Banished: Book 1 of The Grimm Laws (30 page)

A
lexander’s heart
was pounding a mile a minute. He looked into Wisteria’s expectant eyes and took a deep breath. They were at his house, sitting on the sofa, facing the fire. They were due to be at the Castle High Formal in an hour, but he’d asked her to come to his house earlier so they could talk. Of course, looking at her made it hard for him to form a clear thought. She was wearing a black sequin dress that hugged her curves and accentuated her milky neck. Her dark curls were piled high on her head, and her only jewelry was a pair of teardrop, diamond earrings that kept catching and reflecting the light of the fire.
How could a woman be so intoxicatingly gorgeous?
His instincts were screaming at him to keep his mouth shut—that telling Wisteria the truth was the biggest mistake he could ever make. But then Merek’s warning kept ringing in his ears. With Ruben in the picture, he had to tell her. It was the only way he could keep her safe.

She grasped his hand and laughed lightly. “Alexander, you’re acting so strange. What is it that you want to tell me?” She gave him a searching look. “Are you having second thoughts about us?”

He gave her a slight smile. “Never. The problem is that I want to keep you forever. I love you, Wisteria. I love you more than you could ever imagine.”

Her eyes went misty. “I love you too.” She paused. “Now what is it?”

It was now or never. He closed his eyes and took another breath. Then he looked her in the eye and caught both of her hands in his. “What I’m about to tell you is going to sound crazy.”

He hated the doubt that crept into her eyes.

“All I ask is that you listen with an open mind … and hear me out.”

“Okay,” came her skeptical reply.

“Do you remember when we first met … how you said you felt as though we’d known each other before?”

She nodded.

“It’s because we have.”

She gave him a nervous laugh. “Alexander, we’d never seen each other before that night in the restaurant. You know that.”

“That night in the restaurant was the first time we ever laid eyes on each other in this realm.”

Her eyes went wide, and she tried to withdraw her hands from his, but he held them tight. A furrow appeared between her brows. “What are you saying?”

“Just hear me out, okay?” His eyes plead with hers. “Okay?”

“Okay.”

“It all started a long time ago in a kingdom called Aandover Peaks.” As he watched her face go ashen, he felt his own blood drain. Still, he forced the words from his mouth. “I was a Prince and you were the daughter of a minstrel …”

J
osselyn cursed
under her breath as the door squeaked when she slipped stealthily into Cinderella’s chamber. Rays of the afternoon sun splashed into the room, casting unnatural shadows across the floor. A sense of foreboding overtook her, and she almost turned and left, but then her gaze took in the luxurious furnishings of the room and the magnificent high-poster bed where Cinderella slept. All of the anger and jealousy she’d suppressed for the last several weeks came seeping out. Cinderella deserved none of these things. It wasn’t fair! It should be her here, not Cinderella.

She thought back to the conversation that she and her mother had when Seraphina told her about Cinderella’s engagement to Prince Edward. Her mother had been practically glowing as she talked about what their life would be like in the palace after Cinderella married the Prince. In one fell swoop, it seemed that her mother’s feelings about Cinderella had changed. Whereas Cinderella had been a lowly servant, she was now a champion who could do no wrong; and all the while, Josselyn’s heart was breaking and no one even cared. She was the one who loved Edward, not Cinderella. The only person Cinderella had eyes for was Rushton, and no one could help that he’d gotten himself killed! How quickly Cinderella had transferred her affection to Edward. She gritted her teeth. At this very moment, a quiet ceremony was taking place, writing Cinderella into The Grimm laws. According to the law, once Cinderella and Edward’s engagement was written into The Grimm Laws, nothing—short of death—could separate them.

Josselyn went over to the door and peered out to be sure Cinderella’s maid was nowhere in sight. Finding the hallway clear, she crept over to the large cabinet where Cinderella’s gowns were kept. She pulled them out and tossed them on the floor. Then she picked one up and held it against herself, rubbing the silky fabric. A cruel expression twisted over her face as she began shredding the dresses, one by one, with a knife she’d stolen from the kitchen. While she couldn’t stop Cinderella from getting engaged, she could certainly make sure that she had nothing to wear to the ball tonight.

A
heavy weight
settled over Cinderella as she made her way back to her chamber with her maid at her side. The ceremony had been simple, and yet the meaning was clear—she and Edward were now bound together, and even though the actual wedding would not take place for another year, they were now promised to each other. She knew she should be glad, but all she felt was anxiety. She would now have a future, would never want for anything. And there was much good that she could do at Prince Edward’s side. Why did it all feel so terribly wrong? Was it because of the cold reception she’d received from Edward’s parents?

King Aalexander was aloof, barely acknowledging her existence, and Queen Loreena was coolly cordial. It was obvious that while they had allowed Edward to choose his own bride, they weren’t happy with the situation. They resented her—possibly loathed her. A chill went through her.

“Mi’ Lady, art thou well?”

Cinderella gave her a faint smile. “A little weary, I suppose.”

“Aye, ‘tis not every day a maiden gets engaged to the Prince.”

When they entered her bedchamber, she couldn’t stop the tears from flowing down her cheeks.

“My lady is overcome with tears of joy.” She handed her a handkerchief and looked her up and down. “Perhaps Mi’ Lady needs a nap before getting ready for the ball?”

“Nay, I will be fine. I can rest tonight … after the ball.”

Gretta looked doubtful, but she nodded and bade Cinderella to sit down at the dressing table. “Then let me begin arranging thy hair for the ball.”

Cinderella sat, staring at her reflection as Gretta went to work weaving ribbons and jewels into her hair. She couldn’t help but think that the reflection in the mirror looked lost and forlorn. After what seemed like an eternity to Cinderella, Gretta finally stepped back to admire her handiwork. “My lady dost look beautiful.”

Cinderella smiled appreciatively. “Thank you, Gretta. I think I’ll wear my blue gown tonight. Wouldst thou retrieve it for me?”

She curtsied. “Yes, Mi’ Lady.”

Gretta’s scream sent Cinderella’s heart jumping into her throat. She turned and saw the shreds of silk laying in the bottom of the cabinet. Gretta gave her a horrified look. “Who would do such a dreadful thing?”

Suddenly, it was all too much. Rushton’s death, the engagement, and now this! Anger blurred Cinderella’s vision, and she burst into tears. Gretta rushed to her side, but Cinderella pushed her away. “Leave me, please, I prithee. I need to be alone.”

Gretta frowned. “But Mi’ Lady, we need to find out who did this terrible thing. If I can be of assistance—”

“Leave me, now!”

Gretta rocked back, stunned by her outburst. Cinderella began shaking her head back and forth. “I’m sorry, but I need to be alone. Leave me … please!”

She nodded and fled the room.

Once the door was closed, Cinderella threw herself on the bed and began to weep.

W
hen Cinderella awoke
, the first thing she noticed was that it was dark and cold in the room. It seemed that Gretta had taken her at her word and left her alone. She sat up and wiped a hand across her eyes that felt puffy and sore. She didn’t know how long she’d lain there sobbing before drifting off to sleep.

She sat up on the bed and looked toward the cabinet, containing the shredded gowns. She suspected that it was Josselyn who’d destroyed them, but her heart was so sore from grief over Rushton, she hardly cared.

The ball! A sense of panic overtook her. She had nothing to wear to the ball! What would happen if she didn’t show up for it? Edward would come looking for her … he would find out about the gowns. As angry as she was at Josselyn, she didn’t want anything bad to happen to her stepsister. Her family was all she had left.

She looked down at the ivory frock she was wearing. Even though it was lovely, it wouldn’t do for a ball. Perhaps Gretta would know what to do. She frowned. She’d sent Gretta away, and from the looks of things, it didn’t look like she was coming back tonight. What was she going to do? She fleetingly considered going to Queen Loreena and asking if she could borrow a gown. Nay, that would be a disaster. She racked her brain for a solution. Finding none, she got up, walked to the window, and looked out at the night sky. A few moments later, she opened the window, enjoying the feel of the cool air on her face. It still seemed hard to believe that Rushton was gone. Even though Edward didn’t realize it, his love for Rushton was what had helped her to partially open her heart to him. He’d loved Rushton like a brother and had sorely mourned his loss. The fact that they’d both loved Rushton meant the world to her. Perhaps someday, when the time was right, she would tell Edward about him. A flash of light caught her eye—a falling star. She watched it, thinking it would disappear, but then it seemed to rise up again. Strange, she’d never seen anything like it before. She leaned forward to get a better look. The light was becoming brighter. She blinked and then froze when she realized the light was coming right at her.

She stumbled back and held up her hands in an attempt to protect herself, and then she heard a voice.

“Remind me not to do that again. That was quite a journey.”

Cinderella was startled to see a woman, standing before her. “Who art thou?” she managed to squeak.

The woman chuckled. “I have been called many names during my existence, but you may call me Adele.”

Then the fear took hold. Cinderella’s knees started to wobble, and she backed up, grasping the window ledge for support. “Thou art magic.”

“Aye, indeed. I suppose I am.”

Her eyes narrowed. “But magic is outlawed.”

Adele waved a hand in the air. “Outlawing magic is about as futile as commanding the sun not to rise.”

“Magic is evil.”

Adele sighed and began adjusting her gown. “Magic is not evil, dear. Magic is neutral. ‘Tis what we do with the magic that makes it good or evil.”

Cinderella got a good look at the woman. Her hair looked like curly worms, shooting out in every direction, and she was attractive in her own sort of a way. But most importantly, she seemed kind.

“Oosh, ‘tis cold in here.” She waved a hand toward the fireplace, and a fire appeared.

Cinderella jumped, her eyes wide. She blinked and then looked again. A fire was there where there was none before. A part of her wondered if she were still sleeping and if this were all a dream. She pinched her arm and flinched in pain. It was real.

Adele got down to business. “Thou art going to a ball.”

She motioned toward the cabinet. “My gowns have been destroyed, and I have nothing to wear.”

“My, my, thou art in a predicament.” Her eyes twinkled as she looked Cinderella over from head to toe.

“Where didst thou come from?”

“That’s not important, dear. What’s important is that we get thee ready for that ball.”

“But why me? Of all the windows in the world, why didst thou pick my window to spark into?”

Adele gave her a tender look. “Because someone that I care a great deal about cares about what happens to thee.”

“But who?”

“We haven’t time for this. Close thine eyes.”

“But—”

“Close thine eyes,” Adele repeated.

Reluctantly, Cinderella closed her eyes and held her breath. It felt like the wind had suddenly picked up and that it was swirling around her.

“Open thine eyes now.”

“Oh.” Cinderella walked over to the mirror and studied her reflection. The maiden staring back at her was adorned in the most magnificent silvery-blue gown she had ever seen. She truly did look like a princess.

“I look beautiful,” she whispered, clutching her hands to her chest.

Adele looked at her critically. “Aye, thou art a vision, but wait …” She waved her hand.

At first, Cinderella didn’t notice any difference, until Adele pointed to her feet. She gasped, for on her feet were slippers made of clear glass that shimmered like jewels. “How?” she sputtered.

“Now, thou art perfect,” Adele said, clasping her hands. She let out a breath and glanced around the room. “My work ‘tis done.” Light seemed to gather around her.

“Wait! Will I see thee again?”

Adele gave her an enigmatic smile. “Perhaps … if the situation warrants it.”

Cinderella’s mind began reeling. “Before you go, please tell me something of my future. Something that I can hold onto.” Her voice faltered. “I lost my true love.”

“Love is never lost, dear. You only have to open your eyes to see it.”

“I don’t understand.” She shook her head. “Are you talking about Prince Edward? But he’s not my love. Please, canst thou leave me with something … anything?”

Adele looked to the ceiling. “Should I?”

Cinderella looked up to see to whom she was talking, but there was no one there.

“The girl is distraught. Canst thou not see it?” She paused, studying Cinderella. “What can it hurt?” she mused. “Very well, here is what I can tell thee. Thou wilt find thy destiny this night after the midnight bell has sounded.”

“What does that mean? Tell me, I prithee.”

Adele held up a hand. “I have already told thee too much. Be courageous, dear. Fight for what you love, for that is the only way you will ever find that which you seek.”

Before Cinderella could ask her anything else, a gush of wind circled through the room, and Adele vanished, snuffing out the fire in the fireplace. Cinderella was left alone in the cold, dark room. She stood there, looking down at her dress and slippers. She noticed for the first time, that she had gloves on her hands that reached her elbows. Before she could ponder over the strange events that had just taken place, the door to her bedchamber opened, and Gretta stepped into the room. She was holding a dress over her arm. “Mi’ Lady, we haven’t much time. I let thee sleep as long as I could, but the ball is about to begin, and the Prince is asking for thee. I was able to secure you a gown from a Lady in Waiting. It may be a little large, but with a few adjustments …” Her words trailed off as she gaped at Cinderella. Her mouth started moving, but no words would some. She simply shook her head.

“Thank you, Gretta. But as thou canst see, I already have a gown.”

She nodded.

Cinderella gathered her gown in her hands and held it up so that it would not trail the floor. “Come, let us not be late for the ball. I must not keep the Prince waiting.”