by Jenni James
However, on his sixteenth birthday, after foolishly attempting to lift the ugly curse off his form yet again, his anger for the helpless rocks got the most of him. In frustration, Rumple threw the rocks across the room and vowed never to look upon them or hold them again.
Until now. He needed those silly stones now. If ever there was a time to find use for such enchanted things, it was right this moment!
Tossing items about, he frantically searched through it all. Where would Tilly have put them? Where are they? He knew she would not truly leave them hidden on the ground to be flung aside and forgotten, she would have picked them up and placed them somewhere—somewhere safe.
His eyes roamed around the small room, his mind reaching as far back as he could remember to grasp anything—any little wisp of some sort of clue as to where the stones could be.
That girl needed a miracle, and though he was not sure his stones could do all she required to keep her father alive, at least it would be a start. At least it was something he could help her with. Heaven knew she needed some sort of hope to grasp onto.
Slumping onto his bed, Rumple laid his crooked back down and thought. One arm came to rest behind his head as he took a moment to sort through all those memories of Tilly to connect with one that could help him.
He was an incredible problem solver; he just needed a few minutes of peace to allow the puzzle to sort itself out in his brain. Closing his eyes, he sifted through hundreds upon hundreds of the greatest of Tilly, allowing his mind to find something—some clue to where she would have hidden what she considered to be his utmost treasure.
After several minutes his eyes flew open. The windows. She had always said how the windows in his room would one day open to reveal his future.
He looked over at the makeshift curtains and landscape paintings that had long ago become some of his dearest friends. Slowly, he got up off the bed and approached the window closest to him. Raising the only hand that would reach that high, he felt all along the top of the frame and down its sides. He skimmed the curtains as well. But it wasn’t until he lifted the pictures completely off their nails and flipped them over that he found the stones tucked between the frames and canvases. Three stones in one canvas and three in the other.
Strangely enough the blue and black striped rocks seemed to glow as brightly and as beautifully as he remembered when he very first found them. His long crooked fingers tightened their hold briefly around the removed stones and their brightness increased through his hand in the darkened room.
Mayhap they contained more magic than he imagined. Perhaps his window, in an odd sort of way, did open—creating a way to assist others. Allowing him to be a part of this world and truly contributing.
CHAPTER FIVE
AUBRYNN SAT ALONE IN the large, richly decorated room, waiting for someone to remember she was there. The guards had silenced her father and sent him home quite a while ago. It was a good thing they removed him from the castle before he could create even more havoc for them both.
What in the world was she going to do? Had anyone ever heard of such an impossible thing? Spinning straw into gold?! What in the world was her father thinking? Where had he gotten such a foolish, stupid idea from! And how would she be able to protect him this time?
She leaned forward and covered her face with her hands reminding herself to breathe. In her anxiety, she often overlooked the simple act of inhaling and would make herself sick because of it. It did no good expiring on the sofa at this time. She needed to breathe, needed to think her way out of this mess.
But what in the world was she to do? If King Marcus knew her father had appeared before him a drunk and a liar, he would surely hang them both. Already the king had his suspicions, she knew he did, or he would not have put such a ridiculous ultimatum upon her.
And to marry her! Marry her? Was he out of his greedy wits? The man must be surely mad to want to marry a mere village maiden in return for such a nonsensical gift.
Oh, Great Scott! How would she ever accomplish such a thing? She needed a miracle. Her shoulders shook and her head began to bounce as the silent sobs washed themselves over her again. Why? Why must life and her fate be this difficult?
This is impossible!
Her silent sobs broke with an unexpected wail. Instantly she straightened her features on a trembling lungful of air. It would not do to be seen or heard sobbing. No, she could not become hysterical now. Not now.
To lose all hope now would be a waste of the years and years she had held it together since Mother and Rulayne died. There must be a way out of this muddle. There must be. But Heaven help her she knew not what it was.
Aubrynn’s shoulders shook again and a tear began to slowly make its way down her cheek. How she despised her father! How she pitied and loathed the insufferable man! How she loved her father, the only true family she had. How she needed him to see her—to love her. To become a man she could be proud of—grateful for. And yet, it would never happen. She knew that now. Her foolish parent would always be the child she was never allowed to be.
She would forever be an object to him. Something to use and step upon.
Aubrynn rose in a flurry of muddied petticoats and worn skirts to seek a distraction from her horrid worrisome thoughts. She needed something kind to look at, something hopeful. Her nerve-racked gaze flew around the large cream-colored room barely taking in the ornate furnishings, chandeliers, and paintings. Her eyes skimmed one particular painting twice before she realized it was of the king. So distraught, so overcome was she, she failed to notice another person in the room with her until it was too late.
Aubrynn screamed at the sight of the fearsome twisted man. “Who are you? What are doing here?”
Rumple knew he should have announced his presence sooner, but was not sure how to go about doing so. She was clearly as distraught as he imagined she would be and he did not want to alarm her more by embarrassing the maiden and proving she had an onlooker while in this state. He took a gentle rolling step toward the girl, one hand out to ease her. “Shh…please do not shout. It is imperative you do not do so at this time.” To be caught talking to her could ruin everything.
“Who are you?” she asked again, quieter, taking a step back.
“I live here. It is okay. I do not wish you harm.” He took another pace and was pleased to see she did not step back this time. “I am here to help you, if you will let me.”
“I am sorry, you startled me greatly.”
“Yes, well—” Rumple grinned a lopsided grin and continued, “I do have that effect on people, I know.”
Her eyebrows flew straight to her hairline and she attempted not to chuckle. “But, where did you come from? I did not see you enter the door.”
He waggled his brow and waved his arm about chanting in a singsong voice, “It is because I am a magical being who can poof anywhere he wishes.”
She grinned and shook her head. “No.”
“You do not believe me? Oh-ho! Now what shall we do?” He took another rolling step forward. “Do I need to prove my powers to you then?”
Aubrynn did not know why she felt so much like giggling as a schoolgirl all of the sudden, but this strange man very much made her do just that. “Yes. Yes, you must poof away from me this instant.”
“Very well.” He stood as straight as he could, which was only a few inches taller than her due to his crooked spine. “But I would have you close your eyes for a few moments, please.”
“What?” Aubrynn bit her lip, her mirth obvious. “Is that not cheating?”
“Never!” He tried to assume the air of one who had been affronted. “I perchance do not wish you to know all of my secrets just yet.”
She laughed. “But to ask me to close my eyes before you poof from existence is really rather telling, is it not?”
“Of course it is!” He grinned, his brilliant grey-blue eyes sparking at her. “But again, poofing is an illusion I wish to keep unknown for some time. If not, how will it do
to teach a maiden how to poof and find her in all sorts of hidden places throughout the castle? No, no. It is a long family secret and one I must vow to keep forever. So close your eyes, please, so that we may continue.”
She tilted her head, not afraid of him one bit. “Are you always this strange?”
“Always.” He attempted to mimic her and tilted his head too. “Are you always this difficult and argumentative?”
“I—” Her jaw dropped open. “No, actually, I am not.”
“Good.” He chuckled. “Then I see I bring out the worst in you. My job here is done.” And with that he flung a long line of shimmery fabric before her and poofed right before her eyes. He was gone.
“But, wait!” she called out quietly. “Where did you go? You cannot leave yet!”
“Why?”
He was back! She spun around to the voice behind her. It was the king. Startled, she lowered into a hasty curtsy.
“Who were you speaking to just now?” he asked, his gaze searching behind her.
She almost told him, almost, but his frown checked her. “A mouse,” she lied.
“A mouse?” One dark eyebrow rose.
“Yes. I—I was speaking to a mouse. I was trying to catch it, but it scurried away before I could.”
His dark blue eyes raked over her features as Aubrynn held her breath, waiting.
“I do not know what game you are attempting to play at, gel, but I would kindly ask that you remember I am not a king to be tampered with.”
Aubrynn lowered her lashes and curtsied again. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Look at me.”
She obeyed and he stepped forward, his eyes connecting with hers. “You must look at me when I am in the room, do you understand?”
She nodded, her eyes never leaving his.
His face softened for a second and he said, “You really do have the most exquisite face I have ever seen. Truly, you are remarkably beautiful.”
Aubrynn flushed and was about to look away, but remembered at the last moment not to. “Thank you,” she murmured, not sure what to say. No one had ever told her such things before today.
“I do not particularly like brown eyes overly much—my own being as superior as they are—however, yours do have a bit of spark to them. A life all their own, something that draws me to look deeper.” He stepped forward again, almost touching her.
Aubrynn was quick to move back.
The king’s brows lowered, clearly upset. “Why must you be so complicated? Come here.”
She took another step backwards, bumping into a small end table. “What will you do?”
“My word! You are frightened of me!” He laughed. “The small bird cannot even stand being in the same room as me.”
She moved around the table, trying to put something in between them.
“I am King Marcus, maiden. I am your king, your protector. You have no need to be frightened of me at any time.”
“Unless you deem it necessary to chop off my head.”
“Well, yes, there is that.” He took another step before her. “Now come here and stop acting like a child. Do you know how many women would love to be alone in a room with their king?”
She had no idea what was coming over her, but apparently she did not value her life as much as she had hoped when she answered, “I am not like most women.”
CHAPTER SIX
KING MARCUS BARKED OUT a quick laugh of disapproval before swiftly walking forward and grabbing her arm, his face looming over hers. “Maiden, you will not be so forward in my castle. Ever. Do you understand me?” He did not wait for an answer before he continued, “You are here because of the good graciousness of my heart. Because I believe you are safer here than with your fool of a father! But mark my words, if you two are playing a hoax to get me to accept you as my bride I will have you both destroyed.”
She flinched, her eyes never wavering from his as he continued to hiss out his threatenings.
“You may believe you have full confidence that you can bamboozle me with your trickery but, my fair gel, you are quite decidedly wrong. I find this amusing, this claim that you can spin straw into gold. Why it is simply preposterous! If you could do such a thing, then why is your father not wealthier? Why am I just now hearing of this?
“No! I believe you cannot do such a thing—but I will humor you both this once. I will see tonight if you truly are the gifted sorceress he believes you are! I am wise enough to see that to have someone like you within my grasp and as my wife, I could control anything—make my enemies truly suffer! So, if you are capable of the impossible, I will guarantee you the crown upon your pretty little head. Though if you are not, may the demons of Hades rest within your soul for all I will make you pay for creating a mockery of me!”
He pushed her forcefully from him. Aubrynn barely caught herself from stumbling to the ground.
“Guards!” he shouted, “Guards!”
Uniformed men immediately began to pour into the room.
“Take this woman up to the tower I have instructed to be prepared for her and lock her inside! Block the door and see that no one goes in or out of that room until I come to visit in the morning.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” The men bowed and collected Aubrynn. Without a word, she quickly darted along within the wall of men surrounding her. Her heart was beating nearly twice as fast as usual as they marched rapidly up several flights of stairs. Their holds were tight, but not painful, at least. However, she had to catch herself to guarantee she would not trip.
As the corridors tightened, and a spiral staircase presented itself, the men shifted their marching, allowing a few to lead the group, one to hold her and several behind. They rounded the last corner at the top of the tower shaft and hastily unlocked the large wooden door. The only room visible in the small stone walkway.
Thankfully, they stepped aside as she squeezed past, allowing her to walk into the room without being manhandled. She barely saw several piles of straw before the leader, the oldest of the group, began to speak and she turned toward him.
“You should find everything you need. Unfortunately, we will not be able to assist you further once this door is closed.” He paused a moment. His eyes gentled a bit, as he searched her face. She was not sure what he found there, but whatever it was, a great look of pity came upon his own features. “We wish you well, Miss.”
“I—thank you,” she answered, longing to beg him to stay so she would not be alone. She was so very scared and uncertain of everything in her life.
“Please, do as the king asks, for your sake. Do everything he says.”
How? It is impossible! It is all a lie! She wanted to shout and cry at the same time, but instead nodded her head and answered, “I will try to. Thank you, again.”
The guard glanced at the other men, shaking his head slightly before looking past Aubrynn to the room. Great sorrow creased upon his brow as his mouth frowned slightly. She could not imagine what he was thinking, but by the way his eyes searched hers again she had to wonder if he had a daughter or granddaughter in his life about her age. He knew as well as she did that there was no way in all of eternity she would be able to do as her father claimed she could. He knew she would be most likely gone tomorrow and he truly feared for her.
Upon impulse, Aubrynn rushed forward and threw her arms about his shoulders. The guard held still for a bit and then surprisingly hugged her back.
“Do not worry for me,” she whispered into his medallioned chest, “I will be fine. You will see.”
“Hrrumph!” Coughed another of the soldiers causing her to quickly pull out of the man’s arms and exclaim,
“Forgive me, I know you must go and do as the king commands. I will be well. You may leave me as you wish.” She stepped back and watched the door close; the older guard did not meet her eyes again. With a thud, the room reverberated as the metal lock clunked into place.
Aubrynn stared at the closed door for a very long time. Her hands wove themselves in
to the large curved iron handle. She stepped forward and placed her forehead upon the worn cold wood. Her life was over, or it would be shortly. Very, very shortly.
With a ragged sigh, she finally gave in to the deep sobs she had hidden back for so long. Her shoulders heaved as she held onto the handle for balance, for purpose, to remind herself she was truly where she was; that this was, indeed, her reality.
This morning, preparing for the visit to the castle seemed months and months ago—almost a lifetime compared to where she found herself currently. It was incredible to see how quickly your life could change through the actions of others. It was terribly heart rendering and mournful.
Aubrynn wept.
Oh, how she wept. How she finally allowed the remorse of the deaths of her mother and sister to wash over her. Their illnesses and grievances and loss were greater than anything she had known at the time. And now for certain she would watch her father perish as well. For on the morrow, the king would undoubtedly command his guards—perhaps even the exact same men who brought her here—to kill him.
Her knees buckled under the fantastic weight surrounding her. She fell to the floor, still clasping the iron handle tightly with both hands, and sobbed against the door. The world she tried so hard to hold together, the world she desperately needed to stay firm began dissolving itself into slivers and threads beneath her. She was drowning in despair, she understood fully the meaning of hopelessness and defeat—for though she was brave to the outside onlooker, her world was simply and quite truthfully over.
She was gone. She had nothing left to live for.
She could not save her mother or sister, and now to feel the weight of the foolishness of her father was beyond her. Life was done.
