I spoke, perhaps out of turn, but I liked the feel of their lingering eyes on my body. “Everything is in perfect order. I would not have it changed for all the riches in the world. I am, however, grateful that you have allowed me into your home and embraced me so kindly.”
“You are a most honored guest in our eyes. That, I can assure you, lady,” Richard said as he closed the distance between us. He took my hand and his skin was smooth, unstained by age. His soft lips brushed against my knuckles, and his warm breath lingering even after he pulled his mouth away.
I stood speechless, and then managed to give him a simple bow.
“It seems as though I have done something right with one of my children,” William’s words sounded like an afterthought, but we heard the undertone of pain.
Richard turned to me and his smoked-glass eyes shone with humor as he said, “It sounds as though you have already met my sister. Lovely, is she not?”
“Very,” was all I answered, but that one word hung in the air, dripping with light mockery.
William let out a small laugh, and then took my hand once more. “Let me show you to your room.”
I bowed to Richard, thanking him for his warmness with a smile. Then I turned and let William lead me up the winding staircase.
***
We took the path that led us towards the left-wing, the completely opposite direction in which Lillyanna had disappeared. The hall was long, wide, and covered with red carpet. Black vines and dark feathers made a twisting side border, and gold thread created a subtle harlequin pattern against the crimson background. Simple stained windows let a flood of natural light cascade down the hall, washing everything in a golden hue.
Finally, we stopped before a dark wooden door. Iron strap-hinges were formed into a heart at the end, and a black glass knob sat in the center instead of over to the side. It was beautiful and deep, like a dark pool of water. William’s fingers clutched the knob and the prick of gooseflesh rippled up his arm.
Once fully opened, the beauty of the room wrapped around me like a sudden downpour. Elegant furniture dotted the room. However, the most magnificent piece was the four-poster bed that sat in the center. Airy drapes hung down, flowing in the soft stir of air. Soft pillows were piled high and the rich tapestry comforter called to me. Mirrors decorated the walls, all different shapes and sizes; some plain and some tucked inside brilliant frames. They played with the light, bouncing it from corner to corner.
My feet carried me to the bed in a trance. I was in awe by the sheer beauty of everything around me. There was a small part of my heart that felt unworthy of such a wonderful gift, but I quickly pushed it down and relished in the blessing. The silky curtains slipped through my fingers and danced over my arm. I brought the sensual fabric to my cheek and let it kiss my skin. Then my fingers explored the lush material of the comforter. They skipped over soft lines of embroidered thread and melted against the down pillows. Slowly, I lifted myself onto the mattress, sinking slightly into the mound of feathers that were contained inside. My eyes found William, and a sudden rush of excitement flushed upon my cheeks.
“You like it, then?” There was a roughness to his voice, one that was quickened by his elevated pulse.
“More than you will ever know.” I held out my hand, beckoning him, and he came without hesitation.
Warm fingers intertwined with mine and sent a river of want through my body. I watched as intensity grew, hardening his blue eyes to steel. My legs drew apart, making room for his body between my thighs. The line of my dress parted and the naked flesh of my legs was exposed. William’s hand roamed over my skin, wandering freely. With nimble fingers, I unfastened his shirt and slipped my hands against his bare skin. The hard line of his chest caught my breath and I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him against me. Wonder illuminated behind his eyes, a part of him unsure how far I wanted him to take our closeness.
I pulled one hand free and placed it on his. I pushed it further beneath my skirt, until it vanished from sight completely. My lips brushed against his ear as I whispered, “Take me.”
A hot moan melted against my neck and he pulled my dress away. With hurried fingers, I removed his clothes and was lost in the sudden rush of ecstasy as he pushed against me. I wrapped my legs around him and he vanished inside me. Our panting breaths melded into a single frantic storm. And when we were done, he rested his pounding chest against me.
Breathless words found my ear through the silence, “Marry me.” It sounded like a hopeful wish.
The thought was sudden, but welcome, and I embraced it willingly. “Yes.”
William’s lips found me, pressing down passionately. His fervent elation stung my mouth slightly, but drove my desire wild. My nails scratched down his back, pulling him into me once again, and I drained him a second time.
He fell asleep by my side, and I watched him as he dreamt. The sun faded into night and the light of the moon cast a silver shadow across the countless mirrored faces. I rose, careful not to disturb my sleeping love, and went to one of the mirrors. My skin was pale in the moonlight and my lips shone red. I smiled at the woman looking back at me, grateful that my tragedy had worked to my advantage. I was going to be loved; I was going to be a queen.
***
In a week’s time our wedding day was upon us. I stood, elevated on a marble pedestal, in front of a full-length mirror. My dress was breathtaking. The most talented fingers had worked on it night and day, perfecting it until it was finished. Sleeveless, the tight, ivory corset revealed the soft round curve of my shoulders and the pale tops of my breast. A mound of silk floated from my waist and pooled around my feet. Interlinking hearts were embroidered down the center with fine smoky colored ribbon, creating a striking edge against the fair fabric. Black pearls traced my spine, keeping the dress pressed tightly against my body. Iron, feather-shaped earrings, crusted with diamonds, dangled delicately from my ears. And a teardrop pendant rested against my collarbone. Curled loosely, my hair draped around my shoulders, and an iron circlet crowned my forehead. In the mirror, I was stunning.
Only when I heard the echo of coming footsteps did I pull my attention away from my reflection. I watched the door behind me through the mirror and saw a ghostly beauty enter my room. She was dressed in crimson to match the color of her lips. Her raven-wing hair was swept up, revealing the delicate line of her neck. A wicked smile slithered across her mouth as she looked at me with her flaming green eyes.
I turned, facing her with an uncertain smile. “Lillyanna, you look beautiful.”
She looked past me, catching a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. With an approving nod, she replied, “Beauty looks best on those that have the courage to carry it. You, however, look drawn and weak beneath the layers of false perfection you hide yourself inside. I pity you. You will never find happiness here, no matter how many times you take my father to your bed.”
Tears sprang to my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. My shoulders stiffened as I tried to retain some of my composure, but the burden was heavy and I felt the strain on my heart.
“Happiness will find you as well one day. Maybe in the same way it found me: when you least expect it,” I tried to keep my voice light, but unshed tears could be heard clearly behind my words.
“I care not for your happy ending, or your happiness. The love you think you have will never last, and it will flutter quickly from my father’s heart,” she said through dark, smiling lips.
I shook my head and closed my eyes, trying to rid my mind of her cruel words, but there was no escaping them. A chill stabbed through me as cold hands touched upon my neck. My eyes flew open with sudden panic and I was consumed by green fire. Penetrating eyes looked into mine with devouring hatred. Fingers, soft and gentle, yet capable of harshness, lingered on the pendant around my throat. As quickly as a striking snake, they traced the thin chain and grasped the pendant savagely. She pulled the chain tight against my skin, and the metal bit into the back of neck. I was t
oo frightened to react, and tears slowly trickled down my blood-drained cheek. The clasp began to cut into my flesh like a thorn. Something sticky and warm rolled down my neck and seeped into the strands of my hair. With one final tug, the necklace snapped and gave way. Tiny droplets of blood clung to the chain and stained the dark metal red.
Lillyanna fingered the chain and the blood between the woven links. The balls of her fingers were painted crimson and she laughed at the sight. “This was my mother’s necklace.”
Then she turned with the pendant still clutched in her hand and left me standing there bewildered. I watched as she rounded the corner, my eyes glued to the void of space she left behind. Terrified breaths pummeled my chest and my head began to spin. Black dots danced in front of my vision, teasing me with the threat of fainting, but I bit my lip and forced myself to concentrate. Another drop of warm blood traced the top of my spine and I shuddered against its sticky touch. Quickly, I took a remnant of fabric and blotted my wound. It stung and the pain reminded me of how cruel the world truly is. When I pulled the material away I stared at the patch of blood against the creamy silk. It taunted me, making me see shapes that were not there: a heart, darkened wings, and a twisted dagger. I shook my head violently, frightened by the last vision, and let the swatch of cloth fall to the floor.
Still shaken, I drew in a deep breath and walked away from the comfort of my room. I heard the sweet symphony of music playing below, and it evened out my breathing slightly. I readied myself to walk down the winding flight of steps. Then, with one foot in front of the other, I began the slow descent toward my wedding day.
Rows of people filled the great room beyond the entryway. My eyes searched desperately, waiting for something comforting to land on. They settled upon a handsome face in the waning light. Richard stood, dressed in a red doublet and black trousers. The form-fitting jacket was snug against his broad chest and showcased his strong shoulders. I pulled my eyes away from him quickly, not liking the sudden surge of desire the man stirred inside of me, and found William’s face instead. His smile beamed and his wide frame was tucked inside ivory clothes that matched my bride-gown beautifully.
I stepped off the last step and heard the approving gasps of the surrounding guests. My spirits lifted and my mind shed some of its uneasiness. But then from the crowd I saw Lillyanna. She had waited for me to arrive and stepped out a few feet before me. Her crimson dress caught the light of the flickering candles and burned like a red star. Eyes found her instead of me, watching her graceful moves with delight. Commenting voices whispered that no one could rival her beauty. Heads bowed as she walked down the aisle, but eyes remained transfixed on the sway of her hips. Even William’s attention was set on his daughter as she walked, and a fatherly smile tugged at his lips. And when I saw the way Richard looked at her, I seethed with anger. She had captivated everyone, leaving me a ravaged leftover in her wake.
When I arrived at the altar, William smiled sweetly, but the look was tainted and it did not grip my heart the way it should have. He took my hand and the warmth of his skin felt suffocating. Still, I smiled sweetly.
“You are truly a sight, my love,” warm air whispered next to my ear.
A blush rose on my cheeks, but it was out of anger more than happiness. I pushed my frustration deep into the pit of my stomach and looked into his eyes adoringly. I could not return the compliment for fear of letting my aggravation show, so I turned my attention towards the high knight. He stood still, almost ominous, in white armor. He did not wear his helmet, but his eyes were as harsh as they would have been looking through un-giving metal slats. A red cape hung from his shoulders, fastened by black iron feathers. When he spoke, his words hung heavily in the air and his voice commanded attention. With our promises given and a kiss shared, our union was complete. Grand festivities followed, but I partook little in them. I sat on a raised throne beside my king, and William was more than happy to hold my hand and watch me sip sweet wine as the night wore on.
When the last guest was seen out of the castle doors, my husband and I found my bed. Although I tried, nothing could rekindle the stir of passion I felt for him the first time we lay together. My mind was plagued with visions of Lillyanna and the ugly words she had spoke. And my thoughts strayed to the way everyone’s eyes looked upon her adoringly, ignoring the dog that followed at her heels.
Nightmares clawed at my sleep. I woke in a cold sweat with William’s hands against my arms.
“You were shouting,” worried words spilled from his mouth.
“Oh?” I questioned.
“Your skin is feverish and flushed, my love. Are you feeling well?” He placed a gentle hand on my forehead.
I nodded, answering without speaking.
“Morning spills through our window already, and I would show you something if you’re able to rise.” Excitement replaced his worry, and I could not turn away from the look in his eyes.
I loved his eyes and the goodness I saw behind them. I was being foolish and selfish. My jealousy was getting in the way of my happiness. It was then I realized just how poisonous Lillyanna’s words had been, eating at me from the inside out. She did not wish us to be happy, and I was letting her win.
“Of course, my love. Lead the way and I shall follow you eagerly,” I answered.
He took my hand, helping me into a thin robe that whispered against my ankles as we walked further down the hall and up a narrow staircase. William held my hand as we climbed the inner steps of the tower. When we reached the top, he pushed on a silver lever, and the hinged door folded inward. Inside the tower room sat rows of gorgeous cages the color of white sand. A raven was perched inside each cage. Their wings glistened like obsidian in the early rays of the sun.
I gasped when I saw them, my approval uncontainable. “Oh, William, they are perfect.”
Strong arms wrapped lovingly around my waist and his breath tickled the lobe of my ear, “To match you, my love. I only want your happiness.”
Every day after that, I spent hours attending my new pets. Often times I would just sit there, watching the way the sky reflected in their endless black eyes. Other times I would open their cages and let them stretch their wings. At first I was frightened they would leave me and find freedom too tempting to ignore, but they never left my side. They were loyal and perched beside me, listening as I sung sweetly to them. Their voices would mimic mine, adding to the melody of my song.
***
One afternoon, a storm rolled in, blotting out the sun and spreading dark wings over the sky. The vision reminded me of my birds and my heart longed to be with them. My feet could not carry me fast enough up the tower steps, but as I approached I felt the horror that hung in the air. It charged through my skin and quickened my heartbeat. They always knew when I was close and called out happy greetings. However, silence thickened the air around me and choked the breath from my lungs. The lever felt heavy in my hand as I pushed, and the door seemed to scream as it gave way. The sound of chilled air through feathers caught my ear and sent a shiver to my very bones. Dazed, I took the last few steps.
Shattered glass littered the floor and rain blew through the broken window, leaving shallow puddles on the floor. Ebony feathers, long and flowing, blew in the torrid wind and tickled my cheek as I rose through the hinged door. Lying lifeless and limp, like a sea of scattered onyx, were my beloved birds. Their wings spread out around them and their eyes were cold and gray. Hot tears ran down my face, slipping down my neck and pooling around my collarbone. I stood among them, helpless and lost, listening to the wind play an agony filled dirge through their soft feathers. Weakened, I fell to my knees, my tears never ceasing. I wanted to curl up and cry myself to sleep, but a soft rustling caught my attention. I looked, and found life still stirred in one of my pets. The slight twitch of his wing and the gleam of life in his eyes gave me great hope. Quickly, I lifted him with gentle hands and cradled him tenderly in my arms.
The squawk of his quiet voice was muffled against
my neck, “White as a lily, red as blood.” The words chilled me to the core and fire burned in my heart.
I lifted the only survivor and placed him carefully into one of the waiting cages. Then I took him with me as I left the terrible scene behind. I hurried to my room and placed the cage beside my bed, whispering softly, “I will be back shortly. Rest and I will tend to your wounds when I return.”
With bitter hatred coursing through my veins, I turned, locking the door behind me, and rushed down the hallway. I found William sitting in his study with his nose buried in a book. When I crashed through the door, he looked up with shock in his eyes. “Love, what has happened?”
“She killed them!” I screamed, my hatred scratching through the room.
He rose and came to me quickly, wrapping his arms around me. “Shhh, calm yourself,” he tried to coo.
But my anger would not be stilled so easily. “She killed them, William! All but one. They all lay on the floor like discarded embers, soon to blow away in the howl of the breeze.”
His arms tightened around me and his cheek brushed the side of my temple. “Who killed what, my sweet? You are making no sense.”
“Your daughter!” I spat the word like venom from my mouth. “She killed my beautiful birds, William. Your gift to me, and she stole them away.”
Stunned, he held me at arm’s length, looking into my eyes with denial and confusion. “No. She is not capable of such things. There must be some sort of mistake.”
Savagely, I ripped away from his grasp, unable to stand his hands upon me. “She is capable of things beyond your control or comprehension. She hates me more with every breath she takes and is willing to do anything to make me miserable. I know she killed them!”
William’s eyes grew wide with disbelief. For a moment I thought he was going to take my side, but instead he shook his head slowly and stiffened his shoulders. “This animosity between the two of you must stop. I will not believe Lillyanna capable of such a vile act, any more than I would believe you capable of such things.”
Unhappily Ever After: Fairy Tales With a Twist Page 11
