples restored lost power, strengthened magic, healed physical injuries and aided a woman’s quest to conceive.

  The legend provided warnings, as well. Apple babies—forever known as bonum et malum—would wield more power and magic than any of their peers...

  But they would also suffer a tragic end.

  The hopeful mothers-to-be chose to believe the blessings and dismiss the curse. Risking everything, they stole and ate one apple apiece. Except for the second queen. She ate two apples, just to be doubly sure.

  Nine months later, on the same day, each woman gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl. Actually, Queen Doubly Sure gave birth to two healthy, beautiful baby girls.

  The new mothers rejoiced...until the oracle spoke a prophecy of doom and darkness, claiming the six newborns would one day play a part in “Snow White and the Evil Queen,” the fairy tale a road map for their fates.

  First, though
, they had to escape the cruel king.

  When he learned what had happened, he ordered the executions of the mothers and their children.

  One of the queens ran away...and died at the hands of a dangerous sorcerer. The oracle and the witch went into hiding...only to be found and killed. Thankfully, their daughters survived.

  Terrified, the princess and the other queen enacted a desperate plan to secret their girls to the mortal world, where the king would never think to search.

  But there was one thing that they did not yet comprehend. Evil never came dressed as a devil; evil came disguised as a dream, as tempting as the shiny red apples they’d once consumed.

  If they weren’t careful, they would succumb...

  Prologue

  A brief glimpse into the future

  The Enchantian Forest

  “Well, well, well.” Overcome by dark delight, I unveiled my coldest, wickedest smile. “Hello, my darklings.”

  Standing before me, bound by thorny vines, were my greatest enemies—Snow White, Prince Charming and three of the seven dwarfs, or protectors. Above us, golden sunlight filtered through a canopy made of ivory leaves. Around us, majestic trees teemed with fruit and flowers.

  The loveliest war zone I’d ever seen.

  Radiating her patented mix of shock and fury, Snow White bucked and strained for freedom. I didn’t want to brag, but I was the one who had introduced her to that fury. Before me, she’d been all sunshine and roses. You’re welcome.

  One by one, the protectors bowed their heads, ashamed. Too little, too late. All the while, Prince Charming held my gaze, unafraid of my wrath. But then, he was a warrior to his core, forged in fire, then honed and sharpened like a blade, one strike at a time.

  Shivers careened down my spine as I breathed in the sugar and spice of his scent. Focus. “Dear, sweet Prince Charming. Mere hours ago, you wished to prove your love for me.” Would he prevail at long last, or let me down once again? “Behold. This is your chance. Side with me, and lose her. Or, side with her, and lose me. What you cannot do? Side with us both.”

  Snow White had wounded me so deeply, so profoundly, I would never recover. But I could be comforted by Prince Charming—if he did as I asked.

  The fact that he didn’t respond right away...

  I bit my tongue until I tasted blood. Calm. Steady. Whatever his decision, I would survive.

  Finally, he said, “I love you, Everly, and I choose you.” His ragged voice teased my ears. “I will always choose you.”

  Joy began to stir to life. I’d actually won?

  Then he added, “But I will not let you kill her.”

  My lungs deflated, leaving me breathless and dizzy. “You love me, so you protect her? Good one. For your next trick, pull a rabbit out of your invisible hat.”

  He lifted his chin. “I will be your sword, and I will be your shield. I will protect you until I take my last breath...even when you are your own worst adversary.”

  A lie! No adversary was worse than his precious Snow White.

  I longed to shout curses at him. But I couldn’t reveal my true feelings without also revealing my vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities could be exploited. So I blanked my expression. Or tried to. My muscles refused to obey my mind, my pain simply too great.

  Very well. My illusion magic wasn’t second nature, but I could wield it when needed, as long as I remained linked to someone else and syphoned enough of their power.

  Since I had tapped into an amazing power source only minutes ago, I had this in the bag.

  Streams of heat and energy flowed into my every cell, and I moaned. Had strength ever been this intoxicating? I wanted more, more, more. More strength meant I could safeguard who and what I loved.

  A truth I’d learned: love without strength equaled misery.

  Strength equaled security.

  Or maybe I should cut ties with those loved ones instead. No ties, no heartache. I would be bulletproof.

  With a twirl of my finger, I unleashed a tendril of magic to craft an illusion of calm. Excellent. After faking a yawn, I buffed the metal claws that adorned my fingers. “Why am I not surprised you claim to want me while defending her? Oh, yes. Because you always defend her.”

  Eyes hauntingly beautiful as they filled with torment, he said, “Do you not see the irony, sweetling? You plan to commit the same crimes as the one you loathe.”

  How dare he! I would never be like Snow White. “This just in,” I said, mimicking a prime-time anchorman. “Prince Charming could have enjoyed a happily-ever-after with the Evil Queen, the best thing to ever happen to him. Alas. The fool tossed her aside, and she moved on.”

  “You are the best thing to ever happen to him?” Snow White laughed. “Poor, poor Prince Charming.”

  Do not react. “Yes. Poor, poor Prince Charming. A supervillain in denial.”

  Without missing a beat, he said, “Every hero is a villain, and every villain is a hero. It just depends on who you ask.”

  He wasn’t wrong. I was a villain to many and a hero to...myself. Prince Charming and Snow White were heroes to the world, but villains to me.

  I had a brand-new “no mercy” policy for my villains.

  “She struck at you, and we will punish her for it—calmly, rationally,” he added. “Otherwise, we merely perpetuate the cycle of violence.”

  My heart leaped. We would strike at Snow White together? “Tell me how we’ll punish her.”

  “We will lock her in the tower, to suffer as you suffered.”

  I waited for him to elaborate, to mention the whipping I’d suffered, too. The forced marriage to an old man. The insults lobbed at me, and the common kindnesses I’d been denied. But he didn’t. Of course he didn’t.

  “We both know you’ll fill her cell with luxuries, then free her far too soon.” Not. Good. Enough. I doubted any sentence but death would be good enough. “Face it. You are blind to her many, many, many faults.”

  “How can you... You can’t...” Snow White peered at Prince Charming, the fury melting from her countenance, leaving only raw despondency. “She killed our king and hopes to break our bond. You cannot support her.”

  “I can. I will.” He held my stare, unwavering. “I will do anything for Everly—except help her destroy herself.”

  I thrilled, and then I cursed. Enough! If anyone had the power to sway me from the proper path, it was this boy and his black-magic voice. But I couldn’t let him do it. Not this time. Pretty words meant nothing without consequent action.

  “You have made your choice,” I told him, “and I have made mine. Our course is set.”

  “That is true, though it will not end the way you hope.” Snow White’s fury returned in a flash, her gaze spitting fire at me. “Prophecy says I will come back to life and slay you. Prophecy is never wrong.”

  Prophecy was fairy tale, and fairy tale was prophecy. While some parts were literal, other parts were symbolic. Oh, how I prayed my death and her victory were symbolic.

  “You will not harm Everly,” Prince Charming snapped, causing Snow White to flinch.

  I kissed the tip of my middle finger and blew in her direction. Once, I’d admired this girl, and yes, okay, I’d envied her, too. Such strength! Now? Pure, unadulterated rage blistered me inside and out whenever I thought of her.

  “Why don’t we liven up this party?” I twirled my finger, unleashing another tendril of magic.

  No need to look over my shoulder to know vines had grown together to construct a regal throne, different flowers blooming over the seat, creating a colorful bouquet.

  Head high, I swished the tail of my gown aside and eased down.

  Creatures hid in nearby shadows, watching as the prophecy unfolded. I welcomed our audience, calling, “Come one, come all. Look. See. Learn what happens when you betray the Queen of Evil...”

 
One by one, the creatures moved into sunlight, forming a circle around us. Trolls and chimera, unicorns and griffins, nymphs and centaurs. What a fearsome sight they made.

  How much more fearsome was I?

  Incalculably. I almost fluffed my hair.

  As the creatures twittered with excitement, Snow White shrank back. Prince Charming raised his chin higher, refusing to back down, no matter the odds stacked against him. The protectors struggled against their bonds, determined to aid their royal charges.

  Drumming metal claws against the arms of the throne, I announced, “Today I am your judge, jury and executioner. Spoiler alert. You’re all guilty, and you’re all going to die. But we shouldn’t let the outcome taint our enjoyment. There’s fun to be had—for me. Shall we begin?”

  Stubborn to his core, the prince took a step in my direction. An action he surely regretted when the vines jerked him back in place, their sharp thorns cutting into his wrists, streams of his blood dripping to the ground. “This isn’t you. Grief has hidden your joy, but we can find it again.”

  Hardly. “I was born to be the Evil Queen. The monster other monsters fear. Selected by Fate. Joy is the carrot forever dangled out of my reach.”

  He shook his head, a lock of midnight hair falling over his forehead. “Fate might have predicted our course, and the corresponding outcomes, but we decide what parts of the fairy tale are literal and what parts are symbolic. We still have freedom of choice, and I am thankful for that. You are the one I crave more than breath, Everly.”

  Perhaps. No ties. “You may call me Your Majesty.” A howling wind blew past us, leaves rattling and branches clapping, an eerie ballad I enjoyed. “Or Stepmother Dearest.”

  “I’m sorry you were forced to wed my father.” Once again, he took a step forward. Once again, the vines stopped him. But all the while, his eyes implored me. “Words cannot adequately express my remorse.”

  Another gust of wind, the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves—his scent—filling my nose, stronger than before. Awareness heated my blood and fractured my defenses.

  Well, why not? He was my most wicked fantasy come to startling life.

  “Let me think about whether or not I care what you feel.” I drummed my claws with more force. “Still thinking...no. I don’t care.”

 
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