Renella looked at the small-framed girl who entered beside her. “Actually, I hadn’t had the pleasure, but she was kind enough to show me here.”
“Oh, Tabitha dear, where have you been off to?” Lady Sheree entered the room. “Have you two met already?” She motioned to the two girls. “Good, then the introductions are done.”
Tabitha looked at her mother and stood next to one of the chairs in the middle of the long table. Tyson chose a chair opposite his sister. Lady Sheree didn’t seem bothered by their choice of location, as she stood next to the head of the table, where her husband and lord would sit. She casually played with her long brown hair, wrapping the curls around her fingers as she waited for the lord to enter the dining hall. Renella chose a seat in the middle of where Tabitha and her mother were positioned.
“Princess, how has your day been so far?” Ourobus asked as he took his seat and motioned for the rest to do the same.
“It’s been lovely, Lord Ourobus. I’ve been touring the castle,” Renella answered as her plate and settings were placed in front of her. The large center pieces were made with fresh flowers, which reminded her of home.
“Good, good. Are you settled in your rooms? Are they spacious enough for you?” He barely glanced in her direction but contemplated his selections from the platters before him.
“Yes, they’re just fine, thank you. I don’t wish for anyone to trouble themselves about me. I’ll get on just fine. Thank you for the warm welcome.” She motioned to the array of food before them.
“Oh, it was nothing,” Sheree stated as her husband started to consume his meal.
They ate in relative silence until Tyson excused himself, followed by Tabitha. So Renella saw fit to excuse herself as well. She found her way to her room with ease and contemplated another tour about the palace alone. She thought she would enjoy a walk around the grounds and made her way to the front door.
“Are you lost or running away?” Tabitha emerged from the shadows.
“Why do you people keep asking me if I’m lost? I’m not two,” Renella said.
“Oh, Princess, I’m so sorry. I was just joking. I suppose it was in bad taste.” They both stared off blankly. “Sorry about earlier. Not many people hear about Tabitha, the Lord of Ormshire Castle’s unwanted daughter,” she said as she bowed.
“No, I don’t believe in all my years that I have heard of you. I’m sorry.” Renella felt a sense of guilt for it. She also felt a little upset that her mother had never mentioned her.
“Don’t be, Princess. My parents hardly recognize that I’m here. I’m fed and clothed, so that’s a plus,” she said with contemplation in her eyes. “Although, I suppose that’s more the servants’ doing, isn’t it?” she kind of asked herself. “Anyway, I hope you’re not planning an escape. My poor brother would be so… pleased.” She giggled, which made Renella smile.
“I don’t believe I would be able to escape. If I found my way home, my father would just bring me back.” She looked at the door.
“It’s a matter of state,” they both said together, giving their best impressions of their own fathers. This made the girls erupt in such laughter, they hadn’t realized they had an audience.
“What are you two up to?” Tyson emerged from upstairs. Renella gave a short curtsy and noticed Tabitha did not even bother.
“I was going to have a walk around the grounds, and I thought maybe Tabitha would like to join me,” Renella said thusly.
“I do not think that is possible, Highness,” he said with a mocking smirk. “Father forbids anyone from leaving the castle walls after dark.” He pointed to the guards at the door. “They won’t even flinch at opening that door till daybreak.”
“Well then, I guess our tour of the grounds will have to wait till tomorrow.” Renella started up the stairs. “Good night, Tabitha.” She gave a short nod of her head to Tyson. “Sir,” she said curtly as she passed.
Over the course of her first few weeks at Ormshire Castle, Renella found solace in her studies, in Lady Sheree, and in Tabitha. She loathed her father for sending her away, but she also missed him dearly. She found it increasingly difficult to be upset with him as the days went by. She discovered something new to like about her current home every day. None of which included her betrothed. Tyson seemed to want her there as much as she wanted to be there. When they found themselves in the same room together, they found someone or something else to keep their mutual attentions focused. Ourobus soon took notice of it and was not pleased.
Renella noticed the family never spent time together on a regular basis. She was a child of habit. Growing up, her family had spent every evening at supper together, discussing their day’s events, no matter what state affairs needed to be done. Lord Ourobus spent most evenings in his study with his advisors. Lady Sheree spent most afternoons away from the castle altogether, and she rarely found the time to sit with the children for supper. They had a realm to run and matters of state that took precedence. Renella knew not all families were like her own, but it was a difference she had to get used to.
Tabitha and Renella spent every evening after supper in the drawing room. They sat in front of the massive fireplace and read aloud to each other. Ourobus and Sheree had joined them one evening, noting the two girls had been getting along fine.
“Where is Tyson?” Lord Ourobus asked the girls. “Have you not been spending time together at all?”
“I do not know, Father.” Tabitha made sure not to look at the man, but instead looked at Renella. “We do not see much of him, not even at meal times.”
“You know how he is.” Lady Sheree poured her lord husband two fingers of scotch and handed the glass to him.
Renella continued to read aloud, pretending Tabitha was her only audience. After some time and many chapters later, she stopped and took inventory of the room. She hadn’t noticed, but Ourobus had Tyson brought to the drawing room by sending a fleet of guards to look for him. He had been sitting in a nearby chair when Renella looked up.
“Doesn’t she read well?” Lady Sheree asked the room.
“Oh yes, Mother, she’s a regular raconteur,” Tyson answered in his usual sarcastic manner.
“Tyson,” his mother scolded. “Be a gentleman.”
“My apologies,” Tyson retorted. “May I go now?”
“Tyson, how are you to get to know the girl if you never spend time with her?” Lord Ourobus walked to the side of Tyson’s chair. “This young woman deserves your attention. You’re to be married!” he bellowed across the room.
“Yes, Father.” Again, he spoke to his father without looking at him. Renella began to think either they were afraid of the man, or it was a rule never to look at him while addressing him. Either way, she found both to be absurd.
“From now on, the two of you shall dine alone.” He regarded Renella and Tyson. “Tabitha, you may sup with your mother and me.”
Tabitha gave a low grunt only Renella could hear. “Yes, Father,” Tabitha said.
With that, Lord Ourobus and Lady Sheree left the drawing room. Only a short minute later, they called for Tabitha to join them, exclaiming the couple needed quality time together. Renella couldn’t think of what to say to him, so she sat silent, hoping he would speak first. When he didn’t, she said the only thing that came to mind.
“So, what is it you run off to do every day, anyway?” Renella looked at Tyson. She had to admit, as it turned out, Tyson was very agreeable to look at. He was fairly tall, with short cut, blond hair. He wasn’t overly muscular, nor did he lack in them. She also knew she enjoyed his smile, though she had not seen it since she’d arrived.
“I have various duties and hobbies around the grounds that need tending to.” He played with the fringe on a settee pillow.
“Oh, like what?” She got up and went to the window. The sun had set hours ago, and the stars were out. She gazed at them rather than look about the room.
“I really don’t see the need for all of this.” He rose to his feet and
made his way to the door.
“Just as well, I suppose. I doubt, very much, I’ll need a man by my side to rule the realms anyway,” she pointed out.
Tyson stopped in his tracks. “What do you mean ‘rule the realms?’”
“When my father steps down, who do you think becomes the ruler of Pylira and Hearthstone Palace? Certainly not the second child.” She turned to face him. She joined her hands together and stood with the authority she watched her father use time and again. “I will become queen of it all whether I marry you or not, so you’re not hurting my feelings any. Go be with your hobbies.” She turned back to study the stars.
“It’s too late. Nobody leaves after dark.” He wandered to a chair and propped himself against it. “So, when we marry, I’ll become king someday.” He looked into the fire.
“That’s usually how it works. Why do you think your father wanted us betrothed? It certainly was not because he thought we would complement each other. Besides, he hardly sees me as your type.” She took a turn about the room, crossed in front of him, and headed for the door.
He pulled at her skirt to keep her from walking past him. “You know I didn’t ask for this. Neither of us did.”
“Then why, sir, do you treat me as if the fault is entirely my own? I’ve been stripped from my home and forced to live here with a boy who wishes not to know me, but whom I must marry. This is not just happening to you.” With that, she pulled her skirt free of him and retired for the night.
Weeks went by and Renella spent much of her time with Tabitha when she could, only to be forced to spend every evening dining with Tyson. Most nights were spent in moderate silence. They would casually make small talk about each other’s day and the weather, so the servants had something to report to the lord of the castle.
After supper, Renella found solace in the east wing’s small courtyard. She also had frequented it several times during the day.
“I used to spend a lot of time here, too,” Lady Sheree said to announce her arrival one evening.
Renella stood to curtsy, but the woman made her stop. “You are of higher rank, my dear, and should not bow to anyone here, especially my lord husband.” She sat on the little ledge next to Renella.
“Why not?” Renella asked in earnest.
“Because, my dear child, if you assert yourself to him, he will not forget your rank. He will be kinder to you for it, I think.” She played with the water. “He is hard on his own children. We don’t want him to see you as a child still, but as the future queen of the realms. Otherwise, he may disregard you altogether. He barely recognizes Tabitha as living in this place.”
“I’ve noticed that. May I ask why?”
“She is a woman. To him, there is only power in being a man. Well, you’re the exception since you have no brothers.
“You look so much like my dear friend. I should like to call you my daughter as well.” She grabbed Renella’s hand and squeezed it a bit. “She wishes you to know she and your father miss you very much.”
“Have you a letter from her?” Renella became excited at the idea of seeing her mother’s written words.
“Sorry, no. I had a message told to me by a guard who traveled to Hearthstone for trade.” She looked sad then. “I wish I had received a letter, but I doubt she will write for a while yet.” She sighed, patted Renella’s hand, and stood. She made her way around the pond and stopped, looking as though she studied the pillars covered in vines for the first time. “Give him a chance. He can be kind and caring when he wants to be,” she said, looking back at her.
“Who? Lord Ourobus?”
“No, my dear. Tyson. He is worthy. I promise you.”
“You’re his mother. You’ll need to have an unbiased opinion for me to believe you.” Renella tuned away from her and considered her words for a moment, then added, “I will try.”
“Good.” Sheree gave her a smile and headed into the castle.
Renella hoped Sheree was right about her son. She would have liked to think the man she was to marry would not be as spiteful to her always.
It is a matter of state. She reminded herself of her father’s words and let them sink in. As she stood to leave, she saw Tyson walk past the door that led to the courtyard. She only had time to round the pond halfway when he entered.
“Is this where you’ve been hiding?” he asked, looking around the pond. “I don’t think I’ve ever been out here.”
“That’s not much of a surprise,” she said curtly. “And I’m not hiding. I’m enjoying the evening air,” she said, shrinking the gap between herself and the door. “Good night.” She darted through the door.
Once in her chamber, she took to the window and picked up the book she and Tabitha had been reading together. She spent nearly an hour sitting in the window seat with it. She had very little responsibilities at Ormshire Castle. While growing up, she had her studies, lessons, duties as a princess to see to, friends, and her sister. She missed Rosella more than anything. As it was, she was not allowed to see Tabitha much, because Ourobus wanted Renella and Tyson to get to know one another and bond. Renella shuddered at the thought. She had begun to give up on getting to know him much more than she had already. She thought he, too, would like to forget about getting to know her. Once they were married, they never had to be in the company of each other socially. She shuddered again, which vibrated up her spine and made her shiver more.
The night’s sky was clear and the wind not too cool. It would have been a great night for a stroll around the grounds. She enjoyed the rose gardens there as much as she had her mother’s. With thoughts of home, she put her book away and retired for the night.
Chapter Two
Cherry Valley: Present Day
“Oh, my goodness, I thought we’d never find you.” Tabitha wrapped her arms around me and held on so tightly, I felt like she would never let go. Ty was soon at our side, his arms wrapped around us both.
“Tyson, you’re gonna strangle us under here,” Tabitha said to her brother.
“Can you blame me? I haven’t seen you in a hundred years.” Ty squeezed harder.
“Has it been that long?” Tabitha looked to Farlow, who nodded to confirm.
“Okay, you’ve seen me for at least one, and now I can’t breathe,” I insisted, hearing the rest of the group laugh behind us.
Ty let go, and I looked around to find Tabitha and another face that arrived with her and Farlow. I had a vague recollection of who she was, but my memory was still sketchy.
The sun dropped behind the tops of the trees, and we could see the shadows of men moving toward the town.
“I don’t mean to break up this happy reunion, but I think maybe we should go somewhere that’s, well… not here,” Farlow said, pointing to the movement.
“For once, I have to agree with the fairy,” Nolan said.
“Okay, we can go to our house. It’s safe from magia.” Ty grabbed me and Tabitha by the hand. “You two walk with me,” he said possessively, making Tabitha and I break out in laughter.
To think that a year before, my world was turned upside down. After Ty changed from a mietitore—a large-horned beast—into a human boy, I found out I wasn’t just a simple seventeen-year-old girl living in a small town. I found out that I’m a Princess from another world. My memories came back a little at a time, but I slowly understood the reason why my fiancé came to find me, and how he’d been looking for me for a hundred years. We are not human, and we do not belong in the world we’d been put in. We are sorcerers known in our world as maga, and we were placed in Cherry Valley to be protected from a curse.
We walked back to the elder’s house, otherwise known as Ty’s uncles, in as much of a hurry as we did on the way to the town line. Only that time, there was a horde of buio on our heels. I knew the chatter and hooting were not from those who were there to help us. No, they were definitely buio. I was sure they were following orders from Ourobus, Ty’s father and the reason for the curse.
As we tu
rned the corner of the street where the old house sat, I noticed our path was blocked by a familiar group of boys. I suspected, when they stopped us at a party a few days back, that they were buio. Them being in front of the house only confirmed my suspicions.
“What do you want, Zechariah?” Tyson asked the boy standing at the head of the group.
“You know why we’re here, Tyson.” He tossed a baseball bat from hand to hand. The rest of the group also had objects of similar shape and size. The littlest of them stood with a golf club as if it were a cane.
“You don’t know what you’re up against. Think about it. This is not a battle you can win.” Chase yelled to them.
“We may not have any power, but neither do you.” the little one yelled.
“Tuck, you shouldn’t be with those guys. You’re gonna get hurt.” Chase yelled to the youngest of the group with concern and warning.
“No, you’re gonna get hurt,” Tuck said and pointed the golf club at Chase.
I couldn’t stand to listen to them anymore and made a move to simply remove them from our path. My hand twitched and the sparks of power ignited inside me. I tried to grab Ty’s hand, but he stopped me.
“Do we really wanna give ourselves away now, while we still have the element of surprise?”
“He’s right,” Farlow said from behind a tree, “but they’d expect it from me.” He stepped out, making himself visible to the group. His wings opened wide for all to see. Without the lamplight working, the air buzzed with the blue lights of his fairy wings. It kissed each of us that stood close as he moved.
“I do believe you want to leave now,” he said in an authoritative tone. “You know nothing of real power, but I can give you a demonstration if you’d like.” As he slowly flapped his wings, the light became brighter and the blue more vibrant.
“Fae.” one of the boys yelled from the back of the group. They all started walking backwards, away from the gate, as Farlow advanced on them. Some tripped over their own feet as they scattered and turned to run away.
The Curse of Ormshire (The Beast Within Book 2) Page 2
