by K. A. Last
“Snake bite,” I say.
Ash jumps down from Mariah’s back, and offers me his hand. I take it and dismount.
“What do we do?” He keeps his distance from Storm’s flailing legs.
I don’t respond, instead moving to the horse’s head, and laying my shaky palm flat on his cheek.
“It’s okay, boy,” I say. “I’m here. You’ll be all right.”
I grip my pendant with my free hand, feeling the power of love and compassion course through me. I weep for Storm and his suffering, my tears falling onto his black coat. When they hit his hair, they turn a brilliant blue before seeping into his skin. Moments later, Storm becomes still. He flares his nostrils, and twitches his ears. Then he lifts his head. I step back as the stallion gets to his feet. Storm tosses his head, brays loudly, then goes to Ash and nuzzles his chest.
“Wow,” Ash says, stroking Storm’s nose. “That was incredible.”
“I’m just glad Storm is all right,” I say.
Ash stares into my eyes. “You are incredible, Eleanor.”
My cheeks grow hot. “Race you back to the stables,” I say to change the subject. “After you help me back onto Mariah.”
Ash chuckles, and this time when he puts his hands on my waist, I want him to hold me forever.
Chapter seven
AFTER OUR HORSE RIDE, Ash takes me back to the cemetery. I use the excuse that I want to see my mother again before I go home. His eyes plead for me to tell him where I live, but he doesn’t ask. I can’t let him know. Not yet.
“Thank you for a wonderful afternoon,” I say, when I’m out of the carriage.
“See you tomorrow night?”
“Of course.” I curtsey in my trousers, and Ash laughs. “Tomorrow I will do that in a gown.”
“I can’t wait to see you again.” He stares down at me.
I turn and walk into the cemetery without looking back. I fear if I do, I will run to him and tell him everything.
I so want to tell him who I really am.
I make a promise to myself that I will tell Ash after the ball. I just want to enjoy one perfect night, then I will face the consequences of keeping my secret. Of not telling him Anna and Drew are my stepsisters, and I am their servant.
When I arrive home, I have to make a conscious effort not to smile too much. If I do, Lady Roche and my stepsisters will wonder why I’m so happy. I manage to get through dinner and my nightly chores without my family paying much attention to me. My stepsisters are too caught up in their chatter about the ball.
By the time I make it back to my cottage I’m exhausted, but I stay up until midnight, adding the final touches to my dress, then fall into bed.
When I wake the next morning, I’m smiling before I even get up, because today is the day of the ball. I stretch and look at my gown draped over the back of my chair, taking a moment to admire my work. I have nowhere to hang it, so I get up and make the bed, then lay my dress flat on top so it won’t crease. I put the mask next to it. To keep my creation out of sight, I cover the dress with the sheet I used to carry my mother’s gowns from the manor. I quickly finish getting ready, glance at the invitation sitting beside my pendant box on the side table, then leave for the manor, making sure the front door is firmly closed.
I’m so excited I’m not sure how I will get through the day.
When I enter the kitchen via the back door, Anna and Drew are already arguing.
“Ashwin won’t be able to take his eyes off me,” Anna declares. “There’s no way he’ll look at you.” She glares at Drew.
“Of course he’ll be looking at me.” Drew stands beside the hearth with her hands on her hips. “I’m far more beautiful than you. And my dress is better.”
I keep my head down and go through the motions, preparing breakfast, scrubbing the bench, then cleaning up afterwards. I don’t want to get involved in their argument. Both their dresses are beautiful, they are just too pig-headed to realise it.
“What do you think, Ella?” Anna asks. “Whose dress is better?”
I look up from my chores. “It doesn’t matter what I think. It only matters what Ashwin thinks. And I’m sure he will agree that both of you are equally pretty.”
Anna frowns, and screws up her nose. I smile and go back to work, humming as I whip around the kitchen, tidying up.
“Pretty?” Drew says. “We’re not pretty.”
No, you’re not.
“We’re beautiful,” Anna replies.
I bite my tongue, like I often do. One day I fear I will just burst, and tell them what I really think: that looks are not everything, and they are the ugliest people I know. That they are selfish, and cruel, and Ashwin would never want to be with either of them. I taste blood, and force a smile, relaxing my clenched jaw.
“Whatever you say, Anna.” I wipe my hands on my trousers, and hang the tea towel on the rack.
Drew stares at me, cocking her head to one side. “Why are you so happy this morning? Anna, doesn’t Ella seem too chirpy for someone who’s not going to the ball?”
I look from one stepsister to the other and back again, keeping the smile on my face as neutral as possible.
“She does look a bit perkier than usual.” Anna rises from her seat at the table. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing is going on,” I say. “Please excuse me, I have the rest of the house to clean.”
I make my way towards the door that leads out to the hallway. Lady Roche reaches the bottom of the stairs as I come into the foyer.
“You are not going anywhere today until this place is spotless,” she says.
“Good morning, Lady Roche,” I reply. “I’ll be sure to make everything just the way you like it.”
“And you must be here to dress us for this evening.”
“Yes, ma’am, I will.” I stand with my hands clasped together, waiting for her dismissal.
She stares at me for a moment. “You seem ... different this morning. What has happened?”
“Nothing, Lady Roche,” I say. “Perhaps I’m excited to see you and my stepsisters all dressed up tonight.”
Lady Roche looks down her nose. “Off you go, then.” She waves her hand at me, then turns towards the kitchen.
I let out a long breath, and set to ticking all the chores I have off my list. I’m done downstairs in time to return to the kitchen and prepare lunch. My stepsisters have been upstairs all morning, and I hum to myself in the quiet kitchen, laying out a spread of cold meats, cheeses, and fruit.
“Why are you humming?” Drew asks from the doorway.
I don’t answer, and simply smile at her. I’m not going to let anyone ruin my mood today, because come tonight, I will be dancing at the masquerade ball, celebrating Ash’s birthday with him.
Anna barges into the kitchen, shouldering her sister out of the way. “Is lunch ready?”
“Don’t push me,” Drew says.
Anna ignores her, plonking down at the table and helping herself to the food. Drew sits as well, then Lady Roche appears. I wash the dishes while the three of them eat without talking, too busy stuffing their faces. When they’ve finished their plates, I clear the table, setting aside a small meal for myself.
“I’m going out for the afternoon,” Lady Roche announces. “Ella, make sure you are back from the cemetery by four o’clock. We need to be ready for the ball by seven.”
“Yes, of course,” I say.
“Yes, of course,” Anna mimics me.
I make sure not to react, keeping my smile in place. Lady Roche clicks her tongue, but she doesn’t scold her daughter for being so rude, then she leaves. If only Anna and Drew knew what Ash really thinks of them. Tedious, is what he told me. I would also add mean, spiteful, rude, and arrogant, to the list.
“Oh, you’re boring,” Anna says to me.
“Let’s go and look at our gowns.” Drew tugs her sister’s hand, and they leave the kitchen.
I finally have the chance to eat, so I sit at the table alon
e to have my lunch. While I nibble on a piece of cheese, I close my eyes and picture my dress. It has turned out better than I expected, and I especially love the sheer fabric that covers the skirt. I can’t wait to dance and twirl tonight, and watch the silver sparkle around me.
I finish eating and tidy up before going upstairs to complete my chores. I change the beds, fluff all the pillows, clean the bathrooms, and do the dusting. I’m almost finished mopping the hallway floor when Anna and Drew come out of the dressing room.
“We’re going to have so much fun tonight,” Drew says.
“Yes.” Anna sticks her nose in the air, then glares at me. “And you’re going to be stuck here. All alone.”
I continue to work, and attempt to ignore my stepsisters.
“Ella would never get invited to a ball,” Anna says, following me up the hall as I mop.
“She wouldn’t get invited anywhere.” Drew laughs.
“Could you imagine?” Anna laughs, too. “Turning up dressed in rags.”
“I don’t think she owns anything that doesn’t have a hole in it.”
I hum as I mop. The girls walk on the wet floor, but I won’t let their cruelty ruin my mood. They have no idea I’ll be there tonight, and they won’t recognise me. They’re so used to seeing me in my ratty boy-clothes.
“Ashwin would never look at her in a million years,” Anna says.
I smile to myself, remembering the way Ashwin looked at me yesterday when he told me I’m incredible.
“Why are you smiling?” Drew says. “You should at least be angry at us.”
“You usually get all huffy, and screw your face up.” Anna stands in my path, and puts her hands on her hips.
I set the mop in the bucket and grip the handle, looking at her. “Does it upset you that maybe I’ve decided I’m not going to let you get to me anymore?”
Anna narrows her eyes. “There’s something going on. And I’m going to find out what it is. You’re never this happy. Come on, Drew.”
Anna marches off down the hall towards her room. Drew follows, and I wait until they are out of sight before re-mopping the sections of the floor they walked on.
Once my chores are done, I pack away my cleaning supplies and head downstairs to the kitchen. I grab some bread, meat, cheese, and fruit for dinner later, then make my way to my cottage.
When I get there, I put the food into the meat safe, then pump some water into the sink to wash my face and hands. I change into a clean pair of trousers and my favourite long-sleeved cotton top, before peeking under the sheet and admiring the gown that’s spread over the bed. I take the mask I made from scraps from each dress, and put it on, smiling at my reflection in the small mirror on my dresser. I can’t wait to dance with Ash at the ball tonight.
I slip the mask back under the sheet, and fluff the skirt of the dress to freshen it up. Ash’s invitation is on my side table where I left it. I pick it up and run my finger over the gold leaf. My cheeks ache from smiling so much. I fold the parchment and open my silver box, take my pendant out and slip the invitation inside before closing the lid. I put on my pendant then head outside to walk to the cemetery. I haven’t told Mother I finished my gown, and I also want to sit and connect with the willow so I can calm my nerves before tonight.
A breeze whips around me as I walk through the grounds of Roche Manor to the road. I pull my sleeves over my hands then cross my arms against the chill. The walk to the cemetery takes about twenty minutes, and I move briskly, eager to get there. I like the burn I get in my legs from walking fast.
I push the front gate of the cemetery open enough so I can slip through, then make my way up the hill to the willow tree. The breeze is blowing stronger here, and the weeping branches sway.
“How are you?” I ask, sitting at my mother’s grave and reaching out to touch the cool stone. “I finished my dress. It’s so beautiful. I wish you could be here to see it.” The wind whips my hair around my face, and I take the ribbon out so I can retie it. “Anna and Drew were especially horrid today. But I managed to keep smiling. I’m too excited about tonight.”
I go quiet, and listen to the sound of the wind in the willow. I close my eyes, and I let my happiness fill me from head to toe. I press my palms onto the grass at the base of my mother’s headstone, feeling the sharpness of the blades against my skin. I don’t need to tell my mother anything else. The tree sighs in the breeze, and I know she is as happy as I am.
I get to my feet, walk under the canopy of the willow, and rest my palm against the rough bark of the trunk. Tears well in my eyes and I lean forward, blinking to let each drop of moisture fall onto the earth.
“Eleanor,” someone calls.
I move away from the tree and back into the open. Ash is halfway up the hill.
“Ash? What are you doing here?”
He reaches me, a little out of breath. “I was hoping I’d find you here today.”
“You should be at home getting ready for tonight. I imagine there is plenty to do.”
“Mother is taking care of it.” He smiles, and it lights up his face. “I wanted to see you before all the pomp and circumstance. Before you don’t ... look like you anymore.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
“Well.” He shrugs. “I assume you’ll be getting dressed up.”
I laugh. “Everyone will be dressed up. I can’t go in my ripped trousers.”
Ash chuckles. “I wouldn’t mind if you did.”
“Getting dressed up will be fun. I’m looking forward to seeing if you can pick me out of the crowd.” I beam at him, and I love how comfortable I feel in this moment with him. “Are you okay after yesterday?” I continue. “How is Storm?”
“He’s fine. Thanks to you.”
My cheeks heat, and I look at my hands. “It was nothing.”
“No, it was amazing. Your magic is beautiful. You’re beautiful.”
I look up again, staring at Ash, unsure if I should believe the words that just came out of his mouth. I turn away, embarrassed, and retreat to the shade and safety of the willow tree.
“Ella, what’s wrong?” Ash parts the branches and follows me.
“You can’t mean what you just said.” Tears well in my eyes.
“What? That you’re beautiful?” he asks. “Of course I mean it.”
A tear spills onto my cheek and drops off my chin. It looks like I will water the tree twice today.
“Why are you crying?” Ash steps towards me.
“No one has told me I’m beautiful,” I say. “Not since before my mother was alive.”
He takes another step, and another, until we’re standing almost toe to toe. Ash reaches out and touches my cheek with his fingertips. Then he runs them down my arm and finds my hand, grasping it and squeezing it gently.
“Well ... I’m telling you. You’re beautiful, Eleanor.”
I open my mouth to reply, but then Ash leans forward and presses his lips to mine. His kiss only lasts a moment, but it’s enough to set my heart thumping against my ribcage.
He pulls away and grins. “I’ll see you tonight?”
I nod, unable to speak. Ash lets go of my hand, then takes a step back before turning around. I stand under the protection of the willow’s branches, and watch him walk down the hill. Once he is out of sight, I run the entire way back to Roche Manor.
Ash thinks I’m beautiful.
And he kissed me!
I make it home before Lady Roche is expecting me, but I don’t have enough time to get to the cottage and back. I unclasp my necklace, slipping my pendant into the front pocket of my trousers.
I stop in the foyer of the manor to collect myself. I can’t rush in all happy and smiling. My adopted family doesn’t like it when I smile. I find Lady Roche and my stepsisters in the parlour.
“Would you like to start getting ready?” I ask them.
Drew smirks. “That’s a wonderful idea.”
“Yes,” Anna says. “We’re so excited about tonight.”
Lady Roche looks me up and down, then gets to her feet. “Come.” She waves her hand and walks towards the stairs.
My stepsisters follow her, glancing at me over their shoulders with devilish expressions. Anna sniggers, and Drew raises her eyebrows, smirking. I follow the three of them upstairs, not sure why they’re looking at me the way they are.
I enter the dressing room, and understanding punches me in the gut.
My dress is in the middle of the room, on display on a dressmaker’s mannequin. Lady Roche, Anna, and Drew’s dresses are lined up behind it.
“We found this in your cottage this afternoon,” Anna says.
They were in my cottage?
I blink a few times, trying to stay calm and not let them get to me. Maybe now they have seen my dress, I’ll be able to go to the ball and not hide it from them.
“Were you planning to go to the ball?” Drew asks.
I look at my stepsister, unsure what to say. Obviously my answer is yes, but I can’t seem to get the single word out of my mouth.
“Well?” Lady Roche stands with her hands on her hips. “Were you?”
“What makes you think you could go to the ball?” Anna spits.
“You weren’t even invited.” Drew’s voice rises a few octaves, piercing my eardrums.
“But ... I—”
“But nothing. You are not going,” Lady Roche says. “Using magic in the house when I have forbidden it is one thing. But going behind my back with something like this. Going up to the attic ... I will not tolerate it.”
The attic! She knows I’ve been in there.
I take a deep breath. “I’m sorry I used magic. But it’s just a dance. No one will know who I am with a mask on.”
“My word is final.”
“Besides, Ashwin would never invite you,” Drew says.
“And you can’t go if you don’t have something to wear.” Anna grabs the shoulder of my dress and pulls, ripping the sleeve away from the bodice.
Drew joins her, and all I can do is watch as my stepsisters tear my gown to shreds. They rip off the other sleeve, and yank the overlay away from the skirt, tearing huge holes in it. All my hard work is destroyed in a matter of minutes.