Damnation: A Cinderella Retelling (Tales of Cinder Book 3)

by M. J. Haag

  Being able to see, Cecilia ran forward, covering her head with her arms. She didn’t pause when she reached Maeve’s still form but continued down the road as rocks pelted her. I knew she would make it to the docks.

  “Have I made a mistake?” I asked the King. “Will she, like Maverene, cause the kingdom grief in the years to come?”

  “The old woman who was here yesterday did something so they can never use magic again without great pain and suffering.”

  “Her life will not be easy, then,” I said, relieved that Rose had done such a thing.

  “And that is why your punishment is just,” the King answered.

  Porcia was brought forward, and her crimes listed.

  “Porcia, originally of the northern Devenire’s, was taken from her family at a young age and forced to do Maeve’s will or suffer Maeve’s cruelty. She did not seek power; she sought only to survive. While we do not find her innocent, we also cannot condemn her to the extent we have condemned the first two women.”

  The crowd remained quiet as the King asked for a baker willing to employ her at a fair wage to step forward. Porcia looked at the people, her fear openly displayed on her face.

  “I will take her on,” a young man said, stepping forward. “However, I cannot offer a fair wage. My business is new, and there is no profit for pay. I can offer a room and two meals a day, instead.”

  The King looked at Porcia.

  “She will accept those conditions.”

  Porcia left with the man, disappearing into the crowd.

  “To celebrate our freedom and the return of my youngest son, Prince Garreth, we will have another ball in one week’s time. All will be invited.”

  With a wave, the King started down the steps, leaving Greydon to escort me.

  “Would you walk with me in the private gardens?” he asked when we reached the main hall.

  “Of course.”

  He led me through the court, which was already filling with people, and out to the private gardens. We walked in silence for several minutes.

  “My full name is Greydon Perth Kaven Drisdall. The day Garreth was born will never leave me. I remember the terror of losing my mother and looking at the small baby who caused it. I held him to blame. Then, he was gone, too, and my father mourned deeply. I didn’t fully understand the significance of what had happened that day until years later when my father told me I, too, needed to leave and gave me a task. Protect my brother. By then, I was old enough to understand that he wasn’t to blame for our mother’s death.

  “While the kingdom thought I left often for diplomatic journeys, I was with my brother, teaching him about our family and how to be a prince.”

  “How old were you when you and your brother first met?”

  “I was sixteen, and he was eleven. Elspeth raised him as her own and only told him of his true heritage the eve before I arrived.”

  “I can’t imagine the shock of learning such a thing.”

  “He was angry the truth had been kept from him. That he’d been lied to for so long even if it was to keep him safe. In time, he forgave Elspeth and Father.”

  He stopped walking and faced me.

  “And, in time, I hope you can forgive me.”

  “I understand why you said nothing about who you really were. And I am not angry. Not anymore. No matter what name you used, you never lied about your intentions, for here you stand, still determined to make me yours.”

  “And yet, you’re still reluctant. Why?”

  “I was content with the idea of wedding a servant. Of a simple life. Then, I was willing to sacrifice that dream to save the kingdom from whatever fate Maeve had planned for it. But I never planned to stay wed to the Prince. That’s why I asked you to wait for me in the woods.”

  “You thought he would what? Set you aside after discovering you were no longer innocent?”

  “That was my hope.”

  “So it isn’t me you oppose but truly what I am?”

  I didn’t answer him.

  He studied me for several long moments, his expression giving nothing away.

  “When I met Idina, my first wife, she was everything my father told me a wife should be. Graceful, fair of face, soft spoken. I wed her because she was kind and compassionate. I knew she would become a queen who would never put her needs before the needs of the people of Drisdall. But she never made my heart race with a word or a look. Nor did she challenge my thoughts or choices. She didn’t make me a better man like you do.”

  He gently touched my cheek.

  “I never felt for her as I feel for you. You say you cannot accept what I am, and I say I cannot accept a life without you. Whatever it is you fear when you think of yourself as my wife, set it aside. I swear to you, if you agree to wed me, I will never give you cause to regret it.”

  I turned my head and kissed his palm.

  “And I give you the same answer I gave your father. I need time. Reacting rashly to the choices life presents me has gotten me into more trouble than not. Whatever decision I make, I want to ensure it will be the best for everyone.”

  Frustration crept into his gaze.

  “Please, Greydon. Is it not enough that I’m here? Can you not give me some time to let the events of these past months settle in my mind?”

  He exhaled slowly.

  “I apologize for pressing you. Would you like to sit and watch the water for a bit? I can fetch us something to drink.”

  “Thank you.”

  I settled on the stone bench as he left and listened to the burble of water as it ran over the rocks. Taking a slow, deep breath, I did as I said I would and let the reality of the current moment settle in my mind. Maeve was gone. Dead in the street by the people she sought to subjugate. I wondered if she had wanted to be queen before she met Aftan.

  “Why do you hesitate to grab the future waiting for you?” Rose asked from beside me, startling me from my thoughts.

  “How do you do that?”

  “Magic, of course.” She chuckled. “Are you going to tell me why you are refusing what so many would not hesitate to accept?”

  “I never wanted to be queen. And certainly not someone’s wife.”

  “And now?”

  “I need to find my sister, Kellen. She ran into the Dark Forest.”

  “You know you cannot find her alone. Ask for Prince Greydon’s help, and he will give it without condition. However, the need to find your sister isn’t the reason you’re not giving that man the answer he so desperately seeks. Is he cruel?”

  “Not unless necessary.”

  “Do you find him unpleasant to look upon?”

  “I very much like looking at him.”

  Rose harrumphed.

  “Then it is a good thing that I asked for two small favors in return for helping you instead of one.”

  I’d forgotten about her stipulation and regarded her now with growing concern.

  “And what two favors do you ask of me?”

  “First is that you wed Prince Greydon.”

  “Why?”

  “Because this kingdom is yet in need of you.”

  “But I have no desire to rule over anyone.”

  “Then don’t. Serve the people. See to their welfare as only a queen can. Continue to protect them as you have.”

  Having been under Maeve’s influence, my greatest fear in accepting Greydon’s proposal had been that I would be expected to be cold and use the people to serve my needs, whatever they might be. But hearing Rose’s words helped me start to see my error in how I thought of those with titles and wealth.

  “And your second favor?”

  “For some, magic is as natural as breathing. Is it fair or just for a queen to ask her subjects to cease breathing because one of the subjects might have wicked intentions?”

  “I see.” I looked out over the green lawn for a moment. “I will do as you ask.”

  “Good.” She started to stand.

  “You’re leaving?”

&nbs
p; “Indeed. If you recall, I was traveling to the Kingdom of Turre with my pig when I met you.”

  “Who is the pig?” I asked.

  “That’s a Beastly Tale better left for another time. But rest assured, I am not Maeve. I don’t curse idly or for my own benefit.”

  I studied her for a moment, then nodded. Even if I doubted her word, which I didn’t, there would have been little I could have done about it.

  “I know I have no right to ask this, but on your way to Turre, would you be willing to stop at a cabin in the Dark Forest? Maeve used an apple to curse my sister, and I’m worried that even the King’s guards might not be able to help her.”

  Rose patted my hand.

  “I will check on her on my way to Adele.”

  “The place with the white towers?” I asked, remembering our very first conversation.

  “That’s right. Rule well, Eloise. Be a fair and just queen, and don’t forget your promise.”

  When Greydon returned with our drinks, Rose had vanished into air.

  “I have news,” he said, sitting beside me.

  “Oh?”

  “I’ve told my father I have no wish to be King and asked that he name Garreth the first in line. He asked for some time to consider my request, but I know he will agree.”

  I stared at him in surprise. When I told Greydon I needed time and admitted why, I had never even considered he would abdicate. That he was willing to do so…

  My throat tightened for what I felt for the man beside me.

  “It won’t change who I am,” he continued, looking at me earnestly, “but perhaps it will—”

  I grabbed the front of his jacket and pulled him down for a kiss. After a moment, I heard the glasses fall to the lawn and felt his arms encircle me. He deepened the kiss before breaking away.

  “Does that mean you accept?”

  “Yes, but only if you tell your father you’re a fool for saying you’d give up your crown for a woman.”

  “Never. I would do anything to have you, Eloise. When are you going to understand that?”

  I smiled up at the man who had stolen my heart.

  “I think I’m beginning to understand that now. I’ll wed you, Greydon. And, together we will serve and protect the people of this kingdom.”

  He swept me up into his arms and gave a whoop of joy as he spun me around.

  I was pleading for mercy moments later. Instead of placing me on my feet, he continued to carry me as he strode toward the castle.

  “I can walk.”

  “You can also run, and I’m not going to risk that. Not now that you’ve agreed.”

  He stopped moving to kiss me soundly. Garreth’s raucous cheering echoed for a moment before I lost myself to the feel of Greydon.

  Chapter Nineteen

  I walked the familiar path to my mother’s grave and listened to the bird song. As it always did when I was in the woods, the volume of the animals increased. I’d learned it wasn’t only here they did that but in the castle gardens as well. In the days since agreeing to wed Greydon, he’d continued to use their clamor to find me.

  Smiling softly at the thought of him, I entered the charred clearing and sat on the undamaged bench Hugh had made for us. It still hurt to think of him. I doubted that would ever stop.

  “There’s so much you probably already know,” I began. “The necklace wasn’t from Father but from the caster you tried to stop from hurting the queen and her unborn babe so long ago. Father didn’t leave us willingly. He was cursed, like I was. Like Kellen is.” I stopped for a moment, trying to control my fear for my twin. “I don’t want you to worry about us, though. We’re safe now. Maeve is gone. Dead by my sentencing. It was a harsh punishment. She was made to endure much of the suffering she’d brought to others.”

  I paused, recalling the scene and my pity for her.

  “King Aftan said it wasn’t jealousy that brought all of this about but her need for power. I think it was something more. I lived with her and saw her twisted form of love. What kind of family could create such a creature?”

  Inhaling deeply, I set thoughts of Maeve aside as I’d promised myself I would do.

  “I’m grateful that I had you and Kellen and Father and miss you all terribly. Judith and Anne are dead. Anne’s Mother and cousin, too. As is Hugh.” I brushed my hand against the wood, letting the grief out. Tears, long overdue, coursed down my cheeks. I didn’t tell Mother how he’d tried to hurt me or how I’d needed to kill him in the end.

  “So much loss,” I managed through my tears. “No one person should have to bear so much loss in such a short time.” I let out a shaky exhale.

  “Greydon is doing everything he can to help me forget. But, he doesn’t understand that some things will never be forgotten. At night, I relive much of what has happened. I wake shaking and cold. He’s there to comfort me and redoubles his efforts to help me forget.” I wiped at my warming cheeks as I recalled last night’s efforts. “He’s wonderful, Mother, and I know you would approve. Not for his position or title but for who he is as a man.”

  “We’re to be wed in two weeks’ time. The King wanted us to wed sooner, but I wanted to give enough time for the men he sent after Kellen to return with her.” Worry ate at my mind once more. “She ran before the worst of it, but I don’t think she was fully spared. I don’t know what’s befallen her. When Maeve returned from delivering the cursed apple, she said that Kellen was alive but that no prince would ever have her. But I will continue to love her no matter what’s befallen her. The King’s Guard will also search for Father, though the King warned me not to hold too much hope.”

  I sighed.

  “There’s a very likely chance that I will wed with no family in attendance. I will have a friend there, though. Well, of a sort. Remember the boy I hit in the head with the pan? The very one who I once spit a mouthful of ale at? He showed me kindness when I most needed it and paid for it with his eyes.”

  My tears started anew as I thought of Alfie’s terror when I’d finally found him again. He was still shaken and startled easily at anyone’s approach.

  “I swore I would repay his kindness, and I have. There was a girl he fancied. I spoke to her on his behalf and explained what had happened. She’s good for him and to him. With her, he’s recovering and learning what it means to live with what’s happened.”

  Much like me, I thought.

  “They’re to be wed soon. The celebration will happen just outside the castle gates. The King’s generosity is vast. Something I wouldn’t have guessed. I have a personal seamstress now. A young girl from a poor family. You would like her. She suggested I wear wool and cotton when all the others brought me silks and lace. Her reason was because I didn’t look the pampered type. I looked like I was more likely to climb a tree.” I laughed lightly. “She’ll suit me well.”

  I sat for a while, feeling the sun on my face and listening to the bird song before I stood and gazed at the barren patch of earth that had once been covered by the pear tree, grass, and blooms.

  “I snuck away from the castle and need to return before my absence is noted. But don’t worry. I’ll be back to plant another tree, and I’ll visit often to watch it grow. Thank you for everything you did, Mother. I know you’re still watching over me. Watch over Kellen, too. Bring her home to me if you can.”

  With an ache in my chest, I walked away from the grave. The animals continued to sing to me until the path opened to the yard. There, a semi-familiar face waited. Elspeth.

  I crossed the quiet yard to join her by the front door.

  “How did you know I would be here?”

  She smiled and followed me toward the door.

  “A location spell.”

  Horror filled me, and I set my hand on the door to steady myself. It took a moment for me to look back at Elspeth.

  “Whatever you think I’ve done terrifies you,” she said, pity filling her expression. “Will you tell me what it is before you set your mind against me?”
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br />   “Maeve did a location spell. It cost a child its life.” The image of the small heart in a bowl flashed in my mind again. It was one of the many moments I relived at night.

  Elspeth’s expression turned to sorrow.

  “That’s because Maeve gained her power through blood magic, a perverted form of the magic casters are born with. Magic isn’t in blood but in the manipulation of the life energies around us. It’s meant to be natural. A balanced existence. As we stand here, I can feel the trees, the birds, and the grass around us. If I needed, I could draw some of that energy. However, just enough to manipulate but not enough to cause harm to that from which I drew.”

  “Can you feel my energy?”

  “I can. Though I would never use the energy from a living creature, unless I had no choice. It can be dangerous.”

  “You’re like Rose, then?”

  Elspeth gave a half-laugh.

  “Only in the most basic sense. Her abilities extend far beyond mine. Maybe even beyond the abilities of the casters who created the Dark Forest.”

  “Is she dangerous?”

  Elspeth considered me for a moment.

  “Anyone with power has the capacity to be dangerous. It’s our actions that determine our character and intent. Do you believe Rose is dangerous?”

  Instead of answering, I opened the door to my old home and gestured for Elspeth to enter. There was a chill in the air, and a slight mustiness had settled in from disuse. Moving to the sitting room, I set about building a small fire even though I didn’t plan on staying long.

  “Rose helped me in exchange for two promises,” I said when I finished.

  Elspeth was seated in Kellen’s chair, which once again faced Mother’s lounge.

  “Oh? And what did she ask of you?”

  “The first one was easy. She wanted me to wed Greydon.” I sat in my chair and gazed out the window.

  “You didn’t want to marry him?”

  “I wanted to marry Kaven, the man I knew, not the Crown Prince who will someday be King.”

  When I looked at Elspeth to see what she thought of that, humor lit her gaze.