I laughed and ran over to the shelf holding all the books on mythology, fairytales, and other old documents. Some seemed as if they were written by someone’s hand. The book I wanted was old, dusty, and faded on the spine. Once again, he lifted me up to where I could reach it. This one I had to stretch a little harder before I was able to knock it down. The book flew over my head.
Liam wrapped one arm around my legs while his other hand shot out and caught the book before it hit the ground. I breathed out a sigh of relief. After setting me back down, he thumbed through a few pages. Gold framed each page consisting of ancient handwriting and pictures. “This one looks interesting.”
Knowing this wasn’t a safe place to explore our treasures, I grabbed his hand and ran from the library, then up the stairs and didn’t stop until I reached my sitting room. There were still porcelain dolls cluttering the shelves and stuffed animals stacked in every corner. The small desk and art table had been replaced with a plush couch and ornate desk.
We sat on the couch together and each opened the book we carried. The World History book showed pictures of men dressed in strange clothing battling other men dressed just as strange. I flipped through a few pages that described people called Egyptians, Vikings, and more.
“They sure seemed to fight a lot,” I said, taking in the beautiful paintings.
Liam also turned page after page. In his book were pictures of strange creatures. Castles and a long list of names. “Do you ever wonder where you really came from? Uncle said I was a changeling, like you. Humans were raising me, but I wasn’t their child. I sure wish I knew where my fae family line came from. Am I a faerie or elf? Or maybe a goblin?” He wrinkled his nose, growling and showing his teeth.
I laughed at the last one, having seen pictures of goblins and knowing there was no way he came from such creatures. “Godmother would only say that my parents were selfish and cared more about their own happiness than about me. But how do I know she’s telling the truth?”
He sighed and nodded. “Exactly what I’m always thinking. Marcus has been kind to me. He treats me like a son. But, deep down, I know he keeps me around because I help him. If I wasn’t useful—” he let his thought drift away.
“I was pretty much left here alone with only the staff and Miss Wrenn until I figured out that I could play the piano. Then Godmother began visiting more often. But only to hear me play.” I rested my head on his shoulder. “She’s been good to me. I’ve lacked for nothing.”
“Same here. I have everything I need, except—”
“Freedom,” I finished.
His arm went around my shoulders. “When we are in the human world, Uncle will often leave me wherever we are staying for weeks on end. I’m not allowed to go anywhere, or speak to anyone.”
I looked up at him. “Weeks? But you are here every week.”
“Time here and time in World is very different. It’s slower here. There have been times that a whole month passes before we return for another practice session with you. I hate when we do that.”
“Why?”
Liam’s focus remained on the book. He stopped on a page that talked about tree sprites and stared down at it for a long moment before he said in a faraway voice, “Because, I miss your music. And you. The longer we stay around humans, the more I start to forget this place. I forget what I really am. Being around people like us keeps my memories intact. I like it best when we land in a place where a lot of our kind live. There are several faerie communities around the world.”
“I wish I could go with you.”
His arm tightened around my shoulders. “Someday.”
Miss Wrenn found us sometime later that afternoon. She seemed ready to scold me at first, but after one look at the two of us sitting close on the sofa and her lips snapped shut. I’d managed to tuck the books under the blanket we’d spread across our laps. If she noticed, she didn’t show it.
Clasping her hands daintily before her, she addressed Liam. “Your uncle has been looking for you. Ms. Westin has prepared an early dinner for all of us. Let’s go to the dining room, shall we?”
I nodded and stood, making sure to keep the books covered with the blanket. I’d read them at night while everyone else slept.
As we all sat down for a pot roast and vegetables, I wondered what might happen if Liam had the means to enter the sanctuary whenever he wished. Would he come more often? Would anyone know? What if he was caught? Perhaps, he’d not want to come without his uncle.
Still, the idea nagged at me as I tugged and played with my long braid.
Marcus, Miss Wrenn, and Mrs. Westin all sat at one end of the table, talking about things I didn’t understand. Liam sat beside me, partially listening. He seemed much more knowledgeable about their discussion than I was. He’d steal a glance at me now and then and smile. Under the table, his hand found mine.
I was sure my face had to be turning red, but nobody was paying attention to us.
He leaned closer to me and whispered, “I wish I could spend all day here. Looking at those books, that is.” His face reddened as his grin turned up on one side. “And spending more time with you. I miss you when we leave.”
I squeezed his hand in response, my words sticking at the back of my throat. Finally, I managed, “What if you could come here whenever you wanted. Would you?”
His brows furrowed in question. He nodded. “That would be…dangerous.” After a momentary pause as he glanced toward his uncle, he added, “but worth it.” Liam looked back at me. “Maybe I’ll steal his little bracelet while he’s away for a couple of days.”
I couldn’t hold in my laugh. Such a conniver. But I liked it. I liked how he found a way around our boundaries. I wanted to be brave like him. My fingers found a lone strand of hair. Nobody was paying much attention to us. I have a hard yank, fighting the urge to yelp when it pulled free of my scalp with a burning sensation.
“Maybe you can try on your own?”
He sat back when I draped it across the palm of his hand. He stared down at the golden strand of hair for a long moment in contemplation.
“Maybe I will.”
Chapter 8
Present day.
We only have one more song before our time on stage ends. My heart withers.
Godmother insisted that we only play the songs she approves and nothing more. No encores, or extras. No talking. My fingers move up over my face, brushing back a strand of my golden hair. For a second, I yearn to remove the mask. My heart races. What if I accidentally brush it…no! I mustn’t.
Godmother says the risk of revealing my true identity is too great. She said it would ruin everything we have built together over the years. The fear that she might be speaking the truth has kept me from pushing her boundaries.
My waning patience is causing me to be more impatient and less fearful.
We always travel at night in a car with tinted windows. We never stay in an actual hotel no matter where we perform. Soon as this evening is over, I’m whisked back to the manor. Godmother’s powers are always much stronger after one of our performances.
My fingers begin to move over the keys. A collective sigh comes from the musicians surrounding me. The audience grows quiet again. They’ll not wish to miss one note. Even after a year of performing, this still stuns me.
As the song comes to the bridge, Liam takes a step forward for his solo piece. My fingers still while his violin hums a slow, mesmerizing melody. The adoration from the audience hits me like a strong wind. Godmother’s eyes close as she takes it all in.
I don’t wish to return to my fancy cage. Not yet.
I’ll have to think of some way to delay the inevitable.
Sixteen Months Past…
Something changed after the day I have Liam a strand of my hair.
Miss Wrenn began attending my practice sessions despite it being her days off. She and Master Marcus spoke often together while Liam and I practiced, but only when Godmother wasn’t present.
Miss
Wrenn’s excuse for being there was that she’d merely wanted to listen to the beautiful music because it lifted her spirits. Maybe she couldn’t outright lie, but that was manipulating the truth, without a doubt.
Godmother didn’t question Wrenn’s presence, strangely enough. When Liam and I were able to play together, my guardian became totally immersed in our music.
We were working on one of Godmother’s favorite pieces when Liam’s music suddenly changed. He played with more passion and even I could feel the stirrings of enchantments flowing through his song. He wove some kind of spell. I was sure of it.
Unfortunately, I never had the chance to ask him. Soon as our practice was over, Marcus said they had another appointment and both of them departed. Liam, following Godmother’s protocol, didn’t even look at me once while we practiced.
Why did my heart feel like it might shatter into a million pieces when he acted aloof like that?
I continued to play after they left, pouring my sadness into my music until I felt Miss Wrenn standing by my side.
“That’s enough for today, my dear. You need to go bid your Godmother goodbye. She is leaving.” I quickly stood. Miss Wrenn grasped my wrist, leaned in closer, and whispered, “After she leaves, come to my cottage. I’ll make us something for lunch.” Her pointed stare told me that I didn’t want to ignore this request. Nor mention it to Godmother.
I found her in the foyer, slipping into her coat. “Did you enjoy our practice, Godmother?”
She turned to me and smiled, placing her cold hands on my cheeks. Her temperature was always a little frosty to me. “My precious treasure, you get better every day. I have something I’d like to ask you, Rachel dear. I expect you to be honest with your Godmama.” She only used that term when she was trying to sweeten me up to something. Or after she’d chastised me for pushing her boundaries.
“What is it?”
She pulled on a pair of black satin gloves. “Master Marcus is so impressed with how well you and Liam complement each other’s music. He has been wanting to invite a few other musicians in and see if we can work up an act.”
“What’s an act?” My heart was starting to race. I had a feeling where this was going. Had Liam’s unusual song enticed her into agreeing to let me out of my sanctuary? Was Miss Wrenn involved? She’d seemed upset when I first mentioned things Marcus has told me. But lately, she’d refrained from expressing her displeasure with my music tutor. Had something between them changed?
Godmother laughed. “So naïve. So innocent.” Clasping my hands in hers, she explained, “Master Shields believes you are talented enough to perform before a real audience. I’ve been wary about this, but…I think with a bit more training, you will be ready.” She held up her gloved finger. “Mind you, I will still have certain restrictions. Protecting you, my heart is priority number one. And I will have the final say on where you appear. I’ll only agree to the finest venues.”
“So, I’ll play my piano for…other people?”
“And sing. You have the most angelic voice. You are a rare nightingale. Which is what we will call you. Rachel Nightingale.” She said my new name with enthusiasm and a dramatic wave of her hand. “You will enthrall the people of World, I know it. They will adore you and flock to hear your enchanting music.” An excitement, like lightning flashing across storm clouds, danced in her icy steel-blue eyes.
“As you wish, Godmother.” I kept my voice void of the rampant emotions exploding inside of me. She needed to know I’d follow along with whatever she wished.
“Such a treasure,” she repeated before she gave me a quick hug. Blowing a kiss, she exited the front doors. I ran after her, opening them to find she’d vanished off the front stoop. Beyond the steps was nothing but my garden and beyond that, thick spruce and pines.
I hurried to Miss Wrenn’s cottage. As promised, she had prepared her dainty finger sandwiches made from herbs and vegetables that grew in her private garden.
“I suppose Estelle told you her plan?” Miss Wrenn asked once we were settled.
I nodded. “I can hardly believe it. I’ll finally be able to see World. And humans and—”
Miss Wrenn shook her head. “I doubt you’ll be allowed to see much, dear. She will carefully guard you at all times. You will not be allowed to speak to anyone, nor they to you.”
My appetite fled, along with my enthusiasm over this new development. I’d still be a prisoner. “Why bother, then? What’s she getting out of it?”
“Ah, I’m pleased to see that you’ve realized the key to your Godmother. So long as she receives something beneficial from you, then she’ll take care of you.” Wrenn poured us each a cup of hot tea. “Rachel, my value is running out.”
“What…do you mean?”
She smiled and it’s strange but the way she smiled comforted me. I wanted to scoot closer or hold her hand, which was something I had never been allowed to do.
“You, young lady, are not in need of a tutor as you once were. But let’s not dwell on that right now. The only reason I mention this at all, is there are a few more things I can teach you. And there are a few things Estelle wishes for me to educate you on. So, we will continue to meet, but a little more frequently. Is that all right with you?”
“Yes. I don’t want you to leave Miss Wrenn. You’ve been the only real friend that I’ve had here.”
Miss Wrenn’s eyes misted and she quickly stood and began pacing before the wide window that overlooked her front yard. “It has been my pleasure to teach you, Rachel. I’m truly touched that you consider me a friend, at least. I think it’s time for you to return to the manor. I’ll be in tomorrow with new lessons for us to begin going over.”
She did turn back toward me, her stony features back in place. “And I’ll need you to bring back those two books you took off the high shelves. I’ll need the history one, at least. I’m to teach you about World, though I’ve not seen much of it myself. Marcus will also teach you what he knows. Along with a few other important skills you will need.”
I stood and started to take a step toward her until she narrowed her eyes in warning. She liked her space.
“One more thing, Rachel. Do not allow Estelle to know of your feelings for the violinist. You’ll put Liam in grave danger if you do. She tolerates him because of his music. Like yours, it helps to feed her hunger for magic. She also permits him because of her greater need for Marcus’ special talents. Understand?”
I nodded again, then bid her a good afternoon and left.
Liam hadn’t spoken to me today. Not at all. Perhaps he also knew the dangers he was in and had decided to protect himself. Not wanting any harm to come to Liam, I was glad that he’d chosen to also distance himself from me, even if it hurt like a knife carving into my chest.
For the rest of the day, I poured over the two books, making a few notes of things I wanted to remember. At some point, I’d fallen asleep at the desk, my head pillowed on my arms.
Sometime during the night, a whisper of my name woke me. All the lights were off. Moonlight poured a silvery glow in through my opened windows. The wind blew at my curtains softly. Was it Wind that had called me from sleep?
Raising my head, my heart shot up into my throat as I noticed a shadowy form standing beside me. With a gasp, I snatched my pen and stabbed the air with its tip.
The shadow form quickly jumped backward.
“Rachel, love, it’s me. Shhh.” Liam warned as he clicked the small table lamp on. The yellow light illuminated his handsome face, mussed hair, and sly grin. “I made it in!”
Before I could stop myself, I flew into his arms, causing him to stumble backward a few steps. His own arms wrapped tightly around my waist as he lifted me off my feet in a half spin.
“I hated leaving the way I did today. I could see the hurt on your face. You must try to be more careful, love. You can’t let anyone know….”
My arms clasped around the back of his neck. “Let them know what?”
Liam gave a gentle
laugh as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I love when you wear it loose like this.”
“You’re evading my question,” I teased. Since he was touching my hair, I raked my fingers through his, finding it silky, like the surface of the pond. “I’ve been dying to do that, you know?”
His eyes closed. “I’ve been dying for you to feel brave enough to do that. We have to be careful.”
“I know, Liam. I’m afraid some already know. Miss Wrenn warned me earlier to watch myself. Do I need to watch myself right now?”
His grin grew even wider. “Especially right now.” His lips pressed soft kisses over my forehead.
I cupped his face and guided him down to my waiting mouth. Our first kiss was as rapturous as when we played music together. Especially when we made up the songs as we went along. There was an eerie harmony as if we were somehow already connected in mind and spirit, and instinctively knew what the other wanted, what they needed.
That’s how it felt to kiss Liam. Our lips fit perfectly together. His hands ran over the silk fabric of my gown, before reaching the bare skin of my arms. My flesh beneath his touch tingled like electricity. And the more passion he infused into his kiss, the more the wind began to whip around us. Papers flew off my desk. The open book’s pages flipped until it closed on itself.
My hair flew up, tangling around our shoulders. Liam finally pulled back, gasping as he shook his head. “Stop. We need to stop, Rachel.”
The maelstrom returned to a slow breeze, then died altogether. We stared at each other, breathless and laughing. He held me tightly against his body, smoothing down my tangles. “You need to tell Wind to stay out of this. I swear it was about to carry us away.”
“I wish it would,” I said against his shoulder. “I want it to carry us far away from here where we can always be together.”
He took a step back so we were face to face again. “You really want that? To be with me? Always?”
“Always,” I answered, lost in his beautiful gaze. “I’ve fallen in love with you, Liam.”
Promise Forever: Fairy Tales with a Modern Twist Page 21
