by M. J. Haag
Cecilia smirked as she strode past me. Did she truly believe I cared that she was going to a ball and I wasn’t?
“Eloise,” Maeve said, drawing my attention. “There is laundry to be done and our rooms need to be straightened. If that’s not enough to keep you occupied while we’re gone, you can also clean out the pig’s pen. There will be no more defiance. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Mama.”
She nodded and hugged me as if her threat was an idle one, but we both knew differently. I watched her sweep from the room and slowly followed to listen for the sound of the carriage leaving. When it did, I raced upstairs to finish everything she said. I didn’t care about impressing her; I wanted to finish quickly so I could go to the tree.
It took me over an hour before I had the wash hung outside and turned to the pig’s pen. The task was certainly meant as a form of punishment, but I truly didn’t mind it. However, by the time I finished, my back was sore, and I reeked fiercely.
“I wish I could bathe in the pond,” I said to the pig as I closed the gate. He squealed and trotted toward me as if he thought it was a good idea.
“Like you, I’m stuck here. Swimming will have to wait.” I threw him a wilted carrot, which I’d stuck in my pocket, and turned toward the path leading to Mother’s clearing.
The night was quiet and the light breeze welcome as I sat under the stars. In the branches of the tree, the bird chirped to me softly before hushing once more.
“I’ve gotten myself in quite a tangle this time,” I said softly. “If you’re listening, I need help. Desperately. If there’s a way to stop the Prince from marrying anyone at that ball tonight, please…tell me. Show me a sign. Give me something.” I sighed and closed my eyes, tilting my head to the night sky.
The bird chirped. Once. Twice. Then it broke out into a merry song meant for the bright light of the rising sun. I opened my eyes, scanning the tree, and gasped at the twinkling bit of moonlit silver in the branches. As I watched, the bird pushed the object from the branch on which it rested and it fluttered to the ground. I rose, approaching cautiously.
The bird silenced as I reached the fallen mask. Picking it up, I marveled at the ornate work. Silver threads attached flakes of thin silver to the edge of the mask. Chips of clear stone inlaid in a cord of silk just inside that, then more silver embroidery imbedded the pale blue cloth that made up the mask. The silken ribbons teased my dirty fingers but did not become dirty. Truly, the mask was a gift made by magic. But to what purpose?
I looked up at the bird.
“I don’t understand.”
It chirped at me then tucked its beak under its wing.
Frowning, I tied the mask to my face. The world looked no different through it. But perhaps wearing a mask would trick Maeve’s spell into thinking I could leave? I had no other guess why the bird would give me such a thing.
Hurrying through the woods, I entered the yard and strode down the driveway. As soon as I reached the same spot as the day before, I went flying backwards and landed hard on my backside.
“That wasn’t supposed to happen,” I mumbled, picking myself up slowly. Frustrated, I went to the well to wash then returned to my attic space where I hid the mask behind the chimney.
“What good is a mask when I can’t leave the estate?” I grumbled. As much as I wanted to return to the tree and try again, I didn’t dare. If Maeve felt me try to leave, she would undoubtedly return soon. It was better to let her find me sleeping.
Laying down, I closed my eyes.
It felt like only moments later that I was rudely pushed.
“Get up. This instant.”
I registered the anger in Maeve’s voice and quickly obeyed, getting to my feet before my eyes fully opened.
“Who was it?” she demanded.
“Huh?” I didn’t mean to let my ineloquent confusion slip, but my mind was still slumbering peacefully.
“Who came to you?”
I blinked at her and frowned. She grabbed my throat, and I felt the warm tingle of a spell.
“Speak,” she commanded.
“No one came here. I straightened the rooms, did the laundry, cleaned the pig’s pen, and went to bed. My only company was the pig and a bird,” I said.
She pushed me to my bed, and I winced at the contact. She noticed and narrowed her eyes at me.
“How are you hurt?”
“Not hurt. Sore from my labors.”
Her anger melted away.
“Porcia, check the pig’s pen. Tell me if it’s properly cleaned.” She glanced at Cecilia. “Check the laundry.” Cecilia gave me an evil grin and left the attic.
“We both know she’s going to dirty what I already washed and claim it wasn’t done correctly.”
Maeve smiled slightly.
“Then you had better get up from your bed if you want any sleep tonight. Henceforth, I expect you to be by the door, waiting for us when we arrive home.”
Maeve turned to leave.
“And wash your dress. I won’t tolerate that smell in my home.”
Chapter Four
Tiredly, I cleaned the breakfast dishes. After rewashing all of the clothing that Cecilia had stomped into the dirt, I’d managed to return to my bed only an hour before dawn. However, I’d known I would need to rise with the cockcrow, regardless.
“We need to find out who that fat cow in the yellow dress was,” Cecilia said. “She had the nerve to cut in front of me in line.”
“I’m surprised you allowed it,” Porcia said.
“If there had been a discreet way to remove her, I would have. The Prince would have noticed, though. Better to look kind than vengeful.”
“Very true, sister.”
While Maeve was still abed, Cecilia and Porcia were awake and at the kitchen table. I wished they would just leave. I’d fed them. Why stay?
“He was ever so handsome, don’t you agree, Porcia?”
I rolled my eyes at Cecilia’s obvious attempt to make me feel jealous.
“So very handsome,” Porcia agreed. “I nearly fainted when he placed his hand on my waist. You’re ever so lucky you managed a second dance.”
“Luck had nothing to do with it. We spoke during our first dance. Of nothing important really, but he seemed pleased with me enough to seek me out again.”
Her fingers thrummed over the wood planks.
“Did you note the lump of his amulet hidden by his cravat?” Cecilia asked.
“No. How did you?”
Cecilia chuckled.
“A well-timed collision with another couple. He was ever so apologetic about it. The incident has me wondering if it might be possible to damage it during the next ball.”
“Possibly,” Porcia said. “Even the smallest fracture would weaken the amulet. If it were discovered, though, would that possibly jeopardize the next ball?”
“Perhaps. We will need to discuss this opportunity with Mama.”
Behind me, the bench scraped against the floor, and I felt a small measure of relief that they were leaving. Once they did, I planned to go back to bed.
“You’ve been quiet this morning, dear sister,” Cecilia said. “Staying here when we went to the ball must have been difficult. If you ask me nicely, I will speak on your behalf to Mama.”
I glanced back at Cecilia.
“The only purpose for attending the ball is to win the Prince. Do you truly want me to compete against you, Cecilia?”
“Do you truly believe you could win?” she asked, her eyes narrowing at me. “The mirror might be able to see beyond your filth, but I doubt the prince will. He’s led a life of privilege, and that has blinded better men than this kingdom’s princeling. He will see you as nothing more than the worthless girl you are.”
“Who are you trying to convince? Me or yourself?”
Cecilia pivoted and stormed from the room. Porcia let an exasperated sigh slip.
“You truly have no sense.”
A clatter arose outside, and for a
moment, I wondered what Cecilia was doing. Then, hounds started to bark. Porcia and I made for the door at the same time. When we stepped outside, the dust from wagons and horses passing on the road to the Retreat drifted on the air and made us cough.
A rider emerged, trotting up our drive. He wore the same attire as Kaven.
“Ho, Cartwright family,” the man called cheerily.
Porcia and I shared a glance just before he pulled to a stop before us.
“The Prince has returned and is taking up residence at the Royal Retreat. He humbly asks that you stay on the land allotted to you as he plans to hunt the woods while here. If you have any questions or concerns, please send your man to the Retreat.” He tipped his hat to us and wheeled his horse around to return to the caravan still proceeding to the Retreat.
“Mama will be so pleased,” Porcia said neutrally. “I’d best tell her.”
I turned to follow her into the house and wished the Prince was there so I might strangle him. How much had I lost, all in Maeve’s pursuit of the Prince? And here he was, coming to live right next to them. I debated if the man was really worth saving. He’d been an ass when questioning me in the dungeon. Perhaps Cecilia was right, and a life of privilege had made him blind. However, a blind king was better than a vindictive, power-hungry queen.
Cecilia’s squeal of delight rang through the house just as I stepped inside. I hoped this news would be enough to keep her from wrecking my room again.
Groaning, I sank deeper into the tub of hot water. The dining room door swung open, and Cecilia strode in.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she demanded.
I dipped my head under the water, ignoring her, only to be yanked up by my hair a moment later. Her face was contorted with anger as she tugged harder.
“You do realize that doesn’t hurt, don’t you?”
She growled and shoved me under.
Instead of fighting her, I used my hands to douse her in as much water as I could. She released me and stepped back just as Maeve entered.
“What is the noise in here?” she asked.
“Cecilia was trying to drown me,” I said before Cecilia could think of anything to explain her waterlogged state.
“I will not tolerate any more disturbances. Not while the Prince is in residence. Do you understand, Cecilia? Keep your jealousy to yourself, or it might be observed at the most inopportune time.”
“Yes, Mama,” she said between clenched teeth.
“Is there a reason you came in here?”
Cecilia remained mute. However, I knew the only reason was to torment me because she hadn’t forgotten my remark from this morning.
“Go,” Maeve said. “Leave Eloise alone. I will not warn you again.”
“Yes, Mama.”
Cecilia left me with Maeve. The woman considered me for a moment then sat on the stool near the tub.
“Thank you for bathing,” she said. “I almost couldn’t eat dinner.”
After hearing the news of the Prince’s arrival, Maeve had ordered the house cleaned from top to bottom. I'd spent hours doing as she’d bid. So many that I hadn’t had to step foot in the kitchen, much to Porcia’s dismay. So many that my body ached each time I moved.
Maeve continued to study me, making me wish the bathwater wasn’t so clear.
“Did you need me to do something else?” I risked asking.
“Not tonight. You did well today. Dare I hope you’ve learned your lesson?” she asked.
I couldn’t even recall why I was being punished anymore. Then I remembered the mirror.
“I shouldn’t have tried to damage what was yours,” I said. “I know that now.”
She made a noncommittal noise.
“Come to me if your sister causes trouble,” she said, rising. “The remainder of this day is yours to do with as you choose. So long as you stay on the estate.”
She left the room, and I sagged against the edge of the tub. The only thing I wanted to do was sleep. However, the thump of furniture from above had me revising my plans for the evening. After washing away the lingering odor from cleaning the pig’s pen from my hair, I dried, dressed, and slipped out the door.
Movement across the yard had me looking at the shed, where Seth leaned against its wall. His gaze swept over me, but he remained where he was. I debated going back inside then strode toward the path to Mother’s clearing. I’d used a rock to bash one man upside the head and a chain to kill another. I wasn’t helpless, and I refused to live in fear of Seth. There were far too many things I feared already.
In the fading light of the clearing, I sat on the bench with a sigh. For several minutes, I remained silent in an attempt to absorb the tranquility of the place. Too many thoughts crowded my mind to find peace, however.
I looked at the bird watching me from its perch, not joining the chorus of the other creatures around us.
“There’s so much I want to tell you,” I said. “I wish—”
A branch snapped, and I looked over to find Kaven on the other side of the clearing.
“Please don’t stop. I didn’t mean to intrude.” He turned as if to leave. As much as I knew I should let him go, I was desperate for his company.
“It’s okay. There’s nothing I can say anyway.”
He hesitated, studying me.
“Why not?”
I smiled slightly.
“Is this an attempt to persuade me to reveal my innermost secrets to you?”
He chuckled and crossed the clearing to sit beside me.
“I’ve missed you,” he said.
As soon as he said the words, I realized how much I’d missed him, too. Knowing he’d been at the Retreat had been a comfort.
“And I you,” I said softly. I studied him for a moment. “I was worried.”
“You were? Why?”
“The last time I saw you, you were coughing like so many others.”
Something flashed in his eyes before he looked away.
“What?” I asked.
He reached for my hand, lacing his fingers through mine. His warm touch sent a shiver through me. His eyes darkened, and his gaze dipped to my mouth briefly.
“I shouldn’t have kissed you. It was a foolish, selfish thing to do.” He caught my frown and smiled slightly. “Don’t mistake me. I would kiss you again if you would allow me. But to kiss you when I was ill…I risked you.”
I didn’t know what to say because I’d never been at risk.
“The past cannot be undone,” I said softly. “That is a truth with which I’ve come to terms. Don’t let regret rob you of the here and now because I don’t regret our kiss either.”
He released my hand to gently run his fingers along my jaw.
“Eloise, I’ve grown far too fond of you,” he said. “I can think of little else but your sharp tongue, mocking gaze, or sweet lips.”
“That hardly sounds complimentary.”
“Oh, it is. You’ve captured my interest like no other because you are like no other. I enjoy your wit and your charm when you choose to use them. Tell me there will be a day when you will be mine.”
I frowned slightly.
“What exactly are you asking?”
He glanced down at my lips again and chuckled softly.
“Nothing I have the right to ask of you. Yet.”
Before I could guess his intent, his fingers delved into my hair and his lips met mine. My heart gave a jolt before warmth spread like fire through my body. His tongue teased the seam of my mouth, and I gasped. With a groan, he swept inside. The first touch of his tongue to mine robbed me of all thought. I didn’t know how long I lost myself to the feel of him before I heard a throat clearing.
Pushing away from him, I glanced at Kaven with wide eyes before looking at Cecilia, who stood on the path.
“My,” she said fanning herself. “When Mama sent me to fetch you, I wasn’t expecting to find this.”
Panic rising, I stood.
“This isn’t what
it looks like,” I said.
“I’m sure it’s not,” Cecilia said agreeably before looking at Kaven. “And who might you be?”
She knew very well who he was after witnessing my prior attempts to seduce him.
“This is Kaven,” I said quickly. “He’s here with the Prince.”
“Ah. One of the Prince’s servants.”
Kaven gave her a deep bow.
“At your service, miss…?”
“Cecilia. I’m Eloise’s sister.”
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Please let your mother know I will call upon the Cartwright house tomorrow.”
Cecilia’s smile widened.
“I most certainly will. Come, Eloise. We had better return. Mama is expecting us.”
I glanced at Kaven, wishing I could warn him in some way, but there was nothing I could say. Especially not in front of Cecilia.
Without a word, I turned from him and hurried toward the path, ignoring Cecilia’s knowing smirk. She followed me, keeping pace until we reached the yard then she lifted her skirts to hurry to the house. Knowing her intent, I did not let her outpace me. She laughed all the way to the sitting room.
“Mama,” she said breathlessly, “Eloise has something to tell you.”
Maeve looked up from the book she was reading.
“What is it?” she asked as she looked at me.
“Kaven kissed me,” I said bluntly.
“And it looked like you were kissing him back,” Cecilia added snidely.
I shrugged helplessly at Maeve.
“What else was I to do?”
“Slap him,” Maeve said firmly, closing her book.
“But I thought we wanted him to—”
“You were to flirt with him, not encourage him.” She tapped her fingers on the arm of her chair.
I looked at Cecilia then Maeve and let my frustration show.
“How am I supposed to know the difference? You taught me how to flirt with him at a whorehouse. Everything that happened there was for encouragement. And certainly nothing showed me how to unflirt once I started.”
Maeve stared at me for a moment then burst out laughing.
“Oh, Eloise. You are a treasure in your innocence. Even Porcia isn’t so naïve.”