Goddess of Magic: A Snow White retelling (Kingdom of Fairytales Snow White Book 4)

asked Topher.
"Wouldn't we miss the fireworks?" He didn't seem all that bothered, but I appreciated that he even asked.
"We can watch them from my balcony at the palace," I suggested. "It's a good view. It's where I sit every year to see them go off."
"I'd like that," he said softly. "But let me get some of the spiced cider for us to take with us."
"Oh, good idea." I could get used to the way Topher thought about things.
The whistle and bang of fireworks exploding above our heads formed a backdrop of one of the best feelings I'd ever experienced. The two of us leaned back in our chairs on the balcony of my room, sipping hot cider and enjoying the display. I'd have invited Rhi up too if she hadn't still seemed so caught up in Adam and their dancing. I knew my cousin was a good guy, and he wouldn't hurt her on purpose. And more importantly, he wouldn't take advantage.
"How come I didn't know this was here?" Topher asked.
"The balcony?"
"Mmhmm."
"There's a lot of my room you haven't seen," I pointed out. "But mostly because it's not hot enough at the moment, and I don't want to make the staff do the extra work to set up the brazier."
"But for tonight?"
"Fright Festival is special," I pointed out. "I always sit out here with the heater and a blanket. I've never..." I trailed off, unsure how much I wanted to admit to.
"You've never?" he prompted.
I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, managing to get it tangled in the knots caused by the crown falling. "I've never had anyone I wanted to share it with before.
Topher was silent for a moment, and I began to fidget uncomfortably in my seat. I didn't want to make things weird between us.
"Thank you," he whispered, almost too low to hear.
"What for?"
"For choosing to share it with me."
"I like your company." Maybe that wasn't the kind of thing I should be saying to someone, but Topher deserved to know how I was feeling, even if I didn't exactly have a name for it yet. All I knew was that there was something here between us.
"Are you sure you don't prefer Jake's?" he asked, his voice mostly level, but I could still hear a hint of bitterness.
"Definitely not," I answered instantly. "Why would you think that?"
And why would I ask that? As far as Topher was concerned, I'd just disappeared with Jake voluntarily and then come back ruffled.
He shrugged. "Everyone prefers Jake. He's better looking and shows off more than I do. Girls seem to like that."
A snort escaped me without me wanting it to. "I want to deny that to protect womankind. But it's sort of true. I liked Jake in theory for a long time, but now...I don't."
For the first time, I realized my feelings about Jake weren't complicated at all. I'd just thought they were because of how I thought I was supposed to feel after liking him from a distance for years. But what I'd liked wasn't the person. It had been the idea of him as a slightly older, more worldwise person I didn't see very often.
But during this visit, I'd finally gotten a chance to get to know him. Or he'd finally deemed me worthy of getting to know him. And I found that I didn't like what I found. I wanted more from someone I was going to spend my life with.
I wanted someone intelligent, observant, empathetic, someone who would support me and help me with the tough decisions I'd have ahead of me.
Someone like...
I glanced to my right and tried not to think about the end of that sentence. I was only just coming to terms with the end of my feelings for one boy. I wasn't ready to put a name on what I had and what I wanted with another.
"I'm glad you've seen him for what he is," Topher admitted. "Not many people do."
Rhi's warnings about Jake sprang to my mind. "I think more people see through him than you think."
Topher huffed. "Perhaps. But somehow, I doubt that. He's too charming."
"Only when he wants something," I muttered, my words slurring together as I yawned.
"You need to get some sleep," Topher said, rising to his feet.
"You don't have to go yet," I countered.
"I do. We have an early morning for the competition tomorrow, and it's important that you get your rest in advance."
Reluctantly, I nodded. I was feeling a little sleepy.
Topher swayed towards me, and I almost expected some display of affection, but nothing came. Much to my disappointment. But that was all right. We didn't have to rush things. We could take them at our speed and not worry about the rest of it.
"Goodnight, Kelis," he said softly.
"Goodnight, Topher."
He disappeared, leaving me alone on my balcony. I took a couple of moments to compose myself, and then made my way back inside. I was already down to the undershirt and leggings of my costume, so it wouldn't take me long to get ready for bed.
I stripped out of the rest of my clothing and put on my nightgown.
"You really should sleep more, Kelis. You're looking very pasty," the mirror taunted.
I rolled my eyes and dropped into bed. I no longer cared what the mirror said. And I was starting to think Mother was right about it. The mirror had to go. I'd see to it once we'd fixed Mother's curse. It might still remember something useful until then.

1st November
Nerves fluttered in my stomach. There were so many people here, and all of them seemed far more excited than I was. One girl was even bouncing up and down. Though, I supposed that could be from nerves too. I hoped so.
Rhi and Topher were chatting on the sidelines. Neither of them was taking part, which meant they were only here to watch. I looked around at the other contestants, but none of them were paying any attention to