Chapter Nine

 

 

“You're really leaving?” Blaise asked with wounded eyes.

“I'm coming back,” I promised.

“This is for you,” Lance said gruffly and handed me a little hand mirror.

“Thank you.” I admired the beautiful gold handle and the design of roses on the back.

“Just call for us,” Audric explained, “any of us, and you will be able to see us in the mirror.”

“Really?” I looked closer at the glass, but it seemed to be an ordinary mirror.

“Really,” Lance confirmed. “Do not stay away too long, Sylvaine. Remember that we need you.”

“I won't,” I promised.

I walked away from the castle with mixed feelings; excitement to see my family and dread over leaving the princes. When I reached the end of the property, I turned back and found the beastly princes still watching me from the steps of the castle. I waved to them, and they each held up a hand solemnly. Then I turned away resolutely and went home.

My father and sisters were overjoyed to see me. We spent two days celebrating my return, even though my father's business had completely failed, and we were in dire straits. On the second night, I found the pouch of gold coins the brothers had hidden in my bag.

I wasn't going to take anything with me at first. But the men had insisted, saying that they wanted me to have some things to remind me of them. So, I had packed a couple of dresses and a comb. But beneath the clothing, someone had tucked that leather pouch full of gold.

My father cried when I gave it to him and said that sometimes angels came in the most unlikely forms.

On the third day, I tried to leave, but my family begged me to stay. My father was especially adamant that I remain longer. So, I gave in. I missed my family, and it was easy for the days to slip by when I was with them, until I realized that I had been gone over a week. As soon as it occurred to me, I began to pack. My father was dismayed when he realized that I was packing all of my things.

“You aren't staying there forever, are you, Sylvie?” He asked me.

“I think that I am, Father,” I said softly. “I love them. They're my mates, I can feel it–here.” I laid my hand just below my ribcage.

“All three of them?” Father's face was turning red. “You've always known your own mind and your own heart. I will trust you to make the best decision for yourself. But please come back to visit us again. I will miss you terribly.”

“I will, and I'll miss you too, Father.” I kissed his cheek. “When all has been settled between me and my beasts, I will send word to you.”

“I don't like this.” He shook his head. “But if anyone can break their curse, it's you, Sylvaine.”

“Thank you, Father.” I hugged him and began to pack again.

“At least wait till the morning,” he reasoned. “You can leave at first light. Give us one more night with you.”

It was hard for me to deny my father, so I gave in, even though I felt a faint tremor in my chest. I had already been gone too long, and I knew it. I needed to get home.

I gave a start. When had I started thinking of the palace as my home? And when had a week become an eternity? I firmly pushed away my concerns and spent one more night with my family. But the next morning, I woke with a horrible ache in my chest, and I pulled out the mirror that Lance had given me.

“Lancelot,” I whispered to it.

The mirror began to glow. Then the glow faded, and I saw not only Lance but all of the brothers. They were lying on the carpet in the grand sitting room, eyes closed and hands extended to each other for comfort. Flames sparked behind them in the fireplace, and Lance moaned as if he were in pain.

“No!” I cried and jumped out of bed.

I gathered my bags quickly and rushed through my goodbyes to my family. They didn't have the chance to dissuade me this time. I took Bertrand with me. Father could buy a new horse with the gold I'd given him, and I needed to get back to the beasts as soon as possible. I raced off through the forest, and I was nearly home when another stallion crossed our path. Bertrand reared, and I fell from the saddle.

“Bertrand!” I shrieked as the horse stamped nervously. “Damn it!”

“I had heard that you returned,” Fabien said as he dismounted.

“Oh, it's you,” I huffed. “I'm sorry, but I'm in a hurry, Fabien.”

I started toward Bertrand, but Fabien grabbed me.

“What are you doing?”

“I'm tired of waiting for you, Sylvaine,” Fabien growled. “You're going to give me an answer, right now. Will you marry me?”

“No, Fabien,” I snapped. “I don't love you. I will never love you. Now, let go of me.”

“If I can't marry you, then I'll have the next best thing,” he snarled and pushed me to the ground.

Bertrand shrieked and bolted through the bushes. I screamed as Fabien pawed at me, his sloppy mouth trying to cover mine. I pounded at his chest, clawed at his face, but he only laughed and held me down. Instead of being scared, I was furious. Fabien was sure that he could restrain me and take what he wanted, but he didn't know me as well as he thought. I was just about to teach him a deadly lesson, when a roaring came through the trees, and Fabien froze.

My heart began to race as three wild beasts tore through the underbrush and knocked Fabien away from me. The sound of snarling and growling was interspersed with the gory sound of tearing flesh and the skin-crawling screams that Fabien was making. Instead of being horrified, I felt incredible joy and pride as I watched the men I loved defend me. Yes, our love became very clear in that moment of bloody vengeance. I loved the three princes, and they loved me.

When there was nothing left but bloody pieces, the four of us turned away from Fabien's remains and headed back to the palace with a satisfied air. Lance took the lead, on guard for any further attacks, as I walked between Audric and Blaise, holding their hands as if we were returning home from a picnic instead of a slaughter.

Love can be vicious when its threatened.