Love Spell: Book 2 of The Grimm Laws (11 page)

Josselyn gave her a disdainful look.

Elle held up her hand. “I’m sorry.” She took a deep breath and tried to get control of herself. “I’m sorry,” she repeated, wiping at the tears.

“I can’t believe you’re sitting there, laughing at me!”

“I’m not laughing at you. I’m laughing at my crazy, mixed-up life.”

“You’re crazy and mixed up!” Josselyn hurled at her, but the insult missed its mark as Elle chuckled.

“Yep, you’ve got that right.” She looked straight at Josselyn, hoping the sincerity of her words would somehow make it through her stepsister’s block-headed stubbornness. “Look, Josselyn, I’ve done a lot of things I’m not proud of, and I know apologizing to you now won’t making any difference. If it would, I would tell you that I’m truly sorry for all of the terrible things I’ve done to you.” For a split second, Elle thought she saw Josselyn’s expression soften. Hope fluttered in her breast, but it was dashed in the next second when Josselyn drew herself up, her eyes narrowing into angry slits.

“Save it! Save it for someone who believes it! You’re still the same evil stepsister you’ve always been. You’ve just learned to hide it.”

Elle let out a humorless laugh. “Yep, I’m the evil one,” she said sarcastically. “How’s that for the pot calling the kettle black.” She’d known apologizing was a waste of breath. “I don’t mean to cut our little conversation short, but was there anything else you wanted to accuse me of? If so, you’d better get to it.” She glanced at the clock on her phone. “Because I’ve got someone coming over to work on an essay in the next few minutes.”

Josselyn’s face turned a deep red, and Elle could’ve sworn she could almost see steam coming out of her ears. She stood. “Don’t cross me! One word to my mother, and I can make your life a living hell.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Well, I’m already doing my chores and the majority of yours, I really don’t know what else you could do.”

“I’m warning you,” Josselyn seethed. A smug smile twisted over her face. “I could make it so that you’re grounded.” Her voice became taunting. “No more band practices, dates with Edward, late-night rendezvous with Rush on the roof.” She waved a hand. “You get the point.”

A hot anger seared its way over Elle, and she wanted to smack the snarky smile off of Josselyn’s face. Then, a sliver of apprehension went down her spine. If Josselyn made good on her threats, she would be in a whole heap of trouble! She rolled her eyes, acting as though she couldn’t care less. If Josselyn thought she had the edge, it would all be over. “Yeah, yeah … whatever. My dad would never stand for that, and you know it.”

“He’s putty in my mother’s hands, and you know it.” She lifted her chin triumphantly.

Elle eyed Josselyn, trying another tactic. “Think how mortified you would be if Edward were to learn how you feel about him.”

A furious expression twisted over her face. “You wouldn’t!”

“Only if you push me.”

They glared at each other, each of them trying to discern if the other would make good on their threat. Finally, Josselyn let out a growl. “I hate you!” she cried, balling her fists. When she got to the door, she turned. “For your information, I’m way over Edward. I’ve got someone else coming over tonight.” She gritted her teeth. “So, stay out of my way!”

“Gladly,” Elle muttered as Josselyn stomped off. She stared into nothingness for a moment, and then it hit her! She didn’t write the letter. Mixed emotions warred inside her, but she mostly felt relief. Maybe she knew herself better than she thought. She couldn’t imagine feeling such strong feelings for Edward when it was Rush who consumed her thoughts … drove her stark raving mad! Her thoughts shifted to Josselyn. As mean and spiteful as Josselyn was, she hadn’t deserved to have her letter stolen. Passing off Josselyn’s words as hers? Really? This was a new low—even for her. She cringed. Ew! She had been a terrible person. Despondency settled over her, but then she remembered Adele’s words. Adele believed in her, as did Rae. She was a different person now—a better person. She glanced at the mirror. “I am better,” she said vehemently.

The doorbell rang, and she jumped up. Rush was early. It was five minutes till five. Her hands went sweaty, and she rubbed them on her jeans before glancing in the mirror to make sure she looked okay. She halfway expected her reflection to smirk or laugh in her face, but this time, it only stared back. She bounded down the stairs, her heart in her throat. Then she paused. The worst thing she could do was to look too eager. After all, just because Rae thought Rush was trying to make her jealous by dating Lynessa didn’t necessarily mean that it was true. The only reason Rush was coming over was because he was forced to write the essay with her, and he had come to the front door rather than through the window. Still, the thoughts of spending a couple of hours alone with him thrilled her on some primal level she couldn’t fully comprehend.

She was so caught up in her thoughts that she nearly ran headlong into Sera at the bottom of the stairs. “Oh, sorry,” she mumbled, stepping out of the way.

Sera’s angular face drew up like a ball being deflated as her cold eyes raked over Elle. “In a hurry to get the door, I see.” She cocked her head. “Whom are you expecting?”

“My essay partner.”

Her eyebrow went up into a sharp v. “And that is?”

The doorbell rang again.

Elle moved to answer it, but Sera held out her arm, blocking her way. “I asked you a question.”

Fury shot through Elle, and it was all she could do to keep her expression neutral. “Rush Porter and I were assigned to work together on an essay.”

“Were you really assigned to work with Rush, or is this a lame attempt to get him up to your bedroom again, so the two of you can make out? I wonder what his mother would say about that. Perhaps I should give her a call.” A callous smile split her lips.

She wondered again how this bitter woman had managed to get her claws into her dad. No wonder he stayed gone all of the time. Work was probably an excuse to get away from her. She lifted her chin in the air. “Go ahead, call her if you want, but I can assure you that Mrs. Porter is perfectly fine with it.”

“Really? And what makes you so sure?”

“Because she’s the one who made the assignment.” It was delicious to watch Sera’s eyes bulge as her face went as gray as her sweater. Elle had to swallow the laugh building in her throat.

The doorbell rang again. This time, more insistent.

“Excuse me.” Elle pushed past Sera and opened the door. Her jaw went slack when she saw who was standing there. Alarm pulsed through her veins as she took a step back from the hulk that was towering over her. “Huntsden,” she croaked.

He gave her an insinuating smile. “Hello, Elle.”

The way he spoke her name suggested some sort of intimacy that left her feeling nauseous. Then she bristled. “I told you to stay away from me.” He was so large that she had the uncanny impression of being a helpless mouse that was trying to fend off the cat. Where was Adele when she needed her? She could use a bit of magic or whatever power she had right about now.

He laughed. “I’m not here to see you.”

“He’s here to see me.” There was a smug tone in Josselyn’s voice as she stepped up to the door. She flashed Elle a bright smile that held zero warmth. “I see you’re monopolizing my date. Is that because you can’t get your own?” The bite in her voice seemed to amuse Huntsden, and he sniggered.

Elle’s eyes flew open wide, and she simply shook her head.

Huntsden smiled down at Josselyn. “Don’t worry, I would never be interested in her while you’re around.”

I wouldn’t give you the time of day if you were the last man on earth
, was the first thing that ran through Elle’s mind. There was so much she could’ve said in this moment, like how the jerk was only using Josselyn to get to her, but Josselyn would never believe it. She would think Elle was trying to sabotage her. Or worse, that she was trying to steal Huntsden. She shuddered. The very sight of him made her stomach churn.

Josselyn laughed and then shot Elle a vindicated look. She motioned. “Come on in.” She snubbed her nose at Elle. “I promise, she’ll stay out of our way.”

There was a warning edge to her voice that made Elle want to burst out laughing. Did Josselyn actually believe she would be interested in that thug?

As Huntsden stepped through the door, he made a point of brushing against Elle. She flattened herself against the door in an attempt to get as far away from him as possible. He leaned down and whispered. “Just remember, I tried to do this the easy way.”

Josselyn glanced back over her shoulder and frowned. She gave Elle a murderous look. “What’s going on?”

Huntsden offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I tripped over the threshold.”

When she didn’t look convinced, he stepped up to her and wrapped a finger around one of her corkscrew curls and playfully tugged it. “Love those curls,” he drawled. Then he pulled Josselyn into his arms. “Weren’t you going to show me your private DVD collection?” She giggled and practically melted into him before taking his hand and leading him up the stairs and to her room.

The sight of them together was revolting. Elle shook her head and closed the door. Then she saw Sera standing nearby and realized she’d been watching the entire thing. She shook her head in disgust. “Her private DVD collection? Really? And you’re accusing me of making out with Rush in my bedroom? It seems to me that you should be more worried about Josselyn.”

Sera’s eyes went as hard as the wood on the floor. “I trust my daughter implicitly. You, on the other hand, are an entirely different matter. You watch yourself, young lady.” She turned on her heel and walked away, her stilettos making sharp clicks against the floor.

S
eraphina leaned forward
and glared at Cinderella while drumming her long fingernails on the intricately carved wooden arms of the chair. “You have made a terrible mess out of everything, and now it befalls me to repair the damage. You will do what I say.” Her eyes bore into Cinderella’s. “Am I making myself clear?”

“Aye, I understand thee perfectly,” Cinderella said evenly, a subtle challenge in her eyes. She began speaking in low tones. “I did as you asked and came to the castle with Edward. I did it to save the manor.” Her eyes misted. “I put aside my own personal feelings, cast aside my hope for true love—all for the sake of family. I did it for you and Josselyn and to preserve the reputation of my father.” Her voice broke.

Seraphina’s face puckered like she’d bitten into a sour grape, and she made a flourish with her hand. “So dramatic.” She dabbed at her eyes. “I can hardly contain the emotion,” she exclaimed as her lips pressed into a hard line. “You are engaged to a prince—the Crown Prince,” she hissed, glancing over at Millicent to make sure she hadn’t overheard them. “How hard would it have been to love him? How hard would it have been to become a princess … eventually a queen. I did not ask thee to do a hard task! Our debts are being called in, and you are the only one who can save us!” Indignation flared in her eyes, and Cinderella could tell from the way her jaw moved that she was fighting to control her temper in front of the maid. Had they been alone, her fury would have known no bounds.

“I tried all that I could to help. I want to help you still, but I cannot do what you are asking,” Cinderella said quietly, biting her trembling lip. She kept her voice low so that Millicent wouldn’t hear. “I will not do it!” she said vehemently. They locked eyes, each of them fighting for control. Unable to take the heat of Seraphina’s scorching glare, Cinderella looked away, tears pooling in her eyes.

Seraphina surprised Cinderella by reaching for her hand and clasping it tightly. She was surprised at the coldness of Seraphina’s touch and how it seeped into her. She imagined it rising up her arm until it ensnared her heart and froze it solid. Even though Seraphina was a poor excuse for a mother, she felt a grain of sympathy for her … now that she was on the verge of losing everything. She fleetingly wondered what would happen to Seraphina and Josselyn when all of this was over. Seraphina had never worked a day in her life. How privileged she was, sitting there in her crimson gown, her dark hair coifed and piled high on her head. Perhaps she would marry a wealthy nobleman that would pay her debts. Her features were too sharp to be considered pretty, but there was something commanding about her near-black eyes and thick lashes. Cinderella’s gaze lingered on the gold locket hanging around Seraphina’s neck. It was her only adornment, and she wore it always. It contained a picture of Seraphina’s late husband—Cinderella’s father, The Duke of Welmington. Their love for him was the only thing she and her stepmother had in common. For so long Cinderella had yearned for Seraphina’s approval. Dreamed about what it would be like to be part of a real family. Even now, after all that had happened, there was a part of Cinderella that still longed for Seraphina’s approval—an unsettling thought considering what Seraphina was asking her to do. She reached for Seraphina’s arm. “I prithee! Convince them to release Rushton. He would never do the things they are accusing him of. His only crime is loving me.”

Seraphina put a warning finger to her lips and cast a furtive glance at Millicent who was fluffing pillows on the bed, intent on catching every word of the conversation. “My poor daughter has been through much,” she said, her voice carrying across the room. “See how pale and weary she is. Methinks a glass of water would do her some good.”

The last thing Cinderella wanted was a glass of water. She started to protest until she saw the warning look in Seraphina’s eyes. A lifetime of experience had taught her that contradicting Seraphina in the presence of others was sure to bring a dragon’s wrath of fire raining down on her head.

Forever dutiful, Millicent’s response was immediate. “I will get thee water, mi’ lady.”

“Just water,” Cinderella said eyeing Millicent and Seraphina. “I know you have been putting something in my tea to make me sleep.”

Seraphina looked surprised. “‘Twas only a little something to help thee relax,” she soothed.

“Well, I do not want it. What I need is something to help me think,” she finished under her breath.

Seraphina shifted on the red velvet chair, trying to find a more comfortable spot. “Will you also bring us some bread, butter, and cheese?”

Millicent nodded.

“And whatever meats you can find?”

The smallest hint of annoyance crossed Millicent’s face, but she was fast at masking it. She gave Seraphina a slight curtsy as she left the room.

Seraphina reached up and tucked a loose curl back into place. She then stood and closed the door. “That should keep that insufferable woman busy for a while. She has been hanging on our every word.”

Cinderella nodded. It was comforting to know that she wasn’t the only one who disliked Millicent.

“I cannot comprehend why Queen Loreena insists on keeping Millicent. Why she would make her thy lady in waiting is beyond me.”

“So Millicent can report everything back to her.”

A wise smile spread over Seraphina’s face. She gave Cinderella an appraising look. “What a smart little princess you are.” She paused, thinking. “Now that we know that juicy little tidbit, we can use it to our advantage. We will tell Millicent only what we want the queen to know.” She sat down beside Cinderella. “Let us talk while we can … before she comes back.” She took a deep breath before plunging in. “Despite what you think, I do appreciate the sacrifices that you have been making for the family. I know you are under the delusion that you love that peasant boy.”

“Rushton is not a peasant, he is a squire in line to become a knight!”

The comment was dismissed with a flick of Seraphina’s hand. “Aye, dearest, of course he is. The point is that if you do not go along with my plan, both you and the boy will die.”

Cinderella’s breath caught and her heart began to pound.

“Listen to me.” She clutched Cinderella’s arm. “‘Tis simple. All you have to do is admit that Rushton cast a love spell over thee. A spell that made thee powerless to resist him. A vial was found on his person, and there are rumors that his mother practices witchcraft. No one will question it.”

“How can you say that?” Blood rushed to Cinderella’s face, and her head felt as if it would burst. “If I tell them that Rushton cast a spell over me, he will die!”

Fire flashed in Seraphina’s eyes. “If you tell them he did not, you will both die! Do not be a fool!”

Tears flooded her eyes, and she couldn’t hold them back. They trailed from her eyes and splashed onto her gown, making streaks across the silk. “I have made such a mess of things. I tried to stay away from Rushton. Oh, how I tried! I just couldn’t.” She looked at Seraphina. “I love him, I really do.”

“Love has nothing to do with this,” Seraphina snapped.

A cold blackness settled over Cinderella. She shook her head. “You are wrong. Love has everything to do with it.”

“Cinderella, look at me,” Seraphina said.

She looked away.

“Look at me!” she commanded.

She lifted her eyes.

“Josselyn and I are your only family. If you die, then we lose everything—the land, the manor, thy father’s armor and swords. We’ll be done for.” Tears formed in Seraphina’s eyes. “Do you want that to happen?”

“Nay,” she sniffed. The ramifications of Seraphina’s words were as impenetrable as the stone walls around them. She was right. This was larger than her and Rushton. The wellbeing of her family rested on her shoulders. She was finally being given a way to right the wrong her father had unintentionally caused. But why did it have to be at the expense of her love? Her heart was being stomped out one piece at a time, and she was powerless to stop it. “I know not what to do.” She put her head in her hands and began to sob.

“You do not see it now, but you will. This is for the best,” Seraphina said, rubbing circles on Cinderella’s back. “If that peasant—squire—has any love for thee at all, then he won’t stand by and see thee executed. He will want thee to live … for both of thy sakes.”

After the tears dried, Cinderella sat, staring unseeingly at the fireplace that in the light of day, devoid of fire, was as cold and empty as she felt.

“All you have to do is admit that he cast a love spell over you—a spell so powerful that you were unable to resist. That is why you met him in the forest that night. We have the letter he wrote you as proof.”

This jolted Cinderella out of her stupor. “What?”

“Keep thy voice down. Do you want the whole castle to hear?”

“How did you get the letter?”

“That is not important. What is important is that we have it … as proof.”

A blaring anger surfaced. Cinderella’s thoughts were a jumble, and she tried to sort through them to make sense of things. “How did the guards know that I was in the forest with Rushton?”

Seraphina shook her head. “I do not know.”

“How can you not know?”

“Queen Loreena sent a messenger to the manor the day after you were—um, arrested, apprising me of the situation. I came here immediately to look after thee.”

“I am sure Queen Loreena was thrilled to learn of my … treachery. She detests me and does not think I am good enough for Edward.”

“Nay, thou art mistaken. The Queen summoned me here, so that I can help you. In fact, she told me that she was going to try and convince Edward that you were under the influence of a spell.”

“What?” If Seraphina had announced that the moat around the castle had suddenly dried up, she wouldn’t have been more surprised. “Queen Loreena does not approve of me. She has made her feelings quite clear.”

Seraphina shrugged. “I can only tell thee what she told me.”

Cinderella looked down at the floor, dreading the next question she had to ask. “How does Edward feel … about me?”

“He is understandably hurt.” Seraphina gave her a withering look. “He did, after all, find you in the arms of another man.”

“A man that I knew long before Edward came along. A man that has stood by me, defended me—”

“There is no easy answer here, Cinderella. I am not trying to hurt you even more, but you must understand that Rushton is going to be executed. You cannot change that. You do, however, have control over what happens to you … what happens to us. It is senseless to think that two people have to die.” Tears formed in her eyes. “I do not want to lose thee. You are all that I have left of thy father.”

Cinderella felt an unexpected rush of tenderness for her stepmother. She was a hard woman to love—all thorns and no roses. Seraphina had always favored Josselyn over her. It hurt to be second best, and a part of her would always resent the fact that Seraphina had made her take over the servants’ duties when they could no longer afford to pay them. But she couldn’t help but feel somewhat loyal to Seraphina. After all, she’d taken her in and raised her when no one else would. “How much time do I have to make a decision?”

Seraphina looked shocked that Cinderella would dare ask such a question. Perhaps she thought the decision was already made. “The trial begins in three days.”

Cinderella’s sharp intake of breath was audible. “There is to be a trial?” Panic fluttered in her breast. How was she going to look Rushton in the eye and testify against him? There was no way she could do that!

“Of course there will be a trial,” Seraphina continued. “The Grimm Laws are very clear on that account. There are to be no executions unless there is proof of guilt. No one, not even the King himself is exempt from the law.”

“I need to speak to Rushton.”

“What?” Seraphina’s eyes went wide. “Have ye gone mad? You must have no further contact with him. Not ever!”

“I will only agree to thy plan if I can see him once more.” She clenched her fists. “I need to see him. I owe him that much.” She looked Seraphina in the eye. “That is my condition,” she said firmly.

Seraphina’s jaw clenched. “Very well,” she finally said. “I will see what I can arrange. ‘Twill have to be done in secret. If Prince Edward finds out, there will be no hope of a reconciliation.” She lifted an eyebrow. “‘Tis time to grow up and put aside these foolish notions of romance. You are extremely lucky. Prince Edward chose thee.”

“As opposed to Josselyn.” The comment was spiteful, but she couldn’t help herself. She felt only a slight twinge of guilt when she saw Seraphina’s face fall.

“Aye. I had hoped at one time that he might favor Josselyn, but I suppose that things have worked out as the fates have decreed. Josselyn is witty, she will find another.” She touched a lock of Cinderella’s hair. “My Josselyn is many things, but …” She forced a smile. “Who notices the beauty of the moon when the sun is shining so brightly?” Cinderella thought she detected a flicker of resentment in her eyes, but it vanished as suddenly as it had come. “I will arrange for thy meeting with Rushton, but you must promise to put aside this nonsense. You are destined to be a princess. Never take that responsibility lightly.” She stood and made a point of looking Cinderella up and down. “Clean thyself up,” she said crisply. “‘Tis critical for thee to look thy best perchance Edward pays thee a visit.” She paused. “Wear something blue. He won’t be able to resist thee anymore than Rushton could.”

W
hen the doorbell
rang again a few minutes later, Elle knew it was Rush this time. Her heart was hammering in her chest, and she closed her eyes for a second, willing herself to remain calm. She opened the door. “Hey,” she said casually, motioning with her head, “come in.”

His eyes flickered over her, causing warmth to blanket around her. She thought she caught a blip of affection in his gaze before he masked it with those hooded eyes that were a shade darker today because they picked up the gray in the v-necked sweater he was wearing. She bit back a smile. Maybe Rae was right. He did still have feelings for her … hopefully. He looked good. No, she corrected herself, he looked like an Abercrombie Finch poster with those windswept curls and chiseled jaw. How anyone could look that good in a sweater and jeans was beyond her. She allowed herself one glance at the way his dark hair curled on his neck before shoving her hands in her pockets, so she wouldn’t be tempted to reach out and touch them.