Suddenly, Cordelia opened her mouth and let out a raucous screech. To Jenna, however, the awful sound was all too familiar and understandable. The princess had simply asked whether the queen had used the wrong potion.
Her stepmother made no reply, obviously not understanding her bestial inquiry. A mischievous smile had formed on her face. “Oh, dear. Now, that was unexpected.” Despite her words, she didn’t look very surprised as she put her things away and closed the cabinet.
“What did you say?” Cordelia chirped. “Did something happen? Why don’t you answer me?”
Curious, Jenna spoke up. “She doesn’t understand you, Cordelia.”
The princess whirled around, her eyes going wide. “Jenna? Y-You talk!”
“I’ve always talked,” Jenna sighed. “But I guess I speak in griffin. Just like you’re doing right now.”
Cordelia tilted her head. “I’m not speaking griffin,” she cawed.
“Yes, you are. You just don’t realize it because, to you, it sounds just like your normal language. But believe me, you’re just squawking and screeching like any griffin, right now.”
“Nonsense!” The girl huffed. “Me? Screeching? That’s absurd! Isn’t it absurd, mother?”
The queen had vanished, though, having rushed out the door while the two were distracted. Jenna had a sense of foreboding. “I think we should get out of here, princess. You may be in danger.”
“Danger?” Cordelia glanced around. “What kind of danger? I‘m sure the guards will take care of it.”
“I don’t know,” Jenna had to admit. “I just get the feeling that there’s trouble, and we need to get away. Now!”