Kingdom of Mirrors and Roses

by A. W. Cross

  Frederick had shown up with the village solicitor who quickly drafted the agreement she and he had reached just the night before. After the exchange of money, she gave them each a big hug.

  "Where will you go?" Frederick asked.

  "I don't know, and that is the beauty of this all. The sky is the limit!" She exclaimed.

  "I've brought my trusted steed for you to have. And please, Miss Belle, don't argue with me. Just take it. It will make me feel better. His name is Stan. He'll take care of you and see you to wherever it is that you chose to venture. Care for each other well."

  Her eyes watered as she gave Frederick another hug. "Thank you. I am so going to miss this place, but it is time for me to move on."

  She grabbed the few belongings she'd already decided on taking and found Stan tied to the fence. Turning back to the two men, she raised her hand to bid them farewell one last time, then mounted the beautiful black and white stud and didn't turn back as they rode away.

  Frederick had agreed to not say a word to Gustavo for another day, giving her time to put enough distance between her and the village so he didn't get any crazy ideas to go looking for her.

  He had a story, and she didn't need to know what it is was, just that it would work.

  She smiled when she finally looked back from higher ground, seeing just how far away the village was.

  Finally. She told herself. It was her turn to start her own ventures.

  6

  Bella patted her side bag, the small lump that stuck out proof that her father's carousel was there, brushing gently against her leg, as she rode. She'd wrapped it carefully in one of her father's old shirts, and then wrapped it again to insure its safety. The feeling of Stan's warm body underneath the saddle was comforting, as they rode hard through the day.

  "Well Stan, it's you and I," she said aloud to the beautiful beast, patting his mane as they came to a thick area of woods where it would prove to be difficult to ride through. Stan was breathing hard, and she knew it would do them both well to take a break.

  I knew that female would prove to be trouble, Lucien thought as he rubbed his hands together. He'd been looking for a chance to take Bella down, and he'd found it. He'd watched her that morning, riding off on Stan's back.

  "She stole Gustavo's horse, he won't forgive her for that. Maybe he'll finally stop pining after someone who isn't worth his time." Lucien saw to his own stables. He was going after her himself. He wanted to make sure that before he warned Gus about what the woman had done, he fulfilled his own ulterior motives.

  "Lucien, are you coming to the town meeting? I'm running for mayor, like you suggested." Gustavo put a solid hand on Lucien’s shoulder.

  "Oh, sure, sure," Lucien said, piercing his eyes. "Wouldn't miss it, don't be alarmed if I'm late, I've something to attend to and then I'll be there this evening," he promised.

  Gustavo nodded his head, tossing his dark hair back, "Well, hurry, I'm only doing this for you!" he smiled broadly, patting his friend, before he turned towards the town hall. His mind on other things, perhaps when he was mayor, Bella would finally say yes.

  "Hi Gustavo," Lina and Marie Dupont called to him, as he passed the square making his way to the town hall. They giggled and batted their lashes at him, but he barely managed a hello as he passed. There were too many things at stake.

  Pouring water in a wooden bowl, Bella offered it to Stan. "Here you go, buddy," she said kindly. He whinnied softly in response, drinking the water in large gulps, and splattering it all over her.

  "You silly beast!" she laughed, trying to dry herself. When he'd finished, she pulled some grapes from her bag, eating a few and sharing the rest. The sun had started to set, and she didn’t want to be out in the wood when night arrived.

  "We'd better head out," she told him, tying her bag up and preparing to mount him once more, when the sound of galloping sounded behind her. Who in the world could be out here? Surely no one had followed her? What if Gustavo had gotten wind of her departure, and come looking for her?

  "Oh no!" she thought, quickly mounting the large stud, and kicking his sides, "Giddy up," she yelled loudly, and soon they were rushing through the heavily wooded area, ducking under low hanging branches, and darting in between large trunks.

  "What are you in such a hurry for?" An unwelcome but familiar voice called after her, a chill ran up her spine. Lucien. He'd followed her here, but why? She slowed her run, not to allow him to catch up, but to have control over the distance between them.

  "What are you doing out here?" Bella said over her shoulder, not letting on how fearful she felt to be out in the woods with a man like Lucien hot on her tail. She turned Stan to face the direction the voice came, wanting to know his every movement. She'd have a better advantage that way.

  "I saw you take off with Gustavo's horse, thought I'd try to come get it back myself, before he sends the whole village out here after you. He's going to lock you up, you know, you thief!"

  "What?" Bella pulled back the reins a bit, causing Stan to prance backwards.

  "No, I didn't steal him!" she protested, "Frederick gave him to me!"

  "Oh, right!" Lucien said, red hair wild around his head, blue eyes blazing. "I don't believe a word you say, harlot. Nor will Gustavo, now give me back the horse and I'll let you go."

  "No! Frederick gave him to me," she maintained.

  Lucien dropped from his horse and tied it to a tree, then proceeded to walk towards her, his eyes dripping menace.

  Stan continued to back away from the man, but Bella felt frozen, all she could do was jerk the reins back, and gently kick at Stan's sides. Her sudden movements caused the beast to jerk, and he reared up. Unprepared for him to do such a thing, Bella felt herself lose her hold, and she slid onto the ground landing hard on her hind end.

  Stan took off into the wood, and now she lay powerless on the ground, Lucien advancing on her, eyes focused on hers.

  "And now you've lost the horse you've stolen, so how are you going to pay it back?" she started scooting backward, realizing that he meant to take the value of the horse even if Gustavo wasn't there.

  The descending night wasn't the only thing that sent a chill through her.

  "I'll pay it back, to Gustavo. Don't worry," she hurried to scramble to her feet.

  "Oh, I am worried." An animalistic look had come to his eyes, and she felt fearful for her very life.

  Without a word, she took off running in the direction Stan had gone, hoping she could eventually catch up to the horse, or find help.

  "I wouldn't run, if I were you," Lucien said menacingly, as she peeked over her shoulder briefly, she could see him fumbling with his belt, and everything in her turned cold. If she didn’t get out of there, things were going to get very ugly. She ran faster, darting between the trees, jumping over fallen logs, and putting distance between the two of them, until she tripped.

  "Argh" she yelled out, and his footsteps grew louder and closer. "No, please, Lucien, don't do the thing that is in your mind to do!" she pleaded, using the branches to pull herself up, even though her knee was throbbing, and she could feel warmth trickling down her leg.

  Lucien didn't answer, but his heavy breathing warned her that he was getting closer and closer, and proof that he wasn't going to listen. Suddenly, a chubby hand gripped her dress pulling her back. She could feel herself falling backward, and soon her skin was met with hard ground and rock, and Lucien was standing over her, a sinister grin on his face.

  "Now, you can pay me back," he slithered. Pain from a jagged rock that had cut through her skin, made it difficult for her to move, and with tears falling down her cheeks, she closed her eyes, accepting the inevitable.

  In the next second, a loud roaring sounded from the sky, splitting her ear drums and causing her heart to skip a beat out of fear. The sun had nearly disappeared from the sky, and shadows from the trees surrounding them blocked out the large presence that joined them.

  She could hear heavy breathing, then a
flash, as Lucien screamed and was lifted into the air. She sat up, where had he gone? There was a flash of smoke, and a blaze of fire, and then the image of a face and opalescent fangs dripping saliva.

  Bella felt her head spinning, and then everything went black.

  7

  It had to have been all a dream. One moment she’d been fending for dear life, the next everything had gone dark. And when she woke, she found herself in the most elegant room she’d ever laid eyes on, and her father’s musical carousel by her side.

  The massive fluffy bed practically swallowed her and as comfortable as it was, she needed to get out of there. Wherever ‘there’ might be.

  “Momma. Do ya think she’ll like it? Huh? Do ya?” The voice of a young boy echoed from the slit doorway. She quickly pulled herself up in the bed, tightly securing the music box to her chest.

  “Oh! Why, hello. I hope you got a goodnights rest.” A woman no older than forty said. Her beautiful dark skin was something Bella had never seen before. She stared on her with amazement. The young boy was lighter skinned than his mother, but the resemblance was uncanny. “Oh dear, my apologies. Where are my manners. I’m Griselda, and this here is Charlie, my son. Welcome to Winslow Castle.”

  Bella responded. “Nice to meet you. My name is Bella. I’m sorry to sound ungrateful, but how exactly did I wind up here? One moment I was…” she cut herself off.

  “Now worries, dear. We know what happened. Thankfully, the master handled that poor excuse of a man.”

  “Is Lucien dead?”

  “Dead?” She laughed, the child joined in. “Why of course not. Although, I’m sure it crossed the masters mind. No. He was shown back to his village. I’m sure he won’t be bothering you again.”

  “Oh, ma’am, you don’t know Lucien. He’ll stop at nothing. And from what I witnessed last night, he truly is evil reincarnate.” She paused. “I don’t suppose your master didn’t happen to see my horse?”

  “Yes! Your horse is down in the stables. Silly. That’s why you’re holding you’re carousel.” The child explained.

  Of course, she thought, feeling embarrassed about the realization.

  “Well, I won’t trouble you any longer than I have to. If I can thank your master properly and get my horse, I’ll be on my way.”

  Bella tried to move out of bed when a surge of pain rushed through her leg as she grimaced in agony.

  “Aww. You hurt yourself.” The woman reminded her. “I don’t think it wise for you to leave just yet. Why don’t you wait until that is healed and then you can be on your way? Besides, it is dangerous for a young woman to be traveling alone in these parts. You never know what you might encounter.”

  Bella knew she didn’t have too much time to waste. Winter was fast approaching, and she’d had hopes of reaching the west countryside, closer to the ocean, where the weather was always warm. At least that was what she’d heard in all the stories from those who’d been privileged enough to travel on yonder.

  “The offer is quite hospitable. But I’m really trying to get as far west as possible before the cold weather sets in. If I wait, I’m afraid that wouldn’t allow me enough time. I thank you for your kindness.”

  “Mama, please don’t let her leave, yet. She must meet him.”

  “I’m sorry. Who must I meet? Your master?”

  “Yes!” The child exclaimed as he moved closer to the bed. “Fletcher. You must meet him.”

  Bella laughed. “Well than, Charlie. Why don’t you make the introduction?”

  The mood suddenly changed, even the child seemed slightly depressed.

  “It’s not that simple, miss. The master. Well, let’s just say he’s not much of a people person.” Griselda offered.

  Bella was about to say something, when Griselda abruptly cut her off. “Very well, dear. I’ve set a nice breakfast right over there. There are clean clothes in the bathroom and a nice warm bath. If you need any help, just pull on that bell ring on the wall, and I’ll be in. Otherwise, take your time. I’ll be back up to collect the tray and freshen up the room. Come on Charlie. We’ve got chores.” She said ushering the child out of the room, quicker than Bella could think to respond.

  “Thank you!” Bella hollered after them before the door closed.

  She left the carousel on the bed as she carefully pulled herself out of the bed. The pain was excruciating, but the cut had been carefully cleaned and wrapped.

  Bella wobbled to the small dinette table in the room as she took in the view outside.

  The gardens were stunning, she’d have to make a point to get out there and check on Stan.

  The warm porridge and fresh fruit were a welcome delight.

  After breakfast she went to the bathroom.

  The entire space was decorated in white and gold trimming. She took in a deep breath when she saw the steaming hot bath.

  Griselda wasn’t kidding. She thought to herself.

  A clean light blue linen dress awaited on the wire form mannequin, just her size. How peculiar she thought.

  She already felt much better after a warm bath and meal. At some point Griselda had found her way into the room and cleaned up while she was in the bathroom.

  Bella had planned on doing it herself. She wasn’t accustomed to anyone seeing to these matters for her.

  She quietly opened the door and looked down the hallway.

  Griselda had said she was in Winslow Castle, yet she’d never heard of it.

  She carefully moved down the cold marble hallway. All the paintings were covered in white cloth. Odd, she wondered. I thought their master lived here.

  When she reached a grand staircase, she carefully leaned into the bannister to help her distribute her weight.

  As she reached the last steps, she could hear a furious male voice.

  “I told you this was a bad idea. She’s injured!” It roared.

  Griselda countered in more soothing tones. “And what were you supposed to do, Fletcher? Leave her to that monster?”

  The sound of air slashing carried through her bones as she tried desperately to move closer without being seen or heard.

  “Of course not! But she’ll have to go.”

  “She’s injured.”

  “That is none of my concern!” He yelled.

  “Well, she is a guest of this castle now, whether you like it or not. Once she’s recovered, I personally will assist her on her way.”

  “Fine! But keep her away from me!”

  The thought that the owner of the place didn’t truly want her there made Bella feel uneasy.

  Her leg was throbbing, so she leaned into the wall, not paying careful attention to her surroundings she knocked over an armor suit. Sending it crashing to the ground.

  So much for anonymity. She thought, cringing at whatever reaction would erupt her way.

  And that is when she first laid eyes on him.

  She looked up at the beast with fear in her eyes but containing her every movement.

  How had it gotten in there? Would it kill her?

  Her rapid breathing almost made her hyperventilate when it moved in closer, steam escaping its seething nostrils. Its slithering eyes fixed on her, at the ready to attack, she presumed.

  Griselda rounded the corner standing at its side and Bella feared for her life.

  But what Griselda did next only created more questions than answers.

  “Don’t be afraid. He won’t hurt you.” She said looking toward the brown leathery beast. “He’s who saved you. Bella, meet my master. Fletcher Winslow the third.”

  Bella’s jaw dropped opened, trying desperately to find the words, but nothing came.

  The beast’s skin blazoned as it stood taller, filling the entire room.

  “It’s a dragon.” The words barely audible, escaped Bella’s mouth.

  “Yes. I’m a dragon.” The beasts voice was deadly.

  Bella stood, knowing if she were to survive, she needed to not show fear. Perhaps to her own demise or maybe clever. W
hatever it might be, she wasn’t about to back down.

  “Unbelievable.” She said looking Fletcher in the eyes. “I thought. Well, I suppose it doesn’t matter what I thought. You are here, in the flesh. Are there more of you?”

  Fletcher was taken aback by the woman’s reaction. It wasn’t anything he’d expected. He turned quickly, his tale barely missing her as he fled the castle.

  Bella looked dumbfounded to Griselda who stood back with her arms crossed.

  Clearly, Bella thought, there is more to this story.

  8

  Griselda's dark brows furrowed as she gaged Bella's reaction. Unable to speak momentarily, Bella replayed the events of the previous night over in her mind. When she'd blacked out. Suddenly, everything made sense. It was the beast's face she'd seen that had frightened her so. It had been too much for her bruised and battered body to comprehend.

  She took in a deep breath.

  "So, a dragon?" Bella finally said, and her half-question caused Griselda to laugh, and Charlie burst out in a fit of giggles.

  "Indeed, does that bother you?" Griselda asked.

  Bella shook her head, "No, that's not what bothers me. I think it's the fangs that could tear me limb from limb, that are bothersome. That and the voice, never in all my life, in all the tales I've read, could I envision the day a dragon would talk." She fought back laughter herself. "So, are there more dragons?" she asked, tapping her chin inquisitively.

  "Like him? No, he's the last of his kind. That isn't to say there aren't more dragons anywhere."

  "What do you mean, like him?" Bella pushed, feeling her heart beat racing quicker. In the core of her being, she knew she was on the verge of something. Something she could never have imagined in her entire life.

  "Well," Griselda began, "I'll tell you a story, as we walk."

  Bella nodded her head, as Charlie squeezed between the two of them. As the daylight squeezed through the windows, she saw the long silver scar down his olive-toned face. She traced her finger over it gently, a question in her eyes as she met Griselda's gaze.