I shoved his hand away. “Don’t touch me.”
Still, I wondered if he spoke the truth. Was he truly able to sense what I was carrying? I bit at my bottom lip until it hurt. Twins. What would Liam think? Would he ever know?
He merely laughed and slapped his palm down on the paper. “Your terms, young lady. If you decide to stay, you’ll have to sign this contract. I’ll not make you. My terms were with your mother and she successfully hid until they were broken. You are free to leave if you wish. But I’ll warn you, World isn’t a kind place. Do you really wish to be released into a place you have no real idea about? While carrying to young’uns? You have no skills, girlie. Not until your hair grows back, and even then, we can’t be sure if you’ll play like you did while sheltered in the Ice Witch’s hideaway. There, you fed off what magic she retained from her own schemes and contracts.”
He rested his elbow on top of the desk. “She and I are similar, you know? We both make our way in this parched place by feeding off human emotions. She had her ways, I have mine.” He flicked his hands toward the circus poster that read, Cirque Mistic- The Most Enchanting Show on Earth.
There was a brightly printed circus tent in the middle, surrounded by strange creatures and people.
Prepare to be Amazed and Astonished.
My breath caught. Would I be one of his side-show exhibits? “What will I do if I remain?” My voice was gone, and I’d not had a chance to try playing the piano. However, I felt no magic here. Not at all. Matter-of-fact, I felt like an empty bucket, left in the sun to weather and rot.
“We need a washwoman, for now. Sign the paper on the bottom line. I’ll promise you food and lodging and protection from Estelle and that other leech, Marcus. He visits here from time to time, bringing me his finds for cash payment. I’ll make sure that he never knows you are here.”
My arms circled around my midsection. “What about my baby?”
“Babies. There are two.” Ringmaster held up two fingers. “Trust me, I know these things.” He chuckled and drew out a quill from the pens sitting in a container on his desk. The quill seemed out of place from the other writing instruments. The feather was pure white with a blood-red stem running down the center. “I have no more use in anyone’s off-spring brats. I’ve moved on to better things to collect. They will be your responsibility, understand? I don’t even want to see or hear them. They’ll not show their true forms until they’ve lived twelve years. Then we’ll see what use they are to anybody. You will serve as a wash-maid and help with costumes. When your hair grows back, if your talent returns along with it, then maybe we’ll find you a place in the act.”
“What if I don’t wish to be part of your act?” If I went out into World and took my chances, would Liam find me? I’d seen Aidan once since I woke up here at the circus. He apologized for abandoning us. He also felt Liam was still alive, but probably trapped in another world. Would he find me someday? There was a better chance here than anywhere else, Aidan insisted.
Could the fire elf be trusted?
I wasn’t sure if any of them were trustworthy. But at least I’d have somewhere safe to stay and have my babies. I hoped Wrenn survived but pushed the concerns from my mind. I could only handle so much at the moment.
“Very well, where do I sign?”
Ringmaster’s mouth widened like a crack in the dry ground. “It’ll only require a quick prick of this pen on your finger, so we have something to write with. Then you’ll write your true name right here.”
As Ringmaster predicted, once the trees put on their golden foliage, my birth pangs hit. After a long, grueling, painful night, I held my two babes, a boy, and a girl. I hated naming them without Liam but had no choice.
The boy I called William, for his father.
The girl I called Wyndley, after another friend I terribly missed: Wind.
They both had the best parts of us in their features. Blonde, wavy hair, green eyes, and pink cheeks. Every day, I wrapped my hand around the marks on my wrists and begged Liam to find me. Would he somehow sense that the babies had been born?
Liam had been right, the elements and trees had no voice in World. The silence was defining and heartbreaking at times. At least, I was able to get some pleasure from listening to the bird’s songs in the early morning when the circus was quiet while the performers slept late.
For the most part, life with Cirque Mystic wasn’t too bad. I worked hard but made new friends. A Healer from Realm was part of the crew and she kept a close watch on me when my time was close. Others had taken a liking to me, including the fire elf, Aiden who checked in with me from time to time. I was cautiously friendly with him.
Mostly, I kept to myself and did my work. I was able to see World in all its splendor as we traveled around. The technology and advancements, compared to my sanctuary, were simply mind-numbing and hard to fathom.
By the time the babies arrived, my hair had grown long but was now dark brown like the trunk of an oak tree after a hard rain. Late at night, once I put the babies to bed, I hummed songs to them, remembering especially the one Liam and I created together. They seemed to always grow peaceful when I sang to them.
Soon, my voice grew stronger and I knew my powers were beginning to stir. The Ringmaster seemed to have forgotten my existence and I tried to stay low-key and keep it that way. I wasn’t interested in becoming part of the troupe. Working quietly in the background suited me for now.
Once the twins grew a little more, then I’d try to leave and make my way in World. Ringmaster had said I was free to leave, of course, that was before I’d signed the contract.
Another year passed by. We wintered near a beach community in the south, but once summer came around again, everyone packed up to begin another tour. None of them cared to remain in one spot for very long.
One day as I was busy mending and washing the performer’s outfits, I noticed the lines on my arm had grown darker. I was so used to them by now, I hardly paid them much notice. Between work and keeping up with my toddlers, most of my time and energy was sapped.
I dared not get my hopes up.
I’d just finished hemming an outfit for one of the trapeze women and had headed into the tent to give it to her when I heard the sweetest music. A violin, one I knew like I knew my own reflection. The outfit slipped from my hands as I ran toward the mesmerizing sounds.
His back was to me, but I recognized his stance and that violin immediately. Moving closer, I wondered if he’d recognize me. He’d gone through a few changes as well. His ears were long and pointed, indicating his faerie heritage. His skin was darker, and build more lithe and graceful.
But there wasn’t a shred of doubt that I was finally looking upon my Liam. My heart threatened to burst from my chest to get to him first, but I held us both back warily.
The song he played was also familiar and I began to sing along, my voice rising as it once did when I first began playing the piano. Tingling erupted in my fingers as I yearned to run them over the smooth keys of the upright sitting in the corner. But I withheld, not wishing to let Ringmaster know my gifts had returned.
Liam turned to face me and that’s when I realized he was playing for Aiden, not Boss. A wide grin spread across the fire elf’s face. “Told you he’d return, didn’t I? Knew your bond would lead him back to you in good time.” Aidan stood and went over to Liam, resting his hand on his shoulder. “And I told you she was here, safe and sound. Has a little surprise for you, she does.” The elf stepped away. “I have things to check on. I’ll give you two some time to catch up before I take you to Bossman.”
Soon as we were alone, Liam opened his arms wide. I ran to him, wrapping my own arms around his neck as he swung me around. “My beautiful Rachel. I’ve been all over searching for you.”
I kissed him, silencing his explanations. When he finally set me down, he held me at arm’s length away, his gaze traveling from my dark, wavy hair that fell just below my shoulders down to my simple denim shirt and jeans.
“Are you all right, love? Have you been taken care of? I missed…” his hand pressed against my stomach. “What happened to the baby?”
I grabbed his hand and dragged him after me. Yes, he needed to see his children first, then we’d talk. “Babies. A boy and a girl. The goblins are entertaining them at the moment.”
There were various types of creatures that turned into their true form when the circus was closed and we were parked somewhere safe. Once the crowds started to show up, the glamour went on and they became normal performers who could some amazing feats for the audience.
Most of the goblins were clowns during the show. Their pale, oddly shaped faces lent well to the parts they played. And the twins adored the little men and women who tossed balls over their heads and did funny flips for their amusement. Being the youngest members of the troupe, they were completely spoiled and catered to.
I explained all this while we wove our way out of the big tent and around the trailers to my own small camper Boss had provided me to do my work. Inside were machines that sewed and washed clothing for me. World was truly an amazing place.
Liam stopped at the sight of the two toddlers playing with the floating balls. “May I introduce you to William and Wyndley. Children, come meet your…father.” The word tangled in my throat with the tears that rushed to my eyes. He was back. We were together again. It was true, our bond could not be broken.
To my surprise, Will, who’d been trying to pull himself up and walk, actually managed to get up on his feet and amble toward his daddy’s waiting arms. Wynd crawled behind her brother. Liam collapsed to his knees, hugging them both to his chest. “Twins! Amazing.” He held out his hand, drawing me toward him and we all sat together, huddled in each other’s arms, finally a family once again.
“Your mother is healing,” Liam said late that night while we curled up together on my narrow bed, arms and legs tangled together. “Estelle sent us to Realm. It was amazing, Rachel love! Even more beautiful and alive than your garden sanctuary.” He laid on his back, staring up at the ceiling of my work camper, though I was sure he was seeing something else entirely.
The twins slept soundly in a small crib crammed between the wall and the foot of my bed.
I rested my chin on his chest. “I feared she was dead.”
He shook his head. “Frozen, but alive. The spell started to break once we landed in a village of elves from the Moonlit court. They were impressive and a little intimidating at first, but somehow knew immediately that Wrenn was a queen. They said she’d been missing from the Kingdom of the Sun for many years. I stayed with her until their Healers said she was well enough to travel. Then I left to find a portal to World. It took me three months to find it.”
“How long have you been in World?” I asked, running my finger over his long ear. Being in Realm had brought out his true form, a Dryad, or tree nymph for certain. He’d not had a chance to find out about his lineage, being too preoccupied with finding a way back to me. Perhaps someday we’d find our way back into Realm and hopefully also find the answers to our many questions.
“I was here, searching for you when you went into labor.” His brows furrowed as a pained expression darkened his handsome face. He wrapped one of his arms around me and pulled me in closer. “I felt your anguish and fear. I was so distraught that I wasn’t here for you that I returned to Marcus, hoping to see if he knew where you ended up. I knew Estelle wouldn’t kill you, our bond would have cursed her. The best she could do was send us far away from each other.”
“Did you find Marcus?”
“He nodded, frowning. “He tried to kill me for betraying him. Until I told him that I’d found a way out of Realm and that Wrenn was there now, returning to her home. I made a deal with him. I’d tell him when the portal opened and where it was if he’d give me the name of the Ringmaster. So, I took him to Central Park in New York and showed him the area where I landed. He will have to wait for the opportune time to attempt passing through. In return, he told me the Ringmaster's name. I said it three times and was brought to this town. I’ve been waiting for two weeks for the circus to arrive. Now here I am.”
I brushed kisses up his neck. The fine hairs growing over his cheeks tickled my lips. “I’ve missed you, my husband. I’d not given up hope in you. That’s why I stayed instead of going into World. I thought, perhaps, you’d have a better chance of finding me here than anywhere else.”
He pressed a kiss against my forehead. “I had a feeling Estelle would send you here, considering the history your mother had with the Ringmaster.”
I sat up on my elbow. “Do you remember his real name?”
Liam shook his head. “No, soon as I spoke it, I forgot. He’s enchanted his name so nobody can remember. That’s how he protects himself.”
“What are we going to do now? He made me sign a contract or leave. I signed it in blood.”
Liam pulled me down beside him and wrapped his arms around me. “What name did you sign?”
“The only name that I know. Rachel.”
Grinning, Liam said, his tone soothing. “Don’t worry, love. Rest beside me tonight and tomorrow we’ll both visit the Ringmaster. He will expect me to sign a similar contract.”
“Will you? How can you be so calm? Are you planning for us to remain here, traveling around with this circus?”
That twinkle returned to his dazzling green eyes. “Once Wrenn and I were in Realm, she remembered everything. The contract is void. You signed the wrong name. Early in the morning, we’ll pack up and leave. There’s nothing he can do to stop us. I know of a couple of towns that are inhabited by our kind. We’ll find refuge there and build the life we want to live.”
“Wait, you know my real name?”
“Yes, but I suggest you continue using Rachel. It’s safer. I will continue going by Liam. We’ll keep our faerie names to ourselves.”
I bolted out of bed, wanting to pack right then. Finally, I was free! Liam and I could fly away with our babies and have the life we’d both dreamed of. It almost seemed too good to be true. Most everything here had been provided by the Ringmaster, but I did have a few clothes that I’d made for myself and the babies. I started to shove our few belongings into a travel bag, then stopped.
“What’s my name?”
Liam waved me to come closer. “I’ll tell you our names, but it’ll cost you a kiss for each one.” He pulled me closer and whispered them into my ear.
Soon as he spoke my real name, I knew it was mine. It felt like mine and when I repeated it inside my mind, power surged through me. I paid the two kisses and even more. Tomorrow would come soon enough. For now, I would enjoy having the other half of my heart back in my arms.
About the Author
Welcome to my Story World!
My name is J. R. Castle. I'm a fantasy and romance author, artist, and all around creative who likes to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. My fantasy series include The White Road Chronicles, The Chronicles of Alburnium and The Sentinel Archives for young readers.
I love writing books that touch the heart, inspire one's spirit, and encourage readers in their daily walk. Stop by my website: www.jackiecastle.com to see some of the shenanigans I’ve been up to.
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J. R. C.
Hannah’s Second Chance
Margaret Tanner
An Ugly Duckling Retelling
Hannah’s Second Chance
Brought up by an embittered spinster aunt, life was no bed of roses for Hannah (Milly). As a child she had been teased about being an ugly duckling because of a purple birthmark on her neck.
To escape a life of drudgery, she becomes a Mail Order Bride to elderly rancher, Arnie French. He treats her kindly and life is looking good, until trage
dy strikes.
Grant, Arnie’s partner in the ranch, returns from a cattle buying trip to find his friend ill and a strange young woman living in the house.
Secrets from long ago re-surface. They have the power to enhance or destroy their lives. Which will it be?
Copyright © 2019 Margaret Tanner
Thank you for downloading this e-book. It remains the copyrighted property of the author and may not be reproduced, scanned, or distributed for any commercial or non-commercial use without permission from the author and publisher. Quotes used in reviews are the exception. No alteration of content is allowed. If you enjoy this book, then please encourage your friends to purchase their own copy.
This story is a work of fiction, and to enhance the story, some literary license has been taken regarding setting. All characters are a figment of the author’s imagination.
Chapter 1
1870’s Deadwood, South Dakota
Ducky’s Diner was officially closed. Hannah Millicent Duckworth secured the sign on the front door without a twinge of regret. From now on she would go by her first name Hannah and not the hated Millicent. She couldn’t wait to leave, hopefully never to return.
With the tables and chairs gone, the place look larger than before. There was nothing left of the diner except for the battered sign over the front door. No doubt it would be removed once the shop owner next door, started working to combine the two stores.
The red and white checked curtains on the windows were the only bright spot in the room as the dingy walls were overdue for a coat of paint. She stared at the rickety staircase leading to the two small bedrooms. Well, it was originally only one bedroom but Aunt Edna had a wall erected, dividing it in two after she arrived here.
Promise Forever: Fairy Tales with a Modern Twist Page 27
