‘Where did you find this?’ My father asks, in disbelief.

  ‘At the castle, with this,’ I say, handing him the love note.

  ‘I can't believe you found this! I had this necklace specially made for her. Part of my heart is in it. And part of her soul and essence,’ he says, gleefully.

  ‘How did you manage to do that?’ I ask.

  ‘It was made during a secret love ritual, by witches who accepted the love between us. We lay on a stone table where they chanted over us and coloured mist swirled in the air and formed the ruby heart. It was such a magical experience. Your mother and...