“You’re certain?”
Ella shrugged. “I haven’t had any kind of medicine in years, so yeah. I can tell something’s not firing correctly, and that’s the unknown variable.”
Remus stared up at the ceiling, as he often did when he was putting together equations and solving problems in his head. “Have you tried St. John’s Wort before?”
Ella quirked her eyebrow. “That you think Lady Tremaine gives me access to any kind of vitamins or herbs makes me think I downplayed how miserable it was for me there. She barely gave me food.” Ella sat back down in her chair across from the desk, her body groaning at being out of bed for this long. “Why do you ask?”
“Lethals have options. Cord doesn’t have to wear his gloves, but he chooses to, because he’s too powerful for the pill to mute all of his abilities. I don’t want to mute your abilities, only make it so you can more easily control them. Take them down a notch so you can choose when you access them. Think of how nice it would be to kiss your boyfriend without fear of bringing down the house.”
Ella thought over the last two hours of mental and magical exercises Remus had her do. Each one was designed around control. Levitate a chair, but only two inches, and then hold it there, never moving it up or down, for twenty minutes. See through the cover of a book, but find only a specific page while being timed to see how long it took, and then how long she could stay on that page before the vision fell away. “Do you really think it’s as simple as an herb?”
Remus tipped his palms upward. “I think we can do a fair amount of practicing on you to see what we can get right. It’s much more complicated troubleshooting with Cordray.”
Cord flexed his gloved fingers with a look of a chagrin to him. “Sorry.”
Ella’s eyes fixed on Remus’ feet that swayed lightly against the desk. “Henry doesn’t understand why you aren’t on as many pills as it takes to mute your powers, Cord. Isn’t it safer if you are? Isn’t that easier for you than going through all this testing?”
Cord stopped swiveling in his seat to stare at her. “Of all people, I never would’ve pegged you as one to vote for the easy way out. I don’t want to need a band-aid for the rest of my life. The pill isn’t a solution, it’s a temporary fix. Besides, my abilities seem to want to mutate past whatever dose I put in my body.” He shook his head. “And it’s not safer for me to be on the pill, even if it worked as it’s supposed to. Rory has been abducted eight times in her life. Did you know that?”
Ella’s eyebrows shot upward. “Oh, that’s terrible!”
Cordray touched his chin, running his tongue over his teeth. “In those situations, I’m not going to just sit there and watch while they take my wife, kicking and screaming. I know what happens to the hostage.” His dark eyes clouded over with a storminess that made Ella feel like his thoughts were too private for her to look at him directly. “It’s not safer for anyone if I can’t protect my wife. I’m very careful to always wear my gloves, so I’m not worried about accidentally electrocuting her, like I know Henry’s afraid might happen.”
Ella felt horrible for Cord’s plight. She adored Rory, and couldn’t stomach anyone hurting someone so wonderful.
When Ella coughed again, Remus said to Cordray, “Would you mind getting Ella some tea?”
“Sure thing. Hang in there, Sis.” Cordray clapped Ella on the shoulder before leaving the study.
Ella took in Remus’ serious expression, and the fact that he waited until Cordray was halfway down the hall before he spoke. “Have you read the fine print of Proposition 7?”
Ella turned her chin slowly from side to side, confused at the abrupt subject shift. “I just know the headlines. It’s about privatizing the pill, leaving the original for the government to distribute. The plan is to release the formula to the highest bidder, so they can make mutations and try to work out the kinks.” She frowned at him. “That would be good for Cordray, right?”
“On the surface, yes. But there’s a little line in there that most people gloss over. ‘If any harmful side effects occur, the manufacturer has the right to quarantine, treat, and study the subject for the duration of the effect.’”
Ella chewed on his words, but didn’t see anything inherently evil about them. “Well, shouldn’t they help if they do something that hurts Lethals? Doesn’t that just give them license to clean up their messes?”
Remus remained seated atop his desk, but he leaned forward to meet her eyes in earnest. “‘Harmful’ is a broad judgment. Taking away Cordray’s magic could be considered harmful, which would then give whoever’s in charge the right to lock him away, test serums on him, and track his every movement for the rest of his life under the guise of medical research.”
Ella’s mouth fell open in horror. “Are you serious? Do you really think that could happen?”
Remus crossed his legs atop his desk, looking to Ella a little like a meditation guru in business casual. “If I was diabolical, my first move would be to lengthen the life of the pill, so instead of every month, it would last a year or more in a person’s system. That way I could study them for much longer when they needed to be quarantined ‘for their own good.’” His voice lowered. “If that bill is passed, the government would also have those rights.”
Ella’s head felt like it was swimming with too much information. “But King Hubert is a good man.” She swallowed the shame at the king’s scorn of her over the phone, and clung to his usually fair policies. “He wouldn’t do that.”
Remus met her eyes with a seriousness that revealed more sleepless nights than he would admit to aloud. “There have been two attempts on the king’s life just this year. Henry can’t leave the house without either myself or a guard. Once you two go public about your relationship, that will be your life, as well. The throne is in good hands now, but if certain councilmembers had their way, the king would be replaced. Imagine the damage that bill could do in the hands of the Baron. He owns a company that’s chomping at the bit for this bill to pass. Would you want the Baron manufacturing your medication?”
Realization of the far bigger picture crashed over Ella like a ton of bricks, knocking her worldview. Reality began to chip away at the precious parts of her that needed to believe in happily ever afters. “Why are you telling me this?”
Remus straightened his tie. “Because Cordray won’t see reason. He wants this bill passed, which means that if it does, he’ll be first in line to try a new pill that might let him hold onto his magic while keeping Rory safe. I don’t want you to fall into the same trap. When your ability gets out, it might be suggested you go on the pill as well. That would be most detrimental.”
Ella covered her mouth and sucked in too much air, which pushed her into a coughing fit. It wasn’t until Remus hopped off his desk to rub soothing circles into her spine that she saw another layer clearly through all the politeness and politics. “You’re not done studying me, and you’re worried a new pill will pause our progress.”
Remus shook his head. “That’s like, fifth on the list of reasons why I don’t want you to fall for this golden opportunity. Henry needs someone like you to watch out for him. What you did when you overheard the Baron plotting to take out members of the council? We were able to get ahead of that because of your gift. I sleep better at night knowing you can help the people we love.”
Ella slumped against Remus’ hip, letting him ease her assumptions that had been a bit too harsh. “I’m sorry. I’m just used to…”
“I’m not here to use you, Ella. No more than you’re here to use me.”
Ella’s eyelids drifted shut as she rested her weary head against his side, marveling at how very comfortable she was with Remus now. She felt truly at home in his house, and knew that he was only expecting of her the standards he’d set for himself—to protect the people they both loved with the unique gifts nature had granted them. “If the bill passes, I won’t take the new pill. Thank you, Remus.”
Remus gusted out a sigh of relief. “Thank you for trusting me
, Miss Ella.”
33
Remus’ Conspiracy Theories
“Henry, I don’t know about this.” Ella shifted in her dress. She felt so formal; she wasn’t sure if breathing was allowed in the corseted waist and long, flowing skirt. She studied herself in the bathroom mirror, seeing a stranger in the glass as Rory pinned the last curl up into the intricate knot.
Henry had insisted on an evening at the best restaurant in town, but Ella countered with a request for something private for their first time out together.
“Adam’s no one to be afraid of,” he said from the doorway, watching her nervous fidgeting with a careful eye.
“It’s not that. Well, now it is, since you brought it up. It’s just… Look at me.” She motioned to the expensive dress with disbelief. “This isn’t normal us. This is fancy us, which isn’t real.”
Rory remained quiet as she sprayed Ella’s hair, and started putting away all the accoutrements that were scattered atop the counter, allowing Henry to field Ella’s concerns.
Henry shoved his hands in his pockets, looking like he was casually posing for a modeling spread that featured couture suits for men. “I hate to break it to you but every now and then my life requires a little fanciness. Now that it’s going to be our life, this is something you need to try on for size.”
Ella rubbed her arms in a hug, feeling strange that her shoulders were so exposed. “I guess it’s good we’re test driving this at your friend’s house. I’m nervous I’ll trip or something. Or that you’re all thinking how ridiculous I look in a dress, but you’re too polite to say anything to my face.”
Henry’s eyes combed her body, not bothering to hold back the lust that burned for her. “The only thing I don’t like about you in that dress is that I can’t peel it off you and throw you down on the bed right now. Like it or not, you look good in my world.”
“It just takes some practice, is all,” Rory assured her. “Would you prefer the flats instead of the heels?”
“That’s an option? Yes!” Ella kicked off the heels, groaning at the unnatural feel of it all. She gripped the sink, her heart racing. “Remind me why we’re doing this.”
Henry studied her anxiety with a sadness that weighted his shoulders. “Because we’re a team. Because we belong together everywhere—in this house, in the palace, in your house and on the moon.” He was constantly afraid that one thing would prove to be too much for her, and she would run from him again. “Look, I’m sure about us. If you’re not, now is the time to speak up.”
Ella touched her stomach to calm the swarming butterflies. “I’m sure about us. Not so sure about the rest of the world.”
“Then that’ll have to be enough to see us through. Take a breath. Adam will behave.”
Ella squeezed Rory’s hand to steady herself as the trio made their way down to the kitchen, where Cordray and Remus were having tea at the counter. The men stood, and Remus inclined his head to Ella, taking in her nerves with a gentle smile. “You look lovely, darling.”
“Like I was just scrubbing toilets last week?” She tried to pass it off as a joke, but Remus saw through her forced grin.
“Why don’t you all get in the car? Benjamin’s waiting for you. I’d like a word with Ella.”
“Who’s Benjamin?”
Rory shrugged into the coat Cordray held out for her, smirking as he planted a kiss to her neck from behind. “My guard. He’s wonderful. Been by my side since I was a baby.”
Henry cast Remus a furtive glance, as if begging him to talk Ella out of running away, if that was in her plans for the evening. Then he followed Rory and Cordray out into the garage, leaving the tutor with his pupil.
Remus waited until the others exited before he took Ella’s hands, pointing her knuckles skyward. “I feel as if your father would’ve had many things to say to you about a night like this. It’s a good thing you’re doing, giving Henry a chance to show you his world.” He kissed the back of her hand, instilling the idea that she was a proper woman who deserved such niceties.
“What if I don’t belong there?”
“Do you belong with Henry?”
Ella’s voice quieted to a whisper. “I want to.”
“Then if you belong with him, he’ll make sure that’s true, no matter the setting.”
“Tell me I look normal in this dress. Tell me meeting Adam will go great.”
Remus chuckled. “I bought you this dress because it’s anything but normal. And no one who meets Adam thinks it went great. He’s impossible to please, so best just be yourself and enjoy the food, if he remembers to buy any.” When Remus saw the last of her hope fall, he tucked his finger under her chin. “Darling, you belong here with me, no matter how tonight goes.”
In the next breath, Ella’s arms flung around Remus’ neck, squeezing him to stave off the angst that welled up in her. “Thank you.”
Remus held her as long as she needed, giving her the assurance that life would still find a way to turn, even if everything around them crashed. “Did you take your evening herbs yet?” He kissed her cheek, unable to hold back his fondness for her. It was a heady thing—the bond between rescuer and the rescued.
“No. I was just about to. I took two tablets of St. John’s Wort this morning, but I haven’t had my evening dose yet.”
“Hold off on taking them for now. I don’t want your magic dulled tonight. Adam is… He’s not well. But you know me and my conspiracy theories. It’s what led me to you.”
“You’ve got a conspiracy theory cooking about Adam?”
Remus shrugged, as if unwilling to put a voice to something he was only mostly certain of. He checked over his shoulder to ensure the door to the garage was shut. “Everyone assumes Adam is schizophrenic, what with him seeing and hearing people who aren’t there. But I’ve known Adam since he was a boy. I think we’re missing something. Perhaps some bit of magic our minds are too small to quantify. I always assume my imagination is too small, which is how it’s grown so large over the years.” He released her and leaned against the counter with a sigh, folding his arms over his chest. “Malaura always said that our minds were too limited to understand all we were capable of. It’s her that addled Adam’s brains, and her curse that will turn him into a Lupine not too long from now.”
“Sounds like a straightforward curse to me.”
Remus shook his head. “There’s more to Malaura than strict hatred. People want to simplify her because it makes them feel safer. They don’t know about the letters.”
“What letters?” Ella felt like the more she asked, the less she understood.
Remus again glanced at the door, and lowered his voice. “Years ago before Adam’s curse, he was voted Avondale’s sexiest bachelor. He was quite handsome, and Malaura took notice. She was always a prize collector, and she wanted Adam. Wrote him letters from the shadows that he turned over to me when they grew too… intimate. When he spurned her in person that last time, she cursed him with the Lupine ticking clock.”
Ella shrugged. “Well, sure. If she couldn’t have him, she would make it so no one wanted him. Makes sense.”
“Indeed. But hearing and seeing people who aren’t there?” Remus’ eyes burned into hers, communicating a puzzle his brain hadn’t entirely worked out. “What if they are there?”
Ella’s sharp inhale set her mind spinning. “What do you want me to do? How can I help?”
Remus softened, his shoulders lowering as he took in her selflessness. “I didn’t know where Henry was taking you tonight, otherwise I wouldn’t have started you on the St. John’s Wort regimen. I wasn’t expecting it to work so well this quickly. You can still access your Hearing and your Sight?”
Ella rubbed her forehead. “Sort of, but it’s foggy, which is actually much better for my dating life, since I date now,” she declared with a puff of pride.
Remus smirked at her and motioned to her dress. “Do you like the color?”
“I like anything you buy me.”
&nb
sp; He narrowed his eyes, spotting the lie. He got down on his knees before her and pressed his palms to the skirt, dying it the lightest shade of pink. “Better?”
“I didn’t want to insult you, but yes! Henry keeps making marriage comments, and I worried wearing a white gown might rush things too much. Plus, I don’t want to have a clumsy moment and spill something, which I know will happen if I wear white.” She held still while Remus stroked the expensive material, leaving the corseted bodice white, but transforming the skirt to a baby pink that matched the blush in her cheeks whenever Henry complimented her. “Oh, Remus, it’s gorgeous!”
Remus stood, chuckling at her genuine grin. “There. That’s much better. Any dress that makes you so nervous you look as though you may vomit, might not be the one for you. The right dress should make a woman glow, which now, you are.” He stood and kissed her forehead, grasping her hands when he pulled back to look at her. “Tonight, I want you to have fun. But while you’re there, do me a favor and send your Hearing and your Sight out to the candelabra.”
“The candelabra? You want me to check if the candelabra… What? If it makes a noise when it’s lit?”
“Not a noise, darling.” He swung their arms lightly between them. “Now, I don’t want you to involve Henry with this. This is to be our little secret. I’m working out several theories that need to stay private. I want you to tell me if you can Hear the candelabra speak.”
34
Howling in the Night
“It’s nearing one in the morning. I was wondering if I would have to come in and get you myself,” the mid-forties guard said as he opened the car door for them.
Henry cast the suited man a tired smile. “Oh, Benjamin, you old tease. Don’t you know I’m a taken man?”
Rory’s guard had a paperback Western tucked under his arm and the look of practiced patience on his lightly lined face, well accustomed to Henry’s humor. He lightly shoved the prince into the backseat of the town car. Then he nodded to Cordray and offered his hand politely to Ella and Rory before sliding into the driver’s seat. “I’ll just be crying with all the other eligible maidens in the kingdom when they find out the tragic news that Prince Henry’s off the market.” His brows furrowed as he started up the car. “Why is your father throwing you a royal ball? You’re supposed to choose a companion from the single women. People are going crazy, trying to find dresses to impress you. I actually heard one woman ask the tailor to cut a slit in the back of her dress that went down to her…” He glanced at Ella and cleared his throat. “They’re getting a bit overexcited.”
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