by C. Gockel
The necklace of horrors was hidden from view under my sweatshirt. The freshly opened wounds seeped blood through the sweatshirt as Gage’s eyes watched helplessly. I saw him look at the guard, who paid no attention whatsoever to me writhing in pain. Gage knelt down beside me and saw the streaks of blood from the freshly opened wounds. He instantly tried to remove the necklace from me, but that only resulted in a second zap to us both and a shriller scream from me.
The guard seemed to have no problems talking to Gage, “The necklace is enchanted. It requires her obedience to Zandra and to you. You will be permitted to remove it from her after you are married,” he added sadistically, “if you choose to.” The guard’s voice held no sympathy for me. His comment, “If you choose to,” wasn’t lost on me either. I’m sure if I had been betrothed to this guard, he would never remove it.
Gage’s voice was full of volume when he yelled at the guard, “Are you insane? She’s bleeding!”
“She is fully aware of the power of the enchantment. As your fiancé, she should have listened to your warning. The necklace does for you what you are too kind to do to her. She will not run away. She will not change her mind. She will be an obedient wife.”
I could see the horror on Gage’s face. He commanded, “Guard, leave us.”
“I’m under orders from Zandra. You two are not to be left alone. I serve as her guard and her escort while you are on the premises.”
Zandra appeared from around the hedge closest to the house. I knew she had witnessed what had happened or at least pieced it together. She flashed Gage a warm smile and held out her hand to him, “Gage, so glad you could stop by this morning. I’m afraid Camille has lessons in the garden every morning. You’ll have to come back later to acquaint yourselves with each other.”
“Miss Zandra. I believe Camille needs a doctor.” I could see he struggled momentarily for the right words. “Her necklace has rubbed her neck raw.”
Zandra’s warm smile broadened when she said, “The necklace teaches her lessons more effectively than either you or I could teach her. She is not in need of a physician. Camille is in need of better manners. I believe she’ll find them soon, don’t you agree?”
Gage reached down, took my hand in his and politely asked Zandra, “It’s really a beautiful day, and we’ve hardly had time to acquaint ourselves. Would it be all right if we spent some time getting to know each other now?”
Zandra eyed him suspiciously. “Very well. Do not leave the gardens.” The polite tone she used with Gage disappeared when she addressed me, “Camille, we will continue our lessons tomorrow morning. I suggest you use this time to fine tune your manners.”
Gage showed no fear, but an overt respect for her authority, “Uh, Miss Zandra, would it be possible for her escort to give us some privacy? I understand that we need to stay in clear view, but I’d like to get to know Camille a little better. Could he watch us from the garden’s entrance?”
Zandra agreed and motioned for Aragon to move the fifty feet toward the elaborate entrance, in between two marble centaurs. Gage still held my hand but motioned for me to sit down. “What has she done to you?”
“She’s been teaching me about Greek mythology, mainly.”
“What’s the story with the necklace of horrors?”
“She didn’t like some of the things I had to say, and I tried to escape. The next thing I knew I was going through some twisted version of electric shock therapy.”
“I’m going to have to leave for a few hours, but I’ll be back, I promise. Is there anything I can get you?”
“Could I...I mean could you... I’d really like to see...Never mind.”
“Who? Your dad?”
“I can’t say her name.”
Quietly, he nodded that he understood. “I’m saying this for the necklace’s benefit more than yours, okay?” He waited for me to nod, then said, “You may say anything you want to me. An opinion or a question is not disobedience. You should not be punished for being inquisitive. It pleases me that you have a strong spirit.”
“Thanks.” I was so embarrassed of the position I was in, it was hard to look him in the eye.
“So, now that is out of the way. Why did you choose me for your husband?”
“Zandra chose you. She didn’t tell me why other than she really wanted my mom to marry your dad. Mom ran away before the ceremony. I just found out that we were engaged last night.”
“Last night? But she and Dad have been talking for over a month. You had no idea?”
I shook my head, still nervous about talking out loud. Gage breathed a huge sigh of relief. I wasn’t sure why, and he didn’t explain. “Is there anything I can bring you when I return?”
“A cell phone. I haven’t talked to anyone in like forever.”
Gage nodded. He stood and took both my hands in his as I remained seated. “I’ll do my best to smuggle it in, although mine was confiscated when I arrived this morning. I was told that the marriage was your idea. You’re saying that isn’t true?”
I started to answer but stopped myself before I could say the word. Telling him the truth might be construed as disobedience to Zandra. I shook my head in response.
He bent down and kissed my hands. It sent shivers through my body. I’d had more human contact with him in the short time he spent with me than I’d had the whole time I’d been here. It felt good to be with someone who wasn’t trying to manipulate me, someone who didn’t believe kindness to be a character flaw.
“I’ll be back soon,” he promised.
As I watched him walk away, I wondered if he’d really be allowed back. Zandra could change the enchantment on the gate to ban him as well. I wasn’t sure if I could make it another month living like this. I looked back at the guard and wondered where Phineas was.
Chapter 29
(Camille Benning – Florida)
I was surprised to see Gage back before dinner. He wasn’t alone. Bianca and Drake were both with him as he stepped through the massive entryway. Bianca ran to me, threw her arms around me, and squealed, “Camille, I’ve been so worried about you!”
I was so excited to see the friendly faces that I couldn’t make a coherent sentence. Drake stepped through the entryway and brought in suitcases. I looked questioningly but couldn’t peel myself away from Bianca. I could feel his eyes on me; they were heavy and I couldn’t read his expression. My mind jumped to our lunch at Andolini’s, the last time all four of us had been together. The excitement of that day seemed so long ago. I wasn’t sure I was even the same person anymore. I felt weak, frightened, broken – a far cry from the euphoria from my last day of freedom.
Zandra walked down the staircase, suspicious of the people who had arrived without an invitation. “Gage, so lovely to see you again. I see you’ve brought friends.”
“I spoke with my father this morning and told him how well Camille and I had hit it off. I knew Camille and Bianca were good friends, but as you know, Bianca is betrothed to Drake Nash. It would not be appropriate for me to travel with another Centaur’s fiancé. My father recommended that I bring Bianca and Drake for a stay with you until we are wed.”
“Your father suggested this?”
“Yes, Miss Zandra. He knows Camille is new to the Centaur way and thought having the three of us to keep her company may make her transition into our society less ...problematic.”
Zandra’s expression was stern, but she did not argue. “If it is at your father’s request, I can hardly deny you.” She looked at my guard, “Aragon, take their luggage upstairs. There are several open bedrooms in Camille’s wing. Notify the staff that Camille will have company for dinner this evening.” Without another word, she turned and walked away. The guard looked perplexed. I had not been left unguarded since the day I set foot here.
Aragon looked at the suitcases, then at me, then back to the suitcases. Gage could see the guard’s internal struggle as clearly as I could. “Aragon, Camille will be safe with us. She won’t bolt out the do
or. If Miss Zandra wants you to take our luggage upstairs, I wouldn’t neglect her direction.” He made a motion with his hands around his own neck, emulating the necklace I wore. The guard agreed and took the suitcases.
As soon as the guard was headed up the stairs, Bianca whispered, “Gage told us. Don’t worry, we’ll find a way to get you out of here.”
“I can’t believe you’re all here. How long are you staying?”
She answered conspiratorially, “As long as it takes. Drake works for his dad, so it was easy for him to take the time off. Gage told his dad what he’d seen, and Kyle said to do whatever it took to keep you safe.”
We knew watchful eyes were on us. Bianca, Drake and Gage were full of excitement, funny stories, and a real love of life. It was therapeutic just to be in their presence, and I was more grateful than I could have ever expressed to any of them, to have them near me after so much loneliness. After we had eaten dinner and spent several hours together, Bianca announced, “Okay, I’m exhausted. Drake, will you walk me to my room?”
“I’d be happy to. Good night, Gage. Good night, Camille. I think I’ll turn in, too. See you both in the morning.” The two walked arm-in-arm up the stairs, leaving only Gage, me and my guard in the sitting room. Gage walked across the room, sat down beside me on the sofa and whispered, “There is nothing you could do or no action you could take that would be disobedient to me.” He pressed his lips to my forehead. When he stood up, he moved his hand to my cheek and looked lovingly in my eyes, “I need a word with Miss Zandra. Will you accompany me?”
Reeling from our tender exchange, I wasn’t sure how to react. Was he testing my necklace to see if I would refuse? I didn’t. We found her in an art studio, working on a beautiful oil-painted landscape. Gage cleared his throat, “Miss Zandra, good evening.”
“Hello, Gage, Camille. How are you two getting along?”
“Very well, thank you.”
She looked at her watch; it was after 11:30p.m. “You’re up rather late this evening.”
“We were both going to turn in. I had another request that I hoped you’d consider.”
Zandra set her paint pallet down and looked at him. She seemed to have all the patience in the world for his requests. “Camille tells me that her guard is posted in her room while she sleeps. Although I’m sure it is for her protection, she hasn’t been sleeping well. As her fiancé, I’m none too thrilled that another man is permitted in her room while she sleeps.”
“You are correct, Gage. The guards are for her protection. It is not negotiable.”
“I was afraid you might say that. Well, thank you for your consideration. I need to phone father tonight and let him know that we arrived safely. I’ll escort Camille to her room then step outside the gate to retrieve my cell.”
He had just threatened her. I didn’t have a clue what sort of power Gage’s dad had over Zandra, but her eyes widened and she stammered, “You know, as her fiancé, I’m sure you have her best interests at heart. If it pleases you, her guard will remain outside her room while she sleeps. We do have a phone in the house that you may use. There is no reason for you to have to brave the mosquitoes and the bats walking to your car; her guard will show you where it is.”
“How very kind of you, Miss Zandra! I’m so pleased. I will definitely relay to my father how accommodating you have been.” Gage held out his elbow for me to hold as he escorted me to my room. When we were outside my bedroom door, he pressed his lips to my forehead a second time and said, “I’ll see you in the morning, Camille. I had a lovely evening and look forward to tomorrow. Sleep well.” Gage turned his attention to the guard, “Please alert me if you are concerned for Camille’s safety. Do not enter her room without me. Do you understand?”
“I understand, Mr. Richardson. Have a good evening.”
Gage’s smirk was undeniable. I had no idea what he was up to, but I was pleased that he seemed to have far more influence in this house than I did. I turned in for the night, and although I hadn’t mentioned to Gage that I hated the idea of being watched while I slept, I was thrilled that he somehow knew it to be true. I crawled into bed and was excited for the first time in a long time; there was a ray of hope for my future.
I heard a ruckus out in the hallway about an hour later. I was sure I had heard Gage’s voice, something about a bat in his room. I saw a blur by my door but was half asleep and paid it almost no attention, at least until I realized I wasn’t alone. The illumination from the windows brightened the room. I felt a gentle hand caress my cheek, and heard a low whisper. “Camille, it’s me. I had to see you.” I knew who was kneeling beside my bed when those beautiful ice blue eyes came into focus.
Chapter 30
(Camille Benning – Florida)
“How did you...”
Drake held his finger to his lips. “Gage created a diversion to get the guard away from your door.”
“But, I thought you and Bianca ...”
Drake shook his head at me before I could even get the words out. “I brought you something.” He took some salve from his pocket and motioned for me to sit up. He continued kneeling beside my bed, his fingers gently putting the cooling ointment on the wounds around my neck. His touch was light; if I hadn’t felt the relief I wouldn’t have known he was touching me. I had become so accustomed to the burning sensation on my neck that the cool from the ointment was indescribable. As my body concluded it was Drake’s touch it felt, a new fire began to spread from his touch.
Once he had used his healing hands on my neck, he brought the full force of his stare on me. “I’ve missed you, Camille.” My senses went into overload: I could feel my hands trembling, my heart picking up speed, alone in a room with someone who not only wanted me, but was eager for my touch as well.
I reached my palm to his jaw. He closed his eyes, as if savoring the feeling. I felt the stubble on his cheek, the warmth of his skin, and felt my island oasis here in the flesh. Drake put his hand over mine, opened his eyes, and his stare held me motionless as I tried to find the words. He was the first to recover, “I’ve thought of you every day.” The hopefulness in his eyes wouldn’t let me go.
I knew I couldn’t take the heartache. I couldn’t profess feelings for someone I knew I could never have. Doing so would be the thing that actually broke my spirit – it would leave me a ghost of a person. I tried to speak but nothing would come out. I tried to look away, but my eyes refused. Instead I sat there, my hand remaining on his cheek, memorizing the feel of his skin, drinking in his scent, knowing this was the final farewell.
“I can’t read your mind, Camille. I won’t make you read mine.” Before I could protest, his lips were on mine and his arms pulled me tightly to his chest. My rapidly beating heart tried to lunge from my chest, and I couldn’t breathe. His breath was hot. I felt my whole body aching for his touch. His lips found their way to my ear as he whispered, “Run away with me. Tonight, right now. We’ll leave and never look back.”
I hadn’t uttered a word since he arrived, and I knew he was waiting for me to say something. My only answer, “Drake, we can’t.”
He wasn’t deterred, “Yes, we can. Gage set it up perfectly. He’s willing to take the heat. All we have to do is leave. Come with me, Camille.”
“I can’t. The necklace won’t let me leave.”
“Gage said he took care of it. He gave you permission to do anything you want tonight.” As he said the words, Drake’s hands found my flesh and began softly caressing the small of my back, sending goose bumps all over my body. Until he said it, I had been so wrapped up in Drake that it didn’t occur to me that kissing another man had to be some sort of crime for the necklace, yet nothing had happened. A small ray of hope emerged, and I thought for half a second that I might actually be able to run away.
“That was only part of it. I can’t leave.”
“I can take it off.” I knew he wouldn’t be able to, but the thought of running away, being free, overwhelmed the self-preservation side of my
consciousness. As Drake’s fingers touched the clasps of the necklace, a powerful electric charge rocked us both and sent Drake flying into the wall and me back onto the floor. I could tell each electric charge continued to get stronger and shock me for longer periods of time. I didn’t scream out like before. I knew the “warnings” I had been given initially had been painful, but they were just that – warnings. This latest singed the barely healing skin around my neck, cut off my air and opened the scabbed wounds all over again. I wasn’t sure how many more warnings I would be afforded. The device could prove fatal if I didn’t follow its rules.
Drake ran back to me as soon as he had his bearings. “I’m so sorry! Are you okay? Camille, talk to me!”
“Keep your voice down. I’m fine,” I whispered. We both listened for the footsteps outside my door. I didn’t hear any and was able to take a breath.
Fresh blood trickled down my neck as I watched the revulsion on his face. “Does she know what that does to you?” He asked horrified at the results.
“Of course, she knows. She put it on my mother when she was supposed to marry Gage’s dad. She already told me it stays on my neck until I’m married.”
Drake held me tighter, his body pressed hard into mine, “Camille, I can’t lose you. Not to Gage, not to anyone.” I stood up, clinging to Drake, absorbing his warmth, pulling all the comfort from him that I knew I’d need to survive another day. He said more to himself than to me, “We’ll figure something out. I promise.”
It was an empty promise. Zeus himself wouldn’t be able to deliver on this one. Drake spent the night holding me. I felt stronger in his arms and reveled in the dream that we could run away. But my reality kept reminding me — that dream was never to be.
