Five Enchanted Roses: A Collection of Beauty and the Beast Stories

by Kaycee Browning

  A light thwap on the outside wall of her room pulled Karyna from her thoughts. Frowning, she ventured to the open window and peered out. She heard several more thumps, these much louder, and then a man’s face appeared in her window. She leaped back in alarm, a scream forming in her throat.

  “Please, please don’t be frightened,” the man said, “I’m not here to harm you, Karyna. I’m here to get you out of there.”

  The scream died in her throat, and all that escaped her lips was a stuttering croak. By the gleam of her candle she saw that the man was handsome, with dark brown hair and dark eyes that were very familiar. Closer inspection revealed that he was clinging to a rope that must be attached to a chimney. He had another rope tied around his body like a harness, and she could see that he was using this to keep from falling.

  Karyna let out a gasp. “Prince Ritter? What are you doing here?”

  “So you do remember me.” Ritter grinned. And remember him she did: Prince Barend’s younger brother, always the handsome rogue even when they were children. How long was it since she’d even thought of him? Of course she had assumed he would be in Norvue, preparing to step into his older brother’s role as Crown Prince; for as time passed and the curse remained unbroken, the world would have to continue turning without Barend.

  Yet here was Ritter hanging outside her window, quite impossible, and grinning as though this was the finest of jokes.

  “As for what I’m doing here,” he continued, “I should think that would be obvious. I’m looking for my brother.” His grin faded. “I don’t mean to rush you, but if you’d like to escape, now would be good. This harness is not the most comfortable thing I’ve ever worn.”

  Karyna eyed him skeptically. “You want me to . . .”

  Ritter twisted until he was facing away from her. “Climb on my back. I’ll lower us down.”

  “I don’t think so.” Karyna gazed at the rope with distrust.

  “I remember you being more adventurous when we were younger.” Ritter glanced back over his shoulder, raising a mischievous eyebrow. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall.”

  Still she hesitated.

  “Look, Karyna, I don’t know what they’re planning to do with you, but do you really want to wait around to find out?” All trace of mischief left his face, and his eyes became serious.

  Footsteps and voices in the hall outside her room galvanized Karyna into action. Setting her candle aside, she clambered up to the window and perched herself precariously on the sill. “Are you sure?” she asked.

  “For the few seconds it will take us to reach the ground? Yes, I’m sure,” he huffed.

  Karyna eased her way through the window and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pressed her face against his shoulder and squeezed her eyes shut. “I’m ready,” she said, her stomach lurching.

  She pictured the rope giving way or Ritter losing his grip as they plummeted to the ground. The idea was almost enough to send her lunging back to the window. But they began to descend, and it was too late to change her mind. Ritter lowered them easily, his makeshift harness holding strong. They landed so gently, Karyna was not aware they had reached the ground.

  “You can let go now.” There was a hint of amusement in Ritter’s voice. Karyna loosed her hold on his neck and dropped a few inches. Her feet touched the solid ground, and she opened her eyes and looked up to see Ritter’s white teeth flash in a grin.

  “That was terrifying,” she admitted.

  “But good sport.” He chuckled. “Come, our horses are just down the road a bit. I already liberated your mare.”

  They raced away from the inn, the darkness of the evening enveloping them in its cool embrace and hiding them from anyone who might have been watching. The sky was overcast, so neither the moon nor the stars betrayed their passing. They reached the spot where Ritter had tied their horses and clambered up into their saddles.

  Ritter reined his horse toward the road, but Karyna stopped him. “Not that way,” she said.

  Ritter pulled his horse to a halt and looked back at her. Karyna could barely make out his face, but she could tell he was startled. “Where to, then?” he asked.

  “I’m going to Rivenloch Palace. I think the answer to breaking the curse is there, and I remember the way.”

  Ritter paused. “A servant at Thorndale Castle mentioned Rivenloch. Do you have reason to think the answer is there?”

  Karyna nodded wordlessly. She did not know whether he would believe and accompany her or simply think she was crazy, but she found she did not care. No matter what Ritter did next, she was going to see this journey through.

  “You think the curse can be broken? My brother could come home?”

  Karyna squared her shoulders and nodded. “I do.”

  “Right. Lead on, then.”

  Chapter 7

  KARYNA FOUND THE overgrown road leading off the highway, and she and Ritter walked their horses into the darkness. “How far from the highway is this palace?” Ritter inquired after a time.

  “A long way. I don’t remember exactly,” Karyna admitted. “We always traveled in a carriage.” How different those journeys with Princess Bellenya had been, filled with girlish laughter and anticipation!

  Finally, after they had put a good distance between themselves and Mirhaven, Ritter halted his horse.

  “We cannot ride farther tonight, we might lose our way in the dark,” he said. “Besides, it’s getting late and I could use some rest.”

  Karyna did not want to stop, but she had already twice caught herself dozing off in her saddle, so she agreed. They found a sheltered spot where Ritter built a small campfire.

  “I’ll make us something warm to drink,” he offered. He pulled a wineskin from his saddlebags and set to warming the red liquid in a pot over the fire.

  Before long they sat together on a log, with steaming pewter cups warming their hands. Karyna felt the weight of Ritter’s curious gaze on her. “What do you want to know?” she asked.

  “Everything. Is it true Barend was transformed into a beast? That he cannot leave Thorndale Castle without losing his mind?”

  Karyna nodded.

  “Does anyone know how it happened? Or why?”

  Karyna took a small sip from her cup and shook her head.

  “Were you there that night?” Ritter’s expression was strangely hopeful.

  While the fire crackled and sent sparks skyward, Karyna stared off into the night. She did not often dwell on the events of that fateful night. She preferred to push such memories to the periphery and focus her attention on more present and pressing matters. But now she let it all come back. The memory no longer threatened to crush her like it once had, but it still pressed down on her shoulders, a load much too heavy for one person to bear alone.

  “The palace staff spent weeks getting everything ready for the ball,” she began. “As you know, the royal family of Suvall has always had a strain of magic running through their veins, the gift of a fairy godmother from generations ago. At eighteen they begin to see their powers manifest.”

  “I remember Bellenya talking about that when we were children.”

  Karyna sighed as memories of happier times swirled through her thoughts and vanished. “On the day of her birthday, Bellenya had worked herself into a frenzy. It was more than just her birthday and the ball. She talked all week about a ‘special guest’ and hinted that something even more exciting than magic might be in store for her. She never came right out and said it, but I assumed she expected Barend to propose. I know how much she admired him.”

  Ritter gazed steadily into the snapping fire. “Everyone admired Barend,” he agreed. “Do you know if he did propose?”

  Karyna hesitated. “I don’t know. I never asked him,” she admitted. “He doesn’t remember much about that night.”

  “I see.” Ritter frowned at the fire, a strange expression for the habitually cheerful prince. “Please, go on.”

  “The night of the ball, everythin
g was perfect. Bellenya was radiant in the gown I had helped her choose.” Karyna smiled at the memory. “It was lovely. Plum satin with a short train that flowed to the ground and swirled around her feet when she walked. The neckline was worked with pearls and silver embroidery. It had sheer hanging sleeves and a silver belt . . .” Karyna trailed off with a chuckle. “Forgive me, I’m sure you don’t care about her gown. You must understand, it was all we talked about for weeks.”

  Ritter grinned. “Bellenya always loved dressing well. If you were at the ball, how did you escape the curse?”

  “Bellenya,” she replied. “She was going to walk in the gardens, so she sent me to fetch her a shawl. She claimed it was because the night was cool, but I knew she just wanted a few minutes alone with Barend.” Karyna wrapped her arms around herself. “I was on my way back to the Throne Room when . . .” She felt her throat close of its own accord. Cold washed over her along with the memory. She wanted to run to her father and have him wrap his strong arms around her and make the world safe again. Her voice trembled as she continued, “I’m sorry, I cannot describe what happened next. I felt the floor shudder beneath my feet, and the air grew icy. The candles flickered. And then the screaming started.”

  “The people in the ballroom were screaming?” Ritter asked, now staring at her, his eyes wide.

  “No. Just one person,” Karyna shivered and took a sip of warmed wine, remembering. The sound had been terrifying and otherworldly, yet also filled with grief. Even now she felt a twinge of sympathy for the screamer. “I don’t know who it was, but it was horrible. I dropped the shawl and raced to the open doors. The curse rolled in from the garden like a great cloud of smoke. The queen started to rise, but before she could take a step the curse lashed through the room. I did the only thing I could think to do: I shut the doors and ran.” Karyna grimaced. “I didn’t get far. I tripped over the shawl I had dropped. I don’t know how long I lay there, but when I got up . . .” Karyna paused, unable to speak past the lump in her throat.

  The light from the fire flickered in Ritter’s eyes, revealing there a deep sorrow. “I know the rest,” he said. “Barend sent a message home, explaining what had happened and how he could not return. Our parents hired every wizard and enchantress in the land. They offered a reward to anyone who could break the curse.”

  “At least they had a sensible plan,” Karyna replied. “The minor nobles of Suvall decided that true love was the cure. They began sending their daughters to the castle, hoping one of them would fall in love with the prince and break the curse.”

  Ritter’s lips twitched. “Interesting theory. I’ll bet Barend loved that.”

  “Don’t laugh!” Karyna wrinkled her nose at him. “It was awful. There was no order to it at all. Sometimes we’d get half a dozen girls on our doorstep all on the same day.”

  Ritter laughed anyway. His laughter worked a soothing effect upon Karyna, a magic of its own. She felt her heavy heart lifting and discovered a smile upon her face, as unexpected as a rose in winter. She put a hand to her cheek, oddly embarrassed that she should be laughing when the curse was still so dreadful, still so strong. But she remembered now how Ritter always managed to bring out the best and brightest even in the worst situations.

  “Why are you here, though?” she asked him.

  He took another sip from his cup then stretched his legs out before him, groaning a little and rubbing one knee. “Same as you: I want to break the curse. I turn twenty-one in a week, and my parents want to name me Crown Prince in Barend’s absence.”

  “So they agreed to let you take a dangerous journey by yourself right before they hand you the kingdom?” Karyna eyed him. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  Ritter had the grace to look abashed. “I’m not exactly here with my parents’ blessing.” Karyna said nothing, and Ritter squirmed. “Or their knowledge,” he added.

  “I see.”

  Uncomfortable, Ritter set aside his cup and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Why are you undertaking this journey? Surely there are others who could be sent.”

  “No. After the curse fell, the servants began leaving. Nobody wanted to stay in an enchanted castle or have a beast for a master—especially since he’s from another kingdom.”

  Ritter sobered. “You stayed.”

  “My father is inside the Throne Room,” Karyna replied.

  Ritter winced at this unexpected bit of news. It was bad enough knowing that his brother had been turned into a monster, but at least Barend could still move and talk. What would it be like to have a loved one trapped forever in unyielding stone? “I’m so sorry.” Ritter’s tone held equal parts of sympathy and horror. He did not know what else to say. “My brother . . . It feels selfish to ask, but is he . . .”

  “He is well,” Karyna replied, understanding the unspoken question. “But he’s so . . .”

  “So what?”

  “Frustrated. He tries not to show it, but he can’t hide it from me. He’s homesick and angry . . . and he tends to take it out on the furniture.”

  Ritter’s keen eyes lingered on Karyna speculatively. “You’ve been close to him, haven’t you?”

  Karyna felt her face grow warm and hid her discomfiture by pretending to take a long sip from her empty cup. Ritter watched her, his expression amused, as if he knew exactly what she was doing.

  Karyna avoided his gaze. It was true. Bellenya had not been alone in her admiration of Barend. But Karyna had always known he was meant to marry a princess. Even as Bellenya’s lady-in-waiting, she had no reason to think Barend would ever look at her. Could it be that part of her was grateful for the curse, for keeping Barend close to her? She would never be able to live with herself if that were true.

  She stood up suddenly, dusting off her skirts, and prepared to pack up her cup and Ritter’s. “I must sleep. I can’t keep my eyes open any longer.”

  Ritter grinned but did not press the matter. “I’ll keep watch for a bit. Tomorrow I’d like to hear more about this plan you have for breaking the curse.”

  Chapter 8

  THE NEXT MORNING, Ritter and Karyna resumed their journey. The weight lifted from Karyna’s shoulders as they traveled. Having someone to talk to besides her horse felt like seeing the sun burst from behind the clouds after a long winter storm. Ritter had always been a charming companion, and his presence and easy friendship made the journey far more enjoyable. He turned everything into an adventure, and his smile was infectious.

  The forest was deep and dark, but sunlight filtered down through the emerald canopy and dotted the ground. As they rode, Karyna explained to Ritter about her dreams, the roses turning to stone, and how she believed the curse had been cast by an enchantress who had kidnapped Bellenya and was hiding in Rivenloch Palace.

  “You mean you were planning on facing this enchantress alone?” Ritter asked, incredulous. “You don’t have any idea how to break the curse, do you?”

  Karyna picked invisible burs from Pippa’s mane. “I thought I’d figure something out along the way.” She gestured expansively. “I sort of believed the dreams would tell me what to do, but they stopped the night I left. I’ve only had one since, and it wasn’t particularly helpful.”

  “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised,” Ritter said at length. “After all, you’re the one who convinced Barend, Bellenya, and me that it would be a good idea to climb that pine tree so we could slide down the branches and land in the snowdrifts.”

  “It was a good idea,” Karyna retorted, but her eyes sparkled at the memory. “In fact, it was an excellent idea! Especially when you consider that I was only eight years old at the time and the youngest in the group. I’d never seen a tree like that before, or that much snow. It looked perfect for sliding, and it was. Admit it—it was great fun!”

  “It was . . . until Bellenya got the sash of her dress caught on a branch and none of us could get her down.” Ritter chuckled heartily, his dark eyes alive with laughter. “I’ll never forget the sight o
f her hanging there, arms sticking out of her cloak sleeves, legs kicking. I thought she would be stuck there forever!”

  Karyna laughed. “Barend was the only one of us with any sense. He ran straight to your father.”

  “Who came running through the snow with a groundskeeper and a ladder.”

  “I couldn’t believe it when the king went racing up the ladder to rescue Bellenya.” Karyna shook her head. “I always was a little in awe of your father after that.”

  Ritter grinned. “We’re not quite as formal in Norvue. I remember the day Barend and I learned that the hard way.”

  “Oh?” Karyna’s eyes widened. “You’re talking about the time you visited during the Feast of Christouge? I’ve always wondered: Wherever did you and Barend find all those frogs?”

  Ritter’s laughter rang through the forest. “I’m not telling. We were sent home in disgrace. No desserts, no free time, just lessons and chores for weeks on end. It was worth it, though, to see all those stuffy courtiers jumping up and down and trying to scream politely!”

  Karyna smiled at the memory. “It was certainly one of the more interesting balls I’ve attended.” She and Bellenya had always looked forward to Barend and Ritter’s visits, and they had enjoyed traveling north to visit Norvue, as well. The brothers had always been full of fun ideas, and both girls were more than willing to dive into whatever adventure the young princes planned. They had spent many afternoons wading in the creek, panning for gold, climbing trees, and digging holes. They had sparred with sticks and played at being knights. Even though Barend was five years older than Ritter and Bellenya, he had never hesitated to join them in their various exploits. “Tell me this, then: Were the frogs your idea or Barend’s?”