by Maggie Ryan
It stood on a grassy hill, large, looming, and magnificent. Taken from a page out of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, the massive structure boasted gothic windows, steep parapet roofs made of slate, with more turrets and towers than I could count. The style seemed late nineteenth century, and it reminded me of the medieval European castles Deo and I had explored on our trip to Scotland.
Stone walls snaked around the castle, blocking my view from the gardens. What I could see from my vantage point looked to be overgrown. Shrubbery, reaching out branches that were long overdue for pruning, met shaggy green vines that seemed to climb over every inch of the aged stone.
Draco slowed the car, pulling to a smooth stop in the drive below the steps leading to the entrance of the castle. The immense gothic façade was daunting, but I was eager to be inside those doors. I could feel that Deo was within the walls, and I longed for his comfort as well as his explanation.
Springing from the parked car, Baal opened my door, offering me his arm. I declined, unfolding my limbs from the backseat and pushing myself up onto four-inch patent leather heels that were not meant for picking their way through gravel. After a few tottering steps, I growled with displeasure as I reached out, allowing the waiting Baal to take my arm, his lips curling into an amused smile.
The trunk shut with a quiet thud, and I looked over my shoulder to see that Draco had grabbed the duffle bag and slung it over his shoulder. One stern look from him told me not to bother with the charade of trying to carry it myself.
We made our way to the marble steps in silence, the only sound coming from our shoes crackling over the dry pebbles. Once at the stairs, I pulled my arm free, allowing Baal to walk up without me, Draco brushing past me as he followed. I stood back, looking up at the doors of what I assumed to be my temporary home.
Ignoring the giant brass ring, apparently finding it unnecessary to knock, Draco opened the heavy oak door. He turned to me, saying, “Welcome to Ravensloft.”
Standing on the other side of the opened door, Baal gestured for me to step inside. “Ladies first,” he said with a wink of his alluring eyes. I teetered up the stone stairs, joining them at the entrance, then made my way over the threshold.
Taking in my surroundings, I was rendered speechless. My eyes shot upward, my breath catching in my throat. The high, domed ceiling had gold gilding around the edges of a massive muraled fresco. The artwork depicted a dense forest with cliffs, rolling landscapes, and rivers twisting throughout. It was both vivid and shadowed, appearing ancient… almost primal. Angels and demons engaged in the timeless battle that I instinctively knew represented good versus evil. Something caught my attention and I took a step forward, as if to get nearer. Draco had mentioned mountain lions… no, catamounts and I saw one in the painting. And there, partially concealed within the thick trees and among the boulders… were those wolves? I tilted my head, their gazes mesmerizing me, drawing me into the scene. Walking slowly around the edge of the room, my eyes were riveted to the magnificent work as I drank in the exquisite details.
“Leave us.” The deep voice pierced my thoughts, my eyes snapping down.
Deo stood before me, legs spread, hands behind his back. He wore his formal business suit—the dark gray one that was my favorite. It had been tailored just for him, and it hung off his body in a way that left no room for doubt why his name meant godlike.
Draco and Baal both gave Deo a nod, then headed toward the back of the great entry room, disappearing down a dark hallway, leaving me alone with my husband.
I could no longer take the mystery. “What the hell is going on here, Deo?” I exclaimed, throwing my hands on my hips.
Deo gave a dark chuckle and made his way over to me. “Any other woman would arrive here, scared out of their minds, but not my Cassandra. She is all fire.” Closing the gap between us with one final step, Deo gently took my arms and lowered them to my sides.
The gentle pressure of his hands around my wrists sent a tingle up my spine and the kiss he pressed to my lips had my body quivering.
“I’ve missed you,” he said.
“I’ve missed you,” I echoed, memories of holding his pillow to my chest as I slept, making me press myself against him. “What are we doing here? In a castle, no less. What’s happening?”
“All will be explained, in time.” His dark eyes were almost black as he smiled down at me.
Averting my gaze, I mumbled, “I get the feeling this isn’t some elaborate murder mystery dinner party.” My comment was rewarded with a genuine laugh from Deo.
“No, my sweet. This is much more dangerous.” His coal eyes stared at me, but he offered no other information. Dropping his hold on my wrists and clasping his hands behind his back again, Deo took a few paces away from me. Stopping, he turned to face me. A humorous twinkle was in his eyes. “Tell me, wife, did you enjoy your escorts?”
“I’m not sure enjoy is the term I’d use,” I said. “Where do you find these guys?”
“Greece. Where the gods originate. Some of my close friends I said you would soon meet, remember?”
How could I forget? Remembering the way I’d suddenly felt like a hormonal teenager with the dragon he’d sent for me, I wondered if my husband had been teasing or perhaps testing me in some way. Deciding that was a question best left unasked, I asked another instead. “Are all Greek men bossy?”
Deo didn’t bother answering what I was pretty sure he considered a rhetorical question. Closing the distance between us, he said, “I am glad to see you came willingly. I wasn’t sure what Balthazar would have to do to get you here.”
Narrowing my eyes at Deo, I asked, “What do you mean?”
“Just that I am happy you obeyed my instructions. I would have gotten you here, one way or another, but this was easier.”
My bravado was gone, evaporated by the threat of danger I could feel in the air. “I don’t understand. I talked to you last night and you didn’t say anything about sending a stranger to my office. You said nothing about my being in some sort of danger. And now, I’m in an actual castle in the middle of nowhere? I don’t know what to think.”
The tension between us was enormous. He lifted his hand to my face, stroking it with his fingertips. ”I’m afraid the other night marked the end of our lives as we knew them. We will be forging a new way of existence, a new beginning if you will.” He bent to place his forehead against mine. “There is so much to learn. I know it is confusing, but I know you are strong enough for the journey. I promise you need not be afraid. You are not alone. You are safe.”
“Why am I in danger, Deo?” I whispered. His touch began to cool my temper and settle my nerves. I let myself fold into his broad chest, and his arms immediately wrapped around me, pulling me in tightly to him. I melted into him, inhaling the familiar, woodsy masculine scent that belonged only to my husband, allowing it to calm me. I stood quietly while he held me, his hand stroking my back.
“Everything will be fine. I protect what is mine.” He spoke quietly, reminding me of his promise, his hand smoothing my hair. “I will explain everything as soon as possible.” Deo took my face into his hands. His eyes were soft as they gazed into mine. Reaching down, he kissed me gently. A kiss that slowly melted every inch of my being.
He pulled away too soon. “Let me show you your room,” he said. “After such an upsetting day, you need rest.”
What I needed was answers but didn’t argue. Deo grabbed my hand and led me up the twisting marble stairs that were cut into a tower. I peeked out the small gothic windows as we rose higher. It had started to snow, white flakes spiraling softly from the gray sky beginning to speckle the hills.
Passing door after door, we finally reached the last one on the right, at the end of the hall. Deo opened the door, leading me inside. A four-poster bed stood in the center of the room. The stone walls were covered with brightly colored floral tapestries. Reddish-orange-hued flames of a small fire flickered in the fireplace. A chandelier of hundreds of tiny bulbs hung from the ceil
ing, casting a soft glow over the room. I was grateful to know there was electricity in this castle. The bed was spread with a comforter that resembled the deep burgundy velvet one we had at home, but I could tell it was only a replica.
I walked around the room to a huge oak wardrobe, carved with beautiful flowers and vines, and drew the doors open. Inside, hung with care, were dresses that looked nothing like the black, gray, and red clothing I normally wore. Reaching out, I ran my fingers down the skirt of a rose-colored one, pulling the fabric toward me. The skirt was soft, flowy, made of many layers of sheer gauze.
I looked at Deo with curiosity. “Where are my clothes? Who do these belong to?” I looked through the other pieces, all different, but each was soft, and all were lovely with a look of innocence.
“Think of them as a present. A gift to mark our new beginning.”
“Thank you.” Reaching out and sliding my fingers over silk, I said, “They are beautiful, but I’d like to have some of my things here, as well.”
Deo’s tone was heavy as he said, “I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”
Remembering how Draco hadn’t even slowed as we neared my house, understanding suddenly weighed heavy on me. “We can’t go back to the house, can we?”
“No, not right now.” Deo put a heavy hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry, but we can’t risk being followed. I tried my best to furnish the room as close to what we have at home, for your comfort.”
“And the clothes?” I asked, choosing to focus on fashion to push away the daunting realization that we would not return home. “These are nothing like I normally wear.”
A smile crossed Deo’s face. “I have been preparing for this day, should it happen. I took the liberty of choosing clothing for you that I prefer to see you wear. I’m sure that won’t be a problem, will it?” he asked.
“I guess not. If I’m locked away in a castle, I may as well look the part,” I murmured as I realized these dresses were ones I could imagine a fairy princess wearing. I couldn’t help but to feel the back of the wardrobe to be sure it was solid wood and didn’t lead to a Narnia-like imaginary realm. The day was already so unreal, I wouldn’t be that surprised if my hand had kept going into a cold abyss. Instead, my hand hit solid wood.
“What are you doing?” Deo asked, amused. “Looking for an escape hatch?”
“No,” I said, embarrassed by my childish notions.
Deo turned me toward him, wrapping his arms around me. “Know this. To leave this castle of your own accord would be to invite death. Do you understand?”
A cold shiver ran down my spine as my husband’s dark eyes penetrated mine.
“Y-yes,” I stuttered, and though I truly did not understand, I knew this was the only acceptable answer.
“And even thinking of leaving the castle alone will earn you—”
Even if I’d not instantly known what he meant with those words, his hands sliding down to cup my buttocks spoke volumes. My face burning with shame, I said, “I understand,” waving my hand to brush away my husband’s thinly veiled promise.
“Good.” Deo released me, walking toward the door. “I know you are too intelligent to do this, but be sure you do not contact any of your friends.”
The way he spat the word at me, I knew it was a warning not to call my guard ‘pup’ Andrew to come to my rescue.
I gave a slight nod.
“I want you to lie down and rest. Then wash and dress. Baal will come to gather you for dinner.”
“I’m not tired,” I protested. “I don’t need a nap.”
Deo abandoned his exit, walking over to me, taking my hand and pulling me away from the wardrobe. “Come,” he said, “or you will be sleeping on your tummy, again.”
His smirk told me that he had seen me sleeping bum up that night, avoiding lying on my sore tush. I allowed him to lead me to the bed.
Eyes locked on mine, Deo unbuttoned my coat. He then slowly unbuckled the belt, sliding the material through the loop. Hands on the collar, he slid the coat over my shoulders and down my arms. Laying it neatly at the foot of the bed, he quickly began to remove my clothing. Once I was down to my slip, panties, and bra, he said, “Up you go.”
Giving Deo an unsure look, I turned to the bed. It was so high, I had to use the small wooden stepstool that sat at the foot of it to climb up onto the mattress. I sat on the edge, facing him.
Kneeling, he removed my first shoe. I gave a sigh of relief, wriggling and flexing my feet as my pinched toes were freed. Deo removed my other shoe, setting both aside. The castle, the room, the clothing, the very bed had me unable to hold back a soft laugh. When his eyebrow lifted, I shook my head and patted the soft pillow top beside me. “I was just thinking that instead of a small pea causing me discomfort, it is my shoes.”
“Well, you are my princess,” he said. His quick smile told of his pleasure in making me more comfortable in this small way. One by one, he massaged my aching feet. After placing a small kiss on each of my ankles, he stood. It was like he knew I needed the connection of more than just his hands, his lips. I watched as he removed his jacket, toeing off his shoes before he reached to pull back the thick duvet. Guiding me between the sheets, he then joined me, lying on his back, tucking me into his side, my head resting on his chest. I sighed as his fingers began to stroke through my hair.
I had said I wasn’t tired, and yet the emotional afternoon had taken its toll. Even with my little snooze in the car, my eyelids felt heavy. No longer wanting to argue, grateful to be with him again, I allowed my eyes to close, giving a soft sigh when I felt his lips press against my forehead.
“Sleep well, my dear.”
I knew it was silly, but I had only been halfway teasing when I’d spoken earlier. How could I not feel like a princess up in my four-poster bed, sleeping in the turret of the stone castle in the arms of my Prince Charming? And even though I wasn’t sure if I was the fair maiden, or the prisoner, I drifted off to sleep, dreaming of my hair growing as long as Rapunzel’s.
Chapter Six
Cassandra
“Time to go, Sleeping Beauty,” Baal called, knocking on the bedroom door.
Turning away from the mirror, I called over my shoulder, “Just a second,” then faced my reflection once again. I had awakened to find Deo gone, but at least I knew that though he’d left the room, he hadn’t left the castle. Behind me, I could see the bed, piled high with discarded dresses. The mirror reflected the image of a woman who was supposed to be me, but wasn’t.
The rose-colored dress was a bit tight in the bodice and had a scooped neckline that I was practically spilling out of. It came down to cinch my narrow waist before the many layers of fabric flowed down and out, swirling about my knees. Underneath, cognac leather boots, soft and heelless, peeped out. The shoes were beautiful, and I felt like I was walking on air. The dress I felt ridiculous in.
Where were my buttoned-down blouses, my black and gray dress pants and pencil skirts? My red Boden dress? Not only had the tailored suit I’d been wearing disappeared, Deo had picked out clothes I never would have. A lawyer would be laughed out of the courtroom in these ensembles.
A rapid knock came to the door. “Have the seven dwarfs carried you off, Snow White?” Baal called.
My phone beeped, distracting me from the abundant references to various fairy tales, the princess dress, and the henchman at the door. I rushed to the bed, flinging piles of slinky fabric aside to find the phone. It was Cynthia.
“Where are you? Is everything all right?” Cy demanded, sounding as if she were barely holding it together on the other end of the line.
“I’m fine, Cy,” I lied in a hushed whisper.
“What the hell happened? Debbi said you have some sort of family emergency? That you ran off with some Greek model? I went by your house, and no one was there.”
“Deo has some unexpected—”
“Cassandra, are you speaking with someone?” Baal’s voice interrupted.
“Just myself,” I
called over my shoulder. “I’ll be right out.”
Cynthia’s voice came through, harsh and agitated. “I’m your best friend. I can tell when something is up. A few days ago you tell me your husband spanked you, you’ve been ‘too busy’ to get together with me, and today you disappear with a total stranger.”
“Calm down, Cy. It seems I’m in a spot of trouble, but it’s nothing I can’t handle, I promise,” I quickly blurted out.
Silence dominated the other end of the line.
When my friend spoke again, her voice was low and threatening. “Calm down, my ass. If you don’t show your face to me in the next twenty-four hours, I’m calling the cops.”
The last part was crackling in and out; I was losing reception. But I could read her tone clearly enough to know Cy was serious about calling the police.
“Cy, don’t,” I hissed, holding the phone tightly as I begged. The call dropped. “Shoot.” I had to think quickly. I was guessing the last thing Deo wanted with whatever was going on here was for law enforcement to become involved. I quickly typed a message to Cy, begging her not to do anything rash.
“I’m coming in, Cassandra.”
Panicked, I sent the text and quickly slid the phone down into the bodice of my dress. I was adjusting the low neckline when the door swung open to reveal a stunning Balthazar. He wore a white linen shirt that was open at the collar and tan trousers hung from his slim hips. His gaze swept the room before he turned his head to me. His green eyes twinkled at me as they took in my ensemble.
“You look beautiful,” Baal said, “like a princess.”
“That’s precisely the problem, Baal. I’m not a princess. I’m a lawyer. And I look ridiculous.” I crossed my arms over my chest, hiding any potentially visible outline of the phone.
