“Good, you’re here.”
Elle about jumped out of her skin. She whirled around and put a hand over her chest, giving Adele a shaky smile. “You scared me.”
Adele peered over her seafoam blue spectacles. “Are you okay, dear? You look a smidgen pale.”
“I’m fine,” she answered a little too quickly.
It was obvious from the skeptical look on Adele’s face that she wasn’t buying it. “Let’s go upstairs to the study. I made your favorite—salted caramel hot chocolate.”
Elle realized then that Adele was holding two steaming mugs, piled high with whipped cream. She reached to take one. “Do you need some help?”
“If you’ll grab that silver tray of truffles on the top of the glass case, that would be great.”
“Sure.” Elle grabbed the tray and then frowned. There were only two truffles on the tray—one white and one milk chocolate. “Should I grab a few more truffles, so that we can both have one of each kind?” Adele’s truffles were legendary, and Elle didn’t like the idea of getting just one.
“No need, those are both for you, dear. Come, we haven’t got much time before the others arrive.”
“Okay,” Elle said, following her up the stairs. Her aunt Adele was normally so relaxed, but today, there was a nervous edge to her. It heightened Elle’s personal anxiety to the point that by the time they took their seats in front of the fireplace, her hands were clammy. She placed the silver tray on the large ottoman covered in a red and green tapestry. Adele handed her a mug of hot chocolate, and she scooted back in the chair, trying to find a comfortable spot. Her mind began running through the list of things she wanted to ask Adele. She needed answers—answers that would hopefully give her the reassurance that she needed to prove she wasn’t crazy.
“Shall I make a fire?”
Elle glanced at the fireplace that was devoid of a single stick of wood. It would take much too long for Adele to make a fire, and there was no firewood. She pictured her aged aunt, lugging sticks of wood up the stairs. “No, that’s okay.”
Adele gave her a quirky grin. “It’s no trouble.”
Elle forced a smile. “I’m fine … really.”
Adele’s eyes seemed to be laughing at some private joke that eluded Elle. “Suit yourself.” She raised the mug to her lips and took a drink.
Elle cupped the mug, embracing the warmth. Then, she lifted the mug to her lips and took a sip. It was delicious, and she could almost feel the smooth liquid flowing through her body, restoring a measure of calm. She tried to formulate her thoughts in an attempt to tackle things one at a time, but it all started spilling out like milk flowing from an overturned jug. “I need to know about the mirror … and I need to know about the girl in the mirror. Also, how did the paper appear in my hand? And the words … they started forming on the page … you’ve done that once before when you first offered me the job to come and work here.”
Adele placed her mug on the nearby side table and then brushed a stray curl from her eyes. A kind smile curved her lips. “I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to tell you those things.”
Elle’s face fell. “Why not? You said in your note that we needed to discuss things. These are the things I want to discuss!” Frustration scattered over her, and she had the unreasonable urge to punch something. Her eyes pled with Adele’s, and she had the feeling that she was drowning in craziness and that Adele was her only lifeline. “I need to know what you know. Something is happening to me—something I don’t understand. Mirrors don’t repair themselves, and reflections don’t smirk back. And words don’t magically appear on a page,” she finished.
Adele looked at the ceiling. “Oh, drats! Do you see the predicament you’ve put me in? She’s confused, and I can hardly blame her!”
Elle narrowed her eyes. She was tired of her aunt’s silly games. “Who are you talking to?” She glared up at the ceiling. “There’s no one there!”
“Okay, let’s cut through the chase, as you kids say. Go ahead and eat the white truffle, and I’ll get Bree.”
“Who’s Bree?”
“Eat the white truffle, dear.”
Elle crossed her arms tightly over her chest as a scowl formed on her face. “Not until you tell me the truth.”
Adele gave her a challenging look. “Eat the truffle.”
“No,” she said stubbornly.
Her voice became gentle. “Have I ever done anything to hurt you?”
There was a look of exasperation on her face that caused Elle to feel a spark of guilt, and she almost ate the truffle just to appease Adele. Her aunt had been nothing but kind to her. Still, she was keeping things from her, and she needed to know what those things were. “I’ll eat the truffle when you tell me the truth,” Elle said firmly.
“I’m too old for this nonsense,” she muttered and then waved her hand. “Eat the truffle.”
Elle’s hand seemed to have a mind of its own. She looked down in shock as she reached out, took the truffle, and placed it in her mouth.
“Now chew and swallow,” Adele commanded.
She complied, even though her mind was screaming for her to do the opposite. She barely noticed the smooth, delectable taste as the truffle slid down her throat.
“There,” Adele said, “that wasn’t so terrible, was it?”
Elle only glared at her. She watched as Adele walked over to the oil painting of the mother and daughter, resting on a red velvet settee. Adele removed the painting, revealing a safe. She opened it and retrieved a thick leather book that looked ancient. She sat down in the chair facing Elle.
“You keep that book in a locked safe?” She made a face. “What? Are you afraid it’s going to jump up and run off?” she finished sarcastically.
Adele laughed. “We’ve had this conversation before, dear.”
“We have? I don’t remember.”
“I know you don’t. Tell me about the gold key,” she said unceremoniously.
“So, I’m supposed to answer all of your questions, but you won’t answer a single one of mine?”
“No need to act like a sour puss, dear. I’m only trying to help. Answering my questions will help you gain the answers you seek. I promise.”
She blew out a breath. Arguing with Adele was futile. “For a split second, I thought I saw a gold key. But before I could tell for sure, it vanished.”
Adele frowned. “You don’t have it?”
“No, I only saw it for a second, and then it disappeared.”
Adele leaned forward and caught Elle’s arm. She looked furtively over her shoulder and then lowered her voice. “I want you to listen to me. You will not remember anything else about our conversation today, but I need you to remember this.”
“Whoa! Wait a minute! I won’t remember anything about this conversation? What’re you talking about?”
“The milk chocolate truffle will make you forget,” Adele said impatiently.
Elle looked at the truffle in horror. “Then I won’t eat it.” Even as she spoke the words, she realized that she wouldn’t have a choice. Adele would make her eat it, just as she’d made her eat the white chocolate truffle. She shook her head. “If the milk chocolate makes me forget, then what does the white chocolate do?”
“It will help you remember.”
“Remember?” she said dubiously. “Remember what?”
Adele waved the comment away. “We’ll get to that. First, we need to talk about the key.” She looked into Elle’s eyes. “Do not tell anyone you saw it. Not Rae, Rush, Edward … no one.”
“Okay.” This conversation was getting crazier by the minute. Her aunt was nuts, and she was pulling her into the insanity.
“Repeat it.”
“I won’t tell anyone I saw the gold key,” she repeated dully.
Adele studied her carefully. “No one can know you’ve found it. Otherwise, you will be in grave danger.”
Alarm raced through Elle. “What kind of danger?”
“Did anyone follow you
here?”
Elle’s heart bumped up a notch. “I don’t know.” She swallowed hard as a layer of perspiration formed on her forehead. “I had the feeling that I was being watched, but I didn’t see anyone.”
“No, you wouldn’t have. Griselda’s too smart to be seen.”
“Who’s Griselda?”
A shadow crossed Adele’s features as her eyes flashed with anger. “Evil knows many faces, but hers is the most terrible of them all. She’s your worst nightmare,” she said quietly. “She has eyes everywhere, I’m sure she already knows that you saw the key.”
A sick panic twisted over Elle, and she had the feeling that none of this was real. It was her worst nightmare, and she would soon wake up … hopefully! Please let this be only a dream!
“Listen very carefully. When you have the key in your possession, you must bring it here. I will keep it safe until you find the others.”
“The others? There are more keys?”
Adele nodded.
“How many?”
Her mouth moved like she was going to answer, but then she looked up at the ceiling. “What do you mean? I can’t tell her? Oh, fiddle faddle! Who cares about the rules? She needs to know. She needs to be able to protect herself … in case.”
Elle couldn’t help herself. Even though she knew no one was there, she looked up. Adele was always talking to some imaginary person she called Merek. “Are you talking to Merek?” She rolled her eyes.
Adele looked surprised, and then she gave her a censured look. “Despite what you think, I haven’t lost my marbles, dear. Yes, I’m talking to Merek, and he’s telling me to stop dawdling and get on with it.” She looked down at the book. “Bree.” She tapped on the cover. “Wake up, dear. Your assistance is needed.”
A hysterical laugh was building in Elle’s throat, and she swallowed it down. Her aunt was one step away from the loony bin, and if she stayed here any longer, she’d be right behind her. It was on the tip of her tongue to say she was leaving when the cover of the book opened on its own, and the pages began to turn. A gust of wind whipped through the room, and suddenly, a blazing fire appeared in the fireplace.
Adele laughed. “Splendid! Bree thinks we need a fire too! A fire always makes these situations more cozy, don’t you think?”
Elle blinked and then looked again at the roaring fire. Her jaw dropped. “You’re magic!” she exclaimed with a tinge of awe.
“Yes, you’re remembering already.” She rubbed her hands in anticipation. “Okay, Bree, it’s time to do your thing. And get to it pronto, will you? We haven’t much time before band practice starts.”
The mirror, the key, and now this … it was too much. A wave of dizziness washed over Elle as stars began popping out of the air.
Adele caught her arm. “Don’t you faint on me, dear. Try to relax. Think of the white truffle and how it tasted in your mouth. Concentrate on the book.”
Elle looked down at the blank pages.
“Look closer,” Adele urged.
She had the feeling that Adele’s voice was far away and that she was floating. Her eyes went wide when she saw the gold script on the pages, and then a scene lifted from the book. There were rugged, snow-capped mountains in the distance and dazzling lakes. She was floating over a thick forest that soon gave way to a lush countryside with leafy trees and gentle hills. Then, she saw the massive stone house resting prominently in the center of a meadow. She recognized the crisscrossed, diamond shaped bars over the windows and the large wooden door. A whisper from before wafted over her and seeped into her pores. This was familiar. This was home …
Chapter Two
Fairy Tales
“Listen very carefully, daughter. When the royal procession arrives, you must say exactly what I tell you, else all will be lost. The prince will want an explanation as to why you fled the ball and came here. You were overwrought with the excitement of the ball and the engagement.”
Josselyn rolled her eyes. “More like she was overwrought with the excitement of seeing Squire Rushton alive and breathing.”
Seraphina nearly came out of her seat. Her eyes bulged as she gripped the arms of the chair. “Watch your tongue, Josselyn, or I shall have it carved out!” She forced a laugh. “Thou art being absurd. After all, what use would Cinderella have for some lowly squire when she is engaged to the crown prince?” She turned to Cinderella as a tight smile curved over her thin lips. “Isn’t that right?” Her voice was soft and menacing. “The prince loves you. He has made a commitment—a commitment, which you agreed to. He even had it written into The Grimm Laws. We all know that once something is written into The Grimm Laws, it becomes more indelible than stone.”
A silent scream rose in Cinderella’s throat as she looked into her stepmother’s cold eyes. There was not the slightest hint of compassion in them. She was sick and tired of hearing about The Grimm Laws and how sacred they were. Did anyone even truly know what The Grimm Laws were? She certainly didn’t. All she knew was that the laws governed the kingdom and the king himself was subject to them. But shouldn’t there be some allowance made on her behalf? When she’d agreed to the engagement, she thought Rushton was dead. She balled her fists, thinking of all that had happened. Rushton’s own mother, Wisteria, had tricked her into getting engaged to Edward! A roaring started in her ears, and she got lost for a moment in the chaos of her own thoughts. Then she realized that Seraphina was waiting expectantly for a response. “I am sorry. What was it that you asked?”
“I asked you to rehearse what you will say when the procession arrives.”
“I—I’m not sure yet.” She began twisting the bodice of her gown, looking for a way out of this horrible predicament. As much as she hated to contemplate it, there was no way to undo the engagement, even Rushton had said as much. He’d been so mean and spiteful to her the night before, and they’d both said things they didn’t mean. But despite all of the uncertainty she felt, of one thing she was sure—she loved him. There was no denying that. Edward was a reasonable person. Surely he would understand that her relationship with Rushton had begun when she was a child. They may have written the engagement into The Grimm Laws, but Rushton’s name was written on her heart, and there was no undoing that.
“What will you say?” Seraphina snapped.
Cinderella’s eyes met hers. “I am not sure,” she said honestly.
A smug expression came over Josselyn’s full lips. “See, Mother, I told you! She loves Rushton. She always has.”
She hated the way Josselyn made it sound so dirty and incriminating, but it was true, and she could no longer deny it. She lifted her chin in the air. “I will simply tell Edward the truth.”
“The truth?” Seraphina growled and then jumped out of her chair, her face going as scarlet as the flames burning in the nearby fireplace. She glared down at Cinderella. “You ungrateful, wretch! All of these years … I have fed and clothed thee! Thy father ran up debts and then died like the coward he was, leaving us penniless! This is your chance to make things right and undo the wrongs he did to us!”
Tears brimmed in Cinderella’s eyes as she looked up at this woman who was the only mother she’d ever known. For so long, she’d lived with the hope that she would gain some form of acceptance from her. That perhaps Seraphina might come to love her, but Rushton was right. It hurt to admit it, but Seraphina was only using her. Today was the first and only time she’d called her daughter. She didn’t care how Cinderella felt. She didn’t care that Cinderella had been tricked into getting engaged. All she cared about was going to the castle and the riches that she would receive when Cinderella became a princess.
“Have ye nothing to say to me?” Seraphina yelled.
“From the time I was a little girl, you have worked me like a servant. I have done everything you asked of me, getting nothing in return. It wasn’t until I gained the favor of Edward that you would even acknowledge that I was your daughter. You can’t keep placing the blame of my father’s sins on me.” Her voice br
oke. “I’m begging thee, Seraphina. For once in thy life, do the right thing! Stand by me now as I make the hardest decision of my life. Prove that it is me you care about and not what I can give you.”
Seraphina rubbed a hand across her brow. “This is utter nonsense! Of course I care about thee, girl! That is precisely why I am trying to persuade thee not to throw everything away! Think of what marriage to the crown prince will mean. You will one day become queen. You will want for nothing.”
“And neither will you, Mother!” Josselyn sneered.
Seraphina moved so quickly that Cinderella’s mind barely registered what was happening as she slapped Josselyn hard across the jaw. Josselyn rocked back in stunned silence, holding her cheek. “Thou wilt do well to watch thy tongue, Josselyn!” Seraphina barked.
A look of hatred crossed Josselyn’s features as her jaw grew hard. They eyed one another for a moment until Seraphina’s shoulders fell. “This is getting out of control.” She walked to the desk in the corner of the room, pulled out the middle drawer and retrieved a document. She went over and thrust it in Cinderella’s lap.
“This came while you were at the palace.”
Cinderella looked down. “What is it?”
“A notice—calling in our debts.” Seraphina’s lower lip trembled. “I have held off the creditors as long as I can, but we are now in danger of losing everything we have—the land, the stables …” she motioned “ … this house.” She looked at Cinderella. “Say what ye want of me … call me selfish or insensitive, but the cold, hard truth is that we are in serious trouble.” Her eyes pled with Cinderella’s. “And in a strange turn of events, only you can save us.”
* * *
“Elle, wake up, dear.”
The voice was coming from far away. Elle blinked and then opened her eyes. “Where am I?” she said groggily. She sat up in the chair and looked around at Adele’s study. “Did I fall asleep?”
Love Spell: Book 2 of The Grimm Laws Page 2
