Truth or Love: Whispering Willows, #9

By Diana Dawn

After hundreds of years, the villagers have found Snow and Lily's mother Liz in the mine, and she has made herself at home in the Willows. After the big "blowout", Lily has left the Willows through the mirror, just missing her mother's grand entrance. But unbeknownst to Lily, Thomas has gone after her. Will he be able to find her and reconcile their love? Snow has left her prince, Mitch, and moved in with 'King' Edward. But is it really Snow, or is something more sinister going on? 'Truth or Love' is the ninth book in the Whispering Willows series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Diana Dawn
• Release date: Apr 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201821609

Diana Dawn

Finally, I want to thank you the reader, for coming along on this ride. I hope you had as much fun as I did, and enjoyed getting to know the heroes and heroines of Whispering Willows. If so, please take a moment to post a review and tell a friend.  I would love to read your review!         The adventures are just beginning, so if you'd like to follow along, and get notifications of new releases, freebies and special offers on my books, please join my email list by going to www.DianaDawnBooks.com or drop me a line at [e-mail].  I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thank you and happy reading!

Book preview

Would you like a FREE e-book of your choice from the Whispering Willows series?  Simply drop me a line at [e-mail] and I will send you a FREE copy of an e-book of YOUR choice in my Whispering Willows series! Just let me know which one you would like.    Plus, let me know if you would like to receive my monthly newsletter, then you can be sure to stay informed of my latest book, giveaways, freebies, promotions, news, 'swag' and more!  Be sure and visit my website at http://www.dianadawnbooks.com.

Chapter 1

Disguise

 It was her.  Lying in her innocence and beauty, Snow was peacefully, yet unnaturally asleep.  Nothing Rein did would wake her.   It had to be a spell.  Jill … he had to get the spell book from Jill.  But which spell was this?  The ‘sleeping death’ spell or the ‘eternal rest’ spell?  The ‘sleeping death’ spell Margurite cast on Snow about a year ago, before she and Mitch were married, would only be broken by ‘true love's kiss’.  But he can't tell Mitch about who Snow is now, or else they would surely never catch the queen.  Mitch would be outraged and go after her … he may even get himself killed by the evil witch.   But if this is the ‘eternal rest’ spell, as Liz was under, then they would only need a 'blood alliance' with an immediate relative.  Hence, as Snow was able to wake her mother, Liz should also be able to wake Snow.  They would try that antidote first.  Quickly, Rein left Mum to watch over Snow, while he rushed back to the village to fetch Jill's spell book … and of course, Liz. 

She stood over him in the dungeon cell holding the clothes she'd gathered for the castle party.  But instead of waking Thomas right away, she watched him for a moment, studying his features.  He had a strong face, but a gentle spirit … she knew this.  Suddenly, his eyes fluttered open, and he saw Tara standing over him with the clothing for his disguise.  She smiled at him gently.  For a fleeting moment, Thomas thought he saw something in her eyes … what was it?   It was something so familiar … a gentleness and a passion.  Softly he whispered, Lily? 

Before Rein could knock on Jill's door, it suddenly swung open.  Cautiously he entered.  As the door shut behind him, he saw her.  She smiled at him with a friendly smile.  In her arms she hugged a book.  After a second look, Rein could see that it was the very spell book he'd come for.   

In seeing his surprise, Jill flashed a knowing grin as she flipped her crimson hair, I knew you were comin' Rein, so I thought I'd just get this out for ya … save ya some time.  

Twice stunned, Rein stammered, H-how did you know why I was coming?  

Jill blinked at him in a most intelligent manner, Cause ya gotta wake up Snow, right?  Rein, ya didn't actually think I didn't know that Margurite was in th' village did ya?  I knew that wasn't the REAL Snow!  Ya oughtta know me by now.  I can sense anothuh witch a mile away, hun!  With Rein's mouth still agape in surprise, Jill giggled as she handed him the prize book, Now look ... ya know I trust ya.  So don't be lettin' jus' anybody get this book.  I know that you realize the severity of this situation, don't ya?  Rein matched the seriousness in her eyes and nodded.  Good.  Then be off wit ya, an' don't fo'get Liz.  It's gonna be quite a surprise fo' her … but a good one, anyway.   

Just before leaving, Rein turned back to Jill with a puzzled look, If you knew about Margurite all along, why didn't you say anything?  

Jill gave a quiet sigh and smiled, B'cause, it's trials like this that make a marriage even stronger than befo’.  Mitch and Snow deserve at least that.  I knew they'd find Snow before things got too out of hand.  If ya hadn't found her, I would've gone and found her myself, ya know.  Now go on!  Ya wastin' time here askin' twenty questions!  

Rein gave Jill a hug and with the book in hand, rushed out of the cabin like a little kid with his treasure.

Lily?  

Tara frowned, Excuse me?  

Thomas quickly shook it off, I'm sorry.  I must have still been halfway asleep.  

She grinned, Hmmm … well, it's pretty obvious then who you were dreaming about.  Thomas shied away with an embarrassed smile.  Clearing her throat in jest, she handed him the clothes, Here are some clothes to disguise yourself with.  They belonged to a drunken nobleman who attended the last party we had here at the palace.  I'd have to assume he didn't remember much when he woke up naked after returning home, as he never did come back to claim his garments.  

Thomas winked in reply, So if I see a nobleman eyeing me strangely, I can assume it's my clothes he's looking at, eh?  

Again Tara cleared her throat and smirked, Well, I don't know about some of the noblemen in this kingdom.  You can HOPE it's your clothes they are admiring, but I wouldn't bet on it EVERY time.  

Thomas' grin turned to that of an appalled look.  

Tara snickered, You'll be fine.  I brought you a bucket of fresh water and soap, plus a sponge and towel so you could freshen up.  Also, here is the key to the tower.  Fredrick managed to get it for me.  But remember, if I'm asked about you, I'll deny that I know you.  I'm sorry, but I just can't risk it.  

He nodded, I know.  Thank you so much for your help, Tara.  I guess I'd better hurry and freshen up and change.  

Right.  Tara missed the hint, and just stood there looking at Thomas.  

Well, unless you'd like to help me ...  

Tara's eyes shot open, OH!  No, I'm sorry.  I didn't even think. I'm sorry … I'm going now.  Quickly, Tara exited, leaving the cell door open for Thomas' escape.  

Thomas snickered as he reached for the bucket and sponge, before changing into the nobleman's disguise.

Liz had attempted her painting again.  This time, she chose the beauty of the Willows' trees in the fall.  The orange and gold and yellow leaves coupled with the hints of red always made the best paintings.  She couldn't ask for a more beautiful fall setting than this village.   

Mesmerized by the beauty and colors of the trees, she was startled by Rein's sudden appearance, Liz...  

Oh my goodness!  

Even her innocent exclamations made it evident that she was indeed Snow's mother, Rein thought. I'm sorry, Liz.  I didn't mean to scare you.  

With a heavy sigh followed by a schoolgirl's giggle, she smiled, It's alright.  I guess it's getting pretty close to Hallow's Eve there anyhow.  Is that the right way to say it … Hallow's Eve?  

Distracted, Rein offered, Well, we call it Halloween nowadays.  But it used to be called All Hallow's Eve.  

Liz repeated after Rein as if taking in the new pronunciation, Halloween.  

Growing slightly impatient, Rein continued, I hate to be so rushed about this Liz, but I need you to come with me.  

What is it, Reinhold?  

Consciously ignoring how much he loved the way she said his name, he gently took her arm, I can explain when we're out of the Willows.  Please, come with me.

Chapter 2

Celebration of Plenty

My God!  My baby!  Liz rushed in unrestrained towards her sleeping daughter, paying no heed to the poor mother wolf, Mum, as she tripped over her.  The gentle animal seemed to understand, as she merely jumped toward the fireplace out of the way.  Liz took Snow’s hand in hers and with tears in her eyes, looked back at Rein, I knew that wasn’t Snow in the village.  I knew that wasn’t my baby!   She turned back to look upon Snow’s sleeping face and tenderly kissed her forehead.  

Rein came and knelt beside her, We can’t tell anyone about this yet, not even Mitch.  As Liz snapped to look at him, he continued with urgency, You know how Mitch would react … he could get himself killed by that witch.  Besides, we may be able to trap Margurite if she thinks her disguise is still safely a secret. 

Liz nodded with a hint of sadness as she looked back to her sleeping beauty.  

But, that doesn’t mean we can’t wake her up, as Rein cheerfully held up Jill’s spellbook.  

Liz turned to him again, her face lighting up as she let out a gleeful yelp.  Suddenly, Liz’s smile turned to concern, What if it doesn’t work?  Do we know what we’re doing? 

With a sigh, Rein kept a positive tone, Well, we can only try, right?

Though insanely jealous of the attention Maci was getting at the party in her tight leather outfit, Natalie couldn’t help but admire her nerve in wearing such attire.  She then scolded herself for not thinking of it herself.  Maci was getting all the looks from the men tonight … something Nat already missed, even for just one night.  She thrived on getting attention from men, despite her history.  Perhaps it was because of her past that she now craved it so.  Her Phillipe was killed and taken over by that stupid mutation of a creature.  Where else could she feel loved?  No!  She wasn’t going to think about that, not tonight!  Tonight was about living it up and having a good time.  For once, Natalie would push the hurt of abandonment out of her mind.  After all, it was ancient history.   Despite the looks from the other village men, Maci’s eyes were for Nate only, and his were literally glued to her.   

But perhaps the most evident happiness was for the newlyweds at the party … Kristen and Murray.  With Murray at her side, Kristen’s smile beamed while her blue dress flowed gently around the room as the couple made their rounds to the sounds of ‘congratulations’ for the happy new couple.   Even Snow and Eddy, who had arrived late to the party, conveyed their well-wishes.  Shortly after their arrival, Mitch was not seen much outside the kitchen.  

In a sincere request, Yolanda approached Snow, "Snow, seeing as we have such a special occasion that we are celebrating tonight, perhaps you could make the evening even better with one of