I sat up. “How will you find a place—?”
“I’ll need someone whose powers are strong enough to help us. That’s where I’m having troubles. There is one person I was hoping that I could trust, but it’s hard to get in contact with him. I did have a chance to speak with him a couple of weeks ago when we visited the circus I told you about.”
Liam turned so he faced me. “He’s a fire elf. A scout, like Marcus. I’m not sure how trustworthy he will be, and I only had a chance to mention my idea to him when Marcus caught us talking. Since then, Uncle has been extra guarded. I need to be more careful.”
My shoulders slumped. “This sounds hopeless.”
Liam sat up crossing his legs as he faced me. “Not hopeless. Give me some time. I promised to find a way to—”
“I thought Marcus wanted to break me free from Estelle, too.”
“Right, because he hopes to have control over both of us. He is still working out a plan. I’m hoping I can work a different plan faster. There’s no point in helping you escape your sanctuary only for you to be put in a smaller cage.”
My breath stuck in my throat. I wouldn’t cry, because that would only upset Liam. I trusted him. I should have realized that Marcus’ help was conditional. Was he using Liam as a ploy, hoping that I’d fall for him and that would make it easier for him to gain power over me? I shook my head, fearing I’d never be free. At least with Marcus, I’d still be close to Liam. Unless…
“What does he know about us?” I asked.
“Nothing!” Liam stated, his voice turning hard. “And it’ll stay that way. Right now, he thinks I’m honestly trying to teach you about World. He’s encouraged me to befriend you, to even charm you, but I figured out what the old dog was up to. I’m not going to let him get you, either, Rachel.” He took my hands in his and pressed kisses into my palms. “Don’t worry about Wrenn. She’s perfectly capable of taking care of herself. When the time is right, and once we are completely free, we’ll find her again. Then you’ll be able to learn the truth about your past with her. Will you trust me?”
I leaned in a kissed him. “Yes, I trust you with my life.” I was able to say those words with the utmost sincerity. Deep in my heart, I knew he would protect me with his own life, if necessary. I hoped it would never come to that.
The weeks turned into months. At first, we only appeared in World every other month, but the more power Godmother gained, the more she wanted. Marcus seemed to grow greedier, as well, booking extra concerts against Godmother’s wishes. They were like a couple of wolves, barking and growling over who would have the alpha position.
I didn’t mind the extra performances. At least I was able to leave my cage. Even if I couldn’t spread my wings and fly, I was able to flutter around, taking in what I could from the auditoriums and concert halls that we visited. I swiped brochures, books, and anything else from World that I could get my hands on. I’d read every scrap of information I found, then burned it in the hearth before Godmother or Miss Wrenn found it.
I’m not sure if Wrenn signed a new contract, or if Godmother simply allowed her to stay because she continued to prove herself useful. Wrenn wouldn’t allow me to speak to anyone when we left the sanctuary and sat with me in the dressing room until it was my time to go on stage. Sometimes she talked about safe topics, but mostly she kept her nose in a book and ignored me.
As I grew in popularity, she had to help fight off the humans who snuck backstage to ask me questions. She called them the press and paparazzi. Cameras were always flashing, but if I stepped from my dressing room, I was to wear my mask. I hated that mask.
One time I’d snuck out without putting it on. The flash of a camera made me realize I’d made a terrible mistake. Marcus descended on the photographer. Liam and Wrenn dragged me toward the stage. She quickly set the mask in place, scolding me for being so foolish.
Godmother was in a fury when she learned about the incident. Once we returned to the manor, she ordered me to my room where I was to stay for a whole week!
“I’m twenty-one, Estelle. You cannot treat me like a child anymore. Do you understand?”
In an instant, I hit the wall so hard lights flashed in my vision. Godmother grabbed me by the neck, her sharp nails digging into my tender flesh.
Her cold breath washed over my face like blizzard winds. “You wish for me to treat you the same way as I handle my staff when they cross me? I’d cut out your tongue, except that I need you to sing. That would be the punishment for talking back to me.”
Her fingers squeezed so hard, I couldn’t drag in a breath of air. My vision blurred as I grew dizzy.
“You’ve never seen this side of me, have you?” she growled. “It’s because you have always been special to me, Rachel. I knew you were extremely gifted when I found you. Haven’t I always sheltered and provided for your every need?”
I nodded, knowing better than to argue, even if I could speak.
“Do not think you have a hold on me, child. I have others I can train up to replace you. Others who’ve displayed special talents. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand that you are not irreplaceable?”
I nodded again, gasping and clutching at her stony hand. Everything darkened. A fuzzy Wrenn stood beside us, fear on her face, though she didn’t dare to intervene to protect me. Once Godmother released me, I crumpled to the ground.
“Take her to her room and lock the door for the next three weeks. I’ll inform Marcus that we need a break. We can resume practice soon as this wretch remembers her place. Have Westin send her meals to her room. Under no circumstances is she to come out until her punishment has been served.”
“Yes, Madam,” Wrenn said with a curtsy. She grabbed my arm and hauled me to my feet. We were halfway up the stairs when the front door slammed closed.
“I warned you to be careful, Rachel. You aren’t a child anymore. She will not pamper you as she used to. Either you do as she says, or she’ll make you wish you were dead. Trust me.”
Did Wrenn know from experience or observation? She’d never crossed Godmother, not that I recalled. As instructed, she shoved me into my room and locked the door behind me. I ran to the windows, but they now had glimmering bars covering them. I wouldn’t even be able to climb down the terrace to visit my garden.
Would Liam be locked out? I glanced down at the lines on my arms, surely he’d still be able to come to me? I brushed my arm across the tears falling down my cheeks. My neck throbbed. I fell across my bed and wept.
Sometime during the night, I was awoken to, “This is different.” The bars on my window rattled.
Bolting out of bed, I raced over to Liam who sat outside the window, his face a mask of fury. “What happened? I thought I’d felt a disturbance. My arm was burning and damp.” He reached through the bars and ran his thumb over my wet cheeks. Then he saw the bruises on my neck. “Who did that to you?”
I tried to tell him what happened through my cries. “She’s locked me in here for three weeks. I’m not even sure—”
“I can get in. I’m just not sure I’ll be able to get back out.” He reached through, his arms bringing comfort. “She won’t kill you. I’m sure she’s just trying to scare you to keep you in line. The last thing she wants if for you to fight her because then she’d lose you. If she loses you, she’ll lose her source of power.”
“I want out. I’d even take Marcus over her.”
Liam shook his head. “No, you think so now, but I’m not going to let that happen. Listen to me. Look at me, love.”
I did as he said.
“I want you to take a deep breath and calm down.”
I nodded, breathing deeply until the tightness in my throat and chest eased.
“Good. That’s very good. If you need me to come in and be with you, then I will. Once I’m inside, I’ll not be able to leave, which will—”
“No. Marcus will be furious if you don’t return.”
Liam nodded, his mouth turned downward in a sad frown.
“And Godmother might catch you here when she returns.”
He nodded again.
I wanted to break into tears again but stopped myself. “I’ll be okay. I shouldn’t have left the dressing room without my mask. It’s my fault.”
The sadness in his face nearly crushed me. “They’re going to bring security guards to our next concert. They will keep out the press and anyone who doesn’t belong backstage. That will help.”
Not really, but I didn’t say so. “What do we do now?”
“Bide our time, love. I’ll return to check on you when I can, but I’m going to use this time to work out where we will stay. I’ll need to be gone for a few days in your time.”
I often forgot the time was different here than in World. My head rested against the bars blocking the open window. Even though in World, winter was long over and the weather much warmer, we were only just going into spring.
Putting on my bravest voice, I promised, “I will stay here and wait for you, my heart. I’ll be fine. I have books to read. I’ll make good use of this time.”
He kissed the top of my head. “That’s my beautiful girl. It will fly by fast. I’ll return to you soon as I can.” His arms relaxed and began to slip through the bars.
I grabbed his wrist before he moved too far away. My finger traced the lines on his inner arm. They glowed beneath my touch. “Do whatever you have to, Liam. Find a place where we can be together. I don’t care where that is.”
His brows furrowed, though he promised that he would do whatever it took to break me free from Estelle.
I remained by the window long after he left, staring out into the darkening garden. Wind blew in, soft and cool as if trying to bring comfort. When I did finally make it into World, I’d lose my garden, my connection with Wind.
I hoped it would be worth it.
Chapter 11
Present day.
Will Liam sing his part? The song I play is a duet, the one we created the day we bound our lives together. Since that day, Liam has been my other half. When I’m upset, he feels my sadness in the lines circling our arms that mark our union. When he enters my sanctuary, I feel his presence in my markings.
I can also feel his emotions and sometimes read his thoughts. Not like mind-reading, but more like an intuitive knowing. Right now, his heart races over what I am doing, but he isn’t angry. Actually, a bubbling excitement is rising up inside of him which encourages me to play with everything I have, wishing that we were free to always be together with no more hindrances.
My gift of persuasion works on people directly, but I’ve never tried putting my wishes out into the universe.
I sing through the first verse. There is an interlude where Liam plays his violin. I prepare to sing his part next, but then his deep, baritone voice rings through the speakers. The audience rises to their feet, applauding and cheering. Their adoration for him nearly bowls me off my seat. I can’t help but smile. He has such a lovely voice. Mesmerizing. Enchanting. Calming.
He has the kind of voice that stops people in their tracks. The kind of voice that soothes over volatile emotions, calming them. I absolutely love his sound, his scent, and feeling his arms around me.
Biting my bottom lip, I continue playing, willing myself not to tremble. My stomach flutters, but I can’t stop playing to put a comforting hand over the life growing inside. I started this and I’ll see it through, no matter what the consequences might be. I don’t dare to look at the audience. Is Godmother still sapping up the people’s emotions?
Or does she realize what we are doing?
Two Months Past…
Being locked in my room day after endless day had started to take its toll. I missed my garden and left the window open all the time so at least Wind could bring in the first signs of spring. The sweet scent of new shoots breaking through the cold ground, the opening buds on the early bloomers.
My stomach was often queasy and I couldn’t keep down the meals that Mrs. Westin magically sent to my room. A fresh tray always appeared at the appointed time, stayed for about an hour before disappearing again. Westin must have been a powerful Fae in the Realm.
Miss Wrenn never even come to check on me.
After losing my breakfast for the third time, I quit eating them, opting to nibble on a biscuit and only drink water. My energy drained away until I spent most of the day in bed, not even bothering to shower or dress.
A week passed before Liam returned and whispered my name through the bars on my window. At first, I was too tired and weak to stir. His calls grew more urgent and I feared that if I didn’t go to him, he’d try to come to me.
Pushing myself up to a sitting position, I made myself walk over to him. My attempted façade didn’t fool him for a minute.
“Come here,” His arms threaded in between the bars, beckoning me closer. “Are you ill, love? You look so pale. I’ve not been gone too long, have I?”
I shook my head and collapsed against the window pane, letting him wrap his arms around my shoulders. “Take care,” I said weakly. “I’m afraid I’ve caught something. Maybe while we were in World? It hit me a few days ago. I can’t keep any food down.”
His breath caught as he pressed his hand to my forehead, then tilted my face up toward the faint light shining into my room from the full moon.
He asked me a couple of personal questions that had me blushing. When he laughed at my shy answers, I started to feel a little better. Just having him near me again was like medicine to my soul.
“Don’t move,” he ordered. “Stay right here.” Then he was gone, disappearing into the darkness of night.
After a few minutes, he returned. The sweetest scent hit me as he pushed a bouquet of roses adorned with primroses and bell-shaped lilies through the bars. “Maybe that will cheer you up, my love. I want you to try to eat when they bring your next meal. Stick to fruits and toast. Just a little and toss the rest out the window. You don’t want them to think you are sick or starving yourself. Understand?”
What did I care what any of them thought?
“Don’t give me that look, Rachel.” He smiled, despite his warning tone. “You have ten days, correct?”
I nodded. “What do you think I caught?”
“Nothing.” His brows furrowed with those worry lines I was growing accustomed to. “I think…you should keep your condition quiet. I’ll return tomorrow night with something that will tell us what might be going on.”
I hugged the flowers to my chest, breathing in their fresh, sweet scents. I missed my garden something terrible. Why wouldn’t he be honest and just tell me what he thought was wrong with me? I stared up at his beautiful green eyes that watched me with concerned wariness. His odd questions nagged at me. When was the last time I’d had a cycle? Since when did he ever concern himself with…wait.
I gasped and dropped the bouquet. Two months had passed, now that I thought about it. My hands went to my stomach. “Liam?”
“Hush, love. We’ll be fine. Do not panic. I’ve made some progress and have someone willing to help us. It’s going to be tricky and I have to wait until he contacts me when he’s ready. He says there is somewhere we can hide until both of our contracts are void.”
I tried not to start hyperventilating. Liam rubbed my back, then slammed his palm against the bars. “That’s it, I’m coming in.”
“No!” I pushed him back so hard, he almost lost his balance on the ledge he was sitting on. “Don’t, Liam, I’ll be okay. I…I’m in shock, that’s all. I’ll be fine. Give me a minute.” I had to get myself together. Could I really be pregnant?
Yes, I certainly could.
“There is a way to find out for sure?” I asked.
He nodded, his face pressed against the bars. He continued to stroke my hair, trying to help me to calm down. “It’s a simple test. I’ll get it when I return to World and bring it with me tomorrow night.”
“Liam, what about Marcus? I don’t want you to—”
; “Don’t worry about me, love. Marcus thinks I’m in on his plans. I’ve made him think that I like the idea of stealing you away from Estelle. He thinks I’m helping him work out the details of your escape. You know those brutes he’s hired to guard us in World? He’s going to use them to snatch you after one of the performances. While he’s looking for a place to hide you, I’ve been working out a different place to hide both of us.”
I rested my head against the bars. “This is sounding more and more difficult. How long do I have before people will realize what’s wrong with me?”
“Another month, two at the most before you start showing. If that is, our suspicions are correct.”
I had a deep feeling they were very much correct.
And the next night when Liam showed up with a small brown paper bag, the test confirmed that I was expecting a child. I held the little stick in my hands staring at it until it grew out of focus. “What are we going to do, Liam?”
He took it from my hands, then put it back inside the bag which he tucked into a pocket inside his black jacket. “We’re going to bide our time, do what Marcus and Estelle tell us to do, and no more arguing with them. I don’t want you to risk her anger again, understand me?”
I touched the fading bruises on my neck and nodded.
Liam tried to keep his tone light, but I sensed the heaviness in his voice and felt it in the way he held me tightly against the bars.
“I need to go,” He suddenly said, breaking my troubled thoughts.
I clutched to his hand. “So soon? Why?”
“I need to return to World. I hadn’t planned to stay for too long.”
I reached through the bars and grabbed the front of his jacket as I stared deeply into his dark eyes. He stared back, saying more without words than if he spoke his thoughts out loud. This changed things. We didn’t have as much time. He had things to work out.
Promise Forever: Fairy Tales with a Modern Twist Page 25