What Lies Beneath the Mask

by Laura Greenwood

  “Who knew that we’d be newsworthy in our absence.” Jack smiled at me.

  “If the sun wasn’t in the sky people would notice.” I looked up from my sketch to find him staring at me adoringly.

  “Are you comparing yourself to the sun Fenton?” I deflected, not knowing what else to do. Jack sighed.

  “One day you’ll let me tell you you’re beautiful.” He said wistfully.

  “Maybe.” Even if I’d meant it as a joke I couldn’t help but think that it might be true. One-day Jack would be able to tell me I was beautiful without me freaking out about it.

  Epilogue

  3 years later

  “Stunning.” Hayley stepped back and looked me up and down to check the dress. She pressed one of her hands into the small of her back as if it would take the pressure off the rather large baby bump she was sporting. She was stereotypically pregnant, with a glow about her that I envied even if I wasn’t ready for a baby. I’d been strict with Jack; marriage first, baby second.

  “Sit down Hayls.” I insisted, pushing her back towards the seat behind her. “You know David hates it when you overdo it.” Hayley chucked and I shot her a questioning look.

  “If you think David is bad, just imagine how Jack will be.” She laughed softly, “he’ll hover and do his overprotective thing.”

  “He won’t.” I insisted, though deep down I knew she was right, and that actually I’d secretly enjoy it.

  “That’s what you think. Now go, before you’re late!” Why Hayley had insisted I dressed up for a walk along the river was beyond me, but the soft pink lace dress she’d made me was beautiful and I wasn’t going to waste it. It was a proper summer’s evening, still light despite the time, but with a gentle breeze that stopped it from being too hot. I left the house and walked to where Jack said he’d meet me, enjoying the tranquillity as I did so. And there he was. His blond hair was neat and he wore a shirt and slacks, looking very smart but a little out of place. I guess I did too. He looked a little nervous, but as soon as he saw me he smiled.

  “Annabelle, you look beautiful.” He reached out an arm to pull me to him. It’d had only been an hour or so since I’d seen him and yet I’d missed him. How that was possible when we lived together I wasn’t sure; but it was.

  “Thank you.” He smiled again before kissing me softly.

  “Remember our first walk here?” I nodded. How could I not? We’d talked about The Phantom of the Opera, and it had been the first time I’d told him the truth about my past with Toby. It had been colder then though. “I thought this was a special enough place.” He was nervous again, even going as far as biting his lower lip.

  “A special enough place for what?” I was curious and a little worried about what he was planning. He took a deep breath before slowly sinking to his knee. My heart beat furiously against my chest and I found myself hoping he was going to do what I thought he was.

  “Annabelle Joan Phillips, will you marry me?” I looked into his adoring hazel eyes and there was only one answer I’d ever be able to give him.

  “Yes.”

  The END

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  A retelling of Rumpelstiltskin.

  All Cienna and Henry want is a child and Cienna can only see one way of getting what she wants; a deal with the notorious Xavier. But every deal requires payment and sometimes the cost is too steep.

  Originally published in the Amidst the Shadows Anthology from Nevermore Press.

  This short story is exclusively available by signing up to Laura Greenwood's mailing list here: https://goo.gl/WgP0Hl

  Amazon US – Amazon UK – Goodreads

  In an effort to have a child, the Queen makes a deal with the Dark King, but she soon discovers that the deal has dire consequences for her beloved Sleeping Beauty. In an effort to help, the Queen’s mother alters the curse so that Keira will sleep for 100 years, but there is a catch; if Keira awakens before then she may still be doomed.

  After sleeping for over 90 years, Keira is awoken by Philip, the son of the Dark King and the one she was intended for. Despite sharing his father's bloodline, Philip refuses to be like his father and won't make Keira do anything that she isn't ready for.

  Supported by a powerful witch and her brother, Hansel and Gretel, Philip and Keira have to make a choice, one that will define Keira's destiny. Changing their lives forever.

  About the Author

  I like to write whichever weird and wonderful tale comes into my head, which makes identifying the genre difficult even for me! My first series, Alventia, are novellas centred around Keira, aka Sleeping Beauty, and her Prince Philip, along with their allies Hansel and Gretel. It's a tale that very much told itself as I started to write it!

  While I'm not writing, I work in Catering and am also an Assistant Brownie Guide Leader in the Midlands (UK). I like to bake and I love to read, and like with my writing, I read an eclectic mix of genres, and love every minute of it!

  You can keep up to date with any of my writing progress by signing up to my Newsletter here: https://goo.gl/A3tI1s