Cruel Fortunes Omnibus: Volumes One to Four

by RAE STAPLETON

  Cullen laughed, and then bent over to kiss me.

  “Jaysus, the sun is splittin’ the stones today.” He stole his chair back from the cat and stretched out. Daphne made a noise, clearly not pleased to be ousted from her spot. She strolled around to my side and I absently rubbed her head before she took off after a bird.

  He raised one eyebrow. “What’s with the book?”

  Instinctively, I flipped it over. “It was shipped to the store by mistake,” I said as nonchalantly as possible, adjusting my sunglasses to hide my eyes.

  He sat up, setting my teeth on edge. Damn—why had I brought that book out here! Cullen was a human lie detector.

  I jumped up and strode to the rose bushes, quickly picking up the gardening sheers that were stuck in the ground and bumped into him when I straightened.

  “Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

  “Why are ye runnin’ away, love?”

  “I’m not,” I answered. “I’m gardening. I just noticed that the roses need a trim, so please move out of my way.”

  He leaned into me and gave me a kiss on the neck. His fingers teased the strap of my top.

  “You are insatiable,” I whispered.

  “Do ye know what I think?” He pulled back; fiery green eyes surveyed me pointedly.

  “Yeah, I think I do,” I said, biting my lip.

  He grinned. “I think somethin’s weighin’ on ye.”

  “What? No,” I said, attempting to break free. He caught my chin. I went still and he studied me. I could see my own guilty look in the reflection of his sunglasses.

  “I know when ye’re lyin’, Aeval,” he teased. “If ye’ll not tell me, well then I’ll torture it from ye.”

  His mouth ground down on mine, his tongue parted my lips and filled me. I felt a shot of fire streak directly between my legs.

  I pulled away. “Cullen, the girls are in the house. They can probably see us.”

  “Start talkin’ then.”

  A twinge of guilt twisted inside me. Fine.

  “Eww!” A voice screeched through the open window.

  We jerked apart like two teenagers caught necking behind the jungle gym, surprised and shocked into silence by the sound of Alana’s voice.

  EIGHT

  Hunedoara, Romania, 1494

  S ophia’s mother, Elena Maria Catargiu-Obrenović appeared from behind a tree moments after Costin disappeared back to the castle’s gate. Her furious gaze could have wilted the nearby flowers. It was clear that she’d not only noticed her daughter’s absence but she’d seen the lovebirds kiss goodbye.

  “I missed you last night, daughter? Is this to be the usual now, sneaking away to be someone’s mistress?”

  “That’s a fine thing for you to say.” Sofia regretted the words as soon as they were out of her mouth, but there was nothing she could do to recall them.

  “That’s fair, albeit cruel for you to point out. Why do you think I worry? Do you think I want this life for you?”

  Sofia was so ashamed she could scarcely breathe, and she bit her lip.

  “Mother, I know. I’m sorry for my carelessness.”

  “So, you love him?”

  “More than anything.”

  “And you are going to run away with him?”

  As far as Sofia knew her mother’s magical powers didn’t include mind reading, but somehow, she knew Sofia’s guilty secret.

  “Yes, I mean, I’m considering it. What choice do I have?”

  Elena said nothing.

  “You are displeased with me.”

  “‘Tis not the future I hoped for you, but what can I do to change your mind?”

  “There is nothing that could dissuade me.”

  Elena surprised Sofia by nodding her head. “I know that and have known for quite some time, but I can’t deny that I am fearful for you.”

  They continued through the trees, but as they got close to their cozy little cottage in the woods, Sofia noticed her mother trailed behind her, silently mouthing words while she walked. Sofia looked back once more and saw that the vines were intertwining behind them.

  “Mother, what are you up to?”

  “Oh Sofia, don’t begrudge me my fun. What good are spells if I never use them?”

  But Elena wore no smile.

  “You’re afraid someone will try to find us.” Sofia stopped and allowed her mother to lead. “Do you think Costin’s mother saw us as well?”

  Elena turned to her daughter and paused, her face looking suddenly older.

  “The truth is that I don’t know for sure, but something is amiss.”

  Sofia knew that her mother had a sixth sense—she quite literally smelled smoke whenever there was danger. Was that the reason she’d come looking for Sofia?

  “I just think we need to be a little more cautious these days. We’ve made powerful enemies.” Elena shuddered. “Some of whom would give almost anything to see us banished…or worse.” Elena’s voice trembled. She bit her lip and looked away. “I haven’t always made the wisest decisions, Sofia, but perhaps it’s time I think with my head instead of my heart.”

  “You’re talking about your relationship with Vilhem…”

  Elena shook her head impatiently. “Not just that, although I do plan to ask him to keep away.”

  “But why? You love each other.”

  Elena sighed. “I honestly don’t know how I feel anymore, Sofia. I don’t know if it was ever love or simply infatuation. I was dragged here to this town, into a situation beyond my control and I allowed my moral compass to be overrun by fanciful emotions for someone else’s husband—only something a corrupt and naive young woman would do—and now I am paying the price.”

  “Oh, Mother, you were with child and your husband was dead. Vilhem promised to protect you. It’s understandable…”

  “No, it’s not. I should have gone home to the high priestess even if I was ashamed.”

  “Why were you ashamed? It’s not your fault my father died before I was born. “

  “Please, Sofia, can we talk about this later? My point is only that you mean the world to me, and I would do anything in my power to keep you safe”

  “There’s something you’re not telling me.” Sofia stomped her foot like a child. “Why were you ashamed? And tell me what it is that you know that has you so frightened.”

  Elena gave her daughter a long, considering look. “I don’t know anything for sure,” she said at last, “but I have a bad feeling. Costin’s mother, that beast of a woman, is dangerous. You’ve already a target painted on your back because of me and now, should you run away with him….well let’s just say she’ll never abide.”

  “Costin is a good man. He’ll protect me.”

  “I know of Costin’s good character, daughter. He will surely do his best, but not all things are in his control. Come then, let us go home and I will help you formulate a plan.”

  NINE

  S earing pain ran through my head. Opening the drawer of my nightstand, I stuck my hand in and fumbled inside.

  Gasping, I leaned against the side of the bed, my head splitting from the axe clearing a path inside.

  “Oooh,” I moaned as the pain subsided enough that I could open the pill bottle.

  Not another migraine. I was beginning to feel insane. I reached for my water and swallowed the blue square pill.

  Get it together, Sophia. I closed my eyes for a second, beads of perspiration collecting on my upper lip. I didn’t have time to lie down; Alana’s friends were downstairs and there were more on the way. I would just have to suffer through it until tonight. As I swiped at the sweat, I glanced around the room.

  “Daphne?” I said and heard no response. Odd. The cat had just been on the bed a minute ago and she usually didn’t move from her spot unless someone else was upstairs and she went to investigate.

  Oh, well, maybe she’d wandered back downstairs to the party.

  Bang!

  The sound of a door slamming came from down the hall
.

  Was Cullen up here? He was supposed to be keeping an eye on the teenagers. I stomped out of our room, expecting to walk into him, but the hall loomed empty. Alana’s door was closed now, though, and it had been open. What was she doing up here?

  I knocked softly with one hand and turned the knob with the other, opening the door in one fluid motion.

  The room lay empty.

  My flesh prickled.

  “Alana?” I called as I stepped inside, the edges of the room blurring around me as another wave of the migraine hit.

  There was something about the room, a stillness that bothered me.

  Another door slammed, this time behind me.

  Startled, I whirled.

  What in the hell was going on up here?

  Heart in my throat, I stepped back into the hall and realized there was a draft. Idiot! The open windows were creating an air lock of sorts, causing the doors to slam.

  I stepped back inside Alana’s room and headed for the window when another jab of pain sent me over the edge. I dropped to the floor.

  “Sweet Jesus,” I whispered. When would the pills kick in? Slowly, I pulled myself to my feet and contemplated resting on Alana’s bed until the flashing lights and pain subsided.

  Then something caught my eye.

  My heart clutched.

  What was that on the bed?

  It didn’t surprise me that she’d taken the book. Well, that was a lie. Part of me was surprised but that was just my naivety. With the way she’d been acting lately, I’d been expecting this… well, something anyway.

  I’d never seen this page before. There was a grotesque image of a woman being burned at the stake.

  When I looked at the list of ingredients, I couldn’t help but cringe. It was basically a beauty spell but it was definitely not the type of spell Rochus would have condoned.

  I slammed the book shut and marched down the hall to confront Alana. Laughter erupted from the study.

  “What are you doing in here?”

  Alana and two of her friends were huddled in the corner of the study with their backs to me. They giggled and I could have sworn I saw Cullen’s flask being dropped into Hannah’s purse.

  “Mum?” Alana turned to face me. “What’s up with yer tone?” She stared at me with a slightly buzzed look in her eye.

  “You don’t like my tone?” I placed my hands on my hips and glared back at her. “You’re stealing things and getting drunk and my tone offends you?”

  “What are ye talkin’ about? Are you spying on me?” Alana challenged. “I’m sixteen now. Ye can stop treatin’ me like an infant.”

  “Stop evading my question. What are you doing in here?”

  “Having a private conversation,” Alana shot back. “One that ye weren’t privy to.”

  “When did you turn into this little monster?” I sniffed. “I raised you to be respectful and honest.”

  “I honestly don’t want to have this conversation right now,” she grumbled.

  I really had to give her credit; she wouldn’t ever admit defeat, even when directly caught doing something wrong.

  “Did you find what you were looking for?” I asked.

  “I don’t know what ye’re on about.”

  “I can’t believe you have the audacity to lie to me right now.”

  “Hardly?” Alana was all faux lightness and innocence now. If I hadn’t seen the book for myself, I might have believed her.

  I walked over to her, looking directly into her eyes. “I want you to know that I know what you were up to.”

  “Is that supposed to mean something to me?”

  “No,” I replied honestly. “It’s supposed to make you realize that I’m not stupid.”

  “Whatever,” Alana scoffed. “We’re out of here.”

  She stormed across the hall to her bedroom and I took the book from behind my back and set it on the desk. I obviously needed to talk to Cullen about a new hiding spot.

  I headed back downstairs and found him seated at the table under a turquoise umbrella. The air was heavy with the scent of honeysuckle. Birds twittered, and Alana’s friends were laughing, eating and just plain soaking up the sun.

  He as I walked toward him.

  “Aeval, where’d you go? I made ye that slushy drink ye like. It’s starting to melt.”

  I took the margarita he held out and chugged it. My head still hurt but it was getting better by the second.

  “Whoa! Are ye all right, love?”

  A small black swift perched on a low branch near the table, making jerky, robotic movements with its head. It reminded me of the raven that had stalked the Mysterious InkSpot. It was much less intimidating and yet it still seemed ominous.

  I could hear Alana’s footsteps marching right behind me.

  “Well that was quite the holy show.” she hissed.

  I turned to face her and her friends passed us by and went to the far side of the garden.

  “You stole my book,” I threw back at her.

  “I did no such thing.”

  “Don’t lie to me, young lady.”

  “Ye’re a big snoop.” Her eyes shone with tears. I almost believed her.

  “I wasn’t snooping. Your door slammed and I opened it to check on you and there was my book—” I lowered my voice and looked at Cullen. “Rochus’s book…on her bed. I don’t even know how she found it.”

  “Who slammed my door?”

  “The wind.”

  “Ha! Nice excuse—and who is Rochus?”

  “Never mind that young lady. If you didn’t take it then tell me how it got there?”

  I could feel Cullen’s eyes shifting from me to the guests.

  I took a deep breath and reached for calm. “Alana, send your friends home. We’ll discuss this after they leave.”

  “Hump off! I’m through talkin’. I looked in my room after ye freaked out, and there was no book anywhere! Ye’re gone in the head.”

  “That’s because I put it back on your father’s desk after I kicked you and your friends out of the study.”

  “Whatever. I hope I never turn in to ye.”

  “That’s enough, young lady. Ye’ve just grounded yerself for a month,” Cullen said.

  She paused, turning to stare at him. Her eyes were on him so intently that if they were laser beams he would have been full of holes. “Ye’re takin’ her side. Big surprise.”

  I swallowed, shaking my head. I wanted to cry but kids were like wild dogs, they could sense fear.

  “There was no book in my room,” she whined.

  “Come now,” Cullen said, slamming his bottle down on the table. “Maybe seein’ the book will jog ye’re very, very short memory.”

  We marched up the stairs and down the hall. Cullen and Alana leading the way like enraged bulls. Cullen paused as we passed by Alana’s room. “What the—,”

  Her room looked like a tornado had struck, just the way I’d left it.

  “Ye see! She did this. She tore it apart and I just cleaned it this mornin’.”

  Cullen turned an eyebrow up at me, “Well, perhaps it was for good cause.”

  I moved past them and headed for the study. I slapped my hand down on a book.

  “Where is it?”

  Cullen came up behind me.

  I turned to Alana. “Where did you put it—it was right here,” I said, picking up a copy of Moby Dick that sat on the edge of the desk in the place where I had left Rochus’s spell book.

  “Told ye,” Alana gloated.

  Cullen shot her a look. “C’mere ’till I tell ye! What were ye doin’ in here anyway?”

  “Showin’ Seamus the drawings of the castles ye worked on. We’re learnin’ about some of them in school.”

  “You’re lying—like you lied about smoking.”

  “How …?” She paused. “Ye read my diary! How could ye?” Alana turned to her father. “In fairness, it was one bloody puff, Da, and I didn’t even inhale. I was gonna tell you—I swear it—but
I knew ye’d tell her and she’d lose her shite.”

  He sighed, looking confused and disappointed in both of us.

  “Hannah was here the whole time. Call her in and ask her if ye must.”

  “Hannah would lie for you. Tell your father how I caught you and your friends drinking from his flask. You’d best get that back, too,” I said, stepping towards her. To my horror, she raised a shaking hand and slapped me.

  I hadn’t expected the assault. I could feel my cheek redden with the imprint of her hand but the real pain came from my heart as it cracked in two.

  “What the hell is the matter with ye?” Cullen demanded of Alana furiously. His neck pulsed in a dangerous fashion.

  “She’s off her nut!”

  “And so ye think ye have the right to hit, now?” he said.

  I raced down the hall, back into her room, and dropped to my knees to look under the bed. Then I began to furiously scour her drawers and closet once again.

  “Sophia. Stop, luv,” Cullen said, coming to my side.

  “It was right here,” I cried.

  “Here we go,” Alana mumbled.

  He turned to Alana. “Did ye take it from the desk, young lady, and replace it with Moby Dick?”

  “How could I? I left before ye and went straight into my room.”

  “She’s telling the truth,” I admitted. There was the possibility that she’d switched it after I went down the stairs, but I could tell when she lied.”

  Cullen walked out of the room. I could hear his footsteps moving away to the study and I knew what he was doing. He was checking to see if the book was locked back up in his desk where we kept it.

  He walked back in the room.

  “Was it there?” I questioned.

  He nodded.

  “It wasn’t—it couldn’t have been. I left it on the edge of the desk.” I plopped down on her bed. Tears slipped from my eyes. “I’m not crazy.” How could I have mistaken a copy of Moby Dick for the spell book? They didn’t even resemble each other. Was I that tired? Was it the migraine?

  I reached out for Alana’s wrist, but she wrenched it away.

  “Don’t touch me.”

  “Please don’t be hurtful. I know you’re upset with me. I invaded your privacy. I get it.”