I scowled at her and shrugged off her tight grip. She has no authority over me. She was nothing more than my tutor. Even if I did like her, she had always been so cold and distant with me until lately. Ever since I visited her cottage…
“I—It’s nothing. And stop calling Liam a boy. He has a name and he’s older than you’re assuming.” The tingling in my neck intensified. “She’s here. Do you really want to discuss this now?”
Miss Wrenn took a step back. “No, you’re right. This isn’t the time and Estelle cannot know about you and Liam or she will… well, we simply must keep that from her. So take care, Rachel dear. There’s more at stake than you realize, I fear.”
I hurried downstairs to find Godmother looking rather pleased with herself. She patted my cheeks when she met me on the landing. “I have good news, my dear. Come into the dining room. Cook has made us a nice breakfast. Where is your tutor? I’ll need her to hear this as well.”
“Here I am,” Miss Wrenn stated as she made her way down the stairs. An outline of the book stood out in the pocket of her sweater. Had she kept it? Why?
I was even more glad that I’d memorized the process. Not that I was sure that Liam would go along with my idea.
“Very good. I have news for both of you.” Godmother waved for us to follow her. Once we were all seated and the cook had served the platters of poached eggs and bacon, Godmother slowly buttered her toast. “We’ve scheduled your first performance, Rachel. You’ll be part of an ensemble concert. I’ll not bore you with the location of this event. But there will be other artists there as well.”
Miss Wrenn kept her gaze on the sparse plate. She had only added a few bits of fruit and a slice of wheat toast. “When will she—?”
“This weekend,” Godmother answered curtly. “Wrenn, our girl no longer needs your tutoring services. She’s a young woman now.”
Wrenn’s face paled and for a moment. I swear tears clung to her bottom lashes. She said nothing in response, keeping her head down and hands clasped in her lap.
“However, you’ve proven yourself useful over the past couple of months with helping me to watch over our girl. Perhaps, I still have some use for you.” Godmother waved her hand dismissively. “We have until Winter Solstice before I must decide what to do with you.”
I watched Wrenn’s reaction carefully. Did Liam speak the truth? Did she care about me? Sometimes she acted as if she enjoyed having me around, then I’d somehow upset her like this morning and I’m left wondering again. Why were people so difficult to read?
“I’m aware that my contract is nearly completed, Estelle. But if you still have need of my services, I would very much like to remain here. This has become my home.”
Godmother gave a nod. “I can use your help chaperoning Rachel during these performances as I’ll be seated in the audience. I simply do not trust Marcus to keep an adequate eye on my charge. He’s much too lenient with her. Still, I’ll need to think more about this matter.”
My heart thudded with this news, even if they were excluding me from the conversation. I was finally going to be able to venture into World. Finally! And Miss Wrenn wasn’t going to leave me yet. I was actually glad she wanted to stay.
Would the humans like my music? I had a feeling that they wouldn’t be able to help themselves.
“May I ask something, Godmother?” I dared, despite Miss Wrenn’s warning glare. Before either of them gave their permission, I blurted, “Why does Master Shields want me to play my music to humans? I thought you were against it?”
“I’ve had a change of heart. You will see, in due time, what benefits there will be to playing your enchanting music to a wider audience. Trust Godmama on this. She knows what’s best and will only allow you to participate in things that will enrich us both.”
Once again, Godmother turned to Miss Wrenn. “I’ve given Marcus my approved musical pieces that Rachel and the violinist will play. They are to follow the playlist without deviation.” Then she turned to me. “Rachel, you will play the piano and sing the songs I’ve picked. You are familiar with each one. You’ll not speak to anyone, or show your face. I’ve even had special masks made for everyone. I’m sure the mystery will draw even more crowds and once enough people hear your voice, we’ll not have to share the venue with others.”
She pushed her chair back and stood. Most of her breakfast remained on the plate. “I expect both of you to follow my instructions to the last word. Am I understood?”
We both nodded. Godmother left us then, saying she had so much to do before the performance. “Be sure to practice the pieces I’ve given Wrenn. Master Shields will return tomorrow to run through the program with you and the boy.”
Soon as Godmother left, Wrenn said, “Let us take a walk, Rachel dear. We can go over what you recall about World.” Her hand rested on the book still tucked inside her pocket and her gaze drifted elsewhere besides on me.
I started to nod when a knock sounded at the door. We looked at each other in confusion. If it were Godmother, she would have walked right on in. Marcus wasn’t scheduled to come today. I started toward the door when Wrenn pushed past me, opening it herself.
“Liam?” she gasped in surprise. “This is unexpected.”
His violin case was draped over his shoulder and his hands were shoved into the pockets of his pants. Today he was dressed nicely in those silky pants and dark jacket that he said humans often wore to important places. My head was crammed with all sorts of information, but I knew until I saw World for myself very little of their tutoring would make any sense.
I bit back my smile, putting on a mask of surprise that matched my tutor’s.
He lifted his chin, meeting Miss Wrenn’s hard stare. “Marcus told me that our first performance is this weekend. I’ve come to practice. We need to have everything down to perfection if we’re going to make an impression.”
“Indeed,” Miss Wrenn agreed, taking a step back. “Where is Marcus?”
“He is working on some last-minute business. He sent me through, not wanting us to waste time. But he does promise to be here tomorrow.”
“Interesting,” Wrenn stated. “I didn’t even realize that was possible. But you are here, so come inside. I’m actually pleased to see you today. I have a matter I wished to discuss with you.”
Uh oh, I didn’t like where this was going. I reached out and grabbed Liam’s hand. “Practice first. I think he’s right and we need to get the playlist down to perfection.”
She followed us. “Very well, Liam and I can speak later. I’ll come along and listen. You’ll want an audience to help gauge how you sound.” Her shoes clattered over the marble floor as she kept up with our swift pace.
I wanted to glare at her but kept my annoyance to myself. Liam’s fingers squeezed my hand before he looked over his shoulder and said, “I didn’t have time for breakfast this morning. We were in such a rush. Do you suppose the cook could prepare something simple for me? And a cup of strong coffee would do me wonders.”
Wrenn’s pace slowed as she stared at us skeptically. For a moment, I was sure she battled between filling his request and not leaving us alone.
“My pleasure, Liam. I’m sure the cook will be happy to make something for you.” Wrenn turned down the first corridor toward the kitchen.
Liam and I raced for the music room, laughing as we collapsed on the couch.
“I was going to try playing her away,” I said catching my breath. “But your idea worked beautifully.”
“Right, for a couple of minutes.” He grabbed my hands and looked deep into my eyes. “Rachel, I’m so sorry I didn’t return sooner. Uncle Marcus has been keeping me close to his side. I managed to convince him to let me stay home and practice today while he—”
“You’re here. That’s all that matters. Godmother told me the news. She’s making all of us wear masks? I don’t—”
“She is determined to keep your identity hidden. I’m not sure why, but there’s someone in World she seems w
orried about. Remember what I told you about the contract on you? And how your mother tried to escape to avoid giving you away?”
I nodded.
“Maybe she’s worried that the goblin who helped your mother is still searching for you. If that’s the case, I think the masks are a good idea.”
Again I nodded, yet wondered if he’d mention our last discussion, or hope I’d changed my mind. Well, if he didn’t wish to be united with me, then—”
His finger caught my chin and lifted my face so I had to look at him.
“You know, in World, humans give their love a ring to wear when they pledge to marry, which is the same as uniting in Fae.” He sighed, looking troubled. “I so wanted to find you a ring, but I fear it’ll be seen by Estelle and Marcus. So, we’ll have to improvise. I found a way that we can mark our pledge to each other and it’ll only be visible to us, and anyone we wish to see it.”
I stopped breathing. I couldn’t even swallow. He talked as if we were actually going to do this crazy thing. Was I dreaming?
His hands cupped my face, enveloping me in his warmth. The scent of pine and cedar that always seemed to come from him filled my senses. He kissed me tenderly, then pulling away so our faces were mere inches from each other, he said, “I thought about what you said. And I was even able to look into the laws. Marcus has a few books he travels with, and faerie laws are one of them. Though I think he keeps it so he can find loopholes.”
Liam shook his head, his smile full of humor and adoration. “Thing is, I love you, Rachel. I didn’t dare hope that there might be some way we could stay together through all this, but your idea will work. Once we pledge ourselves to each other, nothing and nobody can break that bond. But I have to know, are you absolutely sure? What if we manage to return you to Realm and you find out that I’m not—”
“I want to be with you. I know who you are, Liam.” I pressed my hand to his chest where his own heart was pounding as hard and fast as mine. “We belong together. Can’t you feel that we are already connected?”
“Yes, I do.” Pulling me into his embrace, he said against the top of my head, “You are everything to me, love. There isn’t a moment that passes when I’m not thinking about you. And dreaming of someday being together for the rest of our lives, without someone demanding something from us.”
“I love you, Liam. Even if we have to keep this a secret, knowing that you belong to me and I to you will make it all worth it.” I looked up into his beautiful golden green eyes. “We will find a way to escape. Together. I don’t care where we end up, so long as we’re there together.”
From the doorway, Miss Wrenn said, “If the two of you are absolutely sure, then we need to do this properly, so it’s a truly unbreakable bond. And we need to do it today. You’ll need a Greenman to oversee the bonding ceremony.”
Liam and I jumped at her intrusion, putting a bit of space between us.
Miss Wrenn carried Liam’s tray to the sitting area and placed it on the oval table. She took the chair opposite us, crossing her legs and resting her hands in her lap. She didn’t seem angry or even surprised. “I knew you had an ulterior motive for coming here today, young man. How long have the two of you been planning this?” She patted the book in her pocket, giving me that I-knew-you-were-up-to-something look.
“A while,” Liam answered, snatching a cluster of grapes off the plate. “Where will we find a Greenman here? They dwell in Realm.”
“What’s a Greenman?” I had to ask, hating how everyone else always knew so much more than me. I feared that I’d never catch up to them.
Miss Wrenn answered, “Remember how we read about a man called a Pope? And that different religions had people who led certain groups of people. They are wise, for the most part, and knowledgeable about the Sacred Texts of their world?”
I nodded. There were many names they went by, too many for me to keep up with. Clerics, priest, ministers and on it went.
“A Greenman is such a wise man in Realm. He knows the laws and is a keeper of the Sacred Text provided to all the people by Creator.”
I’d learned some about Creator, too. The one who made the world and everything that was in it. Godmother didn’t approve of me speaking about Creator, but Miss Wrenn had been sure I understood.
She picked up a cup of tea from the tray and continued. “I’ll need to find Mr. Tunis. He will perform the ceremony and keep quiet about it. He has no obligations and no strong loyalties to Estelle. He’s here seeking protection, like myself.”
“Mr. Tunis.” Liam chuckled. “No wonder he always looked the other way when he came across me before I could hide.”
Mrs. Wrenn smiled at him. “He likes you. Especially when you play your violin. He says it helps the plants to grow stronger.” She stood. “I’ll find him. Are the two of you absolutely sure? You want to do this?”
“Yes.” I blurted.
Liam nodded, squeezing my hand. “Yes, before we both go into World. That way, if there is any danger, I’ll be better able to keep her safe.”
“My thinking, exactly,” Wrenn stated with a definitive nod. “And I know you’ll protect her as you would your own heart.”
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and hearing. Miss Wrenn was not only for this, but she was going to help us make it happen? Was I dreaming all this?
“You’re sure Mistress isn’t here?” Mr. Tunis asked in his quivering voice. I’d seldom heard him speak before. Normally, he kept far away from me when I ventured into the garden. “I like my head where it is, no doubt.”
Miss Wrenn assured him with a pat on his shoulder, “This is between Rachel, Liam, and myself. Nobody else will ever know.”
He stopped before us where we sat on the bench beside the pond. His dark brown eyes, circled in deep lines gazed at Liam as his trembling lips turned upward. “I like the dryad, I do. He’s good for my plants, he is.”
Liam’s brows shot upward. “What did you call me?”
Mr. Tunis ducked his head and bowed. “Pardon, Master Liam. Don’t mean any disrespect….”
Liam’s head shook in confusion as he looked to Wrenn for an explanation. Miss Wrenn shrugged her shoulder. “I suspected he would know. You do seem to get your energy from the trees, in the same way, that the wind inspires Rachel.”
I leaned closer to the old man, still clinging to Liam’s hands. “Do you know what I am, then?”
The gardener bowed his head. “I’m forbidden from speaking on the matter of the girl child,” He said to nobody in particular.
Wrenn nodded. “I know, Tunis. But you can perform the ceremony, correct?”
“Yes, I’ll direct my words to Master Liam. It will work all the same. But I’ll need a witness.”
“That’s why I’m here,” Miss Wrenn stated with a nod.
“Wait,” Liam said, his hold on my hands growing tighter. “Yes, I am a dryad, it’s beginning to come back to me.”
Wrenn and Tunis were still nodding as if this was completely expected.
“I’m still not sure why I was brought to World, but yes, I remember at least what I am now.” His smile faded. “Rachel—”
“It changes nothing. I still have no idea what I am. Does the past really matter, Liam? I want to look to the future, don’t you?”
“Yes!” He pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Yes. A future with you. Let’s continue. I’m ready.” He pulled me off the bench and we both knelt beside the pond. As we knelt before each other, warmth spread from our joined hands and began traveling up my arms. Along with the warmth, thin tendrils of ivy grew up between us, encircling our wrists, tickling my skin, and sending a soothing tingle all through my body.
Wind blew around us, playing with Liam’s hair and blowing my loose strands about my face. I felt Wind’s pleasure which boosted my own sense of peace. This is what we needed to do. We’d protect each other. No matter what happened, we’d always have a connection.
Mr. Tunis stood between us and closed his eyes. “I stand before this c
ouple, declaring their desire to bind themselves together before the four dimensions, before Creator, and before those gathered here to witness this union. You may each speak your vows. They should come from your hearts, dear ones.”
Liam cleared his throat. “Rachel, my love, I vow to protect you, to love you, and to remain with you for all eternity. Everything I am, everything I have is yours. You now have my heart, my spirit, and mind. I give them to you willingly and completely.”
As he spoke, the vines began fusing into my skin, leaving behind silvery threads that glowed like moonlight. I already knew that the markings would only be visible to those who were part of this ceremony unless we wished otherwise.
He rested his forehead against mine as I spoke the words building inside my heart. “Liam, I love you more than I ever thought possible. You are my hopes, my dreams, my purpose. Everything I am, everything I have now belongs to you. I will cherish, protect, and adore you for all eternity. I give my all to you willingly for all eternity.”
The ivy that wound around his wrists glowed with a golden hue before melting into his skin in fine dark yellow lines.
“Hum,” Mr. Tunis’ rumbling voice drew me out of the bubble I’d been caught up in with Liam. “One from the Moonlit kingdom and the other from the Kingdom of the Sun. They will make for an interesting pair. A force to be reckoned with, I’ll wager.”
Miss Wrenn still had her hand on Tunis’ shoulder. Her fingers whitened as her grip tightened. “I’ll take that wager, Tunis,” she whispered.
He grinned, then placed a hand on our heads. “I bless this union. Before I declare it binding, we need a witness to speak for the couple.”
I’d forgotten about this part. When I’d read the words, I’d hoped all the extras weren’t really needed. Maybe it was a good thing that Miss Wrenn had figured out my secret. I was glad that she wasn’t opposed, but a little concerned, as well. She had been telling me that I had no clue how risky my feelings for Liam were. In a way, I did understand. Binding my life to his was the only way I knew to protect him because the other option, letting him go, was out of the question.
Promise Forever: Fairy Tales with a Modern Twist Page 23
