Escape the Woods

by Gabriella Catherine

  A splash and a squeal came from the river. Zella, who was still very wobbly when she walked, had fallen over in the water. She now sat in the shallow stream, splashing the water with her hands and squealing happily. Odelette jumped up and ran to grab her out, carrying her back to the blanket.

  The little girl crawled onto my lap, snuggling her head against my chest. She was wet, but I didn’t mind. I touched her soft hair and caressed her cheek. I liked when she snuggled close to me like this. It made me feel comforted, admired, and loved. Little Zella looked up to me and trusted me to look after her and keep her safe. That was one thing I had always been good at — protecting my little sisters. If someone mistreated them, hurt them, or talked rudely to them, I always made sure they regretted it. My sisters felt safe around me.

  I could take good care of my sisters, and they loved me, yet I couldn’t find a decent wife.

  Later that day I rode through the village of Rhineland and into the meadow, wanting to be alone with my thoughts. I dismounted and tied my horse to a tree, then walked around the terrain, armed with my bow and arrows. It wasn’t long before I saw three boys walking toward me.

  Dirk. I let out a frustrated breath.

  Dirk Lorenz and his companions walked closer. All he wanted to do was cause trouble. If I turned around and walked in the opposite direction as though I hadn’t seen them, like I wanted to, they would call me a coward. And I wasn’t afraid of Dirk in the least bit — he was angular and unintimidating. I could knock him unconscious with a single blow to the face.

  “Look what we have here, boys!” he called out, approaching me in a cocky walk. “Reinhart.” He didn’t bow, as someone of a lower social class should. Instead, he nodded casually toward me.

  “Dirk.” I avoided his gaze but could feel him sneering at me.

  “It’s been a while,” he said. “Did you lock yourself in your fancy little castle?”

  I looked at him and simply shook my head.

  “Looks like wealthy Reinhart was too brokenhearted to come outside.” He looked back and grinned at his companions — two rather ugly, scrawny boys.

  I bit back a grunt.

  Dirk nodded. “Everyone’s heard Fraulein Schenwood rejected you. I made sure of that. But honestly, Kolton, I don’t blame the girl for running away from you. I pity her, actually. If I was being forced to marry you, I’d do the same thing.”

  “She wasn’t being forced to marry me.” I stepped closer. “Carina Schenwood agreed to marry me.”

  Dirk raised his eyebrows. “Then why’d she leave, huh? Why’d she go after that other fellow?”

  His companions laughed and I looked down. “I don’t know.”

  Dirk took another step toward me. He reached out and rubbed my shoulder, then whispered, “I understand how you feel. Oh, wait. No, I don’t. I’ve never been a maiden’s second choice.”

  I put my hand on his chest and shoved him back. “Get lost, Dirk. You’re wasting my time.” I tried to walk away but he stepped in front of me.

  “Don’t you dare touch me, rich boy.”

  Rich boy? “Just because your father doesn’t care enough to provide for you, don’t take it out on me.”

  Now Dirk was really mad. He lunged toward me, but I stepped aside. He then raised his bony fist to the same level as my face. “It would give me the greatest satisfaction to beat the sense out of you, Reinhart.”

  “You could try, but I’m sure you hit like a child.”

  His face turned red as he began throwing punches at me. I put my arms up and partially blocked the blows. Then I punched him, hard, in his mouth. The force sent him stumbling backwards.

  His friends ran at me, their fists raised. I hit one across the face, then turned to elbow the other in his throat.

  Dirk stepped forward and pushed his friends aside. “Let me deal with him.”

  He came at me, swearing like a fiend. When he tried to punch me I caught his arm between both my hands, gripping his forearm tightly. “Go home, Dirk. Don’t make me hurt you.”

  His eyes revealed he was in pain, but he smirked at me. Blood dripped from his mouth. “Is that all you’ve got, Reinhart?”

  My grip tightened until I was crushing his arm. He cried out in pain, shooting desperate looks at his friends. But they didn’t offer him help. They glanced at me, then stepped back in intimidation.

  When Dirk’s screams grew louder, I released his arm and shoved him to the ground. I clenched my fist. Every bone in my body wanted to break his arm, but I knew that wasn’t right. Dirk was a jerk, but he was also just a confused boy who needed to be put in his place.

  “I’ll say it once more: go home. All of you.” I met each of their gazes. “I can do more damage, if that’s how you want this to go.”

  They glanced at Dirk’s arm that was already beginning to turn purple. Slowly, his companions backed away. One of them pulled Dirk off the ground and tried to pull him along with them.

  Dirk hesitated. “This isn’t over, Reinhart. I’m not finished with you.”

  “Well, I’m finished with you. You’re a waste of time.”

  I turned and walked to my horse. I untied it from the tree, mounted, and rode back to Rhineland castle.

  CHAPTER 8

  The night of the ball approached quickly. Britta made me a beautiful, sapphire blue gown to wear. The bodice was fitted and the skirt was full.

  After I bathed and dressed, Britta styled my hair. She pinned it away from my face but left the mass of curls hanging down my back. She died my lips red, making them look bolder and plumper than ever, and helped me put on a diamond necklace.

  “This is the most beautiful dress you have ever made, Britta.” I took a last look in my mirror. “You are so talented.”

  My maid looked flattered. “I am honored to work for your family, my lady.”

  I placed my hand over my stomach to soothe the anxiety. Feeling exhilarated and slightly frightened, I stepped out of my chamber.

  Sir Lance, one of my father’s knights, stood waiting for me in the corridor. “Lady Scarlett, may I escort you to the Great Hall?”

  “Yes, thank you.” I walked with the tall, brawny knight down the grand staircase. The castle looked cleaner than it ever had, and although the sun was going down, the castle was lit with torches on every wall.

  Sir Lance brought me to the corridor just outside the Hall. Loud voices and music came from the door that led to the Hall. It was strange to have people in the castle. My father rarely had guests.

  Before entering the Hall, I paused to take a deep breath, running a hand over my hair to make certain it hadn’t come out of place. Then I opened the side door.

  Sir Malachi met me there, took my hand, and helped me down the three steps into the Hall. The shiny marble floor was filled with men and women in elaborate clothes. Red and gold banners and tapestries hung from the ceiling and walls. My father and brothers stood on the raised dais at the front of the room, looking calm and proud.

  As Malachi walked me over to my family, I could feel the guests’ eyes on me. I’d never met any of them, yet I was sure my father and brothers knew them all.

  I stepped onto the dais. Malachi released my hand and walked away. I assumed Father had given him orders to guard the castle while the ball was going on, so that no scandals might occur.

  “Well, you look very nice.” Jack took a step toward me.

  “Thank you, Jack. As do you.” And he really did. He wore a dark blue long sleeve doublet, the same color as my dress, which made his eyes look as blue as the ocean. After greeting him, I glanced around at all the unfamiliar faces. Everyone seemed to be staring at me.

  Jack read my thoughts. “Don’t worry. If they are staring it’s only because they think you’re attractive. That’s what I’ve decided, anyway.”

  I laughed. “I wish I had your confidence, Jack.”

  “It’s going to be an enjoyable evening, Scar.” He winked, smiled, then walked away.

  Cordel was now off the dais
, talking to an older couple with Father. I saw Lady Grizelda Baumann, Cordel’s betrothed, along with her parents and older brother. Jack was off dancing with a girl I didn’t recognize, so I felt obligated to greet her. She embraced me and asked how I was doing. The uneasy feeling went through my stomach — the feeling I always got when I saw the girl who was to marry my brother. It wasn’t that I didn’t like Grizelda. She was nothing but kind to me, and although I didn’t know her very well, she treated me like a little sister whenever we encountered one another. But the way Cordel treated her, a mere stranger, compared to the way he treated his own little sister made me feel unloved. He was kind to her. He acknowledged her.

  Cordel walked toward us. Of course. Wherever Grizelda was, Cordel would be. I tried to smile as he greeted his betrothed with a kiss on the hand and began asking her about her trip to Darrenberg. I hated faking a smile. Merida was so good at it, and she was convinced that it was necessary in some situations, but I thought it was a waste of energy. I’d rather be honest about how I feel.

  I decided to leave before I did something I would later regret.

  I ran into Jack as he was walking off the dance floor. “Which maiden are you going to ask to dance now?”

  “Well, I was just on my way to see if you remember all the steps to the Maltese Branle.” He held out his hand to me.

  I smiled at his unexpected invitation to dance and followed him to the center of the room.

  I enjoyed that dance with my brother more than I expected. We talked and even laughed, and it was clear the two of us — even I — were as familiar with the dance as any descendants of Duke William should be.

  When the dance ended, Jack said, “Well, you definitely remember. I will find you later.” He walked away.

  I made my way toward the raised platform at the front of the Hall. Father stood there, talking with Cordel. Cordel's back faced me, but when he turned his head and glanced to his right, revealing his face, he looked aggravated, possibly at what Father was saying to him.

  Father finally clapped Cordel on the shoulder and went to greet other guests.

  Cordel stood. After a moment, he turned to face me. His eyebrows rose slightly. He stepped off the platform and strode confidently to me. Then he stopped, held out his hand, and bowed in front of me. Could this mean…?

  “Would you like to dance, Lady Scarlett?” Was his tone playful or sarcastic? When he glanced up at me, his expression seemed sincere.

  I placed my hand in his. “Yes.”

  A dance had just begun, but no one questioned us joining late. When I glanced up at Cordel, he was looking at me with a slight smile on his face. The sight was unusual — Cordel smiling at me.

  I assumed Father told him to dance with me. Was that why he had looked frustrated when he spoke to Father? At least he looked happy now. He looked almost like he did before our mother died — kind, gentle, strong.

  He continued spinning me around in wide circles on the marble floor. He truly was a good dancer. I had never seen him dance before, but it was obvious he knew what he was doing.

  I saw Jack out of the corner of my eye. He was dancing with a pretty blonde girl. Her hair was pinned up, with delicate blonde curls hanging around her pretty face. Jack gave me a small grin. He was enjoying himself.

  The dance ended, with each pair facing each other — the ladies in a curtsy, the men bowing, each with their right hand extended, holding their partner's. When Cordel and I straightened, he said, “Jack taught you well.”

  “Thank you.” I stared up at him, searching for some sign of emotion, but found nothing.

  Cordel gave me a nod, then he turned and walked away.

  CHAPTER 9

  I stood unmoving, a little stunned by what just happened. Cordel asked me to dance? I would expect it from Jack, but not Cordel. It must have been Father’s proposal.

  Thirsty and now alone, I left the middle of the dance floor and moved quickly over toward the refreshments table. The assortment of drinks was so plentiful, I couldn’t identify them all.

  “Scarlett.” Jack walked toward me. “It seems the dance lesson certainly paid off.”

  “Cordel thought so.” I rubbed my temple, still confused by my brother’s behavior.

  “Did you see Gwen and me?”

  So that must be the girl's name. “Yes. You made a striking couple.”

  Jack filled a goblet with a red drink, his features looking more lively than usual. I poured myself some of the red spiced drink also, unsure of what exactly it was, then held the gold goblet to my lips and took the tiniest sip. It was red wine mixed with spices. Jack gulped his, tipping his head back, obviously very comfortable in this setting.

  Cordel approached, his features carved into his usual, serious expression.

  “How is the night going for you, brother?” Jack asked.

  “Fairly well.” Cordel poured himself some wine.

  “It was kind of you to ask Scarlett to dance.”

  Cordel nodded between sips, barely even making eye contact with Jack.

  “I'm sure she enjoyed it,” Jack added.

  Both men turned their attention to me.

  “Are you enjoying the ball, Scarlett?” Cordel asked.

  “Yes, very much.” I smiled at my handsome brothers.

  A sharply-dressed man came over then and introduced himself as the duke of the region of Rugart. He was a handsome man, and he didn’t look much older than Cordel.

  “It's wonderful to see all three of Duke William's children in the same place,” the duke said. “But I came over to see if the duke's beautiful daughter would accept me as her partner for the next dance.” He smiled and took a step toward me.

  “Yes, I would.” I took his hand, then smiled at Cordel and Jack before walking away.

  Jack winked.

  The dance began, and the Duke of Rugart danced very well. I only hoped I didn't mess up and step on his foot…or trip and fall on his chest like I had done with Jack. The thought was unimaginably frightening. But the music was lively and joyful, and I soon forgot my fears. The duke had a kind smile, like Jack, and despite his dark features, he wasn’t intimidating. I smiled and talked with him, noting the other guests looked just as merry.

  When the dance ended, the duke thanked me and excused himself.

  “Scarlett.” My father walked toward me. “There is someone I would like you to meet.”

  I followed him to the front of the Hall. Cordel stood there, conversing with a man, a woman, and two girls who looked a little bit younger than I was.

  “This is Duke Aaron of Dovehoven, and his wife, Duchess Liliann,” Father said.

  The duke and duchess nodded politely.

  “And these are their daughters, Lady Elsa and Lady Sabine.” The girls both curtsied while smiling bashfully.

  “It’s good to meet you.” I dropped into a quick curtsy.

  “They live in a region far east from here, but they were able to make the trip to Darrenberg for the ball,” Father explained.

  I said, “Thank you for making the journey to Darrenberg.”

  Father continued talking with the couple and their daughters, and I decided to go look for Cordel, who had disappeared, and Jack. When I looked on the dance floor, I saw both of them dancing — Jack with Gwen again and Cordel with Grizelda.

  I stood and watched for a while. When the dance ended, I wanted to get another drink. As I turned around, I collided with someone.

  “Oh, I am so sorry! Are you all right?” A tall young man stood behind me, his face written with concern.

  “It’s all right,” I told him. “I’m not hurt.”

  A look of realization crossed his face. “You are Lady Scarlett.”

  “Yes, I am.” I smiled gently.

  The young man, who looked about my age, bowed. “I am Derex, the son of Andrew Peterson, a town merchant.”

  I curtsied. “It's very nice to meet you, Derex Peterson.”

  “I am terrible sorry for bumping into you, espe
cially now, knowing you are the princess of Darrenberg.” He ducked his head and ran his hand through his hair, shifting his position frequently. “I have been rather clumsy tonight.” It was obvious he didn’t attend balls very often.

  “It’s all right.” I smiled again. “Accidents happen.”

  “Forgive me.”

  I wanted him to stop apologizing. “Tell me, are you enjoying the ball, Derex?”

  “Very much. This is my first ball.” His smile was pleasant and welcoming.

  “Actually, this is my first ball as well,” I admitted.

  He looked surprised. “Well, that’s good to hear. I thought I was the only one.” His blonde hair was shorter than most men of a lower social class, but his clothing revealed his station. He just might have been the poorest person at the ball. And although I didn’t find him particularly handsome, he had a pleasantly kind face.

  “What brings you here?” I asked.

  “Your father invited me. Several weeks ago, my father and I sold him some expensive merchandise at a low price. He was thankful for our service to him, so he sent an invitation. My father is there.” He pointed at a man who wore very ragged clothes for a merchant.

  “Well, thank you for helping my father,” I said.

  We stood in a corner of the Great Hall, talking. Derex was very polite and easy to talk to, despite his awkward stance and the fact that his eyes continued to scan the Hall. His humorous demeanor made me feel at ease. He talked to me differently than most people, as though I was a real human being. I could have stood there and talked to him all night…but that probably wouldn't have gone over well for many different reasons.

  I asked Derex to tell me more about himself and his family.

  “I’m the second oldest of eight children.”

  “I cannot imagine having that many brothers and sisters. I only have my two brothers, and they are away half the time.”

  “I have seen you walking around Darrenberg before, and I’ve heard about you, but I never expected the duke's daughter to be so … friendly.” Derex looked away, a sheepish smile on his face. “Most of the time, people of nobility are haughty and cold.”