by Marnie Cate
Kissing him, I murmured, “Never again.”
* * *
“Wake up, Blanche,” Simon said, shaking me.
“It's too early,” I said, groggily sitting up. “Did you try to cook something? It smells like you did a terrible job.”
I coughed, and opened my eyes to see the room slowly filling with smoke.
“Cedric,” I said, bolting out of bed. “I need to get Cedric.”
“Stop, Blanche,” Simon said, grabbing my wrist. “I got him. Let's go.”
Simon held my sleeping son in his arms. Taking my hand, he guided me up the stairs. The captain appeared at the top of the steps.
“Mrs. Drygen, we need to get you off the boat,” the captain ordered. “The yachts ablaze. Follow me. Best get starboard.”
“Where?” I cried.
“Up the stairs, out to the left, past the helm,” Simon instructed. “Just don't let go of me.”
When we reached the captain's chair, the smoke was thick. The dining room was on fire. It was a wall of flames. Cedric screamed.
“You are safe. Hang onto me,” Simon said, leading us out onto the deck. “You are a strong swimmer. Jump over and I'll hand Cedric down to you. Can he swim at all?”
“A bit,” I said, looking over at the choppy waves. I searched for land. “I don't know which way to swim.”
“Over there,” he pointed. “Go towards that small light in the distance. No time to talk. You have to jump.”
Without thinking, I dived into the water. The icy water stole my breath. When I surfaced, Simon held Cedric out to me.
“I'm going to drop you into your mommy's arms, Cedric,” he said calmly. “Let her hold onto you.”
“Ok,” he said through his tears.
“Good boy,” Simon said, and released him.
Cedric began to flail his arms and kick as he hit the cold water.
“Relax, Cedric,” Simon called. “Your mother is a good swimmer, better than most fish.”
I grabbed his arm, and pulled him to me. I hooked my arms under his, and began to swim backwards towards the direction Simon pointed. “I have you,” I said, kissing my son's cheek. “Can you lay back like you are floating in your bathtub for me?”
Cedric nodded.
“Kick, kick, kick. That's it, keep kicking, and we will be dry very soon,” I coaxed. “You are so brave, my sweet boy. Now, just watch the stars as we move towards the shore.”
His cries softened, and I began to swim. “Simon,” he called.
“I'll catch up. Just help your mother get to land,” he said, appearing with a fire extinguisher.
Simon was a strong swimmer. His words encouraged me to swim harder. By the time I could see the shore, the boat was completely engulfed.
I heard the faint sound of the Captain's yell, “All overboard.”
Deep orange flames and black smoke were pushing towards them. As Simon stepped off to jump into the water, I heard a rumbling sound as if shards of glass were being shaken in a tin can, and then a great explosion. The sky lit up with a blinding light.
The wind began to blow harder, causing the waves to grow stronger. Swimming became more difficult. The current tugged on us, pulling us under. I struggled to keep Cedric's head above water. He began to scream. Pulling him into my arms, I began to tread water as he clung to me.
“Hold onto me,” I instructed. “We will be to shore soon. No more crying. It will just waste your energy. I won't let you get hurt.”
He nuzzled into my neck, and I could feel his sobs slowing. “You are a Drygen. We are strong, and we won't let a little water hurt us.”
I continued to tread water as we bobbed. I considered calling my Winter magic to freeze the water around us, but I stopped when I realized it might alert Snowystra. Besides, I didn't understand how it would work, and I could end up killing us both.
Thinking of the Goddess brought Jameson to mind. He must have started the fire. Did he want me dead? What about his son?
“Mommy, I'm cold,” Cedric said, shivering.
“I know, love,” I said, hugging him tighter. “The wind is slowing. We will swim again after I get my breath.
The sound of splashing water came from behind us.
“You're safe,” the familiar male voice said, throwing an inflatable ring to me.
Chester Veracor had swum into the icy water to save us. “Blanche, is that you?” he asked, taking Cedric from me.
“Yes,” I responded through chattering teeth.
“It's ok, Blanche. Cedric is going to climb on my back and hold on tight, aren't you?” he asked.
Cedric nodded vehemently as he did as he was told.
“Now, you hold onto the ring, and I'll pull you,” Chester said.
With strong strokes, he swam us with ease towards the shore. When we hit land, I collapsed into the rocky sand. The sound of the lake and the noises of the forest swirled in my mind.
“We need to warm them up,” a female voice said. “Let me take the boy.”
“No,” I said, reaching out for my son.
Mae stood above me, holding Cedric in her arms. “I am not going anywhere. Your son is safe. I am just going to get him dried off. Chester, get her to the fire.”
His strong arms scooped me up. I felt too weak to resist. I was laid on a blanket near a flickering campfire. I struggled to sit up. I needed to see my son.
“Let me help you,” Mae said, lending me a hand. When I was upright, she held out a mug to me. “Drink this. It will help with the chill.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. She shook her head, and smirked. “When will you believe I am not out to get you? It is just some cocoa with a bit of mint liqueur.”
My eyes glanced around and I spotted Cedric. Chester was holding a small girl and my son in his arms. He was helping both children with their mugs of steaming liquid. Mae saw where my attention was drawn.
“His is just chocolate.” Mae smiled, and sat down beside me. “What happened out there? We could see the fire from our home.”
“Simon… oh, Simon is still out there,” I realized, my voice cracking from the stress.
“Don't worry a boat has been sent out to help. You are lucky Chester noticed you. It was your ring that caught his attention,” Mae said, pointing to my hand.
Quickly, I twirled the stone underneath to hide it.
“Are you and Simon —” she began to ask.
“No. Well, he wants to, but I can't,” I started to explain, and then realized who I was talking to. “Frankly, it is none of your business. But, no, I am not marrying anyone. Simon is just a very good friend.”
“You are young enough to find love again, Blanche,” Mae said kindly. “Simon has loved you since we were teenagers.”
Had it been so obvious to everyone how he felt? The day I pushed him a way, I thought he would move on and find someone new. `What ifs' ran through my mind.
“Simon!” Cedric shrieked. He jumped off Chester's lap, and ran towards the water.
“Stop, Cedric,” I ordered.
The little boy couldn't hear me. He was focused only on Simon. A boat full of the crew and Simon had just reached the shore. Simon jumped off the boat and caught him before he reached the lake.
“Whoa, squirt. Where do you think you are going?” Simon asked, hugging Cedric. “Haven't you had enough water for the night?”
Watching him with my son, tears filled my eyes. I had made a mistake in allowing my son to bond with him. As much as I knew I could fall back in love with Simon, it wouldn't be fair to either. Snowystra wanted to give me another chance at producing the magical child she wanted. It would never end. Stupidly, I had allowed myself to be lulled into a false belief of a future without the dark Goddess haunting my family.
“Thank you for the assistance. I will send someone to pay you for the inconvenience,” I said, handing Mae the mug back.
“Blanche, you don't owe us anything. Why are you being like this?” Mae asked. She looked around for the reason. “Yo
u are safe. If there is something out there, I can help.”
“You can't do anything to help me. Go back to your sweet world of elemental magic and light, and leave my family alone,” I snapped, and walked away.
She didn't deserve my cruel words. Mae had been kind to me. The feud wasn't between us, but that didn't change the facts. Her family was safe from Snowystra. She had been protected while I had not, and all because of the stupid mistakes of a young girl.
“I'm so glad you are okay,” Simon exclaimed with relief. He pulled me to him, and hugged us tightly.
I grew stiff, and tried to move away. “Thank you for the lovely day,” I said, twisting the ring on my finger. “Cedric had a very nice time with you.”
Taking Cedric out of Simon's arms, I set him down, and kissed his cheek. “Why don't you go thank Mr. and Mrs. Veracor for the hot chocolate?”
“What's going on, Blanche?” Simon asked. His expression was troubled as he watched Cedric walk away.
“This was a mistake. I shouldn't have let you get close to my son. I wasn't being fair to either of you. This will never be. We can never be more than friends,” I said, slipping the ring from my finger and offering it to him.
“I won't take the ring back, Blanche,” Simon replied. He folded my hand, closing my fingers around it. Then, he embraced me, and my body relented to his touch. “Can't you feel it when I hold you? We are supposed to be together. You are just shook-up. Do not do this again. Do not push me away because you are scared.”
I stiffened at his words, and he slowly released me. His blue eyes glistened. The first time I rejected him flashed in my mind. No, Blanche. You are letting your mother ruin your life, he had cried. Leave with me tonight. We will put Starten behind us.
“You don't know how lucky you are that I said no… both times,” I said coldly. “Go marry someone who deserves your love. I can't be that woman.”
Walking away from him, I blinked away the tears that formed. You don't deserve someone as good and kind as Simon Jackson, I reminded myself. By the time I reached Chester, my emotions were in control. “Chester, is your truck nearby?” I asked. “My son and I need a ride home.”
“Just over there,” Chester said, pointing to the entrance of the forest.
* * *
The five of us rode silently in their beat up pick-up truck. Cedric closed his eyes, and snuggled against me. By the time we arrived at home, he was sound asleep. The mansion was dark when we pulled into the drive.
“Do you want some help carrying him?” Chester asked as he assisted me from the truck.
“No,” I said. “Thank you for the ride.”
“No problem,” he said, smoothing Cedric's hair. “You have a great little boy here. And, don't worry about Simon. I'll make sure he gets home safely.”
“Can you return this to him? He wouldn't take it from me.” I pressed the ring into his hand.
“What? No, Blanche,” Chester argued and tried to return it to me.
“Throw it in the trash then. Simon is no longer a concern of mine,” I said, walking away before he could stop me.
I was relieved to find the front door unlocked. Instead of going to our suite, I went to the study. I was too tired to carry Cedric upstairs, let alone myself. I laid him on the leather loveseat. Taking a blanket from the credenza, I covered him, and sat down next to him.
“Why are you home?” my mother called from the doorway.
As I filled her in on the events of the night, I sent her through a roller coaster of emotions. Her expression was cross when I mentioned Jameson. When I described the fire, she kept fidgeting with her necklace. I could read the worry clearly on her face.
“Simon proposed to me tonight.”
My mother smiled and her eyes lit up with excitement. She actually seemed pleased. If only she had not blocked our marriage when we were young, things might have gone differently.
“I told him no,” I said. I almost delighted in telling her I had refused him.
“Why? He would be a wonderful husband,” she objected.
“I know about the potion you asked Miselda to make, Mother,” I announced.
“I was only —,” she began to explain.
“It doesn't matter. You were right. Let me take it,” I said.
“No, I was rash. I can't let you do this,” she replied.
“I won't risk having a child that I'll just lose. Where is it?”
She grabbed her necklace again. She had never worn it before. The teardrop shaped pendant was covered in diamonds. When my eyes narrowed on it, I could see something blue shimmering inside it. It had to be another of Miselda's trick jewelry.
“Give me the potion, Mother,” I said, holding out my hand.
“I can't let you. You will regret it,” she cried, backing away from me. I yanked the golden chain off of her, scratching her skin. Dots of blood formed on her neck, and she covered the damaged skin with a soft squeak.
“I'm a Drygen, Mother. Aren't our lives already full of regrets?”
Without another thought, I twisted the cleverly disguised topper and drank every last drop of the liquid inside. The last thing I remembered after drinking the potion was an excruciating pain in my stomach, and the sounds of my mother screaming.
* * *
Snowystra and my mother talking woke me. I was in our home. I should have been awakened to the sound of my mother commanding our staff, not her bowing down to her. I touched my stomach. Nothing inside me felt different. Had I dreamed everything?
“I have chosen the perfect match for her,” Snowystra said in a sing song tone. “I found the sweet boy in the shanty town of Great Winds. I can't imagine she would object to a handsome cowboy with a ranch of his own.”
“He sounds perfect,” my mother agreed.
“Good, now, wake her up, and I will tell her the good news,” she commanded.
“Wake up, darling,” my mother called, shaking my shoulders. “The Goddess has a wonderful surprise for you.”
Glaring at her, I stretched and craned my neck to see our visitor. Snowystra was dressed in a long black gown, which flowed to her ankles. Her dark hair cascaded down her back, and atop her head she wore a delicate silver crown. I held back a laugh at how ridiculous she was. A queen in her own mind. Too bad the truth was she was an evil monster.
“Good morning, Goddess,” I said, standing and bowing my head.
“It has been such a long time since I've seen you. I have been very busy cleaning up the mess you made of my plans,” she scolded.
“Yes, Goddess,” I said meekly. “I apologize for ruining things for you.”
My eyes flicked to the tray of food Sofia must have brought up for me. The silver knife gleamed from the sunlight streaming in through the window. If I stabbed Snowystra, would she die? Would I be quick enough? The fork might work better.
“I have decided you will be given a second chance to produce the child I want. Raymond Crane will be perfect for this. Your mother will make arrangements for you to meet him. Do not waste time like you did with Roger,” she snarled, glaring at me.
“Of course, Goddess. I won't even worry about my reputation. A marriage will not be necessary,” I said, forcing myself to smile at her.
“Perfect. Camille, deal with this immediately,” Snowystra ordered, turning away from me.
“Goddess, there is one small problem,” I said nervously.
She moved quickly and was nose-to-nose with me. Gripping my arm, she sneered, “Problem?”
“I haven't had my cycle since the birth of my son. I am not sure I can have any more children,” I explained quickly.
“You mother said nothing of this,” she snapped.
“I didn't think to tell her,” I replied.
Slap.
Before I knew what was happening, Snowystra began to attack me. I stood unsure what to do as she slapped me, over and over. She punched me so hard I fell to the ground. I could hear my mother pleading as she continued to kick me. I couldn't fi
ght her. Death seemed inevitable, and I welcomed it as I slipped into darkness.
* * *
“She's gone,” Jameson said. I felt his arms slip under me. His magic pricked my skin causing me to gasp. “Get some towels to wipe off all of this blood, Camille.”
“What's wrong with mommy,” I heard Cedric say. “Who's that man carrying her?”
“Go to your room, Cedric,” my mother instructed. “Sophia is bringing you cookies.”
“But, mommy,” he said.
“Now, Cedric. Do what you are told,” my mother commanded.
I was laid on a soft surface I assumed was my bed. My eyes were swollen shut. I tried to speak, but a searing pain filled me as my bottom lip split further.
“Don't speak. Let us clean you up a bit.”
A warm feeling covered my face and arms. I sensed my mother and Jameson were cleaning my wounds. When the prickling feeling began, I knew they were using healing salve on me. I wondered how many tins of the ointment would be needed to fix me.
As if answering my question, Jameson said, “She has been gravely injured. We need to call your doctor to set her broken bones.”
“No one can know,” my mother said. “We must treat her ourselves. She won't be safe if Snowystra knows she lived.”
“She will eventually know,” Jameson replied.
“She doesn't need to be told now. Hopefully, by the time she finds out, her anger will have subsided. Then, Snowystra will be pleased Blanche survived. I can't live through losing another child,” she said, choking back tears.
“I'll get the gypsy. She will know how to help,” Jameson decided. “Keep her calm, and I'll return with her soon.”
I faded in and out of consciousness as my mother continued to wipe my wounds and gently put more healing salve on it. By the time Miselda and her guard, Joe, arrived, I could open my eyes, but barely a slit.
“Oh, child, she has really hurt you. We need her on a firm surface. Joe put the dresser face down. We will use that. Camille, you will drape it with just sheets. Then, we will carefully move her to it. We must work quickly,” Miselda commanded.
Whirls of color flashed around me. They worked in silence. When Jameson picked me up, I wanted to scream, but I had barely enough air in me to breathe. Something was pressed to my lips, and a cool liquid slid down my throat.