I knew this without him needing to say it. Liam kissed my forehead then gently kissed my lips. “Stay strong, my heart. Don’t give them any reason to suspect your condition, understand? Estelle will be more than furious. I’m afraid of what will happen when she finds out the truth about us. We need to escape before that happens.”
Once I was released, we had two shows in the following weeks which stretched out to another month. My tummy began to swell, so I tried to pretend to be more hungry during meals. Wrenn watched my act with measured suspicion, but she said nothing to me about my odd behavior.
We no longer had any tutoring sessions. I spent most of my time practicing whether Liam was there or not. Wrenn continued to watch over me upon Godmother’s command.
I didn’t argue or bicker. I did what I was told, just as Liam asked me to do.
It was growing increasingly more irritating with each week that passed by. I tried to wear looser clothing, but the gowns I had to dress in for concerts grew tighter with each performance.
Wrenn looked me over after I slipped into a glimmering white dress with lace flowers circling around the neckline. “I think sitting at the piano all day is starting to show on you, young lady.”
I smiled and shrugged innocently.
Wrenn gave the fabric around my waist a tug. “Especially—” She froze with a gasp, quickly looking up at me. Casting a glance around the room to find Greta and Mrs. Weston discussing how to fix my hair tonight, Wrenn snapped her mouth closed and continued on as if nothing were out of the ordinary.
She was my mother. I would have dearly like to talk to her about what was going on, but knew that was out of the question. Here she was my tutor, not my mother.
Pressing my lips tightly together, I forced myself to endure their pampering, despite the anger seething beneath my skin. I wanted out of there. I didn’t wish to perform anymore. I was tired of the hiding and not being able to see anything of World, except the skies when we played at an amphitheater. Once I swore that I might have seen a plane fly overhead, but I wasn’t completely sure and I couldn’t ask Liam about it, either.
I was so tired of being herded around like a stock animal.
When I sat in the chair to have my hair fixed, Wrenn gently squeezed my shoulder. That simple gesture soothed my strained nerves.
“So beautiful,” she said when the make-up and fussing was finally over. Her thumb stroked my cheek tenderly. “You’re glowing, my dear.” He tight smile let me know that she had guessed our little secret.
When we arrived at the theater, Wrenn disappeared for a short while. She insisted that I wear a wrap this evening, despite the warm temperatures. It hung low enough to cover my growing stomach, so I was grateful for the suggestion.
We didn’t have much time left. Liam wouldn’t tell me the whole plan, saying it was too risky to speak it out loud.
Oh, how I wanted it to be tonight. I wanted it so bad, I couldn’t simply sit alone in the dressing room or I’d go mad. I stood and reached for the door handle when Wrenn entered and quickly closed the door behind her.
“Estelle stopped in to make sure everything was in order. She’s heading to her seat now.” Wrenn pulled a small daisy from her pocket. “I was asked to give this to you. From an admirer.” She smiled as she handed it over. “Would you like for me to put it in your hair?”
I shook my head. Liam was always leaving little flowers for me. He probably stole this one from the bouquets that decorated the lobby. I had a moment as we hurried through to take a look around at the beautiful building that reminded me a little of the manor with its classical architecture and crown molding around the high ceilings.
“No, I’ll just hold it for now. I need some air, Miss Wrenn. Do you think I can get out of this tiny room?”
Concern created lines between her brows. “Of course, Rachel dear.” Opening the door, she peeked outside. “Your musicians just arrived. Why don’t you go watch the opening act from the side stage? They are amazing dancers, I have to say. Matter-of-fact, I’ll go with you.”
My spirits plummeted. I’d hoped to catch a moment with Liam alone. Still, having her at my side out of the room was much better than both of us clustered in this dank room that smelled of human sweat and stale perfume. I nodded.
To my surprise, she took my hand in hers and we walked together past the people backstage who acted as if I weren’t even there. I was used to it by now. We passed Liam’s room and I resisted the urge to reach out and touch his door.
“He’s not in there, dear,” Wrenn whispered as if reading my thoughts. “He’s around here, somewhere.”
My stomach was churning and I wasn’t sure if it was upset or if I was feeling those soft flutters that came now and then. Especially at night when I couldn’t sleep. My hand automatically went to my stomach.
Wrenn’s eyes widened before she clasped my hand in hers. “Marcus was over here if I recall. I think he also found the dancers interesting. Ah, here we are. How is this, dear? Feeling better?”
She knew. She knew. She knew.
I wasn’t sure how she felt about her discovery of my secret, but I had no doubt that she knew and was worried about me being found out, too.
We watched the dancers for a while, though Wrenn kept looked around at our surroundings. I tried to get a glimpse of the audience. This was supposedly a very large theater, but not like the arenas that I found intimidating.
This was to be a smaller venue, more personal. Marcus has boasted that there would be a couple of important critics in the audience observing our act. If we were given good reviews, it would open the door to the finest establishments.
I so hoped I’d not have to endure all that.
“You’ll have to excuse me a moment, Rachel dear.” She tied my mask in place. “You’re on in seven minutes. It looks like Marcus needs me for a moment. Stay right here, promise?”
I nodded. It wasn’t like I was free to do anything else. Where would I go? If only I could sprout wings and fly away, far away. Except I’d not leave my Liam.
I wasn’t sure how we were going to get out of this cage, but I’d not leave it alive without him. I only hoped it was soon because I was running out of time.
Chapter 12
Present day.
The audience’s feelings have changed from entranced to shocked pleasure. Surprise. Even excitement at this new development. First, when I actually spoke to them, acknowledging them. Now Liam Shields singing to them.
Maybe his voice can’t weave the same spells that I can, but he can influence people’s emotions with his enchanted violin. He never ceases to enthrall them.
His violin plays again. I hum through the bridge as we play together. I sing the last part, pledging love for all eternity. He promises to guard and protect, to love me for as long as there is breath in his lungs. I promise to cherish and guard his heart. He promises to be my protector and stronghold.
When I come to the ending, I look up to find him totally facing me. He’s closed the distance between us, standing right beside the grand piano. A line of tears glimmers on his cheeks.
The last line is his. “My soul belongs to your soul forevermore.” He sings it with the same sincerity as he did the day we spoke our union vows in the garden.
When the song ends, I stand and walk to his side, taking his free hand in mine. We both turn toward the audience for our final bow.
Godmother’s seat is empty.
Present Time…
Liam and I took our final bows. He gripped my hand tight in his and leaned in closer to say in my ear, “Do not let go of my hand, no matter what. I’ll need you to follow my lead without question. Do you trust me?”
I nod, hardly able to breathe. “Did I mess everything up?”
He shook his head, then tugged me along after him toward the left stage where a tall, lithe man with the reddest hair I’d ever seen was waiting for us.
“Are you ready?” he asked, placing his hand on Liam’s shoulder. “Do you have any
thing to bring—”
“No, we need to get out of here. Now, Aid—”
“Do not speak my name! I do not wish to be found here.” The man ordered, silencing Liam. His tone lightened as he looked at me. “The songstress’ distraction was the opening I’ve been needing. The guards were so transfixed by her voice, they didn’t even see me enter.” Flames danced along the man’s arms, lighting his black suit like glowing embers.
What was he? I had a suspicion that he might be a Fire Elf or Faerie. Where did Liam find him and where would he take us?
I hesitated for a second, my heart banging so hard I couldn’t think coherently. A strong sense of foreboding overcame me, freezing me in place. My scalp tingled to the point of burning. “She’s looking for us, Liam.”
He yanked me after him, running after the man toward the back exit. Marcus stepped in our path, his eyes wide with surprise. “Aidan? But what—?” Then he spotted Liam and I and everything clicked into place. “You’ll betray me, nephew? After all—”
Wrenn ran up behind us, pushing me forward. “Hurry. Run. She’s coming!”
Aidan glowed as fire danced over his open palms. “Move, Scout. I don’t wish to harm—”
Marcus scowled and started to reach for Liam.
Something yanked my long hair, nearly ripping it from my scalp.
“How dare you!” Godmother’s voice screeches. For a moment I thought she was all around us. Then, the air grew bone-chilling cold. Frost spreads across the walls and along the concrete floors.
Liam squeezed my hand tighter. “Don’t let go of me, and don’t speak a word to her. Let us handle her.”
I grip his arm with my free hand. Tears well in my eyes. “She has me…”
Fire surrounded the man. Scales began to cover his hands and the back of his neck as his body began to change.
Estelle appeared, her silvery gown billowing around her like mounds of snow. The temperature dropped. She no longer looked like the older woman with white hair that I was accustomed to. She was young, her dark blue eyes glimmering like cut sapphires. Her hair swirled around her smooth, pale face, bits of ice crystals encircled her body and shot toward the fire dragon guarding us.
It bellowed.
The theater disappeared. Fog surrounded us. The place of transit. Usually, it lasted for only the blink of an eye, but now we were all suspended in the nether-void while Estelle and the dragon seemed locked in a battle. She never released her hold on my hair.
Liam’s arms went around me. I screamed. The tilting and circular movements around us made me sick.
The dragon’s final bellow nearly split my head open before everything stopped and we were back at the manor. I dared to open my eyes to find us standing in the garden. Marcus and Wrenn were shouting at each other, but I wasn’t sure about what.
My ears still rang from the dragon’s cry. “Did she kill him? Please tell me—”
“No, love. She sent Aiden away, but I think he’s safe. Don’t let go of me, no matter what she tries to do.”
I nodded, keeping his hand clasped in both of mine. At least she’d finally released her hold on me. My head still ached, but I wouldn’t let go of Liam to rub the tender spot.
“What have you two done?” Estelle yelled, her voice echoing like the faceless announcer at our concerts. I wanted to cover my ears but didn’t dare let go of Liam’s hand. Our markings were glowing brightly.
When Estelle saw them, she turned her fury on Marcus. “Did you allow this? How could you allow your drudge to taint my treasure? He’s beneath her! I’ll kill—”
Marcus held up his hands, stepping backward. “I assure you, Madam, that I have no knowledge of their bonding. I am as surprised as you, my lady.”
“Liar!” Estelle raised her hand, wielding a shard of ice sharp as a spike. Before she could throw it at him, an opening appeared in the air behind Marcus and he dove through, leaving the three of us to face Estelle’s wrath. “Wrenn, grab Rachel. I’ll take care of this weed!”
Wrenn stepped in front of us, shaking her head.
I begged Wind to help us but I wasn’t sure if the breezes blowing around us were from Estelle or Wind answering me. The blasts didn’t seem to bother my Godmother. Her fury and magic held her in place, causing her to grow taller and more formidable before my very eyes.
“Don’t let go,” Liam warned as I gaped up at the creature before us. Was this her true form?
Creator of all, what had we done by helping her to fuel her powers?
Estelle screamed, “You’ll betray me, too, Wrennilyn? After I’ve sheltered you? Allowed you to be a part of your child’s life? I showed you mercy and this is how you repay me?”
“I’ll not allow you to harm my daughter!” Wrenn shouted back. Her arms spread wide, blocking us from Estelle’s wintery blast. The trees and bushes surrounding us are covered in a thick white frost. “She has bonded with Liam and is carrying his child. It’s time for you to let her go. She no longer belongs to you. You made me a promise that if she ever bound with another, you would release her to live her life.”
My breath caught. Was that true? I glanced at Liam who looked as surprised as I was. No wonder Wrenn helped us with the ceremony, making sure we did it properly. Why hadn’t she said sooner?
“Let her go, Estelle. You’ve taken enough from her. Let her and Liam go. I’ll stay and continue to serve you if you’ll only allow them to leave unharmed.”
“No,” I gasped. “Mother, don’t do this!”
Wrenn looked at me, large tears spilling from her eyes.
Estelle threw the shard of ice at Wrenn. It hit her chest, the ice spreading over her body as she began to topple over. Both Liam and I reached for her. He caught her in his arms, laying her frozen, stiff body on the ground so she’d not shatter into pieces. His hands spread out as he called vines and the earth to rise up and wrap her in their warmth.
“Mother!” I shouted.
Estelle laughed. I’d released Liam’s hand. Before I could do anything, Liam and Wrenn disappeared into a similar void that Marcus escaped through.
“Nooo!” I cried, falling to my knees upon the spot they’d been moments before. “Where did you send them? You can’t—”
“Foolish girl,” Estelle was beside me, yanking me to my feet by my long hair. “You let him go, giving me the chance to give them both what they deserved, the deceitful traitors.” A long knife, translucent like glass, appeared in her upraised hand. “You have been ruined for me! Ruined! I’ve no more use for you.” Bringing down the knife, she sliced off my hair in one swipe. Everything went dark as I tumbled into a void of blackness.
Chapter 13
“I knew that if I was patient, my contract would not return void,” The short man sat behind his desk, feet propped on the edge as he leaned back in the swivel chair. His pale, pointed face smirked at me.
I knew who he was, though I’d never be able to recall his name. Nobody could. He was known simply as Ringmaster, or Boss, to his workers. He owned the traveling circus of magical freaks, otherwise known as refugees from Realm. I said nothing, as I sat in the hard, wooden chair across from him, a parchment spread open before me.
He also knew Wrenn’s real name. I feared she was dead but refused to let myself dwell on my fears. I needed to keep a clear head.
“Your mother, Wrennilyn, was so enchanting but born to a poor family. Her father raised her on his own after her own mother’s untimely death. Then he heard that the King was looking for a wife for his son. He was searching the kingdom for a maiden who was not only beautiful but who also had some kind of special talent to bring them good fortune.
“That old codger went before the king and flat out lied. Said his daughter could spin gold, of all things.” Ringmaster shrugged his shoulder as he dropped his feet to the floor and face me. “Perhaps he simply wanted to be rid of her, no matter what it took. Who knows? He was an earth fairy, lowest of the Fae Orders. A real scamp, if you ask me.”
I hadn’t.
I rubbed my fingers over the faded lines covering my wrists. Liam wasn’t dead, I knew this, otherwise, they would have disappeared completely. Wherever Godmother sent him, though, he was far away from me. I feared he’d never find his way back.
“So was your mother.” He scratched at the beard that grew to a point over his jutting chin. He only stood to my shoulders, barely five feet tall, I guessed. His body was thin and angular like a young tree that had only seen a few years since bursting from its seed cap. He had the most unusual purple eyes and grayish pale, skin that made me shudder whenever I looked directly at him. Jet black hair, poked from beneath a cap like blackened straw. The cap had the circus’ emblem on the front, but at the moment, it was pointed toward the back of his little head. “Boy, she screwed me over good, she did. Running to World, trying to escape me. Stupid wench! I came after her, not realizing what would happen to my powers once I crossed over.”
Ringmaster waved his hands. “All water under the troll bridge, so to speak.” He chuckled at his own joke. “Get it? Troll…oh, not that kind of girl. Well, I get it, you’ve been through a lot, from what Aiden has told me. Sure glad he got away from that Ice Witch. The little conniver, I’ll be dealing with him next. Making deals behind my back.”
He hopped off his chair and came around the desk. If not for his beard and wrinkled face, I’d take him for a ten-year-old child. “Lucky for him, I’m one to give second chances. Oh, but it’ll cost him,” Ringmaster chucked.
I shivered and tried hard to cover it.
He stopped next to me, hands on his hips as he stared at my midsection. “How far along are you, girl?” Before I could stop him, he roughly put his hand on my belly and closed his eyes. “Twins, did you know? I feel a female and male essence, beating inside there. They should make their appearance around early fall.”
Promise Forever: Fairy Tales with a Modern Twist Page 26
