by Diana Flame
Cinderella was well known as the beautiful girl who made oferac jam. She frequented the market and was liked by everyone. The palace searching for her may have scared the people of the land into keeping their mouths shut. This only showed how terrified of the King the people of Izadel were.
Though Isolde was not of Padian descent, she made herself dark enough to pass as Cinderella after applying the oil Olga gave her. She’d dyed her blond curls with the herbal dye usually used to color cloth. Olga told her the potion would do the rest as the old hag casted the spell of deception for her.
It was near evening when the hoof beats of the soldiers’ horses entered the yard. Eliza, the housekeeper reluctantly waited at the door for when the knock came. Isolde had to threaten the servants to have them do her bidding. She also gave them the sad news about the bear mauling their precious Cinderella to death. She could see that the housekeeper hated her, but fear made Eliza comply with her wishes.
Not long after the soldiers entered the yard, they knocked the door. Eliza opened and bade them enter as Isolde had instructed.
“Welcome,” Isolde greeted as three soldiers entered, including the commander of the guard.
Markus looked at Isolde and back at the sketch. In an undertone, he consulted with his subordinates who looked keenly at her. Holding her smile in place, she waited patiently for them to acknowledge that it was indeed she.
“My Lady, the prince requests thy audience,” the commander said. “He hast hath sent thee these gifts and payment f’r thy staff.”
“Thank thee,” she beamed.
“Prithee, cometh with us.”
Gliding as though on cloud nine, she followed the soldiers out. They seated her in a carriage and led her through the rear gate of the palace. Once inside, she was taken to the prince’s private hall where she waited for him.
Isolde’s eyes bulged at the lavishness of the palace. Its wealthy décor excited her as she imagined herself living the rich lifestyle. All that remained now was for the prince to present her to his parents and they would be wedded in no time. She must remember to reward her sister when she became princess. She’d also need her services to get rid of Tobyn’s parents for her to become queen.
“Who is't art thee?” a voice interrupted her musings.
Isolde turned, making eye contact with a young man about twelve years her junior. His pale gray eyes perused her sharply. She noted that he was no older than thirty, maybe less. That mattered little. Once she wedded him, she could kill him after he made her queen. In any case, he was a strapping young lad who could appease her sexual desires.
“The name is Cinderella, Thy Highness,” she softened her tone and bowed. “Thee has't been searching f’r me.”
“Cinderella, is yond the name of the lady in the sketch?”
“Aye, t’is I, my prince.”
“My most humble apology ma’am, thou art not yond mistress f’r whom I seek,” he replied with a frown. “Bid me, what is thy business hither?”
Can he see the real me? Isolde made a bold move towards the prince. “Thy Highness, the soldiers cameth to mine own house, they hath given me the raiment and wage. They hadst a sketch of me.”
“Yond sketch is not of thee,” the prince insisted. “Markus!” he bellowed.
“Aye, Thy Highness!” The commander rushed in. “Hither I am.”
“Returneth betimes to this woman’s house and findeth out who is't the lady is. How couldst thee bethink this is the one for whom I search?”
Markus looked at Isolde with narrowed eyes, then pulled the drawing he kept inside his tunic. He stared at the drawing and then at Isolde a long time then flushed deeply.
“My most humble apology Thy Highness. I shall not err once again.”
“Thee hadst better not. Findeth out about that lady betimes. We has't dram time,” he instructed. “Keepeth this mistress under guard in the meantime.”
The commander beckoned to a few soldiers who were standing some distance away. They marched forwards and he ordered them to take her away from the prince.
“I bid thee, I am the lady who is't thee seek!” Isolde beseeched. When she was out of earshot of the prince, she tried to struggle free. “Unhand me this minute.”
The commander led a contingent back to the house where he had found the woman. After assuring the servants that they were not in trouble, they told him the story of Cinderella and Isolde. Not only did the woman trick the soldiers, Eliza informed them of their belief that she killed her husband, Cinderella’s father.
“Yond mistress is Cinderella’s step mother,” Eliza said.
The commander showed the housekeeper the sketch. “Is this Cinderella?”
“Aye sir. But I am afraid something might has't hath happened to my mistress. Isolde toldeth us yond the lady wast hath killed by a bear in the Black Thorn Forest.”
“How didst Isolde trick me?”
“The lady uses witchcraft. Methinks the lady hath used a potion and spell yond would maketh thee believeth it wast the lady on the portrait,” Eliza informed him.
“The prince wast not fool'd by this.”
“Sir, the prince may be charm'd by the fairies as is Cinderella. T’is fruitless to useth trickery on those folk.”
He nodded. “Oh.”
“I beg of thee, can thee findeth our Cinderella?” she beseeched. “Can thee findeth out if 't be true something hath happened to my mistress?”
“We shall findeth that lady anon yond we knoweth the lady belongs hither,” he assured her.
It was already late evening, therefore Markus made arrangements for a search party to search the forest the following morning. The moment he returned to the palace, he made certain that Isolde was imprisoned for trying to trick the prince.
Chapter 6
Cinderella found it difficult to breathe as her handsome captor trapped her. With nowhere to run she panicked. He was advancing, getting too close. Her chest heaved with her labored breathing, bringing attention to her full bust. Galien’s eyes rested on her bosom and for a moment, their shade deepened.
“Alloweth me leave, thou---thou pervert!”
“I assure thee fair one, I doth not wish to harm. All I desire of thee is a kiss and then we both shalt be free.”
“What dost thou mean?” she whispered, his face only a breath away.
Without answer, Galien dipped his head. As his lips brushed hers, she raised her knee, bringing it up hard.
“Humph,” he groaned, stumbling back and gripping his groin.
She could see the imprint of his member as he held it. The thought that her knee made contact with it made her flush from head to feet. The feel of him against her knee caused her heart race as well, an unusual feeling settling in her chest.
Inwardly groaning, she acknowledged that kicking men in their balls had become a habit. That was two men in less than two days. First, it was the prince and now this man. Who was he really? Her curiosity peaked, dispelling her fear of him.
“I toldeth thee to stayeth hence,” she said, feeling sorry for the pain she caused.
“I shall setteth thee free, but anon t’is night in Izadel. I shall taketh thee to the portal in the morn,” he replied with a grimace.
“How can I trust thee when thou only just hath tried to kiss me?”
“I giveth thee mine own word, I shall not tryeth to kiss thee again. Thou shall kiss me at which hour thou art eft.”
Cinderella laughed. “I doubt yond,” she replied, though her eyes unwittingly settled on his lips.
That brief moment his lips made contact with hers, left an impression. I was as though a spark from a fire touched her lips. The feeling remained even then as she looked at him recovering from her knee. He straightened and smiled.
“Thou art quite feisty as thou art quite quaint.”
“Shall thee cease with the flattery?”
His brows puckered. “But thou art the fairest of all the maidens in the land. Wherefore shouldst I not declare it?”
<
br /> “Lest thee did not notice, I am not Snow White and this is not a fairy tale!”
“Cinderella, thou may not be Snow White but thou art the fairest maiden in Izadel and Padian.”
Rolling her eyes, she started strolling towards the entrance. Might as well take my leave now. She could tell that Galien followed and she didn’t mind. He knew if he came close again that another knee in his crotch would be more painful than the first.
She was busy thinking about becoming the crotch-kicking warrior that she didn’t realize when she stepped outside. Colorful lights swirled through the trees. It was night, but the forest was alit with a variety of beautiful glowing creatures that moved about. Some fairies were tiny, like a thumb, while others were as tall as she was.
With a gasp, Cinderella stood transfixed. Galien moved up behind her, close enough that she felt his magnetic pull. This was all magic to her. Was he a fairy? He appeared human, but he seemed to possess bewitching abilities.
“Thee spake true,” she breathed.
“I would nev'r forswear to thee, Cinderella,” he said her name like a chant.
“Who is't art thee, really?” she asked.
Without answering, her host took her hand and pulled her into the night. “Cometh along.”
“I shall not venture anywhere with thee,” she protested, trying to pull away. “Wherefore aren’t thee answering mine own question?”
Galien grinned, pulling her along playfully. The fairies were all moving in one direction as though they were headed some place. Galien fell into step with them and by extension Cinderella. She was apt to follow along since he was tightly gripping her hand.
In the instant his hand had taken hers, a bolt of lightning shot up her arm. From the moment she opened her eyes in the cave, he’d been casting his spell. She’d learned in the short time she’d been awake that looking into his eyes was not a good idea. His magic was strong and she would not succumb to it. If he so badly wanted a kiss, he would need to find himself another maiden. She didn’t quite trust this creature nor the feelings he was evoking.
The Enchanted Forest was spectacular and the beauty of it enthralled her. She would have to figure out this Galien later, as well as dealing with his witchcraft. Soon they reached a clearing where music came from among the trees and the beautiful creatures danced on the grass. No one bothered Galien or her as they stood and watched the party.
“What is this?” she asked.
“The fairies celebrate at which hour humans achieve something most wondrous. Ha, seemeth someone hadst a baby.”
“How doth thou knowest this?”
“I hast been hither long enow yond I knoweth their dances and music.”
“Wow, this is most wondrous. What hath happened to yond one?”
“Who ist?” Galien asked
“The one with the bandag'd wing?”
“The lady ist the tooth fairy. The pixie did get injured while leaving a gift f’r a knave who is't hath lost his tooth. Word has't yond a witch hath tried to catcheth that lady.”
This was unbelievable. “What would a beldams wanteth with a pixie?”
“F’r casting the most powerful irrevocable spell and making potion,” Galien stated.
“Wherefore doth not another fairy just heal the fae?”
“They can only useth their powers to holp humans. The lady shall has't to heal naturally,” he told her.
This was intriguing and raised many questions in Cinderella’s mind. “Art thee a sprite?”
“Nay.”
“Then who is't art thee?”
Without answering, he took her hand once more, leading her away from the party. Cinderella was not pleased that he would not answer her questions. However, she would soon forget her reservation when she witnessed the spectacle before her. Not far away he stopped at a brook that glowed with rainbow colors.
On the opposite bank, a unicorn watered from the colorful water. Cinderella felt as though she was in a dream. A small part of her wished she could stay there in that beautiful place always.
“I has't to returneth home.” She turned to Galien. “Prithee holp me to findeth mine own way back.”
“I shall holp thee in the morn. Thee cannot venture into Black Thorn at night.”
For a while longer, he gave her a tour of the gardens. Having never seen anything like this, she was in awe. The trees seemed to be alive as with everything else. She knew she would not likely forget this adventure, but the lurking feeling that something was amiss refused to leave her.
“Cometh, thee might not but be fill'd with pangs of hunger and needeth of rest.”
Galien led her back to the cave where food was set out on a table. Avove (blue banana-like fruit), ebianda (apple like fruit), edoras (peach-like fruit), oferacs (berry-like fruit), and some unrecognizable to her, decorated the spread. Accompanying the fruits was blue wheat bread, cheese and golden flower wine in crystal goblets.
“Who is't didst this?”
“The fays taketh care of me well and they knoweth thou art hither. Prithee, consume well.”
She must admit that she was famished. Without delay, she dug into the food and ate to her heart’s content. Galien told her about the Enchanted Kingdom and how vast it was. Many magical creatures resided there including the powerful fairy witch, the king and queen.
Although the conversation was interesting and the company delightful, Cinderella’s eyes began to droop. During their conversation, she’d hope to hear something of himself, but he kept the talk only of the magical kingdom and nothing else. Finally, he led to her to the bed and tucked her in.
“Goodnight Cinderella. Catch but a wink well.”
“Goodnight,” she whispered.
The last thing she thought of before going to sleep was, what if he kissed her while she slept? Who would kick him in the groin then?
Chapter 7
Cinderella stretched with a yawn. It had been a while since she slept this well. Scanning the room, she noticed Galien sleeping in the far corner. Easing from the bed, she kept her eyes on him. Maybe she could get away while he slept. That way she could ask one of the fays for help to find the portal of which he spoke. She was halfway across the room when his eyes shot open.
“Whither art thee off to?” he asked.
“I has't needeth of going home, Galien.”
“But thee hast not seen the forest yet. I might not but showeth thee so many things.”
“I cannot. Mine own servants shall be did worry. They wilt be out searching f’r me anon.”
“Can’t thee stayeth just a dram longer?” he begged.
“Nay, Galien. I wilt returneth home. Shall thee holp me or not?”
“I shall holp thee as did promise.”
“And the bear?”
As before, he did not offer a response. Instead, he beckoned her to follow before disappearing through the entrance. Cinderella felt that something was amiss. She was in an unfamiliar place with a strange man, who was acting most peculiarly. Why was he avoiding her question? Did he kill the bear?
Before following him out, she searched the room looking for something to use as a weapon, in the event she may need it. Galien didn’t appear to be dangerous, but the uncertainty about the bear was troubling. He didn’t seem to mind unveiling himself before her and he did not bother her throughout the night, but the nagging feeling that he was hiding something made the fear return.
There was nothing inside she could find with which to arm herself, therefore she’d have to wait until she was outside to find something. Cautiously she ventured out to find her captor waiting. Seeing him radiantly bathed in the golden glow of the early morning sun made her catch her breath. The sparkle in his eyes and the way he smiled triggered her pulse springing to life.
“I kneweth it!” she silently deliberated. “He is a beldams and I shall not allow him to bewitch me.” Tearing her gaze away, she began to walk east, determined not to let him affect her.
“Thou art heading the wrong
way,” he said, taking her arm and gently pulling her in the opposite direction.
Pulling away, Cinderella stopped short and ground her teeth together. She was beginning to feel that Galien was taking every opportunity to touch her. What made her even angrier was her immediate response to his touches.
“Touch me not, if't be true thee doth not mind,” she snapped.
Galien paused, narrowing his eyes. “What aileth thee?”
“Thee, thou art the matter! Thee hast not did answer mine own question about the bear. At which hour I asketh who is't thou art, thee didst not giveth me a straight answer. Thou art a witch!”
“I am not a beldams, I guarantee thee I am not,” he replied casually, moving off again.
“Dost not thee walketh hence from me at which hour I am talking to thee!” Galien kept walking. “I am talking to thee, dost thou heareth me?” she shrieked. “Argh!”
Seething at his rudeness, she stomped after him. If he wanted to ignore her, fine. She would not see him again anyway. She would make sure never to return to Black Thorn Forest. In addition, she might be arrested for assaulting the prince.
“Oh, if 't be true I didn’t has't the servants depending on me, I’d just runneth hence,” she mumbled.
Galien’s heart raced. His lips burned where they had brushed Cinderella’s the evening before. The irresistible pull between them was exquisitely maddening that he’d almost ravaged her lips without her consent. The thought of her leaving brought a pain to his chest. Can love be this swift and powerful?
He’d wanted to tell Cinderella who he was. Not only was he bound by an oath to keep his identity a secret until such time the curse could be broken, he didn’t wish to scare her. For now, the best thing was to return her to Izadel and continue working on his mission to take back what was rightfully his.
