by M. J. Haag
I snorted again.
“Please. It is not your face or form. You know very well a flash of your dimple would send most females to their knees.”
He grinned wickedly.
“You on your knees before me is an image that will keep me up for many nights to come.”
I sighed.
“I cannot marry you, Kaven. It’s as simple as that.”
He studied me for a moment.
“Now or ever?”
I hesitated. It would be safer to say forever, but my heart wouldn’t allow it.
“For now,” I admitted softly. “I need you to stop pressing the matter for now.”
“That I can do. But with great reluctance.”
A small smile curved his lips before he kissed me once more.
“Tell me that I will see you the day after tomorrow,” he said.
I blinked up at him, confused.
“You have no earnest need to see me tomorrow?” I asked.
“Oh, I do. But I especially want to see you at the ball. I want to hold you close and dance with you. I want the world to know you’ll be mine. Eventually.”
“You want me to attend a ball where the guest of honor is meant to select a bride from the women assembled? Don’t you think that’s a bit presumptuous? After all, Prince Greydon seems to have an interest in me.”
“He does indeed,” Kaven said in all seriousness.
“I think it best that I stay home. I wouldn’t want to start a quarrel between the two of you.”
A small smile tilted the corner of Kaven’s mouth.
“He and I quarrel more often than I would like,” he admitted.
“You quarrel with the Prince? Is that wise?”
“What happened to your thoughts of equality?”
“I believe in equality, but it’s very apparent that the Prince does not.”
“How so?”
“Only maids in good standing with the Crown may attend the ball. Those who are not in good standing are forced to watch from outside the palace gates. That is a definitive inequality if ever there was one.”
“It’s to protect the Prince. There is a threat to this kingdom, one that’s already taken far too much life.”
“I understand that well. The loss of his first wife truly necessitates care. But why do you think the threat is only possible from those in a lower class? What if I were the threat? You’ve never met me before. How do you know I wasn’t the one responsible for the Prince’s wife?”
“First, you’re not old enough. Second, I believe the true threat would use a level of subtly of which you are not capable. After all, you hit me with a rock.”
My mouth dropped open, and he leaned forward to kiss the tip of my nose.
“That was when I saw you for what you are.”
“What am I?”
“An amazing woman worth knowing. One whose threat comes from her sharp wit and tongue, not magic. For if you had magic, you would have either used it against me then, or you would have never confronted me in the first place.”
“I think the rock addled your mind.”
He laughed, the deep sound making my stomach tighten. His humor faded as he looked at me and he leaned forward once more to capture my lips. It wasn’t the kiss to show his affection and delight in me as it had been before. Nor was it one with the urgency of longing after an extended absence. Instead, his lips claimed mine with a barely restrained hunger that sent my pulse racing.
I grasped his shoulders, anchoring myself as my world spun. His arms slipped around me, holding me tightly, and the heat from the palms of his hands scorched my sides. He toyed with me, teasing me with his tongue as he pressed his chest to mine. The world tilted, and I found myself laying back on the bench. When he lifted his head for a moment, I panted for breath only to moan when his lips found the column of my throat.
“You call to me like no other,” he whispered against my skin. “You are my shield and my light.”
I barely heard him. He was kissing his way down to my neckline. My heart fluttered in my chest, anticipating what he would do next. There was a tug at my dress a moment before the night air cooled the heated skin of my breasts.
Kaven groaned and set his mouth on one peak. The heat of his tongue undid me. I gasped and arched underneath him.
“Eloise.” He slowly kissed his way upward again, his lips once more claiming mine.
I lost myself. I would have done anything and everything he wanted at that moment, and I would have known nothing but joy. However, he abandoned me just as the kiss heated to a fevered state.
I blinked at the stars above, trying to breathe and form a coherent thought. When I realized he wasn’t returning to me, I sat up and looked around. He paced the far side of the clearing.
“Kaven?”
“I’m tired of this game,” he said harshly.
Hurt consumed me.
“I didn’t know it was a game to you.” I sat up and straightened my gown. Before I finished, he knelt in front of me and stopped my hands.
“You are not a game. What I feel for you is not a game. I’m frustrated with the waiting. With wanting you so much. Forgive me for speaking so bitterly. The vexation I feel has nothing to do with you and everything to do with anyone who is delaying the time when we can finally be together.”
I frowned at him and smoothed my fingers along the light whiskers coating his jaw and cheeks. The same whiskers that had so nicely abraded my skin.
“Perhaps, it would be best if we did not see each other until such a time as we can truly be together.”
His expression darkened, and I leaned forward to kiss him gently.
“You are not the only one to suffer when we meet like this,” I added softly.
He sighed and rested his forehead against mine.
“As you wish.”
Chapter Eight
The time I’d spent with Kaven the night before last consumed me, and I blindly stared at the small circle of light on the floor, dreading the conclusion to which I’d arrived. I needed to give myself to Kaven while attempting to win the heart of the Prince. It sounded like madness, but I knew it was the only way to ensure Maeve would not win.
I considered again Rose’s words to me. All curses have an end. Once the goal is met, the curse will break on its own. By winning the Prince’s heart, I felt certain the spell holding me silent would break. With the spell broken, I could condemn Maeve for her actions against the Crown. I only hoped that once the threat was removed, the Prince would understand my deception in marrying him as an impure woman and release me from our vows. If not, I would endure whatever punishment he saw fit, knowing that I’d kept the kingdom, and Kaven, safe.
If I couldn’t win the Prince’s heart, my impurity when taking Cecilia’s place in the marriage bed would be noticed, and the whole deception would be exposed. It was a dangerous risk. Cecilia could lie and say I’d tricked my way into his bed, and I would be able to say nothing to implicate Maeve. That plan was, however, a last resort. I still hoped to end Maeve’s attempt to gain access to the Crown by exposing Cecilia and Porcia for what they really were. I wasn’t quite sure how, though.
“Eloise, the seamstress is here for the final fittings,” Maeve called to me from my doorway. “She’s requested your assistance.”
I sighed and descended the stairs.
“You’ve been unusually quiet,” Maeve commented as she walked with me.
“Boredom and seclusion are dulling my conversation skills.”
“Then it is a good thing you can assist today.”
“It most certainly is, Mama.”
Since keeping me locked in the attic, Maeve spent very little time with me. I’d thought, perhaps, that meant her focus had shifted to Cecilia…until she spoke.
“Your behavior is greatly improved, Eloise. I have a mind to request a dress be made for you for the final ball.”
I looked up sharply to see if she was serious. If she meant for me to openly contend for
the Prince’s favor, it would make my effort to win him over that much harder because of Cecilia’s inevitable interference.
“I will need to test your loyalty, of course.”
My stomach tightened with fear.
“I would prefer to continue to support Cecilia in her endeavor to win the Prince’s affection, Mama. She’s worked so hard for this chance,” I quickly said.
“Yet, she’s continually failing where you succeeded with little effort. The mirror showed us that you would be his first choice. I think it’s time to acknowledge that.”
My mind raced, but I could say nothing in return as we entered the sitting room just then.
Cecilia stood upon the hemming stool. The angry light in her eyes made me wonder if she’d overheard Maeve’s suggestion.
“Please repeat what you just told me,” Cecilia said to Madame Blye, who kneeled at Cecilia’s feet.
“The new proclamation announced at the festivities last night has set Towdown on its ear. I haven’t slept since the night before last.”
The dark circles under her eyes gave credence to her words.
“Get on with it,” Cecilia said with cold impatience.
“Every maid—be she fair, in good standing with the Crown, or not—is invited to tonight’s ball. It will be a crush.” She waved at me. “Don’t just stand there, girl. Help me with this hem. I have other dresses to alter yet this day.”
I hurried forward and took the pin cushion from her. She had barely handed it off when she continued with her story.
“Every maid, and I mean each one, is preparing to make their way to the castle tonight. I can’t imagine how the Royal family hopes to accommodate everyone. What with all the eligible men the Prince decreed would attend last week. Those who can’t afford a new dress are handing over their coppers for pretty masks to match their best frocks.”
She made quick work of the hemming while she spoke then stood to tug and smooth.
“Perfection,” she announced. “Some of my best work. You’ll even outshine my own gown tonight.”
“You’re going?” I couldn’t hold back my surprise.
“I’m of an age and unmarried. Of course, I’m going.”
“I meant no disrespect.”
“Then perhaps you shouldn’t speak.”
Cecilia smirked at my reprimand, and Maeve said nothing.
Once Porcia’s dress was fitted and the seamstress left, I spent the next several hours attending to Cecilia and Porcia. Scenting their baths after the maids hauled the water. Brushing out their hair before the fire. Helping tighten and tuck so they looked flawless in their gowns. Then, assisting Maeve with styling their hair.
“Look at these matching shoes,” Cecilia said, preening in front of her mirror. “There are even more beads sewn to them than the last pair.”
I dutifully looked at the shoes.
“They are lovely.”
“Perhaps, once I’m queen,” she said, “I’ll give you this dress and these shoes.”
“Thank you.”
Maeve entered Cecilia’s bedroom, her gaze pinning me.
“You prematurely thank your sister. She hasn’t even managed to catch the Prince’s notice yet.”
Cecilia’s smile vanished.
“I’m certain I will tonight.”
“Tonight? When the room is sure to be crowded with five times as many maids as it was with the previous ball? You are neither simple nor a fool, so stop acting like one. I’m of a mind to have you strip from those clothes and give them to your sister.”
I quickly stepped forward.
“No, Mama. Please.”
Maeve looked at me, a pleased smile on her face.
“It is good of you to support your sister. Be sure you do not do so blindly.”
“Yes, Mama.”
She gave a stern look to Cecilia.
“Come along. It’s time you prove yourself.”
Maeve swept from the room. When I glanced at Cecilia, her face was flushed, and she stared at the vacant opening. If she’d wanted to flay and hang me for my rash words, I could only imagine what she wanted to do to her mother just then. I kept silent, too shrewd to draw attention to myself.
Without a glance my way, she left the room. I breathed a sigh of relief, and quietly followed. Maeve waited in the hall, the key in her hand.
“Goodnight, Mama,” I said to her.
“Goodnight, my dear one. We will see the dressmaker tomorrow.”
My chest tightened with worry, and I hurried upstairs. How did she believe she would control me if I—
“You cannot be serious,” Cecilia’s voice echoed through the far heat vent.
I moved closer on silent feet and caught the end of Maeve’s response.
“—opportunity for what it is. The Prince is already fond of her. Let him think he’s wedding her. However, it will be you speaking the vows.”
“You still mean for me to be queen? Not Eloise?”
“Eloise will never be queen.”
I waited for Cecilia to repeat her question about being queen, to demand the truth, but she remained quiet. Could she truly be that blind to her mother’s true nature?
“We’ve delayed long enough. Come. We have a Prince to protect,” Maeve said.
“How many maids from the mirror are still alive?” Cecilia asked.
“Three before you. Five after Porcia. But only two will attend.”
“How do you know?”
“Six can no longer see.”
The satisfaction in Maeve’s words filled me with horror, and I covered my mouth with my hand.
“Thank you, Mama,” Cecilia said happily.
I listened to their footsteps fade as I stood near the vent. She’d blinded girls just to prevent them from attending a ball? Who could be so cruel?
After the carriage left, I once again used the key to sneak from the house. This time, I had the mask tucked into my bodice. Although the creatures greeted me with their typical noise, I knew Kaven wouldn’t be there to interrupt. Which was exactly why I’d waited until tonight when he too would be at the ball.
When I reached the clearing, I went to the tree and held up the mask.
“The mask alone will not help me win the Prince, for I cannot cross the estate’s boundaries to attend the ball. Will you help me, please? I must win the Prince’s affection. I must wed the Prince. There is no other way.”
The white bird chirped from its perch, and the branches trembled, sending a shower of petals down around me. I looked up to see a shimmer of silvery blue light. It grew in shape and size, swirling and twirling in a sparkle of magnificent light until it solidified into cloth. The fabric fell in a tumble, but I recognized it for what it was. I caught the dress and held it up. The creation of magic and beauty glistened in the moonlight. Flower petals dotted the bodice and skirt. It was simple in its beauty and so much more.
I looked up at the tree.
“Will the dress help me leave?”
Again, the branches shook. This time, twin balls of light appeared. They glowed brighter than the dress had yet were much smaller. The bird sang a sweet song as the shape of two shoes gradually formed then fell to the ground with a thunk. I picked them up to see they were made of silver and glass. The slippers caught and reflected moonlight, no matter which way I turned them.
“These are beautiful, and I’m truly grateful. But, the mask didn’t allow me to leave. Are you sure these will?”
The tree groaned, and a rending crack echoed through the clearing as more petals fell. Quickly, a split emerged down the middle of the beautiful tree. As I watched, each half bent further from the other. A shimmer began to grow in the space. Like Maeve’s mirror, this shimmer started cloudy. But, unlike the mirror, the surface cleared into the image of a perfectly manicured garden.
A breeze swept over me, warm and scented with honeysuckle. I inhaled deeply and studied the image.
“It’s not like the mirror at all, is it?” I said. “It’s a mean
s for me to leave the estate. The honeysuckle I smell is from that garden, isn’t it?”
The bird stopped singing and tapped the wood several times before looking at me.
“I don’t understand.”
It tapped the wood again. Twelve times.
I still didn’t understand but decided not to waste any more time. It was already well after eight.
Picking up the shoes, I slipped them onto my feet. Then, after a quick look around, I changed from my gown to the one given to me by the tree. Finally, I tied on my mask.
“How do I look?” I asked.
The bird sang loudly, and the song was echoed around me as dozens of birds flew from the trees. I wasn’t afraid of them, but such a swarm flying straight at my head made me cringe and duck. However, they didn’t do more than peck at my hair as they flew close for several moments then returned to their trees.
I reached up and touched my hair, feeling flower petals and ringlets held up by twigs and vines.
The bird tapped the wood again. Twelve times.
“You’re right. There’s no time to worry about hair. Thank you for your help. I love you, Mother.”
I walked toward the shimmer and stepped between the split branches into a pool of water. Looking back, I saw the shimmer closing and felt a stab of worry. However, no pain or sickness affected me.
When the shimmer vanished, I saw nothing but the other side of the pond disappearing into the darkness. I looked around at the garden. Tall hedges blocked this part in. Music and the light of the castle beckoned ahead. I took a step forward and heard a splash. Lifting my skirts, I looked at light reflecting off my glass slippers as I walked on top of the water. Beneath me, I watched the fish swim.
“Remarkable,” I said softly.
However, when I reached dry ground, trepidation filled my veins. The tree had given me what I needed to escape the estate without pain. But, could Maeve still sense me?
Knowing I didn’t have time to ponder the consequences if she did, I hurried toward the castle, weaving my way out of the dark section of the garden to the light where several couples mingled. Steps led from the garden to the ballroom where strains of music floated on the air. Inside, I could see the swirling colors of numerous gowns.
