Banished: Book 1 of The Grimm Laws

by Jennifer Youngblood

  The truth! It was the sword that was continually hanging over him and threatening to rip away his happiness. He stumbled back and fell into the couch. “I can’t,” he uttered, shaking his head. “I can’t lose her again.”

  Merek shook his head sadly. “Dost thou not remember anything I have taught thee? That which ye hold onto the tightest … ye will lose in the end. Trust her enough to tell her the truth. Trust her and let things fall where they fall. ’Tis thy only hope.”

  “I can’t!” His voice broke. “You don’t understand!”

  Then before his very eyes, Merek began to fade. Alexander jumped up from the couch. “No! Don’t leave!” He reached to grab hold of Merek, but his hands clutched only air. “Merek!” he yelled. “Merek!”

  “Tell her,” came the whispered reply as the wind rushed through the room and out the doors.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Trapped!

  The four of them were waiting in the wing, the next to go onstage for the tryouts. Butterflies were swarming in Elle’s stomach, and she kept mentally going over and over the chords for the song. Rae was flush with excitement, and Jack was being his normal obnoxious self, which meant he was needling the heck out of Rae. As usual, she was quick to take the bait. Rush kept mostly to himself, speaking to the other band members only when necessary. He was especially avoiding any contact with Elle. After the dinner disaster at Edward’s house, Elle had hoped to talk to him. Several times, she’d gone out on the roof, hoping that he would join her, but he hadn’t. At school, he’d blatantly ignored her. She glanced at him, and felt a jolt run through her when his eyes met hers. When she smiled at him, he offered the tiniest of smiles back and then gave her a nod of encouragement. “You can do this.”

  Warmth settled over her, and she realized how much she wanted—needed his acceptance. She offered up a silent prayer. Please, help me to be able to do this. Please!

  The band before them finished, and then it was their turn. They walked out and took their place on the stage. The auditorium was empty except for the three teachers that were judging the bands. As they looked up expectantly, waiting for them to begin, Elle licked her dry lips. Her stomach was churning. Her hands felt shaky and clammy as she clutched the bass guitar. Rae shot her a concerned look.

  “You okay?”

  She nodded and offered a weak smile. “Yeah, just a few jitters.”

  Rae looked to Rush for help. He made eye contact with Elle. “You can do this,” he mouthed. She nodded. Then she remembered the stick of chocolate-flavored gum that Adele had given her earlier in the day.

  “Chew this during the tryout,” she instructed, “and you won’t feel the least bit nervous.”

  As Rae stepped up to the microphone and began announcing the band, Elle reached into her pocket and pulled out the gum. Hurriedly, she tore off the wrapper and shoved it into her mouth. Jack held up his drumsticks and began tapping the beat. Then it was her turn to start. A feeling of calm whooshed over her, followed by a thrill of exultation. Her fingers seemed to have a mind of their own, as they smoothly transitioned from chord to chord. The music seemed to take control, and she was no longer afraid. Rae performed like a pro, her rich, sultry voice hitting the notes with precision.

  When they were finished, Mr. Bennet touched his glasses. “Wow, impressive.”

  The middle-aged math teacher sitting beside him nodded in agreement. “We will be posting our decision tomorrow,” she said in a crisp tone. “You’ll find the results on the bulletin board in the hall.” She dismissed them with the slightest smile. “Thank you for that flawless performance.”

  As soon as they exited the stage, Rae let out a loud whoop. She turned to Elle and gave her a tight hug. “You were fantastic!” She looked at Jack and Rush. “Can you believe this girl? She looked like she was going to have a coronary right before the performance and then she goes out there and kills it!”

  Jack gave Elle a lopsided smile. “You had me worried there for a minute, but you did great.” He gave her a high five. “That was sick!” He flashed a smile at Rae. “You didn’t do too badly yourself, Red.”

  “Thanks,” she said, blushing.

  Rush looked at Elle, and she felt like he was looking past the facade and into the depth of her soul. “You did great,” he said quietly.

  The distance between them seemed to shrink, and she realized with a start that she’d missed him … really missed him. She smiled. “Thanks.” Her heart began to pound. “Hey … ” The word got caught in her throat, and she began again. “Can we talk?”

  Something sparked in his blue eyes, and then it was gone in the wake of his casual smile. “Of course, that’s what we’re doing now, isn’t it?” His tone was conversational, polite, as if she were a stranger.

  Irritation pricked at her. So that’s how it was going to be between them. This fake cheerfulness. “Never mind,” she shot back, giving him a dark look.

  Rae put an arm around Elle. “Hey, let’s go celebrate with some pizza.”

  “Pizza sounds great,” Elle said. Now that the stress was over, she was suddenly ravenous.

  “Let’s go,” Jack said.

  Rush shook his head. “Sorry guys, no can do. I have a date.”

  Time felt suspended, and it was all Elle could do to keep her jaw from gaping. She was unprepared for the hot jealousy that covered her, and she felt as if she were having an out-of-body experience. She vaguely heard Jack congratulating Rush as she allowed herself to be dragged out of the auditorium and out the door by Rae. A date? How could he have a date? With whom?

  When they got outside, Rae turned to her. “I’m really glad that you and Rush were able to put aside whatever was happening between you. He’s moving on, and it’s time for you to do the same.”

  * * *

  For the tiniest moment, right after she awoke, Cinderella thought she was back home in the manor. She stretched, thinking how she would hurriedly finish her chores, so that she could spend the afternoon horseback riding with Rushton. Then she remembered. She sat up in the bed and looked around at the opulent furnishings. The rich tapestries on the wall, the plush bearskin rug on the floor, the gilded mirror, the silver candlesticks … the young maidservant that was hovering over her and waiting to fulfill Cinderella’s every request before she even thought to ask it. She let out a sigh. No, she most definitely was not back home.

  “Would the lady care for a wedge of cheese with some grapes?”

  The thought of food turned her stomach. She almost said as much, but then she got a good look at the young girl who was not much older than she. Her angular face was scrubbed clean and her hair pulled back into a severe bun. She looked as though she had never had a moment’s worth of fun in her entire life, and she seemed so anxious to please. Cinderella offered a kind smile. “Yea, thank you. That would be nice.” Anything to get the girl to leave her alone. What she really needed was a few moments of peace and quiet. She shifted on the bed, trying to get up, and then the pain hit. She grabbed her ankle and gingerly started rubbing it. The girl rushed to her side and began stacking pillows behind her back.

  “You mustn’t move it, Mi’ Lady.” In deft movements, she lifted Cinderella’s ankle and propped more pillows underneath it, so that it was elevated. Cinderella winced in pain at the slightest movement.

  “That really hurts.”

  “Aye, the girl agreed. ‘Tis a severe sprain.” They looked down at Cinderella’s ankle, which was two sizes larger than normal and a dark, ugly purple. Tears welled in Cinderella’s eyes. What must Rushton and his mother be thinking? Did they even know that she’d been hurt? Perhaps they thought that she had gotten angry with Rushton and simply disappeared.

  The girl gave her a concerned look. She touched Cinderella on the arm, her voice soothing. “Thou wilt heal quickly, Mi’ Lady.” She gave her an encouraging smile. “The Prince has left word that he will be checking on thee in the afternoon.”

  Cinderella’s hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide.
“Oh!” The events from the day before came rushing back. The Prince had saved her and then taken her to the castle. She had to find a way to get word to Rushton. She had to let him know where she was.

  “No need to be alarmed, dear lady, I will help thee get ready. I will coif and arrange thy hair. Thy gowns have been sent for. Under my capable hands, the Prince will find you looking radiant.”

  “Of course, thank you,” Cinderella managed to mumble. Then she had an idea. “Pray, tell me, what is thy name?”

  “Gretta,” she said, bobbing in a curtsy.

  “Gretta, I would like to send a letter to my family. Could I trouble thee for a quill and parchment?”

  “Nay, Mi’ Lady. There’s no need. Thy sister has been notified, and she is coming to visit thee in the afternoon.”

  “Josselyn is coming here?”

  She nodded.

  “That is good.” Relief flooded her. She could get Josselyn to speak to Rushton. Or better yet, she could write a letter to Rushton and get Josselyn to deliver it. “Thank you, Gretta. I would still like that quill and parchment.”

  Gretta looked confused. “But thy sister—”

  “Writing will help me relax.” She offered a placating smile.

  “Of course.” Gretta gave another curtsy before hurrying off.

  Cinderella’s gaze went around the magnificent room once more and then at her useless ankle. She wanted nothing more than to charge out of the castle and find Rushton. How did things get so complicated? She winced at the conflicting emotions that arose whenever she thought of the Prince. Prince Edward had saved her. Prince Edward was coming here in the afternoon to check on her wellbeing. Perhaps he was simply being courteous. He was a prince, after all. Even as she tried to convince herself that Edward was only being kind, deep down, she knew the truth. He was enamored with her. Hadn’t she known that from the beginning? Yea, she had. She could feel it in his touch, see it in his eyes. A flutter of anxiety went through her breast. Had she led him to believe that she also felt the same way? She had danced with him at the tournament ball, had strolled with him through the castle grounds. She put her hands over her face. Perhaps Rushton was right. She had been flattered that a prince would find her attractive, but never in her wildest imagination had she ever thought that it would come to this! She loved Rushton, there was no question there. She certainly did not want the Prince to think that she had been toying with his affections. There was only one path open to her. She must convince Prince Edward that she was not the one for him. Yea, that is what she would do. Once he realized, he would transfer his affections to another, and she and Rushton could go on as they had before. Having settled that, she felt more at ease. And when Gretta returned with the food a while later, she found that her appetite had returned.

  * * *

  “Mi’ lady, you have a visitor.”

  Cinderella gave Gretta a questioning look as butterflies fluttered in her stomach. “The Prince?” She flexed her hands, ready to get the conversation with him over with.

  Gretta shook her head. “Nay, ‘tis the Lady Wisteria.”

  Had her ankle not prevented it, Cinderella would have leapt from the bed and thrown her arms around her. She gave Wisteria a warm smile when she entered and sat in the chair beside the bed.

  Cinderella held out her hand as moisture formed in her eyes. “I am so grateful that ye are here. I was worried that ye would not know where I was.” She searched Wisteria’s face, hope welling in her breast. “Is Rushton here?”

  Wisteria shook her head. “Nay.” She put a finger to her lips and then glanced furtively over her shoulder at the maid who was standing against the wall, listening to their every word.

  Cinderella caught her meaning instantly. “Gretta, my throat is dry. Would it be possible for me to trouble thee for a glass of water?”

  “Yea, Mi’ Lady.”

  “Oh, and could you bring up some sweet cakes and figs?”

  “Of course.”

  “And a cup of warm tea. One for me and one for my guest.”

  Gretta nodded before hurrying off.

  Wisteria waited until the door had closed before speaking.

  “Rushton has been called away on an assignment by the King.”

  Cinderella’s heart dropped, and she felt a wave of panic. “But he cannot leave me here like this.” She shook her head. “Where did he go?”

  “To the outer perimeter that borders Briarbane Forrest. Bandits and thieves are plundering and robbing all who dare to travel on the roads. Those roads are under the King’s protection. These bandits are coming out in open rebellion against the King and must be stopped.” Her lips formed a hard line. “The King sent a company of men to assess the situation and to strengthen the existing guards if necessary.” She paused. “Rushton’s skill with the bow and sword is known throughout the kingdom, I’m certain that is the reason the King sent him along with the other knights.”

  Tears welled in Cinderella’s eyes. “Will he be safe?”

  Wisteria’s eyes met hers, and then she blinked and looked away. In that one terrible moment, Cinderella knew the truth. No one—not even Rushton’s mother—could guarantee his safety. She clutched the fabric of her gown and started winding it in her fist. “I cannot lose him.” She tried to get up from the bed. “I must go to him.”

  “Do not be daft. Thou art in no condition to travel!” The words sounded unduly harsh, causing Cinderella’s head to snap up in confusion. Wisteria gave her a soothing smile and motioned at her ankle.

  As much as she hated to admit it, Wisteria was right. She would not get far on this ankle. She searched for a solution. “Then I shall tell Edward that he must send someone after him immediately! When Edward realizes the situation, he will surely send for Rushton. Edward loves him as I—”

  “Do not speak of such things!”

  The force in Wisteria’s voice rendered Cinderella silent. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

  Wisteria touched her arm. “I did not mean to be unkind. You must be careful about the words you speak.”

  Cinderella’s eyes went wide. “But I love Rushton!” She bit her lip and attempted to stay the tears. “I cannot hide my feelings for thy son,” she muttered. Her jaw grew taut. “Nay, I will not!” Her eyes met Wisteria’s in a challenge.

  “I commend thee for thy loyalty to my son; however, to speak of such is dangerous.” She glanced over her shoulder and then at Cinderella. “Regardless of how you feel about my son, the fact remains that the Prince has claimed you his.”

  Terror filled Cinderella’s eyes, and she started shaking her head back and forth. “Nay, I am not some steed that he can claim.”

  “He is the Prince. He claims whom he wishes.” A trace of bitterness flashed in her eyes.

  “Nay, I have a choice in this matter.” An invisible vice was squeezing her chest, making it hard to breathe. The complications were mounting faster than she could sort them out. “I choose Rushton,” she said fiercely. She caught hold of Wisteria’s sleeve. “Dear lady, I beg thee, help me. Tell me what to do.”

  Their eyes met for a long moment until Wisteria sighed. “Very well. I will help thee, but for now … you must act as though you are devoted to the prince.”

  The very thought of feigning affection toward the Prince filled her with revulsion. “I do not see how that will help,” she snapped. Then another thought struck her with such brutal force that it caused the room to spin. “You do not want me with your son.” She felt as if her heart were being carved out and diced.

  “Nonsense. I’m here at Rushton’s request. He bade me to assure thee of his undying devotion.”

  “Really?” Relief washed over Cinderella.

  “Yea,” Wisteria said, offering a slight smile. She began picking at a spot on her gown. Then she smoothed down the fabric and shifted in her seat. “I have no doubt about the level of devotion my son has for thee.” She gave Cinderella a speculative look. “The question is—how devoted art thou to him?”

 
“Completely,” Cinderella said, her eyes boring into Wisteria’s.

  “Good, then you must do as I have bade thee. You must feign affection for the Prince. If he senses that anything is amiss … things could become precarious for Rushton.”

  A sense of horror rose in her breast, and she clutched the neckline of her gown. “Surely thou art not suggesting that Prince Edward would do anything to harm Rushton. The prince I know is kind and just … completely incapable of doing another harm.”

  “Spoken by one who knows him best.” The words were spoken softly, and they cut to the core.

  Heat rose in Cinderella’s cheeks as she stumbled around, trying to come up with an explanation. “I—I only meant to say that I would not think that one such as the Prince would stoop to such behavior. The Prince loves Rushton like a brother. Rushton has told me so himself … on several occasions.”

  Wisteria flashed what was meant to be a maternal smile, but it came across as condescending. “When you have lived as long as I, you will come to learn that every man, be he good or evil, has a great capacity for evil … if the circumstances warrant.”

  A sense of foreboding slithered down Cinderella’s spine.

  “The Prince aside, there are others who would see thy relationship with Rushton as a threat to the Prince … and therefore a threat to the kingdom.”

  “But I have never promised myself to the Prince. We have no understanding.”

  Wisteria motioned at the extravagant surroundings. “My dear, thou art his guest. He personally brought thee here.” She lifted an eyebrow. “He is coming to visit thee today, is he not?”

  She nodded and looked away as a pit settled in her stomach. She wished that she had never come to the castle. She longed for the freedom of the open field and the simple life she once had. A life where she could love whom she pleased.

  “If ye truly love my son … as ye claim to, then ye will do as I ask. It will buy us time to figure out this dilemma.”