Chapter 8
600 Words
Upon arriving at Gretl’s chamber, Clara helped the old woman inside. She guided her over to the large, red chair in the corner and assisted as Gretl reclined on its soft cushions.
“Thank you, my dear,” the elderly lady said, exhaling loudly. “I can’t walk around this castle as I used to.”
“Is there anything I can get you?” Clara asked, ensuring Gretl was comfortable in her chair.
“Maybe there is something I can get you,” Gretl suggested, capturing the interest of the princess. “Pull that chair over.”
As Clara followed the woman’s orders, Gretl turned to the table beside her and rearranged some items on it so that the largest orb was closest to her.
“Sit down with me,” Gretl requested. “Let me help you since you just helped me.”
Clara adjusted the chair near the table and sat down. “I’m not sure what you mean…”
Gretl extended her arms and hands toward Clara, encouraging the princess to join hands with her. She massaged the girl’s hands and then gently placed them on either side of the orb. Anticipating Clara’s anxiety, she smiled, reassuring her that all would be well.
Gretl placed her withered hands on top of Clara’s. Together, the two women held the orb and stared into its depths. While Gretl maintained her focus on the crystal itself, Clara’s eyes constantly alternated between the orb and Gretl’s face.
Gretl’s mouth formed a wide smile, causing Clara to ask, “What do you see?”
“You are in love, aren’t you?”
No words were needed to answer that question; Clara’s facial expression let Gretl know that she was correct.
“But your family doesn’t know,” Gretl continued. “A strong man, a handsome man.”
When Gretl paused, Clara asked, “What else do you see?”
Gretl gazed deeper into the orb. “You love him very much.”
Clara leaned forward in her chair. “Does he love me, too?”
“There is conflict. From your family.”
“Conflict? What do you mean?”
“You!” Gretl called out as Bryce entered the room carrying a tray of food. His entrance startled the two women, whose hands left the orb as they turned to face him.
“I brought some nourishment for you, Gretl,” Bryce said, placing the tray on a nearby cabinet. “I thought you’d – oh!” Looking at the ladies, Bryce cut himself off, realizing he had interrupted their conversation. “You were talking, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” Clara said softly. “I was just getting Gretl settled.”
“Yes, that’s all,” Gretl agreed. “I am tired now.”
“I brought you all this food…”
Gretl leaned back in her chair. “It won’t go to waste, I assure you. I’ll eat after I rest.”
Bryce stepped away from the bureau. “Gretl, I wanted to ask you…what you said about the Hendersons earlier…what did you mean?”
Gretl slightly raised her hand toward Bryce. “Not now. I must rest.”
“Of course,” Bryce agreed. “We’ll see you later.”
Clara stood up from her chair. “Take care of yourself.”
Bryce put his arm around his twin sister and they left the chamber.
Watching from her chair, Gretl waited for the door to close behind the prince and princess. Alone in her room, Gretl mumbled, “He will tear you two apart…”
- Writer
