Love Spell: Book 2 of The Grimm Laws

by Youngblood, Jennifer

  A shadow crossed Edward’s features. “How could you not know?”

  She shook her head. “I went to the forest that night to tell Rushton it was over.”

  “Did you feel compelled to leave the castle that night?”

  “Perhaps … I suppose … I cannot say for sure.”

  He held up a finger. “But there is a possibility that you were under a spell. I can hear it in thy voice.”

  She thought back to that fateful night and how Rushton threatened to use the potion on her. “Aye, I suppose ‘tis possible.” Even as she spoke the words, she felt like a traitor.

  He reached for her hand, holding it gently, as if he were afraid it would shatter like glass in his grasp.

  She had to make him understand. “But do you not see? I do not know for sure that I was under the influence of a love spell.”

  “Aye, but by the same token, you cannot say for certain that you were not.”

  “Exactly,” she said, glad that he was finally grasping the scope of her predicament.

  He leaned over the table. “Rushton is gone. Regardless of what you testify of tomorrow you cannot hurt him.”

  Gone! Did he mean gone as in he had escaped or gone as in he was dead? A shudder slithered down her spine. She could feel her hands growing clammy and wondered if Edward noticed. “What do you mean that Rushton is gone?” She tried hard to keep the emotion out of her voice.

  He merely shook his head and looked away.

  She clutched his hand. “If we are going to have any semblance of a relationship, then I need for thee to tell me what happened to Rushton … please,” she added.

  His eyes met hers. “He escaped.”

  Relief flooded her, making her feel weak.

  “He escaped, and with any luck, is probably a kingdom away by now.”

  “Very well,” she said, keeping her expression impassive.

  “Do you see now? Whatever you say tomorrow will not affect him. ’Twill only affect us.”

  She nodded. “I understand what you are saying.” She stopped. “But what about his mother, Wisteria? If I testify that Rushton cast a love spell over me, then she will be implicated.” As much as she detested Wisteria for what she’d done, she did not want to be the cause of her execution.

  Edward scoffed. “You and I both know that witch has been practicing magic for years. When my dad sent the guards to arrest her, they came back empty-handed.” His voice rose. “They refused an order of the king, Cinderella, because they were so petrified of her. Do you understand the seriousness of what can happen to a guard that refuses to obey the order of the king? ‘Tis not pleasant. The best they could hope for was a dishonorable discharge and the worst … death. She wields too much control over people. She is a powerful witch, and she must be stopped!”

  Edward was right. Wisteria had wielded power over her and Rushton and had destroyed their lives. A hot anger burned in her breast. For so long, she’d felt trapped in a corner, and Edward was opening a path for her. His reasoning sounded convincing. The entire kingdom knew that Wisteria was guilty of practicing magic. What would it hurt to add one more offense to the charge? Deep down, a part of Cinderella was starting to wonder if she had indeed acted under the influence of a spell. Her attraction to Rushton burned hot and intoxicating. There was nothing that he couldn’t eventually convince her to do. Would Rushton actually stoop to casting a love spell over her? She knew the answer before the question fully formed in her mind. He would. He would consider it a necessary step in order to achieve his desired goal. Rushton would use any means to get what he wanted, and the thing he wanted most in the world was her. Rushton would walk through fire for her, slay dragons … she looked at Edward … Rushton would challenge an entire kingdom for her—had challenged a kingdom for her. Quite simply, Rushton loved her. He had loved her with every fiber of his being. She had been his every waking thought, the breath that filled his lungs. That kind of love was all consuming. Dangerous.

  Edward, on the other hand, was predictable … safe. He was fond of her, that much she knew, but he could never love her the way Rushton had. And she could never love Edward the way she’d loved Rushton. And yet, she was fond of him. How patient Edward was, sitting there and waiting for her to make a decision. His taut jaw was the only indicator that gave away the fact that he was anxious. The only body language that belied his calm exterior. Rushton would’ve been jumping up and down on the table by now. He would’ve been yelling at her, punching his fist in the air. She suppressed a smile at the thought, and then her heart clutched. How long would it take for the hurt to go away?

  She lifted her chin. “You win. I will testify that I was under the influence of a spell.”

  He tightened his hand over hers. “That is good news.” He smiled, and she could see sincerity shining in his eyes. “I will work to earn thy love, Cinderella. Love is a living, breathing thing. You will someday love me as I love thee. That I can promise thee,” he said earnestly.

  How she wanted to believe those words. She blinked rapidly to stay the tears that were glistening in her eyes. “I thank thee … for everything,” she uttered.

  The black night seemed to be soaking into their pores, and for a moment, Cinderella had the impression that they were floating above the earth. Floating above the problems … floating above the doubt. Edward stood and walked around the table. He held out his hand to her. She placed her hand in his and stood. She welcomed the embrace when he drew her into his arms. She buried her head in his shoulder and could feel his warm breath tickling the top of her head. For the first time in weeks, she felt calm and secure. Gently, he put a finger under her chin and lifted her mouth to his. “My beautiful princess,” he murmured. When his lips came down on hers, the kiss was soft and tender at first. Then it grew more urgent. A tiny shiver pulsed down her spine, and she returned his kiss with a passion that surprised her.

  When he pulled away, they were both breathing hard. Maybe there was hope for them after all. The glittering stars overhead were filled with mystery and promise. Perhaps all would right itself in the end. Then a thought struck her. She looked up at Edward. “I never got to ask thee my question.”

  His eyes widened as he chuckled. “I forgot.”

  “Who was the girl at the banquet? The one that kissed thee.” She watched as his eyes went wide and color crept up his neck.

  “She is no one of consequence,” he answered quickly.

  She was unprepared for the stab of jealousy that went through her. She raised an eyebrow. Edward wasn’t getting off that easily. She’d answered him and now it was his turn to answer her.

  “The name of the girl is Lynessa.”

  “And you loved her.” It was a statement and not a question.

  “Aye,” he admitted. “I loved her a long time ago.”

  She cocked her head. “And now?”

  He tightened his hold on Cinderella, pulling her to him. “Now there is only thee,” he said, his lips coming down on hers once more.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  The Gypsy

  Edward looked up as Lynessa entered the room, sauntering like she owned the place as her dark curls bounced lightly on her shoulders. His eyes seemed to have a mind of their own as he took in her tight-fitting red sweater that hugged her curves and her snug low-rise jeans that were tucked into sleek leather boots. He tried to think—had she been wearing that earlier today at school? He was sure he would’ve noticed. Her eyes met his and held them captive. He could tell from the pleased smile tugging at the corners of her lips that she was pleased that he was admiring her. A rocket of heat surged through him, and he swallowed nervously. This could get out of hand … fast! Lynessa was the flashy bombshell type that commanded attention wherever she went. Gracefully, she sat down on the bed and stretched her shapely legs. Something about her reminded him of a cat—a very attractive cat!

  She flashed a smile. “Hey.” Her voice grew sultry.

  “Hey,” he repeated, trying to keep his voice
impersonal. Admittedly, he’d laid things on a little thick this afternoon at the locker. He could tell from her eager expression that he’d obviously given her the wrong idea. Stupid move! As attracted as he was to her, he didn’t want a relationship. Lynessa was a painful reminder that in a moment of weakness—when Elle had needed him most—he’d caved and given into Lynessa’s wiles.

  He reached for his backpack. “Are you ready to get started on the essay?”

  She laughed lightly, patting the empty space beside her. “Come here.”

  His eyes went wide. She was certainly forward—the kind of girl that had the word trouble written all over her. “It’s getting late, and we need to get a good start on this.” His voice trailed off, and all he could hear was his pulse beating in his temples.

  Her lips formed a pout. “Too bad.” Then she surprised him by reaching for his hand.

  He removed it from her grasp. “Lynessa, stop!”

  She laughed, and her dark eyes flickered over his face, sizing him up. Then she stood and leaned into him. He closed his eyes as her musky perfume invaded his senses. He didn’t know what it was about this girl that absorbed him so. Even though he tried his best to resist her, he never could seem to do so. Her warm breath tickled his face.

  “What’s the matter?” she purred, slipping her arms around his neck. “You enjoyed it before.” Her fingers looped through his hair.

  “I made a mistake!” he muttered. It disgusted him to no end that he’d made out with Lynessa while Elle was in a coma. Lynessa had stopped by with the innocent excuse of checking on him. One thing led to another, and before he knew it … he’d betrayed the best thing that had ever happened to him. He, more than anyone, knew what it was like to experience such a heady attraction that it could cause you to lose your good sense. That was one of the reasons he was willing to be so patient with Elle about Rush. He and Lynessa had zero intellectual or emotional connections. Their attraction was purely physical. Lynessa leaned over and nipped his ear, sending tiny pulses rippling down his spine. “I don’t think we should do this right now,” he uttered, but there was not as much conviction in his voice as there had been earlier.

  “Elle doesn’t have to know,” she whispered into his ear. “I didn’t breathe a word to anyone about last time.”

  He went stiff. “Elle and I aren’t together anymore.”

  A broad smile curved her lips as her eyes sparkled. “Even better,” she said as her lips moved against his.

  He made a last-ditch effort to resist, but she smelled so amazing. Slowly, his lips began a long dance with hers, drawing him into her intoxicating world.

  * * *

  Edward’s talk with Cinderella had gone well. Better than he’d hoped. He found himself whistling against the soft night air as he walked along the outer path in the courtyard that made up the exterior shell of the boxwood maze. He’d been tempted to walk deeper into the maze, but even he (who knew it so well) could get turned around in the dark.

  “Your highness.” The guard on duty bowed as Edward passed the East Guard Post. Edward returned the gesture with a curt nod as he continued on his stroll. While it irked him to think that Cinderella still had feelings for Rushton, he’d felt a sense of promise in her kiss. The trial would be ugly, but they would weather that together. Once it was over, they would be able to start anew and build a life together.

  Movement caught his attention, and he turned toward it. When she stepped out of the darkness, her movements were so graceful that she might’ve been a fairy. “Edward.” His name was a caress on her ruby lips. How well he remembered her heart-shaped face that was a fraction too thin in contrast to her big, lively brown eyes. Her dark hair seemed to have a mind of its own as it cascaded fancifully around her shoulders.

  “Lynessa,” he breathed. Since the night of the banquet, he’d known their paths would eventually cross. And even though she was here—standing in front of him—it was hard to believe she was real. How many times he’d walked this same path, dreaming of her, languishing over her absence. It struck him then how petite she was in comparison to Cinderella’s taller frame. A gypsy, Lynessa was an enigmatic creature whose essence he could never quite comprehend. She was as elusive as the wind and just as unpredictable.

  She gave him a sly smile. “How fetching ye look, mi’ lord.”

  He nodded. “You look as lovely as always.”

  She cocked her head and gave him a speculative look. “I would have thought ye would be too busy with thy new fiancée to notice me.”

  The collar of his tunic was starting to feel tight around his neck. “Um … aye, things have been rather busy,” he admitted. “As a matter of fact, I was just taking a quick stroll before retiring to my bedchamber.”

  “How fortuitous,” she said, linking her arm through his, “as I am also out for a stroll …” she gave him a seductive look “… before I retire to my bedchamber.”

  Her nearness was disconcerting. She smelled of spice and an exotic scent he couldn’t place. A few days ago, he might’ve welcomed Lynessa’s affections, but in lieu of tonight’s events … as much as it pained him to think of her this way, Lynessa was a distraction.

  They strolled in silence until she spoke. “It seems like only yesterday that we strolled along this same path together.”

  “Things are different now, Lynessa.” Even as he spoke the words, he felt her grow tense beside him.

  “The stars, the moon, the velvet sky, they all look the same. Are things really so different now?”

  Edward paused and turned to look down at her. “Aye, they are.”

  He thought he might’ve seen hurt flash in her eyes, but he couldn’t be certain because she masked it with a clever smile. “Are ye really so indifferent to me now?” She caressed circles over his arm.

  “I have made a commitment,” he said firmly, removing his arm from her grasp. “I am in love with someone else.”

  This time, the anger that flashed in her eyes was unmistakable. “How easily ye cast me aside, prince. Ye have so eagerly feasted on the meat of the ham, and now ye toss aside the empty carcass without so much as a second glance.”

  “Lynessa, I never meant to hurt thee.”

  “Aye, I get that,” she slung back. “Although, try explaining that to my mother. We were huddled off in the middle of the night like guilty thieves and then dumped along the edge of the roadside like smelly refuse. And what was our crime? That a lowly minstrel dared to raise her eyes to get a glimpse of the morning sun. I fell in love with thee,” she finished softly.

  He touched her arm as a wave of guilt washed over him. He’d never known for sure what happened to Lynessa and her family, but he never imagined that their treatment had been so harsh. “Lynessa, I am so sorry,” he stammered. “I did not know it was going to happen. I simply woke up one morning, and you were gone. Please, try to understand. I never would have intentionally done anything to hurt thee or thy family.”

  She looked up at him, tears glistening in her eyes. “Did you even try to find me?”

  “I was not certain where to look. I … er … sent messengers, but they came back empty handed.” He looked at her wounded expression, knowing that mere words would never be enough to make up for the damage that was done. “I suppose I could have tried harder,” he admitted. The empty words faded into the night.

  She hugged her arms and began walking away from him. He went after her. “Lynessa, wait.” She began walking faster, and he had to jog to catch up. “Stop!” he implored.

  She spun around to face him. “I hate thee,” she seethed, tears streaming down her face.

  The vehemence in her voice was chilling. “I suppose I deserve it.” He gave her one long, last look. “I hope that someday you will be able to find it in thy heart to forgive me,” he said and then turned to talk away.

  “Edward?” she sniffed. “Stop.”

  He halted and slowly turned around.

  She ran to him and threw herself into his arms, nearly toppling h
im over in the process. After he righted himself he looked down at her.

  “I still love thee, Edward. ‘Tis the reason I came back.”

  Gently, he pushed her back, holding her at arm’s length. “Lynessa, I am to be married.”

  “To that peasant princess with the wooden smile?” She scoffed. “She will never love thee as I do. My love for thee courses so deeply through my veins that it has become a part of me. We made each other a promise.” She thrust her hand in his face. On her finger, she still wore the promise ring he had given her on the night they pledged their love to one another.

  Edward shook his head. “’Twas a lifetime ago, Lynessa. I had no right to promise thee those things. I was young and foolish. Please understand … I have made a commitment to someone else. I am engaged to be married.”

  She threw herself into his arms and pressed her lips to his. He grunted in surprise and tried to pull away, but she wouldn’t let go. Her lips were soft as they moved against his, and he caught the intoxicating scent of her luxurious hair. The old flame licked up between them, and he returned her kiss with the urgency of a man trying to suck the last tendrils of nectar from a dying flower. In that moment, the man that he’d been before took over, and he remembered all that Lynessa had meant to him. He remembered what it was like to yearn for her—to be so consumed with her that he could barely breathe. Then common sense took hold, and he realized what he was doing. He attempted to push her away, but still she clung to him.

  “I cannot do this, Lynessa.”

  She ignored his protest.

  He thrust her away. “Nay! I will not do this,” he said hotly.

  Her passion quickly turned to anger, and she let out a string of curses.