“The girl is waiting on you,” Victor said.
Sarah smiled up at him sweetly. “Thanks for your help, darling.”
The girl touched her elbow. “If you’d follow me, my Queen.”
Throwing him one last look, Sarah followed her through the crowd to a room in the far left-hand quarter. True to Victor’s word, a multitude of minions guarded the entrance, and she could see the king’s prying sapphire eyes not too far away. She stepped inside and scanned the room, then shook her head. There wasn’t one window or opening, and freedom didn’t appear to be an option, at least not anytime soon. She was only moments away from him taking her upstairs to procreate an entire baseball team.
The girl motioned her behind a giant divider for privacy. “Please hurry, my Queen.” The way the girl’s eyes darted about, Sarah knew who would bear the brunt of the punishment if she did not do as she was told.
Sarah stumbled over the hem of her dress as she joined the girl. “Listen…I don’t need your help.”
“Yes you do, Sarah Larker.”
She gasped. “What? You know my real name?”
The girl nodded. “That and much more. Frank told me King Victor has mistaken you for Princess Gloria.”
“Frank? Oh my gosh! You’ve met him! Where is he? Is he here?”
“I’m working with him. He is currently hiding in the forest.”
“So you’re really here to help me with more than my dress?” Sarah gripped her hands, relief flooding through her. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“Frank said you went through with the marriage only to obtain the ring.”
Sarah flashed her hand with a huge smile. “Mission accomplished, baby.”
“Good, for that is the one key back to your world, according to legend. Now, are you ready to switch identities? We’re pretty close in size. Even our hair is the same length and color. Your true lover, Frank, said I would pass for you with no problem, as long as we are careful.”
“Lover?” She shook her head and laughed. “Frank’s not my boyfriend.”
“Why not? He seems to be a nice man. We met only this morning, but he couldn’t stop talking about you.” The girl unbuttoned Sarah’s dress in the back, groaning. “This is tricky.”
“Why are you so willing to help us?” Sarah heaved a huge sigh as the cumbersome dress fell to the floor, happy to breathe freely again.
“My father’s dying, and Frank promised to obtain some minerals that will cure him if I help you.” The girl slipped out of her far less expensive leather dress.
Sarah thought Frank nuts to make such an outrageous promise, and she almost felt sorry for the girl for falling for it. “What?”
“There’s an ancient legend about the Gold Minerals of Life. I’ve spent years looking for them to help my father, and I’ve finally found where they’re hidden. It is said they shall heal any person who swallows them, no matter the person’s affliction, but only a royal with a ruby wedding ring can see the minerals. I told Frank the secret location. I will help you, but you must help me in return, as Frank promised. There is nothing I would not do for my father.”
Sarah hated being put in such a position, but she had no other choice at that point. “Get me the heck out of here so I can find my sister, and I will give you anything you want.” She knew she’d have to find those minerals to make good on Frank’s promise, and she felt like slugging Frank for that—and for referring to himself as her “true lover”. She was no fan of him making crazy deals that’d just keep them in that world even longer. And what if these minerals didn’t even exist? We don’t have time for this. Once I make my escape, the king will be hot on my trail. All she wanted to do was find her sister and get the heck out of that dimension or wherever the heck they were. In spite of her disdain for his crazy ideas, Sarah wished Frank was there. “Any particular reason why Frank didn’t come to this little Halloween party himself? He’d make one heck of a Robin Hood.”
The girl squirmed into the flowing wedding gown. “It would be far too risky for him to venture inside the castle.”
Sarah hurried into the leather dress. “I’m not sure this plan is going to work. My eyes are brown, and yours are blue.”
“No one will notice. I’ll keep them closed.”
“What’re you going to do when they discover you’re not me?” Sarah had a pretty good idea, and she wondered why the girl would risk her life; she understood, though, because she’d risk her own for her father’s in a heartbeat.
For a brief second, a shadow passed the girl’s face. Then she shrugged. “I can talk my way out of anything.”
She must be quite the con artist. Sarah tied the leather strings in the front. “What do you know about this king?”
“Only that he is one of the Immortals, like all royalty.”
Sarah took a deep breath and pondered her strange words, which sounded like something out of a comic book. “That’s a rumor, right? I mean, some ancient people in my time used to say they were gods, but they only claimed that to control their people.”
“No, it is entirely real.” The girl flinched. “Ouch! That pinched. Can we hurry this up?”
“I’m trying,” Sarah said. “Do you know how many buttons and ties are on this dress? Please tell me more about the king…and what is your name?”
“My name is Mia. The king is one of the most dangerous of the Immortals. He is feared by many throughout our world. I think it’s best that you get as far away from him as possible and never look back. This will be no easy task though, since you’re bonded to him now for all eternity, or so the legend says.”
“Not sure I can buy all that.” Sarah pushed and pulled the corset strings on the wedding dress till the girl squeaked. “I saw a soft side to him during the ceremony, especially when I kissed him.”
“You kissed him?” Mia asked in a shocked tone, shuddering.
“Not intentionally. I tried to dodge the bullet, but he just laid one on me.”
Mia shook her head. “That is not good. You’ve only strengthened the bond. Now he’ll be able to jump into your head and control you.”
Sarah scowled. “What? This might be news to you in your misogynistic day, but nobody controls me—and you shouldn’t let any man control you either.”
“I told Frank all of this, but he doesn’t believe it.”
Sarah thrust her crown into the girl’s hands. “Are you suggesting that Frank is stubborn? Well, you ain’t telling me anything new.”
Mia slid off her thick copper bracelets. “Put these on. Servants are required to wear them. You know, your lover Frank is a wonderful man. He went through a lot to ensure that this rescue would happen.” She reached for a long leather bag and then froze for a minute. She snapped out of her trance as her hands ran over the satin material on her dress.
“What’s wrong?” Sarah touched her shoulder, wondering if the girl was getting cold feet. She certainly wouldn’t have blamed her.
“Just enjoying my thirty seconds as a queen and being in such a luxurious gown, one like I’ll never see again in my lifetime. I hate myself for what I’m about to do.” Mia lifted up the leather bag and poured a red liquid all over her face. It dripped down her dress, leaving tiny puddles on the floor.
As much as she hated the idea of marrying King Victor, it was a shame for Sarah to watch such a beautiful gown go to crimson ruins. “What’re you doing?!” Sarah stared in shock. It felt like she’d jumped onto the set of Carrie, only John Travolta was nowhere in sight. She was pretty sure even Stephen King woulda been running for the hills if he was mixed up in all that mess.
“I am simply playing dead. Relax! It’s only scarlet dye, and it is all part of the plan. I will tell the king that your…er, Gloria’s brother made me switch clothing, drenched me in dye, and then knocked me out. We have to shock them and distract them, or our plan will not prove successful. Please do well in your role of a horrified servant, Sarah.”
Sarah tucked the last strand of hair into her
leather hairnet. “Got it. I can do hysterical.”
“A man named Jules, on a brown horse, is waiting outside for you.”
“Jules? Frank mentioned him to me earlier. I’m assuming I can trust him?”
“Of course! Jules is the love of my life. My father told him that if he would do this deed for us, it will prove his loyalty to our family, and his prize shall be my hand in marriage. Of course, that will be a prize for me too, for I adore Jules and want to spend my life with him once my beloved father is healed. My Jules will take you to a carriage three miles away, where your love Frank is waiting.”
“How many times do I have to remind you that he is not my love?”
Mia lay on the floor and closed her eyes. “Forgive Frank if you can, Sarah Larker. Life is too short to hold grudges against those who hold you dear in their hearts, as Frank clearly does. Any man who would risk his life for yours deserves some consideration, don’t you think?”
She had a point, for Frank had done plenty to prove himself. There was no point in being held hostage by anger, and Sarah knew it was time to move on and apologize. But at the moment, there were bigger fish to fry. She was tasked with another Oscar-worthy performance, and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone from prisoner to queen to servant girl all in the same day. It was the role of a lifetime.
Sarah covered her face with her hands and ran out screaming. “Help! Somebody! Anybody! The queen’s been attacked.” She shrieked with hysteria, tears running down her cheeks. At some point, her lungs constricted, burning like they were on fire, but she didn’t care. To make it seem authentic, she had to let go of any pain and fear.
A soldier gripped her by her arm. “What happened, girl?”
“She’s bleeding! A man—no, more like a ghost—just appeared before my eyes and—”
He darted off before she even had a chance to finish her makeshift explanation.
Everything played out in slow motion. Soldiers headed toward the dressing room. People gasped, heads turned, jaws dropped, and screams echoed. Every instinct told Sarah to run immediately. She had just spun around on her heels to leave when she noticed Victor racing in her direction, terror etched on his face. Glued to the spot where she stood, her heart pounded with each step he took. Part of her felt bad for deceiving him in such a way after the tender kiss they’d shared, but the greater part of her wanted to live and to have her old life back. She wasn’t in her world, her life, and she refused to be controlled by some tyrant, regardless of how hot and how good of a kisser he was. Sarah swallowed past the lump in her throat as he swept her a quick glance, his troubled blue eyes piercing holes in her heart. Why do I even care? There’s no way to soften the blow from a battle axe. He’s just gonna have to man up. He hasn’t even known me for more than a day, even if I was his bride. She threw herself into the character of horrified servant, and covered her face with her hands and sobbed as he passed by.
Thrusting the door open, Victor let out a loud shriek. “Get the healer in here now!”
The emotion in his voice made her shiver as she walked away, clutching her chest. Through the crowd of people, directly into the dressing room, she could specifically hear his voice. She wondered when she’d gained the power of superhuman hearing.
“Secure the perimeter!” Victor said. “Nobody comes in or out.”
“I feel a pulse throbbing,” a man said. “She’s alive.”
“Thank goodness, but something’s not right. Why don’t I feel her pain?” Victor asked. “I should’ve felt this happening the moment it began. We are bonded, one to another, by the ring!”
“Maybe the ring has not taken effect yet,” someone suggested.
Feel my pain? Is he talking about the emotional pain of forcing me into marriage with a stranger? Sarah forced her mind into action and swiftly walked through the crowd of people. Dashing off like Cinderella after the ball at the stroke of midnight, she hoped she wouldn’t lose a glass slipper, or rather, a leather shoe. She focused on forcing her way through, her eyes fixed on her feet so she wouldn’t trip. Something brushed her back, but she didn’t halt. Somebody yanked her arm, jerking her back, and she gasped, startled.
Chapter 7
Sarah’s labored breathing echoed in her ears. It was even louder than the excited chatter of the crowded room. She took another step forward, pushing against a bulky peasant, when she felt another tug on her arm. Gasping, she turned, shudders running through her body. A large man towered over her, his bulging eyes fixed somewhere below her head. Great. Busted.
The man grinned. “Whom do we have here?”
Holding her breath, she clenched her fists, ready to fight.
The woman standing next to her pressed an empty goblet into her arm yelling, “More wine, girl!” Sarah stared, unbelieving. “Chop, chop.”
The man narrowed his gaze, staring from the woman to Sarah.
Rolling her eyes, the woman glared at her, enunciating each syllable. “I said, more wine. Well? What are you looking at?”
She knew she’d be spending ten to twenty in a dark dungeon swarming with bugs once she shoved that glass down her throat. Someone bumped into her, making Sarah stumble. She needed to breathe before panic consumed her. “Coming right away, madam. I’ll fetch a bottle,” she said, smiling.
She forged through the crowd to the other side of the room when she saw two huge doors, the outside entrance. Glancing over her shoulder, she scanned the room. The man from before wasn’t following. There were no knights, only clueless guests sipping on wine and laughing. Nobody on that side of the room had any clue what was going on, and she was glad for their drunken stupor. She placed her trembling hands on the iron handle and slowly pushed, squeezing through the entryway. Outside, stars twinkled in a blanket of darkness, and a chilly breeze ran over her body. She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself as her breath came out in bursts of steam against the frosty night air.
Strong arms gripped her shoulders, throwing her up against the outside door. “You’re not getting away that easy,” a male voice said.
Busted again, she turned slowly, fear gripping her. The guy staring at her wasn’t the same one, but the frown on his face looked just as mean. Her heart pounded in her chest. She could have tried to run, but there were guards posted every twenty feet. She took a deep breath and continued with her role as a humble servant. “My shift’s over.”
“This entrance isn’t for slaves and riffraff,” he hissed. “Next time use the one in the back.”
She let out a tiny sigh of relief, keeping her head low. “It won’t happen again, sir.”
“Over here!” She turned her head toward the man hidden under a cloak, sitting on a brown horse. He grinned at the guards, winking. “I’m here to escort this pretty maiden home.”
The soldier shoved Sarah toward the man. He wore a grotesque grin on his face. “At least somebody will have fun with this trash tonight.” They all guffawed and laughed as Sarah stumbled forward.
She hesitated for a moment though. She knew if she stayed back, the guards might raise alarm. If she followed the horseman, he might turn into a whacko who’d rape her and dump her body into the next available ditch.
“Come on.” The guy offered his hand and whispered, “I’m Jules, Mia’s friend.”
Jules! The sound of his name calmed Sarah’s racing heart. Mia’s boyfriend. Grabbing his hand, she let him pull her up.
“I know you must be tired after your long day of work,” Jules said.
“Yes, and I have to be back tomorrow, bright and early.” She put her foot into the dangling stirrup and heaved herself up into the saddle.
A soldier whistled, and the rest of them cackled.
Oh gosh! It was then that Sarah realized her leather dress had ridden up, exposing her entire thigh. She tried to pull it down, but it was difficult to do while mounted atop a horse.
Jules pulled hard on his horse’s reins, galloping past the army of guards and into the moonlit forest.
Sarah clung to his waist, praying she wouldn’t fall. Relief washed over her when she realized nobody seemed to suspect a thing. She shivered as the cool wind blew through her hair. Crickets chirped, and an owl hooted in the distance. Eerie shadows from branches jumped around in the silvery light. “Are you taking me to Frank?”
“Yes. Did everything go according to plan? Is Mia okay?” Jules asked.
“She was fine when I left, but won’t they question her once they realize she’s not me?”
“My Mia can handle herself. That is one of the things I love about her. But if anything should happen to my love, I shall know who to blame—you and your male companion.”
“She’s very brave,” Sarah said earnestly. “I’ll always be indebted to the two of you. Thank you.”
He said nothing and only urged the horse on through the woods.
Minutes felt like hours, but they finally reached a wagon, which was situated under a towering tree and loaded with bales of hay. As soon as Jules swung Sarah down from the horse, she raced into Frank’s arms. “Oh, Frank!”
He embraced her, and she felt the warmth of his body against hers. “Did I ever tell you how smoking hot you look in leather?”
She smiled, pulling her hair net off, allowing her long curls to bounce freely against her shoulders. “So you’re into Tastian servant girls, huh?”
“You look absolutely stunning in anything,” he said. He leaned closer and nuzzled her neck. “You smell nice too.”
“They curled my hair, painted on as much make-up as an Egyptian princess, drenched me in perfume, and threw me in a Cinderella dress.”
“Let me guess… It struck midnight and you lost the gown and glass slippers?”
She laughed. “Something like that.”
“I can’t believe I just rescued you from a real-live castle.”
“You should’ve seen the inside, man.”
Suspending Reality (Five Fantasy Stories) Page 32