Assistant to the Villain, #3
Accomplice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 69
Overview
Kingsley, still a frog, regains clarity inside Amara Maverine’s home and encounters Winnifred, a timid servant who accidentally reveals budding magic. Amara returns, forcing Winnifred to hide Kingsley. Evie and Trystan break in, sparking a comic injury and recognition. When Amara summons Trystan, Evie heads to confront her, escalating the long-brewing family and wand conflict.
Summary
Kingsley, in frog form, stumbles into Amara Maverine’s kitchen and momentarily forgets himself until the sight of a human—Winnifred—shocks back his clarity. Winnifred tries to shoo him, then accidentally reveals her magic by turning roses gold. Hearing Amara approach, Winnifred hides Kingsley in a cookie jar.
Amara enters, scolds Winnifred for noise, and pointedly questions the roses’ changed color. Winnifred lies about the gardener while Kingsley stays hidden. Arthur Maverine’s arrival pulls Amara away, and Winnifred frees Kingsley, who shows signs of sentience, startling her.
The back door bursts open as Trystan and Evie break in. Startled, Winnifred stabs Trystan’s palm with a fork. Tatianna checks the wound, and Kingsley uses the fork to leap to Trystan’s shoulder, confirming his identity. Amid banter, Kingsley writes “Listen” on a kitchen chalkboard to refocus everyone.
Winnifred recognizes Evie from wanted notices and panics about Amara’s reaction. Amara’s voice summons Trystan, heightening tension. Evie reassures Winnifred they will take the blame, then strides off to meet Amara, and Trystan follows despite protesting, setting up a direct confrontation with Amara inside her own home.
Who Appears
- Kingsley (Alexander)Still cursed as a frog; regains clarity, hides from Amara, communicates via chalkboard, leaps from fork to Trystan’s shoulder.
- Evie SageBreaks into Amara’s house, calms Winnifred, jokes through chaos, then goes to confront Amara directly.
- Trystan ThorneBursts into the kitchen, is accidentally stabbed with a fork, bickers with Evie, then follows her to face Amara.
- WinnifredTimid servant who accidentally reveals magic by turning roses gold; hides Kingsley and fears Amara’s wrath.
- Amara MaverineStern mistress of the house; nearly discovers Kingsley, intimidates Winnifred, and summons Trystan.
- Arthur MaverineArrives home, his presence pulls Amara from the kitchen, enabling the intruders’ regrouping.
- TatiannaAssesses Trystan’s fork wound, offering calm practicality amid the kitchen chaos.