by Marnie Cate
The man leaned in and whispered something in her ear. Her cheeks turned a soft pink.
What did he say to make her blush? I cleared my throat, announcing my arrival.
Before the man turned to face me, he took a moment to trace my mother's face sensually with his lips. It happened so fast. If it were not for my mother's icy glare, telling me I was intruding, I would have thought I imagined it.
“Blanche, we finally meet in person,” he said. His voice was smoky, and I immediately felt drawn to him.
He was ruggedly handsome with blue black hair and piercing granite-colored eyes. The closer he came to me, the stronger my attraction to him grew. Something inside me demanded I please him. I could make no mistakes in my wording. He had to be delighted by me.
When the man took my hand, I felt a jolt of energy run through me. It was the same sensation I experienced when Jameson touched me. No, I realized it was different. Somehow, it felt richer and more mature.
“Come sit and we will have a small chat.” He guided me to the brown leather love seat. “Before we begin, let me pour us something to drink.”
When he walked away, I felt a physical ache inside me. It was as if something had been ripped out of me. His return brought healing, and my heart began to beat faster. I accepted the drink he offered me, swallowing it down quickly as he took a seat very close to me. I bit my lip as the man took a long drink of the amber liquid from his own glass.
Pulling it from his mouth, he simply held it out. Without prompting, my mother jumped into action as though she were a servant. She quickly came and took our glasses before rushing away again.
“I understand you are having a bit of a problem with Winter,” the mysterious man said, focusing his attention on me. His words rippled through me in a sensual vibration, almost like a physical caress.
“Yes,” I said breathlessly.
“Would you like me to take care of your problem, my beauty? Do you want her to leave you alone forever?”
I wanted to say yes, but my words would not form. All I could think about was how good he smelled. His scent was like a rich leather blend with something exotic and mysterious. My only desire was to feel his lips on mine.
As if he read my thoughts, he drew nearer to me. He was so close our mouths were almost touching. “You have to tell me you want me to stop her,” he said, brushing his mouth against mine.
My body trembled as he lightly bit my lower lip and began to kiss me. His slight contact sent streams of energy through me. It was as if his essence was searching my mind and body, trying to find my secrets.
He whispered in my ear, “Tell me to end her, and I will answer your command.”
A loud crash against the window sounded, jolting me out of the daze I was enfolded in. The hypnotic pull he had over me broke, and my sanity returned. My mind was clear, but my body felt weak. What had I done?
Leaning back on the couch, he growled. “I see the jealous raven is having another of his tantrums. I would suggest you choose your lovers more carefully.”
I blinked in surprised at his words. He knew about Jameson? Once again, he moved close to me. He grazed his lips across my neck before whispering in my ear. “I do hope we meet again, Blanche. Tell the guard he does not want to anger me.”
In a quick movement, he stood and kissed my mother on the cheek. Had she been standing there the entire time? “Camille, I must go. We do not need her to be alerted of my visit.”
The remains of his allure slipped away from me, and before I could do or say anything, he was gone. As I tried to understand what just happened, my mother broke my contemplation.
“What is he talking about? I hope you haven't done anything stupid, Blanche.” Her voice was filled with so much venom it triggered my own cruel side.
“What dumb thing do you think I did? Something like make an agreement with another god? What would I give him in return – another life sentence? What have you already sold him, Mother?”
My mother paled. “I'm only trying to save your future children … to save you.”
“I can't be saved!” I pinned her with an intense look. “I can't do this now. I need to get ready to marry a man I truly adore, knowing I am dragging him into this damned family to only have a life of pain and sorrow. Why did you pick today of all days to do this? What more must I pay for your mistakes?”
“I did not request his visit. I've never asked for any of this.” She collapsed into a chair and closed her eyes. “Go. Get ready,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Mother?” I asked with concern, stepping closer to her.
“I'm fine. Go get ready for your wedding. I will be up later to help you dress.”
Guilt filled me for attacking her, for reminding her of the mistakes she had made. I had so many questions I needed her to answer, but there was no time for hope. I had a wedding to prepare for.
Still, I couldn't help but wonder, Could he save us?
* * *
Sofia was waiting for me when I returned. Though I appreciated her attentiveness, I needed to be alone. I immediately found reasons to send her away.
“Go to the kitchen, and bring me two cucumbers and a bottle of white Chardonnay from my father's private stock.”
“Yes, miss. I'm not sure if we have cucumbers.”
“I cannot get married with my eyes so dark and puffy, Sofia,” I said, sharply. “Just go and find me something to help.”
“You look quite beautiful to me, Miss,” she replied.
“Why is no one listening to me? Go, and just do as I say! I'll not have you ruin my day,” I screamed.
“I did not mean to upset you. Of course, I will go immediately, and bring you something to help.”
“Go.” I fanned my hand in her direction, dismissing her. “Oh, and, Sofia, make sure no one disturbs me. I need to calm myself,” I ordered.
Nodding, she quickly scurried away.
Once I knew I was alone, I wasted no time in calling out, “Jameson, I know you can hear me. I need you here – now.”
Seconds ticked by, and turned into minutes. As the time passed, he never answered my call.
Stepping out onto the balcony, I hissed, “Jameson, I know you hear me. I need you.”
Still, no reply came. Fuming, I returned to my room, slamming the patio door after me.
“You are going to break the glass if you shut the door so violently.” Jameson sat on a chair. His eyes were bloodshot.
“As if you can talk,” I accused. “What is it with you and windows?”
“Why are you calling me, Blanche? I told you we couldn't see each other anymore.”
“You made love to me. I told you how much I cared for you, and you left me. Why? I don't care if what you told me was true. I know she's a horrible goddess. You don't have to keep that secret from me. I can —”
“You can do nothing. There is no way you can help. I have put you in more danger…you have put yourself in more danger. There is no way to stop her, and now, you've brought him into your life.”
“I didn't ask him to come here. I don't even know who he is, but he knows you. He said you should not anger him.”
“I saved you.”
“You were jealous.”
“You were going to accept his offering. You were going to sell whatever chance you might have of keeping your sanity for a lie.”
“I was in a trance when he was speaking with me. Then, he kissed me, and I couldn't even think, Jameson. Tell me who he is? He sounded so confident he could stop her. Can he? Can he really stop Snowystra?”
“Amaro is a very powerful god. He could stop her, but he didn't tell you the price, did he? Blanche, he doesn't do anything without a great cost.” His intensity melted into sorrow. “We do not have time to talk about this. You're getting married.”
“I know I'm getting married.” I threw my hands up in exasperation. “This doesn't stop the way I feel about you or how badly you hurt me last night.”
“I never p
lanned on hurting you. I never planned for last night to happen.” His voice sounded as pained as mine felt.
Curling up on his lap, I kissed him. Resting my forehead against his, I said, “I am glad it happened. I have no regrets.”
Jameson's hand slid around the back of my hand, his fingers knotting into my hair. He held me there for a moment before gently pulling me away. Looking into my eyes, he said, “Promise me you will not accept anything he offers. Amaro will not rescue you from this fate, but I will find a way to save your child.”
“He knows about you – about us.” Fear gripped me as another thought came to mind. “If he is so powerful, why is he worried she would be alerted of his visit?”
Jameson shook his head from side-to-side. “He knows I couldn't tell. If I did, I would have to confess to crossing the line and falling in love with you.”
Suddenly, the door knob rattled and Jameson vanished, dropping me from his lap. I struggled to remain on the seat as the maid entered. I knew I had to look ridiculous holding onto the chair as I tried not to fall. Sofia looked at me oddly, but made no comment. My previous tirade probably convinced her I had lost my mind.
“Good, you are back,” I said, quickly standing. “Do you have what I asked for?”
“Yes, chef had some cucumbers delivered this morning.”
“Draw my bath and I will soak. Use the citrus scent, not the lavender. I hope this helps to refresh me for the day ahead.”
“Did you want me to pour you a glass of the wine?”
“I've changed my mind. I am no longer thirsty. Draw my bath water and leave me. Tell my mother I need at least an hour alone.”
“But…”
“If I do not relax, no amount of makeup will help me look acceptable. There will be plenty of time to get me ready.”
“Very well, I will let Mrs. Drygen know your wishes.”
As I soaked in the tub, my mind replayed the way Amaro's touch made me feel. If Jameson hadn't broken the spell, I would have followed him anywhere in that moment. What does he want from me? Even after Jameson's warning, I wasn't convinced I could refuse him.
“Do you want me to wash your back?” Jameson whispered in my ear, sending chills rippling through my body.
His sweet voice made me smile. “You returned.”
“Don't look so delighted.”
“I cannot help it,” I admitted.
“I really am sorry for last night.” His face was pinched with pain and regret. “I was a fool to tell you the things I did.”
“No,” I replied, taking his face between my hands and meeting his eyes, “you know everything about me. I want to know more about you.”
“You don't want to know me.” Jameson began to stand up. I reached out and grabbed his forearm tightly.
I blinked away the tears filling in my eyes. “There is no one in the world I want to know more about. Today will change nothing for us. I have fallen in love with you, Jameson. No matter how hard you try to shield me from her cruelty, I still can see it in the marks she leaves on your body, and the pain I see in your eyes.”
He sighed and knelt back down. He touched my cheek, brushing his thumb across my lips. “I loved you before you knew I existed, sweet Blanche. You are right. You are my world and you deserve to know who you pledge your love to, but you must never tell anyone.”
“I won't, but only if you promise me you will not threaten to leave me again.”
“I promise,” he vowed, bringing a smile to my lips.
“I can handle many things, but not losing you.”
He gently nudged my nose with his own. “Unfortunately, I really do need to leave you. I will answer your questions when we meet again, but you must get ready now,” he said, kissing me so tenderly it hurt. “Today, when you are pledging your love to him, remember I will be here for you always, Blanche, and that I loved you first.” He rested his forehead against mine, rubbing his hand along the small of my back. “I wish things could have been different. I wish it was me.”
“So do I,” I said. I wrapped my soapy arms around him and held him close. How could I be telling this man I wanted him when I would be marrying Roger in a few short hours? How could I claim to love them both? Did I truly love either of them?
* * *
When Sofia returned, I was sitting at my vanity. Staring at my reflection, I had lost time searching my own eyes, trying to understand my feelings as I put on my make-up. No matter how I rationalized it, I could not deny I loved both men. The conflict within me just made the truth more difficult to bear.
“The cucumbers worked wonderfully, Miss. You are beautiful,” Sofia complimented me as she ran the comb through my hair.
“She is correct. You are beautiful, and you will make a stunning bride,” my mother said from the doorway. “Roger has arrived, and he is dashing. People will be envious of the attractive and powerful couple you will make.”
My mother strode into the room and took the comb from Sofia. “You can go help the kitchen staff with the preparations. I would like to spend some time alone with my daughter.”
When Sofia was gone, my mother began to pull my hair into a sleek up-do. My mother had always been talented with the brush. She twisted small tendrils into place as she reached for the white feather. “Let's put on the dress before I finish,” she said, setting it back down.
Nodding, I rose and slipped into the garment. Once again, I felt beautiful. I would be the talk of Starten with my daring choice – with Snowystra's choice. The frilly, full ball gowns of other brides did not compare to this sophisticated gown. When my mother pinned the headpiece into place, the snowflake and the birdcage veil gleamed. A frigid air blew through the room, and without looking, I knew she was behind me. I shivered in response to her presence.
“Roger will be a happy man to see his beautiful bride,” Snowystra said. She stood behind me, resting her hands on the exposed part of my back. Her icy touch began to sting my skin. I wanted to jerk away, but I was afraid to anger her.
Thank her, Jameson's voice whispered in my ear. I immediately understood what he was telling me. Snowystra's ego outweighed her anger.
“The dress you picked is perfect. Thank you, Goddess, for your blessings. Roger and I will be very happy together,” I said, stepping the slightest bit forward.
Snowystra grabbed my arm and hissed in my ear, “I do not care if you are happy. I want to know you will bring me a child.”
“Of course, she will, Goddess,” my mother assured her. Snowystra whipped around to face her.
“Your word means nothing to me, Camille,” Snowystra said, slapping her across the face. “You have broken your promises repeatedly. This is the Drygen's last chance to please me.”
I gasped, and went to protect my mother. She shook her head slightly, warning me to stay back.
“I am sorry for my failures, Goddess. You will have a child soon. My daughter should not pay for my mistakes,” my mother replied with a slight bow.
“Your daughter?” Snowystra struck here again. “Your daughter was a mistake. Why do your children not carry the magic I have given you?”
This time, she hit my mother so hard her nose began to bleed. I didn't wait for her to keep beating my mother. I stepped in, and begged, “Goddess, please, stop. I have agreed to submit to your request.” I forced all emotion from my words as I met Snowystra's angry glare. “And, I do carry your magic.”
Holding out my hands, I closed my eyes and focused on calling the globes of Winter I had in Snowstrum. I had been unable to recreate the magic before, but I had to take the chance. Opening my eyes, I was relieved to see I held two small spheres filled with blowing snow.
My mother gasped in surprise, turning her attention toward Snowystra, who narrowed her eyes at me. “I was told you had none. Was this a lie?”
“No, I was not able to call upon my magic until the day I tried on the wedding dress, Goddess,” I lied, hoping to quench the fury that burned in her eyes. “I think the happiness you have
given me and the magic of the dress unleashed my gift.”
She glared at me with open hostility. As she contemplated my claim, I could see her considering whether to believe me or not. I decided to use the only card I had – her desire.
I quickly added, “Let's hope my child carries this gift, too.”
Without another word, Snowystra began to fade away, but before completely disappearing from sight, she suddenly returned. “Wait, do you carry any of my sister's magic?”
“I do not know. Would you like me to try?” I asked, feigning ignorance.
My mother was wide-eyed as she stood behind the Goddess, shaking her head. She didn't know whether or not I had the gift from Danu, but she wanted me to stop. Despite her forewarning, I ignored her.
Instead of closing my eyes this time, I held my hands out and called a very small amount of fire. I understood the danger of demonstrating a stronger elemental magic, so I only brought a small flame to life on the end of my pointer finger. It flickered dimly.
Snowystra grabbed my hand, extinguishing the fire. “Let's hope for your sake that the child carries the same magic.” This time, she left in a burst of black smoke.
I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting off the tears that built inside me. Then, I remembered my mother. Turning, I found her gaping at me with a tear-stained face.
I brought a tissue to her, and said, “Let's clean you up.” I took her hand gently into mine.
“You saved my life, Blanche.” Her voice was lifeless, and I could hear the defeat as easily as I could see it. “I wonder if it would have been better to let her kill me.” She raised her terror-filled eyes to me. “She will never leave you alone now.”
“We can't worry about that right now. Come sit. I need you to gather yourself. It is almost time,” I said, pouring a cup of tea from the pot and handing it to her.
When she accepted the cup, she whispered, “Miselda is the only one who will know how to save your child.”
“Who?”
She shook her head over and over like a mad woman.
“Ok, Mother. I won't ask any more questions.”
I took another tissue and cleaned her face as if she was a small child. Her dress had blood down the front. I went to my closet and returned with an emerald evening gown.