“What did she do?” As she raised her head blood trickled from her nose, and her eye had begun to swell.
“I forgot her pin I placed it on the cabinet, but I forgot her pin...” Tears rolled down as Eve dabbed the cold cloth against her face.
“She did the same to me when I first started, listen I can’t be away from Jacob for more than an hour in the morning but let me help you. I can train you, so she doesn’t bother you anymore. She will always hate you I can just help a little. Please don’t cry I’m so sorry Steph things just got out of control.”
“Evie it’s not you. We all knew Jacob loved you; we were all secretly wishing. I just never thought Charlotte would offer me up to her.” Raising herself gingerly from the cold floor Eve wrapped her arm around her gently.
“She won’t expect you this afternoon she won’t even call for you. Now she has blood on her hands she will be busy with Reuben trust me. Go and see Doc and try to get some sleep. I’ll meet you here in the morning just don’t tell anyone...”
Stephanie scooped up the cloth holding it to the side of her head and as she nodded Eve felt her raise.
Whisking herself back out into the courtyard, Jacob sat at the table underneath the pagoda reading.
“Cutting it fine today weren’t you! Six minutes to go and the eyes are watching all around.” As she picked up his glass, she drank thirstily from it until the contents had all gone.
“I’m sorry just something with Steph I needed to sort out.” Jacob curled his mouth knowing Eve needed to feel like she was helping. Placing the book on the table he looked at her and smiled.
“What are you smiling at?”
“Why do you need to know?”
“Because sometimes it’s nice not to have to guess what's on the other person's mind, it is nice to be told. I believe it’s called civilised conversation something you don’t seem to be able to do...” Her playful tone engrossed Jacob into the conversation.
“If you must know I was thinking how good you looked today and how nice it has been to spend time with you but on the back of that outburst I think I will retract it.” Eve giggled happily knowing that for now, their friendship was keeping both of the sane.
“What did my mother do now?” Eve puzzled to his outburst bowed her head thinking about Stephanie’s predicament.
“She taught Steph a lesson I don’t think she will ever forget by the looks of it a broken nose and scalded hand. Jake, I feel responsible. After all, without all this, I would still be serving her, and at least it would be me Steph’s just not strong enough...” Jacob wanted to hold out his hand to touch her and to reassure her that everything would be ok. However, he knew of his mother's thirst for causing pain to others, and she also knew it would instantly bring Eve back into the fold.
“Eve promise me you won’t do something stupid you know what she is like this could be the ploy she needs to break us down.” Eve sat and looked around the courtyard trying to avoid eye contact.
“I’m not going to jeopardise this Jacob I have read that book from cover to cover and back again. I feel sorry for Steph, and I want to help, but I wouldn’t do that if it meant jeopardising us.”
Feeling her reassurance, Jacob packed his things away and stretched lazily under the morning sun. Eve knew no matter where he went she had to follow and feeling like she needed reigns she followed slovenly. As the strolled through the old arch, Neith stood magnificently groomed at the other side.
“I don’t understand. Why is she?”
“We are going out to the brow our friends obviously need to join us, but I thought it would do both of us some good getting away from the confines of this place. After all the Brow is still in the Parish, we are not breaking any rules.” As she threw herself onto her horse, she set off at high speed over the courtyard, seeing her reaction he set off after her enjoying the chase. As the wind blew in her face the escape from the compounds of the manor felt like newly founded freedom she had forgotten. Heading for the waterfall, she felt the sweet water call to her, but as Jacob grabbed hold of Neith’s reins, he pulled back hard slowing down the pace.
“Calm down we are together and if we get too far in front...” Eve slid down Neith patting her gently and stroking her nose. With him stood nearby she bit her lip.
“I’m sorry it’s just been. I better stand back...” Jacob desperate to touch her pulled back to his horse in frustration.
“It’s driving me crazy not being able to feel you close to me! Every night I dream about us the thought of you makes me want to lose everything again. Whatever we are doing is meant to test us it’s just the fact that your so close I can’t….
Celibacy is one thing but not being able to reach for you even hold you is torture..” As Eve stroked Neith’s nose, she moved further away from him.
“Eight more weeks Jacob and they can’t protest against it. I’m driving your mother crazy at least…”
“Eve talk to me please, don’t just move away from me it feels like avoidance, every morning it’s as if you run away for the only hour we spend together on our own.” His desperation worried her knowing how far they had come.
“I’m frightened if I do Jake.”
“Frightened of what of me of them?” His desperation soon turned to anger as she tried to flick his feelings aside.
“Don’t shout at me, Jacob. Do you think this is fair on me? I’m just dealing with it differently to you I can’t help that I’m too busy...” Interrupting the argument seemed to warrant attention.
“Too busy for what avoiding me.”
“I’m too busy trying to hold back Jacob, don’t you think it kills me being in your bed night after night not able to be with you, don’t you think I’m constantly wondering if you want to touch me as much I do with you. I lie awake at night trying to remember how your kisses taste or how you hand instantly makes me want to react. I’m trying not to tell you because I’m frightened we won’t be able to stop! Believe me, Jacob, please I love you more than words could ever say you’re the part of me I just couldn’t live without but I need to stop wanting you. I’m frightened one night I will want you that much, that everything we have worked for will be over and this will all go away for both of us….” Jacob stood in the bracken feeling himself fight against all that seemed natural
“I need to walk away from you. You're right. Everything you have just said is true. Let’s just sit on opposite side of the waterfall at least then I can’t even if I wanted too…” The water gushed over the rock face exposing everything they were too scared to admit. No words were needed as they gazed into each other’s embrace.
“What do we do now?” Jacob held out his hand he drank from the clear waters.
“We sit and wait...” The ride back to the house was arduous and quiet. All that had been bubbling before had risen to the surface and the tension had been flung out into the open. The argument had settled some of their questions but had now given them more reasons for wanting to break their vow. As Eve sat in Jacob's quarters, she placed the book on her lap, and as her fingers run over the text, she recited the laws they had to abide.
“You must know that thing inside out by now...”
“I’m sorry about today things just got a little out of hand” Sitting on the silver couch under the window he placed his beer on the ledge.
“That was all my doing. I never thought this would be so difficult, the thought is easier than the reality, but I wouldn't change anything. I would do it again and again and again if I had to. Just having you with me has given me all the reason I need to keep fighting. I would do anything for you I’m even renouncing my birthright for you. I would run through hell and back just for you.” As she folded the book away, she sighed deeply still feeling the tension between them.
“You might have to yet…you might just have too.”
Chapter 7
As Eve trespassed into the servants quarters, she knew she had exactly one hour to go through the rituals with Stephanie. Watching the oth
ers leave, she grabbed hold of her hand and made her way up to one of the leading chambers.
“Listen this is going to have to be a crash course. Follow me and anything you’re not sure shout about it.” Stephanie watched as Eve directed her around Cara’s morning routine. Eve’s proficiency frightened her so much that tears began to well again.
“I’m frightened I can’t do this Evie…”
“Just walk through the steps, and no matter what never lift your head, she would beat you just for looking at her. If you follow everything, she cannot touch you make sure you also know Reuben's location at all costs trust me” Eve placed her hands around Stephanie’s cheeks reassuring her that everything will be ok. As Eve followed Steph, she watched her practice one last time and as the penny seem to drop Steph opened the door and instantly fell to her knees.
“What are you doing in here you ungrateful little urchin…” Seeing Eve, she glided through the door now uninterested in Stephanie’s whereabouts
“Why are you with her?” Stephanie's sobs filled the air as the panic inside set inside.
“She’s been helping me Cara” Cara’s iridescent smile graced her cheeks feeling like her prayers had been answered.
“Just what I needed to hear.” As she grabbed both, she whisked them down to the main chamber and summoned who she could into the great hall.
“Get Jacob” Taking Eve by her throat she threw her into the blue circle.
“Cara what is the meaning of this, you understand your restrictions...” As her words spat out into the crowd Cara's smugness violently grew with every new member of the council.
“She broke the vow, she resumed duties, and now she’s mine...” Jacob stood at the top of the staircase half-dressed and half in shock at his mother’s outburst.
“Mother, please. For my sake, we haven’t broken anything...”
“Tell that to your little witch. I caught her with Stephanie resuming duties.” As she circled Eve, she continued her choke hold lifting her from the floor. As Eve fought, she tried to shout however the grip around her throat tightened in the blackness of the main hall.
“Second Decree…” slipping into unconsciousness Eve screamed again.
“See the Second Decree...” Charlotte intervening loosened Cara’s grip as the servants started to witness the events.
“Stephanie get that wretched book now.” Cara, now impatiently awaiting her return, let go dropping Eve with a thud to the floor.
“Touch her Jacob, and this is already over...” Reuben's words echoed as Jacob slid to her side, unable to do anything he felt helpless. Stephanie bowed in return for Charlotte to take the book.
“Thank you, child.” As she thumbed her way through the pages, her dismay was evident as she reached what she needed.
“Cara this girl is right again, I gave my girl as a gift under the decree any duties she cannot attend to correctly she can be shown. This girl has been beaten for not attending to her duties. Therefore, she has done nothing we can touch under the decree.” As Cara raced over Charlotte, she repeatedly thrashed her with the end of the book.
“You will be wise to know your place, while I am still the elder you are still under my rule and Fallen or not I will kill you where you stand. Jacob, I suggest you take this slut away my business is with Stephanie...” Eve rose off the floor in a daze knowing she needed to protect Stephanie.
“It’s my fault, Cara, please leave her out of this I beg you. Please” Cara pushed her aside continuing her thirst for revenge
“Cara please…” Eve slid to her side bowing gracefully beside her.
“It’s me you want please, Cara she has done nothing to hurt you she just wanted to serve you better...” Throwing her against the wall Eve clutched at her arm. As she continued the course, she grabbed hold of Stephanie’s hair dragging her down the corridor and into the study. Blood-curdling screams echoed around the hallway and Eve unable to let go banged on the door.
“Cara! Cara! Fuck! Please let her go. I will do what you want me to. Please, Cara.” Eve slid down the door tears streaming down her face. The inability to take any action frustrating the very core of her emotions.
Cara smiled as she exited the room, and as the blood trickled down her long fingers, she replaced her hood on her gown licking the drips from her hand.
“Your actions have consequences Eve." Throwing her into the study, Cara locked the door, and as Eve stumbled back over the chair, she placed her hands across her mouth unable to rise.
Stephanie hung from the wall, her throat torn open and as Eve took in the extent of her injuries the trail as her intestines spilt across the floor. As she hung on the wall Eve felt the weight of her expression as Stephanie’s mouth still gaping from the scream widened as her body swung with her dead weight.
Cara had devoured every last piece of life from her.
Hearing the door split Jacob spilt into the room, seeing Eve standing in front of the mantle he instantly wanted to run and hold her but as he turned to see the devastation pinned against the wall he knew he could offer no comfort.
“Evie are you ok?” Not answering she moved around him and walked through the door. As her breath exhaled deeply, she wrapped her arms around her body knowing she couldn’t run to Jacob for comfort.
“Make sure she is buried if you need anything for her I will go and get it from my chambers. Oh and Doc I know Cara is using you how else would she have known I was there...”
“You don’t understand Eve. I had no choice...”
“You had a choice it just would have meant some pain, but instead she’s dead, and I’m holding you responsible...” Jacob wrapping Stephanie’s body in the drape which hung over the study door bore witness to Eve’s conversation with Doc immediately following behind he handed the girl over to the servants. Eve had already disappeared.
Closing the door to the quarters Eve started to undress filling the sink with cold water. Placing her hands on either side of the basin she couldn’t get the image of Steph out of her head. Cara’s fingers had clawed in deep, but the mental pictures had burnt deeper.
“Are you ok? Physically I mean” Eve threw her jacket to the floor unable to answer. Trying to ignore his concerns she continued to examine the marks on her neck.
“I will make sure Stephanie is given what she needs.”
“What she needs, what she fucking needs, she’s dead Jacob because of me and because of that lying scumbag I used to call my friend.” Toying with her T-shirt, she threw it to the floor feeling the anger and sadness merge inside her stomach.
“I’m busy Jake unless you’re quite happy to stand there and watched me clean up. May I suggest you occupy yourself with something else except me?” Slamming the door shut Jacob jumped back quickly avoiding the slap. She was hurting, and he could do nothing to comfort her and worst of all he couldn’t even show her that inside he thought he had lost her.
Eve sat on the bathroom floor with her head in her hands. As she slid down the opposite side, Jacob tried to be as close as he could.
“I need you to be strong. I’ve seen death all my life. I know evil, and I’m part of that Eve I just need you to walk me down a different path.” Pushing her fingertips towards the door, Jacob could see her shadow, and as he pressed his fingers against the opposite side, he felt for that small time connected.
Chapter 8
The day of reckoning had come, and at the stroke of midnight, the pact had between them was sealed. It was a coincidence that Cara and Reuben’s anniversary was also on the same evening and in true Font De Dieu grandeur it was set to be a spectacle.
On Cara’s wishes the celebrations were only to start at midnight, and as Eve was sent away to be dressed, the gathering began to take shape. Jacob, nervously waiting in the great hall felt the tension slice through the atmosphere and as he welcomed the guests, he couldn't find it within him to celebrate.
Dressed all in black his suit fitted every aspect of his body and make no understatement he looked the gl
orious picture of grace and sophistication. Every woman’s eye in the room couldn’t help but notice how beautiful he was and even though his nerves flipped over on his stomach on the outside, he glowed with confidence.
As the clock started to chime the hall was silenced, Eve, on the other hand, was no were in sight and as the last chime rang out, she stood perfectly at the top of the marble staircase.
The dress draped her body perfectly. The black mesh coated in black velvet flowers emphasised her athletic shape, and as she graced the stairs, the dress split to her thigh showing her golden-toned flesh. Jacob knew she had been dressed this way as a present and just like the rest of the crowd he'd been silenced by her beauty. With her slick black short hair quaffed and with her dark black make -up emphasising her striking grey eyes she pierced the crowd. Catching his breath, Jacob had never seen her so beautiful, and as he took her hand, his eyes wandered her body tempted by the thought of what lay beneath.
“I don’t think I’ve ever fantasised about you looking like this.” Reuben unable to stay with his wife saw how delectable Eve looked.
“Glad both of you could join us. I think you have been keeping yourself from me, Eve, my boy if you get bored I’ll gladly take her off your hands.” His arrogance made Eve shudder, and his proximity sent warning signals around her body. Taking her hand for the first time, Jacob dragged her to the centre of the floor, and as the band struck the first chord, he pulled her close.
“How long do we have to stay? I just don’t feel comfortable.” Playing with his fingers, she became lost in finally being able to touch him, and as she revelled in the simplicity of his hand, Jacob started to become nervous.
“Eve how long something doesn’t feel right?”
“I feel the same they need to announce the decree then I’m yours, Jacob...” As the music died, Jacob held her close, as his mind wandered over the events of the last eight weeks the silence fell feeling the darkness creep in from the shadows. He didn’t hear his mother signify their decree all he heard was Eve’s heartbeat and her blood coursing through her veins. All eyes drowned out their happiness and the fact that they had passed this test was a first in their history. As the pathway cleared Eve took hold of Jacob's arm waiting for the anarchy to start.
The Parish Page 5