“That nice, huh?” He gazed at her intently, his hand cupping her face. “Did he hurt you? Did that royal jackass put his hands on you in any way?”
“He only stole a smooch.”
“On the cheek?”
“Lips.” She winked. “And I can’t say I didn’t like it,” she admitted as that magical kiss flashed through her mind, washing her with guilt. She wasn’t sorry about it though. In fact, she wished Victor had made it a longer one, like all night. She cleared her throat, eager to change the subject before Frank started asking questions. She held up her hand with a grin. “Anyway, I got the ring.”
“Our ticket out of here!” His face lit up as he bowed. “My Queen, you rock.”
She grinned. “Yeah, baby—just like this giant rock on my finger.”
He examined the ring, its large ruby and tiny diamonds glinting in the moonlight. “It’s too big, way too tacky. That bragging jerk.”
“Right. It’s so ugly. I mean, clearly, the man has no taste whatsoever.” She rolled her eyes. “Are you kidding me? No woman in her right mind would say no to something like this.”
Frank was jealous and he had every right to be. The darn thing was gorgeous, almost as gorgeous as the man who had placed it on Sarah’s finger. “You’re having a ball with this, aren’t you?” he asked.
She touched his brown hooded cloak. “I see you are too. Love the new digs.”
He smiled, his hazel eyes twinkling. “An investigative reporter knows how to go deep undercover.”
Jules approached and handed her a cloak. “This shall keep you warm, miss. Now, if you will, please take measures to hide and hide well.”
“I made us a little fort inside all these towering haystacks.” Frank reached for some folded blankets on the ground beside the wagon. He hopped on the wagon and spread a few out over the scratchy hay. “A bed fit for a queen.”
She crawled inside and lay down next to him, pulling the top cover over her. She didn’t know which one itched most, the hay, the blanket, or the cloak Jules had given her.
Jules rearranged the haystacks, covering the entrance to their makeshift fort.
“Nice little cubby hole you got here, Frank,” she said. “What’s the matter? You couldn’t spring for a decent hotel? I was kind of expecting a limo on my wedding night, not a hayride.”
Frank snuggled up to her. “I tried to call for a rental car, but they haven’t invented spark plugs yet—or engines or tires, for that matter. They do have horsepower though.”
Sarah rolled her eyes.
“What?” Frank said. “You’re not gonna laugh at my jokes?”
“Gosh, Frank, if you ever lose your job as a reporter, maybe the king could use a court jester,” she said.
“Well, that’s the last straw!” he said, blowing a piece of hay in her direction, to which Sarah just rolled her eyes again.
The horse snorted, and a moment later, the wagon lurched forward. To call the ride bumpy would have been an understatement. It rocked and thumped and bounced over every bump and crack in the road.
“I never thought I’d be riding off into the sunset with another man’s wife—let alone a queen—on the dude’s wedding night.”
“I hope that’s not a deal-breaker.”
Frank laughed. “That depends. Do I get to enjoy the honeymoon?”
She laughed too, and then continued. “No honeymoon, but I can tell you this. Life throws curve balls you can’t even begin to imagine.”
He chuckled. “Tell me about it.”
“So how did you get these people to do all of this anyway? And what did you promise Mia? Gold minerals? Start from the beginning. What happened to you back in the forest?”
“I was running for my life from a herd of beasts I said never existed. And I’m sure you’re still laughing about that one.”
She grinned. “Just a tiny bit.”
“The next thing I know, you disappear. I hear voices and start running toward them, but there’s this guy in some ridiculous outfit calling you Princess Gloria. He and his armored goons had you cornered, so I had to hang back so they wouldn’t take me prisoner too. Then, when they cleared out, I followed them and found you at the castle. Is this weird or what?”
She snorted. “Thank goodness for horses or you would have never been able to keep up. If you’d have only had a car, you might have crashed it.”
“Hey, those horses were pretty darn fast. While I was looking for a telephone to call 911, I ran into a group of rebels, some local boys who thought for sure I was a spy for King Victor. They tied me up and threatened me, but I used my charm.”
She pressed her hands into her lap, suppressing the laughter bubbling up inside her. It was just like Frank to put the spotlight on himself, even though she’d been the one to survive incarceration and marriage to a barbarian. He got paid to be a sensationalist, after all. “Really?” She bobbed her head, brows raised. “And how did that work out for you?”
“I finally bonded with them over a few glasses of ale and told them about my situation. Then they informed me that I am trapped in some other dimension. Of course, at first, I assumed it was just the ale talking.”
“How do they know that?”
“Well, the legends apparently go back for generations. They only know there’s a magical portal that opens with that royal bling of yours. It’s some kind of ancient door guarded by Bigfoot in the Forbidden Forest, the very same one we came through. For goodness sake, I can’t believe I’m even saying all this.”
“How did you take the news?”
“I freaked out, of course.”
She cringed. “How bad?”
Frank winced, pausing for a second. “Let’s just say that one of them had to throw a bucket of water over my head.”
Sarah laughed, wishing she’d been there to witness it.
“Mia gave me some info on opening the portal, info that had been passed down from her grandmother,” he said. “And the group offered to help me as long as we promised to go to Global Mountain and get some minerals or something to save Mia’s dad’s life. Only a royal with a wedding ring can see the ancient minerals.”
“So you volunteered me?” She shook her head. “I know I never would have gotten out of there without Mia’s help, but even still, how could you make a promise like that?”
“I had to do something crazy to save you from being shacked up with Mr. Tyrant. And get this…the group even knows your sister.”
“Really? How? Are they sure it’s her? Where is she? We have to go get her and—”
“They specifically remember your sister because they thought she was a witch when she screamed like a maniac that she’d come through the portal. They even held a trial, but she was found innocent when some rich guy named Charles paid off the judges.”
“Poor Liz! Oh, thank goodness for that Charles. I couldn’t have lived with myself if she’d been burned at the stake!”
“We’re heading away from the portal toward another country called Dornia. I got a tip your sister may be there with this Charles dude.”
She stared at him in disbelief. “Frank, don’t kid with me.” If he was playing any of his ridiculous games, she vowed then and there that she would never speak to him again.
“No, I’m dead serious.”
“You mean she’s okay? Alive? And we’re gonna find her?” Tears filled her eyes, and an overwhelming sense of joy flooded through her.
“Alive and in Dornia—at least that’s what they tell me, but don’t get your hopes up just yet. We don’t know if the source is reliable.” He caressed her face and swiped away a falling tear with his thumb.
“This is too much. How can I ever thank you?”
“Hmm. I can think of a few ways, but now that you’re a married woman and all, I don’t know how proper it would be for me to expect you to—”
“Frank!” She went to slug him, but he caught her hand and kissed it.
“Nice thought, but I’m talking about something co
mpletely different, like forgiving me and letting me back into your life.” Snuggling closer, he said, “I’m sorry I never understood your research. I’m also sorry for all the awful things I’ve ever said. I’m an idiot.”
“You insulted my research.” She paused for effect.
“I’ll make it up to you, I swear.”
Frank’s apology meant a lot, but she had other worries. “So Liz’s is in Dornia. Let’s work on a plan.”
“What about my apology?”
“I accept it wholeheartedly, Frank.” It was the second time a man had apologized to her that day, only Frank’s meant much more to her than King Victor’s. “How could I hold a grudge against you when you’re here helping me find my sister? And yes, that apology is a good start.” She reached up and threaded her hand through his thick hair.
Frank pulled her next to him, his face so close that she could feel his hot breath and his hammering heart. “I’ve been wanting to hold you since the second I saw you wearing that sexy Indiana Jones hat and camouflage,” he said.
“I’ve been dying to run a hand through that gorgeous hair of yours from the moment I laid eyes on you at base camp. And you’re right.”
“About what?”
“It was awe when I first saw you, not fright.”
“I knew it! You’re crazy about me.”
“Let’s not get carried away now.” When she touched his face, she knew every defense she’d built against him was starting to melt. He had to care about her, even if they hadn’t seen eye to eye in the past. No man would dive deeper into some bizarre world they knew nothing about, especially while being placed on Tastia’s most wanted list, just to rescue a girl unless he cared deeply for her. Closing her eyes, she let go as he captured her lips with a slow and gentle kiss. She felt the familiar flutter and wrapped her arms around him. She had to admit to herself that she had missed him. He didn’t push any further, and she rested in his warm, comforting arms.
She tried to forget about everything, but the events of the day marched through her mind, making her tremble.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
Slowly, the words came out. “No, I’m not.”
Stroking the side of her cheek, he whispered, “Everything’s going to be fine.”
“But what if it isn’t?” she said.
“We have the ring. It’s the answer to all of our problems.”
“I don’t think so. I have a feeling it’s only the start of all our problems.”
“No, it’s our way out of here, babe,” he said.
“But Mia said I’m bonded with this king.”
“She’s filling your head with crap she’s been taught since birth, like some of those religious zealots try to do back home.”
“I don’t know what to think anymore.” She took a deep breath. “We’ve actually seen Bigfoot for ourselves. We’re not even in our own world. My sister’s out there somewhere. I’m married to a real-live king. I’m wearing a ring that is a key to some mysterious portal. We’re on the run. And last but not least, Mia told me that if you’re royalty, you’re an Immortal.”
Moonlight pooled in through the cracks of hay piled above them. Sarah’s eyes locked on Frank’s magnetic gaze, quivering from his gentle touch as his fingers brushed her cheek.
“It’s a lot to process, I know,” he said. “The whole idea of another dimension is deeply, shockingly unlikely, but here we are. I mean, I’m blown away by all of it—maybe more than you are because I’m a skeptic by nature—but we’re going to get through this.”
Before she could respond, the king’s voice burst through her thoughts. Come back to me. It disappeared as fast as it came. “Get out of my head!” she yelled, pressing her fingers against her temples. She sat up, droplets of sweat rolling down her forehead. Mia was right, for the king could clearly somehow jump inside her head. It was either that or she was going crazy from lack of food and water. Worst-case scenario, she was having a mental breakdown. She began to wonder where the men in white coats were, as she was just about ready for her straightjacket and her trip on the paddy wagon.
“What’s wrong?” Frank asked. “I’m only trying to help.”
She worried he’d think she was nuts, and she hoped she was just imagining it all based on what Mia had told her. “I swear I heard King Victor’s voice in my head, begging me to come back.”
“Whoa. That’s weird. What did he say exactly?” he asked.
“You wouldn’t even believe me if I told you, Mr. Skeptic.”
“I’m trying to have an open mind here. Did I make fun of you? No, I didn’t.”
“Never mind. I’m stressed out right now. Let’s not talk about this. I-I think I’m going to close my eyes for a little bit.”
“Okay. You’ve been through a lot. Try and get some rest. Goodnight, babe,” Frank said, turning the other way.
“Hey, Frank. I won’t get mad if you decide to hold me—you know, just for tonight. Just remember it doesn’t mean anything.”
“It means absolutely nothing. I got it seared into my memory, just like the kiss that you so didn’t slap me for.”
“Just shut up and hold me,” she whispered.
He wrapped his arms around her, and she closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep.
* * *
The ground thundered underneath pounding hooves, jolting Sarah out of her sleep. She shook Frank’s arm. “Why are we moving so fast?” She moved one of the haystacks over and peeked out. She saw no trees, just the rising light of morning spilling through the clouds. She realized she must have slept all night.
The horses neighed and came to a stop in a meadow at the border of a towering forest. “We have a big problem,” said Jules in a rushed tone.
Frank jumped off the wagon. “What’s up?”
The king’s voice rolled across Sarah’s mind. Please stop running. You’re going to get us both killed stepping into enemy territory. She reasoned that if he was so worried about getting killed, he shouldn’t have his men chasing her into dangerous zones. He would have been safe and sound if he’d just stayed in his fancy castle. A picture sharpened into focus, and Sarah felt like she was up in a helicopter looking down; there were swirls of dust, knights, swords, crossbows, spears, and war-adorned horses. Millions stretched out across the land, thundering toward them. An icy chill ran through her, and panic ensued. “The king’s men are close! He didn’t just send a platoon. He sent his entire freaking army!”
“For one person? How do you know?” Jules asked.
“I saw a vision.”
Frank shook his head. “Visions? How’s that humanly possible?”
“I’ve been trying to outrun a few soldiers for an hour now through shortcuts. I didn’t know he had his army after us.” Jules took a breath, his voice frantic. “Our only choice is to take another short cut, through Shadow Forest. If we take the long way around, we’ll be caught.”
“Cut through the forest then,” Sarah said. “They’re coming! Legions of them!”
Jules looked at her like she’d said the most taboo thing in the world. “It is forbidden. If we get caught, we’re dead. Then again, if the king’s men catch us, we’re dead anyway.” He glanced away. “Either way, we’re dead.”
“We can’t sit here and wait for the king’s men to kill us,” Frank said.
Sarah shot him a look. “Or steal this ring off my hand. We can’t wait here like sitting ducks. I say we take our chances in the forest.”
“You don’t know what you’re asking,” Jules said. “Even the king’s men won’t follow us in there.”
“Perfect,” Sarah said.
Jules stepped back. “I’m not taking one step into those woods. Nobody—and I mean nobody—ever comes out alive.”
“You said we’d be dead only if we get caught,” said Frank. “We won’t get caught if they won’t follow us in.”
“I’m not doing it.” Jules ran a hand through his blond hair. “You two are crazy!”
No, cra
zy is sitting here and handing ourselves over on a silver platter to a bunch of psychopathic swordsmen. “Please take the chance, Jules, or I swear I’m going to knock you out and carry you over my shoulder into that forest.”
“I won’t be the cause of your death,” Jules said. “The more I think about it, King Victor might kill Frank and me, but he won’t kill you, as long as you beg him for mercy.”
“Now’s not the time to play martyr,” Sarah hissed.
Jules threw his hands up. “You’ll fare better with your husband than this forest. I can assure you of that.”
“My fake husband. And remember, I deserted him on his wedding night,” Sarah said. “Nobody does that. He’ll make an example out of me.”
Frank grabbed Jules’s shoulder, shaking it furiously. “We don’t have time for your superstitious bull crap. Give us two horses or I’m taking them!”
Hooves echoed off in the distance, and Sarah swallowed. “They’re getting closer!”
“Take us in the woods, Jules,” Frank demanded. “You’re playing with our lives here, and this isn’t a freaking game!”
Jules pivoted back, fear etched in his features. “You’ll be slaughtered.”
“By what?” Sarah asked, her eyes wide. “Tell us what we’re up against.”
“Magical beings,” he answered. “They turn into different forms.”
“Frank shot him an amused look. “Shape-shifters? How do you know they even exist if no one has ever made it out of there alive to tell the tale?”
“They’re real!” said Jules.
“Nonsense!” Frank yelled. “Get these horses moving NOW!”
“He might have a point. Something in there is scaring these people.” Sarah looked off into the distance; she could make out men heading toward them on horseback.
“Have you seen these ‘shape shifters’ with your own eyes?” Frank asked.
“No,” Jules said. “Anyone who has ever lain eyes on them is dead.”
Frank pointed toward the forest. “I’ll take my chance with them.”
He started to frantically unloosen the reins when Sarah grabbed his arm. “I’m not leaving Jules here to die.”
“I’m not getting my head chopped off just because he’s afraid of some stupid myth. That king’s not laying one of his filthy fingers on you, Sarah!”
Suspending Reality (Five Fantasy Stories) Page 33