Romantically Enchanted: A Twisted Fairytale Collection

by Madeline Martin

  “Some days you do.” Estella turned and walked over to him. “All right, most of the time you do. It’s been a while since you’ve disappointed me.”

  He frowned. “Shouldn’t that be my complaint? After all, you’re the one who broke my heart.”

  “And I’m thankful you forgave me for that,” she said as she wrapped her arms around him. She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “That’s only one thing that makes you wonderful. Have you come to bid Ryan goodbye?”

  He nodded at Ryan. “We’ve said our farewells. I’ve come to coax you into spending time with me.”

  “I’ll leave you to alone.” Ryan nodded at them both. “I’ll be off.”

  The pair didn’t seem to notice him leaving. A part of him was envious of their relationship. They had an amazing love between them. He wished he could trust someone with his heart in that way. Unfortunately, he was too broken for that to be a possibility.

  After he exited the house, he headed toward the stable. Once there, he asked a stable hand to saddle Octavius. He roamed around the stable, glancing at the horses inside as his horse was prepared for him. He stopped at one of the stalls and fed an apple to the mare inside. She appeared to be heavily pregnant and probably would birth her foal soon. It soothed him to pet her mane.

  “My lord, your horse is ready for you.” The stable hand yelled to him.

  Ryan stroked the horse’s mane one last time, and then turned to exit the stable. He found his horse near a mounting block. Octavius whinnied a greeting as Ryan neared him. He quickly hopped up and swung his leg over the saddle to seat himself atop Octavius. Afterward, he motioned for him to a canter. He didn’t look back once at Manchester Castle. The happiness that filled the rooms there were as foreign to him as love. Neither one of them had been a part of his life, and in some ways, it had made him uncomfortable to be enveloped in it. Estella had meant well with all her welcoming and hugs; however, those same embraces had pricked at him. Perhaps he was a little cantankerous, but he didn’t want to let go of the misery that had taken root inside of him. That melancholy was at least familiar. Happiness—he had no clue what to do with that. Some things were better left alone, and Ryan’s current lifestyle was one of them.

  CHAPTER 5

  THREE MONTHS LATER…

  Summer was near its end, and Annalise couldn’t be gladder for it. The trees were glittered with various shades of gold, ruby, and amber as the leaves changed from their lively emerald shade. A sure sign of the changing seasons. Annalise closed her eyes and took a deep breath. This was her favorite time of the year, and she was glad to see the steamy weather change to a much more tolerable temperature. She straightened her red cloak and pulled up her hood as she stepped onto the forest path. It was a shortcut from her father’s home to the manor where her maternal grandmother—Victoria Acton, the Dowager Viscountess of Shelburne—lived. It had been too long since she visited her, and she was probably wondering why.

  Her grandmother would be full of questions. Most of them she wouldn’t be able to answer. The duke had restricted her time outside of the house once she returned from Manchester Castle. The first week she’d been confined to her room, and that had been without him realizing the extent to which she’d helped Estella and Donovan reunite. She shuddered at the thought of what he might do if he ever discovered that tidbit. Annalise couldn’t allow that to ever happen. Her life was far too miserable to add any more gloominess to it.

  Annalise quickened her pace, heading deeper into the forest. A branch snapped beneath her foot as she stepped on it. The crackling sound echoed through the forest. A bird fluttered by, chirping as it sailed across the sky, then landed on a nearby tree branch. A loud boom reverberated overhead. She glanced up at the darkening sky and frowned. Drat. A storm brewed overhead, and soon she’d be caught in a spot of unexpected rainfall. She was closer to her grandmother’s home than her own. Annalise started running through the forest path. She tripped over a root that stuck out and hit the ground with a resounding thud.

  “Ouch.” Annalise groaned as pain ripped through her ankle. She pulled herself up to a sitting position and pressed her fingers to it. The pain increased with the pressure from her touch. Lightning blinked in the dark sky, followed by the rumble of thunder. She had to find a way to her grandmother’s or she’d be caught in the storm. There was one choice left. She had to find a way to stand and hobble forward. Shelter of some kind had to be nearby. A raindrop landed on her face, making her urgency grow. She found the strength to stand, but the soreness in her ankle proved nearly unbearable. Tears of pain mixed with the rain drops that were now steadily falling on her. Annalise pulled her hood back up over her head, thankful for that small bit of protection from inclement weather. Slowly, she made her way, one excruciating step at a time.

  She seemed to recall that there was a large cottage between her home and her grandmother’s. The lord that owned it almost never used it, and it had a very minimal staff to ensure the upkeep. Which meant there would be someone there to help her. All she had to do was keep moving until she reached it. That would be her safe haven from her current hell. Thankfully, the rain was nothing more than a drizzle, but that could change at any moment.

  A cold wind rolled over her. Annalise shuddered, and tiny bumps rose on her forearms as the chill settled deep inside of her. Still, she kept moving. The downpour started as the cottage came into view. She breathed a sigh of relief and stumbled toward it. The weather turned torrential as she reached the front door. Her hands shook as she raised them to knock. It seemed like it took forever before it opened, and she fell forward into the Marquess of Cinderbury’s arms. He was the last person she expected to find at the cottage.

  “Lady Annalise?” Shock echoed through his voice.

  “Help me,” she begged. He was Estella’s cousin, and she’d always spoken well of him. Surely, as a gentleman, he’d never turn away a lady in need.

  He swung her into his arms and carried her inside. His warmth enveloped her as he brought her into a nearby sitting room. A fire blazed in the hearth, and she craved to be in front of it. He set her down on a chair and untied her cloak, shoving it off her shoulders.

  “What were you doing out in this weather?” He lifted the cloak and tossed it on the floor. “You’re soaked through. You’ll catch your death if you stay in these wet clothes.”

  She shivered as the cold returned after the absence of his warmth. “Going to grandmother’s house…” Even with her drenched clothes and continuous frozen state, she didn’t regret that decision. Any chance to escape her father’s constant scrutiny made her scurry away.

  “I’m sure she’d have preferred you stay at home and not risk your imminent death.” He scowled down at her. She didn’t know why, but it made him inherently more attractive to her, and that seemed almost—odd. Why would she even notice such a thing?

  “You’re being overly dramatic.” Her teeth chattered as she spoke. “It was sunny when I left. No one could have known a storm would erupt.”

  He blew out a breath and shook his head almost as if he found her frustrating. That almost made her smile, but her teeth wouldn’t stop scraping together from her shaking. “You will have to remove those clothes.” He frowned. “The servants have left for the day. Can you remove them yourself?”

  She scrunched her eyes up at him incredulously. He didn’t have servants that stayed overnight? What lord lived that way? None that she was aware of… “I don’t think I can.”

  “I was afraid of that.”

  Annalise barely heard him. The room had started to spin, and she was having trouble breathing. Hell—she was already sickening. That wouldn’t be a good thing. Annalise’s last thought before she gave in to the need to close her eyes—her father would be mad as hell when he discovered she’d not made it home—one of the servants would surely tattle on her. Hopefully he didn’t return from London early to discover her missing, and maybe she could talk her way out of a punishment. Somehow, she doubted she’d be that
fortunate.

  RYAN STARED down at Lady Annalise’s unconscious form. What was he going to do with her? He didn’t feel comfortable removing her clothing, but it had to come off. She had already passed out from the cold, and she seemed to be favoring her left ankle. What the bloody hell had she been doing out walking alone? Her father was a controlling bastard, and he found it unbelievable she’d been allowed to do so. Would someone come searching for her? What would happen if she were found at his cottage alone with him?

  Damn and blast… He knew exactly what that would mean for the two of them. They’d have to marry to save her reputation. Ryan scrubbed his hands over his face and then stared down at his fate. Fate was having a bloody laugh at him and reveling in his current situation. He hadn’t wanted to marry yet, and she would have been his last choice. Lady Annalise was dangerous to his well-being. He sighed and reached down to pick her up again. She curled against him and tucked her head against his shoulder. He carried her up to a spare bedroom made up for guests—not that he had many, but it always paid to be prepared. He lay down on one side of the bed and pulled the blanket down, then moved her to that side to pull the other side down.

  He had to remove her ruby-tinted dress and matching cloak, but he dreaded it. That would be sealing their fate. Without thinking too hard about it, he rolled her on to her side and started undoing her laces. The dress loosened, allowing him to remove it. He worked steadily, taking off her wet clothing until all that remained was her chemise. It was barely damp, and thankfully he could leave that on, giving her some modicum of modesty. He pulled the blanket over her and left her alone. Before he exited the room, he picked up her wet clothing to hang up to dry. He’d check back on her in a little while.

  He went into his own room and walked over to the window. The rain pelted the pane and pierced the growing ache in his head. His heart beat heavily inside his chest. He still couldn’t believe this was happening to him. He would have to make an offer for Lady Annalise Palmer. He’d have a wife he didn’t want, or perhaps wanted more than he’d like to admit.

  “Bloody hell,” he cursed and started to pace around the room.

  He’d promised Estella he’d look out for Annalise. That if she ever needed his assistance he’d ensure she had it. When he’d made that pledge, he never envision it would go this far. That he’d have to give up his bachelorhood to protect her. If he’d known what the day might bring, he might never have left his bed. This was his worst nightmare come to life. Married to a woman who had the power to destroy him. Maybe they could live at different residences most of the year… He’d need an heir at some point, but didn’t see any reason to rush that part.

  Ryan stared back out the window. The storm didn’t show any signs of lessening. He should go and check on Lady Annalise. He exited his room and crossed over to hers. She was tossing and turning on the bed. He reached down and touched her forehead with the back of his hand. Her skin was burning with the signs of a raging fever. Ryan cursed again. He’d have to fetch a doctor when the rain let up a little. He hated leaving her alone even for a second, but he was ill-prepared to take care of her.

  “Cinderbury,” she moaned out his name.

  He glanced down at her. “How are you feeling.”

  “So hot,” she muttered, pushing the blankets down to her waist. “How could I have gone from cold to unbearably warm so fast?”

  He suspected that her illness was the cause of her current condition. “You might want to keep the blankets on.”

  “No,” she replied petulantly. “They’re a nuisance.”

  Lady Annalise was nothing but trouble. He should never have promised Estella he’d look out for her. Maybe then he wouldn’t feel so obligated to continue to take care of her. Unfortunately, he was honor-bound either way. As a gentleman he could not have turned her away regardless. She was his responsibility now, and he would do everything in his power to ensure her survival. “You may be grateful for their existence later.”

  Her eyes had a glassy look to them as she met his gaze. “Perhaps,” she conceded. “But they’re not welcome now.” She pulled at her shift. “Did you undress me?”

  Ryan glanced away not wanting to stare at her. “Someone had to.”

  “Help me take this off too.” She yanked it up farther, exposing her stomach. Ryan had trouble looking away from her creamy smooth skin. He wanted to reach out and stroke his fingers across it and see if it was as soft as it appeared. He swallowed hard and forced himself to glance the other way.

  “Leave it on,” he managed to croak out. “You can’t be naked.”

  “Please,” she begged almost ripping the fabric as she tugged it up more. “I’m so warm that I’m almost burning.”

  Ryan sighed. Her fever must be raging through her. He might have to brave the rain to go in search of the doctor sooner rather than later. “Lady Annalise,” he coaxed. “It’s bad enough I undressed you this much. Any more, and you will be completely compromised.”

  “Doesn’t matter,” she mumbled. “Father would never allow us to marry. No one is good enough for him to approve, and you would be the last man he’d agree to let me wed.”

  He jerked back, affronted by her remark. He shouldn’t be surprised by her statement, yet it made sense. The duke enjoyed controlling those around him. Estella had inferred he was even worse with his children. He should be relieved he wouldn’t be forced into a marriage with her, but that reprieve didn’t come after her pronouncement. “Be that as it may,” he began. “You will not remove your chemise. I’ll leave you to rest. When the rain lets up, I’ll make sure you have a doctor to look in on you.”

  With those words, he spun on his heels and left the room. If she chose to ignore his dictate, he didn’t want to be around when she uncovered her breasts. He was only a man, and he’d never be able to look away from that particular sight. Some weaknesses couldn’t be shaken no matter how strong he was…

  CHAPTER 6

  DARKNESS WELCOMED Annalise when she opened her eyes. She sat up and stared at her surroundings, not recognizing anything. The bed was comfortable, and the quilt that covered her had been warm. She pushed the blankets off of her and swung her feet over the side of the bed. The plush carpet on the floor was a welcome discovery. She hated cold floors. Her ankle nearly gave way as she stood to discover where she was.

  Annalise couldn’t help thinking she should remember something. She searched her memories for what it could be in order to give her an indication of where she was and why. Obviously, she’d hurt her ankle at some point for pain to shoot through it when she put pressure on it. Slowly, she headed toward the door and then opened it.

  She stepped out of the room and into a short, darkened hallway. Her eyes adjusted to the dimness. The moon poured light in from a nearby window, guiding her. There were maybe four rooms on the upper floor with the one she’d been occupying on the far end, and farthest away from the stairs. Something about it all seemed familiar. She started for the stairs. Maybe something on the first floor would help her recall why she was at the strange place. Bit by bit, she made the trek to the stairs and placed her hand on the banister to help her descend them.

  “Where are you going?”

  She jerked at the sound of a male voice behind her. On instinct, she raised her hand to her chest and felt her rapidly beating heart. Annalise turned around and faced the male the voice belonged to. She glanced up and relief flooded her when she recognized him. “Lord Cinderbury, you gave me a fright.”

  “You should still be in bed. The doctor prescribed lots of rest.”

  Doctor? Oh yeah… With him standing before her, the information started to come back to her. She’d been walking to her grandmother’s house and been caught in a storm. That was how she’d injured her ankle. Lord Cinderbury had aided her… “I couldn’t lie about anymore. I need to return home.”

  “It’s nearly dawn.” He blew out a frustrated breath. “Surely it can wait until first light.”

  She shook her head fra
ntically. It was a miracle her father hadn’t found her yet. If he discovered her in Lord Cinderbury’s care, he’d make it his mission to destroy the marquess. He would not appreciate the circumstances. Some fathers would use it to their advantage to marry their daughter to a prominent lord—one destined to be a duke one day. Her father though… He’d consider it an insult. No one forced him to do anything, and he’d consider a marriage between Lord Cinderbury and her an affront on his power because he hadn’t chosen him, and he hated Cinderbury. The marquess had tried to gain guardianship of Estella, and her father never forgave anything he deemed a slight. Annalise had to put as much distance between them as possible. The Duke of Wolfton would not use his influence to devour the Marquess of Cinderbury and obliterate his reputation. She had to protect him. “Please,” she begged. “Where is my dress? I have to leave.”

  “It’s not dry yet.” He frowned. “It’s drenched through and through. Why is it so urgent you depart now? It’s dark...”

  “Now, Lord Cinderbury. We must make haste. Where is the darn dress?”

  He reached down and wrapped his hand around her wrist. “If you’re so insistent, then you leave me no choice. I’ll have to allow you to don a damp dress.”

  Lord Cinderbury led her down the hallway and back to the room she’d been in. In her frantic state, she hadn’t thought to look in the room for her dress. He helped her to a chair and then searched a nearby table for something to light the candles in the room. Once there, everything was illuminated she could see the dress hanging over an elaborate dressing screen. Annalise rushed over to it and went behind the three panels for privacy. Her other garments were there too.