Sleeping Beauty Read Online Free PDF Page B

of that too, Lucette,” her mother said. “If it would work, I’d have taken you from Xandra the day after your naming ceremony, but it won’t. I asked the fairies. If you leave the kingdom, everyone else in Xandra will fall asleep forever.”
    Lucette gasped and felt tears spark the backs of her eyes. This couldn’t get any worse.
    Lucette’s father turned toward her, his expression showing obvious pain. “Let’s not dwell on things that can’t be. Let’s focus on the present.” He tugged down on his velvet jacket. “Your mother thinks we should allow you to leave the palace on weekdays, but I think it’s a bad idea. Even though I’ve banned most sharp objects and regulated their use for essential services, there might be a few sharp objects that could prick you.”
    â€œI think you should attend charm school,” her mother stated quickly.

    â€œCharm school?” Lucette repeated slowly. Last night her mother had promised she’d find a way to let her attend slayer school. Was this part of that plan? Linking her daily trips outside the palace to a charm school seemed clever, if devious. Her mother had chosen a lie the king might actually support.
    â€œI do agree that you’d benefit from such training.” Her father stepped toward her and cupped her chin tenderly.“It takes more than great beauty to charm young men, but”—he shook his head in disappointment—“I had expected your mother would teach you such things.”
    Her mother pursed her lips, as if holding back arguments, and Lucette was grateful.
    â€œIf you do need charm lessons”—he squeezed her gloved hand—“I’d prefer we bring a tutor into the palace. Certainly your scare last night showed you that you’re much safer at home.”
    â€œThe charm school is very safe.” Her mother’s voice was sharp, but she didn’t argue any further.
    Her father sighed. “As long as you promise to follow your safety rules, I’ll allow you to attend—but only if it’s what you want.”
    The door to the room opened and a guard stepped in.“Your Highness, the king and royal wizard from Judra are here for your meeting.”
    â€œLucette,” her father said, “you’re a sensible girl. In spite of your escapade last night, I’m sure you’ll make the right choice . . . the sensible choice.” He kissed her cheek. Then, without looking back at his queen, the king left the room.
    As soon as he was gone, her mother grabbed her hand. “Lucette, of course you’ll choose charm school over a private tutor. Your father will never know that I’m having you taken to the Vampire Slayer Academy instead.”

    â€œBut, Mom.” Lucette was beyond excited, yet nervous. “Someone will tell him and when he finds out, he’ll be so angry.”
    The queen shook her head. “I’ll register you under a secret name so no one will know it’s you.”
    Lucette lowered her eyes. Training as a slayer was her greatest dream, what she’d always wanted, but a lie between her parents meant another reason for them to fight. Excitement and trepidation mixed inside her. She looked back up at her mother. “Keeping such a big secret will be impossible.”
    Her mother shook her head. “The palace staff members who came with me when I married your father are loyal, and they’ll take you each day. You’ll train as a slayer and your father will never know.”
    â€œDo you really think we should lie to him?” Nerves scrambled inside Lucette.
    Her mother put her hands on her hips. “I don’t like it, either, but do you think he’ll agree willingly? He won’t even let you hold a pencil. Do you think he’d let you touch a sharpened stake?” Her expression softened and she reached forward to touch Lucette’s arm. “Darling, I wish there