A Curse for True Love

Instead of returning to the castle, Apollo brings Evangeline to Merrywood for the rebuilding festival the Valors are hosting. There, they encounter Aurora, who insists Evangeline must attend, but she says she would rather help build. When Apollo laughs, Aurora scolds him for belittling his wife. Evangeline wants to jump to Aurora’s defense because she knows how dark Apollo can be, but Evangeline is shocked when Apollo looks frightened.

The first time Apollo saw Aurora, he thought she was a beautiful angel. She gave him the magic that allowed him to remove Evangeline’s memories. Initially, Apollo swore not to use it, but when Evangeline chose Jacks jealousy got the better of him. Later, Aurora convinced him to let the Valors live as a great house, implying that if he didn’t, she’d reveal what he’d done. Apollo hurried to give them what they wanted. Aurora was pleased, and when she winked at him, “Apollo knew he’d made a deal with a devil, not an angel” (268).

Apollo and Evangeline will share a tent while they’re at Merrywood. Inside, Apollo wraps his arms around her.