i hated to cancel so last minute . cassie wanted to pull away , but her muscles were locked . but yes , there were witches in the kingdom who could hear them , and they would tell those witches to come to the court at once if that was what she wanted . `` to those out there , a great issue is : 'will i eat today ? ' most astonishing of all ( given the astonishing circumstances ) was the smile . those were great , but this one was better . 