Beauty and the Horseman's Head

by Holly Kelly

  Hope nodded, fear creeping into her heart. “Did it hurt you?”“He was no match for me, love.”

  “So what is a match for you? Is there something out there more powerful than you?”

  “Oh, yes. There absolutely is. And it’s close by.”

  Hope’s heart took off in a sprint. “What is it?”

  “It’s a creature with beauty beyond compare, and eyes the color of nutmeg, hair so soft you simply want to spend every moment of every day running your fingers through it, and when she’s in the throws of passion, she makes the most adorable squeaky sound.”

  Hope slapped him. “You ruffian.”

  “And when she’s angry she strikes,” he chuckled, straddling her.

  Hope could not help but laugh. “So, what is your plan for this creature?”

  “I plan to make love to her every chance I get and lay on so much affection that she can never think of leaving me.”

  “You had better be talking about me,” she smirked.

  “What?” he asked, feigning surprise. “What does any of this have to do with you?”

  She raised her hand to smack him, but he easily caught it and leaned down to kiss her smiling lips.

  * * * * *

  Hope took her cloak off the coat rack and slipped it on. She stepped in front of the mirror and tucked a few stray strands into her bun. Conall’s image came into view behind her, and his arms slipped around her waist.

  “You know,” he said, his voice low, his breath tickling her ear, “we could have more fun if we stayed home.”

  Hope tried not to smile. “My students are expecting me. The Fall Festival is a big deal.”

  “So, what, there will be music, dancing, and food?”

  Hope nodded. “Uh huh. And that reminds me. I need you to help me carry the pies. I made a pumpkin and an apple.”

  “The festivals in Faery were a lot like the festivals you have here. Only the dancing was done naked. Maybe we should shake things up and take off our clothes to dance.”

  Hope laughed, shaking her head. “No, there will be no removing of clothes.”

  “Until after the festival.” He winked.

  She smirked. “Alright, I will make you a deal. If you behave yourself, we can dance naked when we come back home.”

  “We have no music here. Can we bring the musicians with us? I will make it so they remember nothing.”

  “No,” Hope said. “No compelling people. It’s not right to take away their free will.”

  “Have it your way,” Conall said, “but I think it would be more damaging for them to remember. Your reputation will be in ruins. But, you know what’s best.”

  Hope held back a smile. “Sometimes I don’t know why I put up with you.”

  “You put up with me because . . .” He leaned over and whispered in her ears, describing exactly what he did to her. His words were so unbelievably arousing, that she almost decided then and there that the festival was worth missing.

  Shaking her head, she said, “Stop that. We have to go to the festival. That is all there is to it. Besides, I thought you liked festivals.”

  “I love festivals,” he said.

  “Then why are you—”

  “I love you more,” he smirked.

  “Well, you can love me afterwards,” she said, and pulled him down for a quick kiss.

  Minutes later, they were walking down the path, following small lanterns lighting the way. Music filtered through the trees and a warm glow emanated from the grove.

  “It looks like the party has already started.”

  “Good,” Conall said. “I would hate to stand around being bored.”

  They weaved through the crowd of revelry and made their way to the food table. Hope’s eyes widened. She’d never seen so much food in one place. This year’s harvest was a plentiful one. She and Conall had already stocked up their stores. They had more than enough to last the winter. She’d even gotten some honey, and a huge assortment of dried fruits. Between his salary and her meager teacher’s salary, they were doing quite well for themselves.

  Oh, and the fact that Conall was an amazing hunter did not hurt. In fact, the first time he left with his bow in hand, he came back an hour later packing an elk over his shoulders. Hope freaked when she saw him. Humans were not strong enough to carry a seven-hundred-pound elk by themselves. If someone had seen him, there would be questions to answer.

  Now he slaughtered the animal where he shot it and packed the three hundred pounds of meat in one trip. Still impressive for one man, but it wouldn’t raise any suspicions.

  “What are you thinking?” Conall asked.

  “How amazing a hunter you are,” she said.

  “It’s easy to hunt elk and deer. They don’t hunt you back.”

  Conall took her hand and pulled her around to face him. “I think it’s about time we liven this party up. Mrs. Jones, would you like to dance?”

  Hope looked around. “But nobody else is dancing.”

  “Somebody has to be the first,” Conall said. “We might as well be the ones to break the ice. How about we show them how elves dance?”

  “Alright, but we only do the tame dances.”

  “Now where’s the fun in that?” he said with a glint in his eye, and then he pulled her into his arms and off they went—prancing and twirling to the beat. Almost immediately, others joined them in the clearing.

  Minutes later, Hope was having difficulty breathing, and an ache in her side had her wanting to stop. Conall noticed her discomfort and led her to a chair.

  “You don’t look like you’re feeling too well,” he said, concerned.

  Hope shook her head. “I’m just tired. I did not get much sleep last night.”

  “You sure you are not coming down with something?” He pressed his palm to her forehead.

  “I don’t think so,” she answered.

  “Why don’t I grab you some cider?”

  Hope nodded and Conall left. She was fanning her face when Dr. Porter sat down beside her.

  “Having fun?”

  Hope nodded. “Lots. I only wish I had boundless energy.”

  “Yeah,” he said. “You are looking a bit pale.”

  “I am just tired.”

  Dr. Porter looked across the clearing at Conall. “It has to be nice having your husband back after thinking he was dead for so long. I never did hear, where was he all that time?”

  Hope immediately felt defensive. “He was doing important work.”

  “He could not even send you a letter? You know, to let you know he was alive?”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “I think I am smart enough to keep up.”

  Hope shook her head. “It’s also a private matter.”

  “Oh.” Dr. Porter frowned. “Well, I hope it never happens again.”

  Conall returned with her drink and Dr. Porter stood. “Good day, Hope. Mr. Jones.”

  Conall nodded politely.

  When Dr. Porter was gone, Conall asked, “What did the good doctor want?”

  Hope shook her head. “Nothing.”

  “You looked angry. Should I be sharpening my arrows? I can put one right through his heart.”

  “No, it’s fine. Really.”

  “Hello, Mrs. Jones.”

  Hope turned to see young William smiling at her.

  “Hello, William. How’s the harvest going?”

  “We are nearly done. I cannot wait to get back to school.”

  “Neither can I.” Hope smiled.

  William nodded and said, “I will see you next week,” and then he ran to join his friends.

  Rebekah squealed as she pranced forward, Victor following behind. “Have we missed much?”

  “Nope, the party is just getting underway,” Conall said, and handed Hope her cider.

  She raised it to her nose, and her stomach took a turn. She must still be sickened by what Dr. Porter said.

  And she thought he was her friend. Well, at least she knew t
hat Rebekah and Victor were true friends. She turned to Rebekah. “Where’s Constance?”

  “My mother-in-law came to visit, and she abhors social events. So, Constance volunteered to stay home with her.”

  “How wonderful!” Hope sat the untouched cider on the table.

  “How about we start a dance line?” Rebekah asked Hope.

  “I am afraid Hope’s not feeling too well,” Conall said, eyeing her.

  “Oh, no,” Rebekah said. “I’m sorry. And at the Fall Festival, too.”

  “I think I’m just going to take her home and have her lie down,” Conall said.

  “And I think I’m going to stay right here and not spoil your fun,” Hope said.

  “Sweetheart,” Conall said, looking down on her, “it’s not possible for me to have fun while you are suffering.”

  “I can have fun while you are suffering,” she said with a smile. “I don’t see why you cannot.”

  “Liar,” he said.

  Hope smirked.

  “And people think my wife is a saint.” Conall looked at Rebekah and Victor and shook his head.

  “I was until you corrupted me,” Hope said.

  “If anyone could do it, it would be me.” Conall raised an eyebrow, his smile wide.

  “Seriously, Conall,” Hope said. “Go. Dance. Have fun. “He frowned at her.

  “Just one dance,” Hope said. “Then you can take me home. “He sighed. “I don’t have a partner.”

  “I will be your partner,” Rebekah said.

  As the current song ended, couples filtered into the clearing. Conall stepped out with Rebekah’s hand in his. They faced each other and waited. When the song began, they were off in a sea of dancers. Hope watched for Conall’s pale hair—it was the best way to identify which dancer was him. She caught sight of him regularly and saw his smiling face on several occasions.

  Good. He’s having fun.

  The song continued and Hope lost sight of him. She searched the crowd and didn’t see him. So instead she searched for Rebekah. And then she saw Rebekah coming toward them, her eyes were wide with worry as she bit down on her bottom lip.

  Hope’s heart sank like lead in her chest, and her stomach heaved. “He’s gone,” Rebekah said. “One minute he was there, and the next . . . he disappeared.”

  Hope turned and wretched the entire contents of her stomach on the ground beside her.

  Chapter 26

  Conall stumbled to a stop mid-step in his dance. All the dancers had frozen in place, like statues depicting laughter and revelry.

  A low rumbling chuckle at his back had his heart sinking.

  “Haryk,” Conall said and turned to his brother.

  “You had ten years with these humans, and you could not even show them how to have a good time?” He looked around. “This is pathetically wholesome. Though, perhaps these goodies taught you how to show respect.”

  “What are you doing here?” Conall asked.

  “I came to put an end to your sentence, brother. You are free to return home.”

  Conall sighed. “I am grateful that you are no longer angry with me, but I will not be returning.”

  Haryk’s expression hardened. “So, now you are angry with me?” he said, his voice rising. “You deserved what you got. You are lucky I did not execute you. If you were anyone other than my brother, I would have had your head.”

  Someone else beat you to that one. “I am not angry with you.”

  “Then why will you not return?”

  “I have married.”

  “What?” Haryk was obviously taken aback. “Someone else is banished here? If you trust her, I am willing to lift her banishment.”

  Conall shook his head. “She’s a human.”

  Haryk’s eyes flew open wide as he shouted, “You’ve married a rodent?”

  Conall growled in anger. “You will never call her that.”

  “Oh, so now you are giving your king orders. I see my banishment has only made things worse.” He looked around at the crowd. “Which one is she?”

  “She’s not here.”

  “Oh, I think she is. You know what we do with rodents. We poison them with nightshade.” He drew his sword. “Or hack them in two with a blade.”

  Conall clenched his teeth to force himself not to speak. Anything he said now would likely make things worse. Hope’s life rested on the fact Haryk did not know who she was.

  “If you stay,” Haryk continued. “I will stay too and root her out. No matter how long it takes, though I don’t think it will take long.” He strolled through the crowd. “Now who is beautiful enough to win your affections?” He paused at Rebekah. “Hm. She’s pretty, but not enough to have you turn your back on your elvinkind.” He continued to consider the women, one by one. “Too fat, too thin, too . . . ugly.”

  Conall dared not even look at Hope.

  Haryk continued through the crowd for a long while. And just when he was about to turn to see Hope, Conall shouted, “Alright, I will go with you.”

  Haryk whipped around in surprise. “You’ve given up?”

  “Yes,” he said. “But you have to promise not to go searching for my wife. Give me your word you will leave her in peace.”

  Haryk narrowed his eyes. “What did she do to you? The Conall I know would never back down from a fight—no matter who would get hurt. Did you fall in love with a witch?”

  Conall avoided the question. “Do we have a deal?”

  Haryk shook his head in disbelief as he said, “Yes. I will leave her alone. Now let’s go home. The stench of this place sickens me.”

  * * * * *

  Hope spent the next two weeks in bed. Conall did not return. Hope knew exactly what had happened. His brother had come for him.

  Her heart was so completely broken, she could not function. She ate little, and what she did eat came back up shortly after consuming it. She’d shed so may tears, she was sure there could be no more left, but each morning when she awoke alone, they would start falling again. She had no idea a heart could shatter so completely.

  Rebekah came daily to care for her. She did her best to feed her and get her to bathe, but Hope saw no point in it. Bathing and eating was only for those who cared about whether they lived or died. Right now, she was in so much pain, she cared about nothing.

  Stepping in the room, Rebekah said, “Your students want you to come back.” She threw back the covers, sat Hope up, and stripped her filthy gown off her. She then brought the basin over and dipped the sponge in the soapy water and placed it in Hope’s hand. Hope reluctantly obliged, but only because she knew if she did not do it, Rebekah would wash her herself.

  “They haven’t found a replacement for you yet,” Rebekah said as Hope washed. “You can still return, though you don’t have to worry about money. Apparently, Con—” Rebekah caught herself before uttering his name. Hope could not even think it without dealing with waves of pain. “Well, he paid for this house and set up a handsome trust to care for you for the rest of your life. I guess Victor was consulted and made all the arrangements months ago. I do wonder where he got the money. Regardless, I think it would be good for you to keep busy. And you love teaching.”

  Hope shook her head. “I cannot. Not yet.”

  Rebekah nodded and helped Hope stand so she could put on a new gown. As she rose, her stomach took a violent turn, and she found herself vomiting in the water basin.

  “This is just not normal,” Rebekah said. “Even if you were sick with heartache, you still should be able to keep some food down.” She paused for a few moments, and then said, “I wonder . . .” Her voice dropped off, and then she said, “Hope, I think you should see Agnes. She knows about healing.”

  Too weak to argue, Hope nodded and then laid back, not bothering to put on a clean gown.

  “I will go get her right now.” Rebekah’s spirits seemed be lighter. Why they would be, Hope had no idea.

  Minutes later, Agnes sat on the bed beside her. “So, you are having difficu
lty keeping food down.”

  Hope nodded.

  “Is your nausea worse in the morning or evening?

  “Pick one,” she said.

  “Have you noticed any tenderness in your breasts?

  This caught Hope’s attention. Why would she ask such a thing? She pressed her hand to her bosoms and did feel a soreness. “They are a bit tender.”

  “And how long since your last bleeding?”

  Hope’s eyes flew open wide. She lay silent for a stunned moment and then she said, “You think I am pregnant?” Her mind raced. How long had it been? “Oh my gosh,” she gasped when she did the math. “It was six weeks ago. I am never late.”

  “Well, my dear. In my opinion, I would say that not only are you sick with heartache, you have morning sickness.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Well, there’s one way to find out.”

  “How?” Hope asked.

  Agnes took out a small cup. “I need you to urinate in this.”

  “And what will that tell you?”

  “I will know by the smell if you are with child.”

  “Really?” Hope asked.

  “It worked with me,” Rebekah said.

  Hope reluctantly took the cup. Three minutes later she was officially a mother-to-be.

  Though she still felt sicker than sick, her spirits were lightened. She now had something more to live for—her baby. Conall’s baby.

  At that thought, tears slid down her cheeks. The tears accompanied mixed emotions. Her heart was still completely broken, but Conall had left a piece of himself behind, and that was a comfort to her.

  “I wish I could tell what the gender is,” Agnes said. “I usually can, but with your child—it’s confusing. Must be the Elvin blood in the babe.”

  “Did you know with Rebekah?”

  “I did, but she made me swear not to tell her.”

  “Oh, I could tell you wanted to,” Rebekah said. “I had to cut her off on several occasions when she almost slipped.”

  “I would not make you swear any such thing,” Hope said. “I wish I knew what I was having.” She sipped her raspberry leaf tea. The tea worked like magic, settling her stomach. She was even able to keep down a whole slice of bread and butter.

  They continued to talk for a long while and make plans for the new baby. Rebekah retrieved some yarn from Hope’s chest, and Hope sat down to knit. Soon her eyelids were drooping.