by Laurel Veil
I wanted to scream at him and tell him how insane he was, but I didn’t. I was going to escape as soon as possible and find Ty. We were going home and finding Jackson. And the three of us would live at my house happily ever after. But to do this, I needed Landon to trust me enough to give me freedom.
“You have to understand that everything you’re telling me—well it’s a lot to take in,” I said calmly.
“Yes, of course.” He looked at me with compassion now.
“Please bear with me and give me a little time to adjust, so that I can…accept my fate.”
He reached out and placed his hand on my cheek. I was repulsed by his touch, but relieved that he seemed to believe my change of heart.
“I can’t tell you how happy you’ve made me, Falon.” I swallowed the lump that was rising in my throat. “But just in case you decide to change your mind, I’d like Dirk to show you something.” His eyes changed, as did his tone. Was he threatening me?
Landon stepped out of the room and had a servant go and retrieve Dirk. A few moments later I heard their hushed voices.
“Princess Falon," said Landon, "Dirk will escort you now." He then lend down and kissed my forehead.
It took everything in me not to cry. I faked a smile and followed Dirk down several flights of stairs and then several more that were beneath the castle. It was dark, cold and damp now. Only torches lit our way. My pulse quickened when Dirk had a soldier unlock a metal door he was guarding. Where was he taking me? Was he going to lock me up, so I wouldn’t try to escape again?
Empty jail cells lined the stone hallway we were now walking down. Dirk stopped when he reached the last cell on the right. He unlocked it with a key the other soldier had given him.
Dirk turned to me. “Step inside.”
My eyes were wide with fear, but I did as he said.
“I’ll be back in a moment,” he said.
I jumped when something moved behind me. Someone was in the corner—a man!
“H-Hello?” I said.
The man sat up, wiped his eyes and brushed the long graying strands of unkempt hair out of his face. His beard was long and almost completely white.
“Falon, is that you?” he whispered.
How did he know my name? “Yes. Who are you?”
He stood and came into the light. I took a step back.
“Princess, it’s—”
“I wish everyone would stop calling me that. I’m not a princess. I’m just Falon.”
He stepped closer. I began to feel guilty when I realized he was upset. He’s eyes were so blue, so...familiar. “Dad?”
He nodded as tears rolled out his eyes and trickled down his cheeks.
17.
I couldn’t believe I was looking into the eyes of my father. “I thought you were dead.”
His face crinkled with pain and more tears escaped his eyes. He was so pale, thin and dirty. He’d been down here, for a while.
No longer able to control himself he began to sob. He reached for me with trembling hands. I stepped forward and he hugged me so tightly it was as if he was trying to make up for all the hugs he’d missed. “I can’t believe it’s really you,” he whispered.
I could feel myself choking up, but still managed to ask, “What is happening?”
He took a deep breath and exhaled. “The woman you think is your mother, is not.” He paused, waiting for my reaction, I supposed.
“So, I’ve heard.”
“You know?” He was surprised.
“Only since I’ve found my way here. I've also been told that...you were a king and that my real mother was Queen Mary Fawlstar.” I searched his eyes. “Is this true?”
He nodded. I couldn't believe it.
“I was also told you murdered my real mother. Is that true?”
“I will tell you everything. But first, where is she—Sandra?”
“I don’t know. She left not too long ago, and I haven’t heard from her since.”
“Good,” he said. “Stay away from her. She’s dangerous.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“Years ago, Sandra was your real mom’s servant. Your mom thought of her as a friend. She treated her like family and thought Sandra felt the same, so did I. We were wrong. Sandra was jealous of your mom. She wanted to be her. She betrayed us.”
He was short of breath from trying to say so much all at once. “Sit down dad,” I said as I helped him to his cot and sat next to him.
“Your mother became very ill, very quickly. I was devastated when she died. Immediately after her passing, bazel berry oil was discovered among my things, I was accused of poisoning her. Everyone loved her so much, they turned on me. I had no choice but to take you and flee. With the help of Sandra, and my most trusted soldier, we escaped through a garden. I’d thought Sandra was so kind and selfless to give up her life to help us save ours. I didn’t know what she’d done.”
“What did she do?” I was afraid to ask.
His eyes fell to the floor. “Sandra never intended for me to come back here. I always assumed it was because she feared I would be put to death. When I would talk to her about returning, she would control me with her concoctions she slipped in my food. When I was finally able to break free of the control she had on me, I returned. I wanted to make sure it was safe here before I brought you.” He dabbed at the corner of his eye. “She didn’t want me coming back because she knew I would find out the truth. I hadn’t been wanted for your mother’s death in years. She was the one who’d poisoned your mom. Her very own sister-in-law, ratted her out because she didn’t like how Sandra had ditched her brother and abandoned their child.”
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. “She destroyed our family, Dad.” I was quiet for a moment. Still trying to process everything I’d just been told. “If she’s the one who poisoned my mom, why are you behind bars?”
“Because we knew this day might come,” said Dirk from behind me, on the other side of the bars.
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“If you want your father’s freedom—”
“Yes! Please release him,” I implored.
“Agree to marry Landon,” said Dirk.
“No!” said my father. “Falon’s mother and I agreed to the betrothal, because Landon’s father was a great man. It was a mistake. Landon is not a good man. He is power hungry, unjust and evil."
I looked at my dad. He wouldn’t survive these conditions much longer.
“Take me to Landon,” I said.
An evil smirk spread across Dirk’s leathery face.
◆◆◆
“Let my father go, now,” I demanded when I entered Landon’s chambers.
He looked up from the large ornate desk he was seated behind.
“Beg your pardon, sir. She—”
Landon raised his hand. “Leave us,” he told Dirk.
“I will marry you. Now release my father immediately.”
He stepped around his desk and stood only inches from my face. “It’s best that you remember who I am—and your place.” I flinched when he raised his hand to my face. My fear made him smile and then he ran his fingers slowly down my cheek. “Never make demands of me again.”
I felt so incredibly helpless. I had absolutely no idea how I was going to change my circumstances. My lip quivered as I struggled to hold back my tears of hopelessness.
“What is it?”
Was he serious? Could he really not fathom my despair? I calmed myself, so my voice would be steady. “He’s my father. He’s not well. I want to take care of him. That’s all.”
“I will release him.” My heart raced. I could feel my hope returning. “But not until after we are wed.”
I swallowed the knot that was rising in my throat. “I can’t even imagine having my…wedding,” I managed to choke out, “without my father present. But to know he was suffering—that’s unbearable.”
Landon’s silence frightened me. I had no idea w
hat he was thinking.
I pleaded, “My wedding is supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life. How can he not be a part of the ceremony?”
He chuckled. “It will be one of the grandest celebrations ever.” He was quiet for a moment and smiling the entire time. I was almost certain he was imagining our wedding day or worse, our wedding night. “You're right. Of course, your father should be there.”
“So, you’ll release him?”
“I will see to it that he is immediately moved to a better situation and properly cared for. He will be present, but he will not be officially released from custody until after we have said our vows.”
I nodded. I was by no means thrilled with the terms of our agreement, but at least it was a start.
“Dinner’s in a couple of hours,” he said. “Make sure you’re dressed.”
I turned to go, and just before I reached the door he called out to me. “Oh, and you'll need to get with Beatrice. She needs to arrange for you to see the seamstress immediately for your gown. I thought a nighttime wedding would be nice. There’s a full moon in two days.”
Two days? My stomach twisted like I had just jumped from a cliff. I nodded and left before I burst into tears.
I was so dazed, I wasn’t sure how I made it back to my room. I stepped out onto the balcony, inhaled a lungful of crisp air and tried to clear my thoughts. I closed my eyes and concentrated on slowing my breathing. When I heard a horse whinny, it gave me a sudden urge to ride. Riding had always been therapeutic for me.
I raced downstairs and out to the stables. There were dozens of horses to choose from. It was too bad I didn’t love Landon, I thought. Though it was incredible, I could’ve cared less about his castle. But his horses—They were magnificent.
◆◆◆
“Do you see one you like?”
I cringed. It was Landon. I was so dumbstruck by the horses, I hadn’t noticed him walk up.
“I like them all.”
He stepped over and attempted to pet the horse I was standing closest to. The horse jerked his head away at his touch and walked off.
“Do you like to ride?” he asked.
I nodded. “I spent a good bit of my life on the back of a horse.”
Landon smiled. “Then that’s what I’ll get you for your wedding gift. A horse.”
Wedding gift. I felt queasy.
“Is something wrong? Don’t you want a horse of your very own?”
I needed to be careful. I didn’t want to anger him. “That sounds wonderful. Thank you.”
“Is there a particular type of horse you are fond of?”
I thought for a moment. “Actually…”
“What?”
“The people who Dirk took me from.”
“Yes. Did one of them hurt you?”
How ironic, I thought that he would immediately jump to that conclusion, when he by far, had been the most threatening to me.
“No. It’s nothing like that. It’s just that they had a horse. A grey horse with the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen.”
“Done. I’ll locate them immediately and get you the horse.”
“I don’t want to take someone’s horse. I know how special a horse can be—how attached you can get.”
“I could take the animal if I wanted. But for you—for your wedding gift, I will pay a hefty price.” He stepped closer and grinned down at me. He made me so uncomfortable. “Anything else?”
“My father?”
“He is already being well cared for as I said he would.” He looked at me thoughtfully. “You’re so kind.” I could feel my skin crawl as he caressed my face. “You will be a wonderful mother to our children.” I stopped breathing and was relieved when he turned to go.
“James,” Landon called to a stable hand as he headed toward the castle, “locate Dirk. There’s something I need him to do."
18.
The next morning, Beatrice came to my room unusually early. “Sorry to wake you,” she said as she set down a breakfast tray, “but King Landon insisted that you get fitted for your bridal gown at once. There isn’t much time. After all, tomorrow night…”
I tuned her out. I couldn’t listen. I had to focus on how I was going to escape.
“Once you’re dressed, I’ll escort you to the seamstress,” said Beatrice just before she left.
I took a bite of bagel, but could hardly get it past the lump in my throat. As I was getting dressed, I noticed several handbags sitting on a shelf in the closet. They each contained a coin purse full of money, a hair brush, a small vial of perfume and a handkerchief. I took the one I thought matched my dress the best, and headed downstairs.
“Oh, good. You’re ready,” said Beatrice breathlessly. She was now wearing an apron and had smudges of flour on her face. “Dirk is pulling the carriage around. I won’t be coming with you now. There’s simply too much to prepare for the wedding feast.”
My stomach tightened. I nodded and headed outside. Dirk was standing by the carriage and opened the door. I still couldn’t believe this was all really happening as I climbed inside.
A few minutes later, we arrived at a small shop that had a sign that simply read seamstress, hanging above its door.
It was only when Dirk went to open the door of the carriage that I realized he had to unlock it first. I had been so preoccupied, it hadn’t even occurred to me that I could have tried to jump out. I couldn't though. My dad's life hung in the balance.
“I’ll wait here,” he said.
When I pushed open the door, a tiny bell jingled, and a woman looked up from a blanket she was mending. “Good morning Princess. We’ve been expecting you.”
I tried to smile and then followed her into another room. I gasped when I saw the beautiful gown that stood before me on a sewing mannequin.
It’s pearly white fabric shimmered, and the diamonds that were sprinkled over the bodice, twinkled in the sunlight.
“Do you like it?”
“It’s incredible. You are truly talented.”
The woman’s chest puffed up and she smiled. “Here, let me help you try it on.”
I nodded and slipped into it as quickly as I could.
“You look beautiful.” She whispered. “We’re ready for the veil now,” she called out to someone in another room.
The seamstress admired her handiwork for a few more minutes before saying under her breath, “What’s taking her so long?” She patted my shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry, I’ll go and get it.”
When she left, I stepped closer to the mirror. The dress was absolutely stunning. It deserved better than this occasion. I made the mistake of thinking about Ty. Why couldn’t it be him that I was marrying? I closed my tearing eyes and bowed my head. I couldn’t bear to look at myself any longer.
I felt the veil being placed. And, then my hair being lifted and arranged.
“Miss,” came a soft voice.
I looked up. “Maggie!” I spun around and hugged her tightly. “You told me your mother sewed for a living. I didn’t realize—” I look down at the dress.
Just then, Maggie’s mom stepped back into the room. “You look perfect,” she said. “We won’t have to do a single thing.”
“Mother, could we please have a moment alone?” said Maggie.
I think it was only then that her mother noticed the tears in my eyes. She gave me a smile that told me she was sorry. “I’ll be upstairs if you need me,” she told Maggie.
“Why are you so sad?” Maggie asked me the second her mom was out of sight. “You look beautiful. You’re marrying a king.”
I let the tears I’d been holding back flow freely.
“Miss, what’s wrong? Don’t you want to get married?”
“No!” I managed to choke out in between my sobs. “I don’t even know him.”
“You’re not the first person that married someone they didn’t know. Marriages are arranged all the time.”
“Not where I’m from.”
Maggi
e was quiet for a long moment. “Where exactly is that?”
“I guess I haven’t told you anything about me.”
Again, Maggie was at a loss for words. “That’s my fault,” said Maggie finally. “I did all the talking before."
“I’d love to tell you now. Help me get this off first.”
After Maggie helped me change, she stepped outside of the shop. “Excuse me, sir,” she called out to Dirk, who was reclining back in the driver’s seat of the carriage. He raised his hat and peered down at Maggie. “There are a number of alterations we need to make. You’re more than welcome to wait. But…”
I could see the grimace on Dirk’s face through the window. “I don’t have a choice.” He pulled his hat back down over his eyes and continued napping. Maggie closed the door and grinned at me.
“Come on. Let’s have some tea.” I followed her into the next room. “It’s not much,” she said of the humble kitchen.
It was small, but it was bright and inviting. There were lots of windows and numerous potted plants added a splash of color here and there. Maggie took down two dainty cups and saucers from a small wooden china cabinet.
“I think your kitchen is lovely,” I said. “It’s very cozy.” I watched as Maggie poured hot water into our cups. “I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again after I ran away. I wasn’t sure if I was coming back, and once I did, Beatrice said something that made me think Landon might have had you killed.”
Maggie set the tea pot on the table and sat in the chair across from me. “He had me jailed for a bit.” I noticed a slight tremble in her voice.
“I’m so sorry, Maggie.”
“It’s not your fault. He didn’t have to imprison me. It was his choice. Anyway, I’m out now. And shame on Beatrice for misleading you. She’s an old bitty whose only concern was that I wasn’t around to help her with her chores.” She laughed.
“Do you still work at the castle? Can you work for me again?”