Chapter 18
“You bitch!”
I wake up to a glass being thrown at my headboard. The crash vibrates through my disconnected thoughts as I jerk awake, heart pounding.
Mort left my room late last night, saying she needed to talk to Pierce about my dire situation. So I have no one around me to shield me from Ms. Crazy.
“Laura! What in the hell are you—”
A large vase is hurled at my bed, barely missing me and shattering into a million pieces. “You little whore!”
I sit up in bed and hold my arms out. “Laura, calm down. What happened?!” I ask, making her laugh hysterically.
“I love him! You do not!” she shouts, her blueberry gown not complimenting her flushed features.
“You are messing up my life! I am a princess here about to marry the man of my dreams! My other life back home sucked and I won’t let you take this away from me!”
A maid comes rushing in, and I think it’s her agent. Laura looks like a bull who is ready to charge at the slightest flash of red.
“Laura,” her agent says. “Come with me and we will figure out a plan.”
“A plan?” I ask as I look from Laura to her agent. “Can someone tell me what’s going on?!”
Laura takes a loud inhale and exhale, adjusting her dress and hair.
“I know what you did with Apollo last night—with an engaged man! I have won, Viola! We are to be married and you are messing it up!” She takes steps toward me.
“We are in love, and I don’t need you trying to break us up!”
“Laura, this is a competition for three months. We are almost in our last month here! Just because you have an engagement doesn’t mean you’ve won,” I say through gritted teeth.
She shakes her head. “I know men. He is in love with me. But men are all hot-blooded, and when you flaunt yourself in front of him, he goes with his animal instincts. Any man would!
“You’re just a whore! Fairy Godmother Inc. needs to stop hiring sluts and they might finish a lot more missions! Any sweet words he might tell you to get into your panties are lies.
“That’s why I still have the marriage proposal. You are only good enough to get his lust, not love!” She is turning an alarming shade of purple.
I am getting pissed now. Her ego is surpassing her pink, sparkly brain.
Mort comes charging into the room and glares at Laura, then the other agent. “Leenie. Pierce says break it up, this is a violation of code B-5.” Mort glares at the agent.
“You should know this. Laura, if you cannot contain yourself, you will be ejected from the game. This is a competition, and if you cannot handle that, then you may use all of your lifelines and leave Delorith.”
Mort smiles. “You may not under any circumstance bring the Fairy Godmother into any heated discussion. Pierce says this is a warning.”
Mort glances at the agent. “Leenie, you need to log on and Pierce will have a word with you.”
She hisses at Mort and leaves.
Laura is mentally slaughtering Mort to pieces with her death stare. “Of course,” she grits out. Laughter bubbles out of her throat as she glances back at me.
“If this is competition, then I’m your worst nightmare,” she threatens. “If you do not back down from my ~ fiancé~ then I will make your life a living hell.”
“Laura,” Mort warns.
“Goodbye, Viola. I have a lovely carriage ride with ~MY ~ fiancé this morning.” She beams. “He found me and presented me with gorgeous flowers.
“It shocks me how beautiful this world is, so different from our own. It was all quite romantic—I am even blushing thinking about it.
“He is just so strong and handsome, and when he kissed me, I felt an electric current between us. I really think he is taking things slow with us, trying to do it right.
“We are really getting to know one another before we make the physical connection. I think this next month we will take the relationship to the next level.” She laughs as if she is reliving the bliss of it.
“So, I am sorry for the drama I caused, but I just want to warn you that he only sees you for your body, as any hot-blooded male would.
“He wants more from me, and I don’t want you hurt, despite how much I dislike you. Men will say anything to get under a woman’s skirts. It’s just a means to an end for them—it means nothing. ”
My mouth is hanging open.
Mort walks up to her. “Leave.”
Laura nods and dusts something off her puffed sleeve. “Heed my warning, Viola,” she whispers, pausing at the door. “Breasts are just breasts, and a vagina is just that, but the heart is so much more.”
After she leaves, deafening silence drifts around us.
Mort sighs. “That’s a horrible saying.”
“I know,” I say as I frown. “Breasts are just breasts? And what about the vagina?”
Mort smiles. “I think she said the heart is more than a vagina.”
We both have a good laugh, then lay back on the bed. I look over to Mort and exhale. “Laura made some points that are bugging me.”
Mort bites her lip. “Can you trust her though? She is clearly threatened.”
“Are they going for a carriage ride?”
Mort sits up and starts typing. “I can see if Leenie has logged it in. She does not have to log activities, but some do to rub it onto other agent’s faces on their progress. I am willing to bet she will be logging this.”
Mort is silent for a few more seconds then, “Yes, they are.”
“That asshole!”
What is Apollo up to?!
Mort glances at me slyly. “Didn’t Tarren say he wanted to have a carriage ride with you this morning? Apollo could be trying to blackmail you into revealing your secret. Just a hunch.”
I smile. “Blackmail? I think you mean taunt me into a jealous rage and tell him everything. And yes, Tarren did.”
Mort types more. “Pierce says you are not allowed to talk about Fairy Godmother Inc. until the end.”
“What?” I glance at her.
“We normally do not disclose this information until the end, but this is a unique situation.
“At the end of the three months, we tell the man in question the truth. And on the last day, if he comes for you, it is a testament of his love and happily-ever-after.
“If he does not, we fail. We cannot have lies in the end, so we always reveal everything.” Mort looks at me.
“Wait—so in the past, this has worked? You tell the prince the woman he has fallen in love with is from a different planet? And he is cool with that?” I ask, disbelieving. It’s a recipe for disaster.
“In most cases, it has worked out perfectly, but in some cases, it was a little more difficult. But when the man truly loves the woman, he does not care where she comes from, and that’s how we know it’s true love.”
She gets up and walks to the window.
“Huh,” is all I say.
“Yeah, so you will tell him eventually, just not right now,” she says, still staring out the large bay window.
“Sure is a pretty day today. A great day to make Apollo Augustus Garthorn jealous out of his mind. The prick.”
I smile at Mort.
Apollo asked Laura for a carriage ride? Not sure what he is trying to do but I know I am not going to fall prey to the jealousy game without a battle.
I will fight fire with fire.
“Mort, send a message to Tarren. I would love a carriage ride.”
** *
“Pierce, do your worst.”
Mort is typing and nodding while eating a cheese pastry, crumbs falling as she works.
“Pierce says he has a stunning riding habit he has constructed for you.” She swallows painfully. “I helped with the hat.”
“Awesome,” I say, and nod to her pastry. “Drink something, you look like you’re going to choke.”
“Yeah, these are a little dry.” Mort’s plain features contort into something thoughtful. “I was sure these were the fresh ones, but now that I think about it, I might have grabbed this off the throw-away tray.
“Destiny usually perfects these things. The cake she made the other day was out of this world.” She shrugs and takes the last bite, looking like a squirrel. “Okay, you know the drill. Spin.”
I am excited. It’s like a fantasy dress-up game to seduce an insanely hot prince. Only this is real life and there is no guarantee that the prince will love me in the end.
There is no assurance that everything will work itself out like a romantic movie. But like most girls, I want my fairy tale ending, and I’m willing to go out of my comfort zone to do it.
I spin and feel that familiar tingle coursing through my body—the excitement.
Mort had a lot of fabric delivered to her quarters. Questions were being asked about the stunning dresses that she was seemingly making. So she had to make it believable, saying she exclusively designed for me.
I’m sure Apollo will be looking into anything concerning me, trying to find a rip in my perfect storyline.
I glance in the body-length mirror and suck in a breath. I could probably do this every second and always be shocked like this. Pierce is a master at what he does, plain and simple.
I stand in the most beautiful, form-fitting riding attire I have ever seen.
My tailored coat is the color of smooth cream in a shiny fabric, almost like silk but durable. My long skirts are also a glistening cream, elegant and exquisite.
But what brings a splash of romance is the accents of bright red lace. The two together make a stunning couple, one bringing out the other.
My red lace gloves are to die for, and my deep scarlet corset under my riding coat will have Apollo’s head spinning.
I grin.
My shadowed eyes seemed to glow under the wide brim of the blood-red hat with a large cream bow tilted to the side impeccably. ~My, my.~ I look like Madam Viola, Sin City mob wife.
“I would have never picked these colors out myself,” I say.
Mort nods and stands next to me. “If you let Pierce do his thing, you will be the belle of the ball.
“From what I hear, Laura instructs Pierce on what to make. I’m not surprised,” she continues with a pointed look. “You cannot tell an artist what to do, they do not thrive in boxes.”
“Did you just make that up?”
“Yes.” She glances at me. “It sounded better in my head.”
I nod.
A knock at the door makes me tense. Mort runs over and opens the large double doors to find a letter addressed to me. The footman hands it to Mort.
I try to snatch it out of her hands, but she darts out of the way, opening it. “Mort! Bad Mort!”
“It’s a letter from Tarren saying you all are double dating with Apollo and Laura,” she gets out before I snatch the letter.
“Double date? Perfect!” I laugh and high-five Mort. “What is Laura wearing?”
Mort rolled her eyes. “I saw it—it’s not as good as yours! She made Pierce make her a baby-blue and pink riding habit. Looks pretty, but almost overkill. Yours is sexy, hers is pretty.”
“You think that’s what she is trying to go for? Respectable? Not slutty?” I ask. Mine is not slutty, but I will say it will get the blood pumping.
Mort laughs. “Since when did plain pretty ever get the guy? I think you will have every man from a hundred-mile radius trying to get your attention.
“Laura is not playing her cards right. We don’t have a year to win him over but a month!”
“You sure?”
“Blondes do not get all the fun, that’s a myth.”
“Thanks, Mort.”
“You’re welcome, human.”
Once I leave my room, I am followed by six guards and five maids, including Mort. All eyes are on me, and I faintly wonder if this was Queen Irena’s doing.
I might as well be queen for all the fuss over me.
Whatever.
I look killer in my riding outfit, and I am going to play the part despite Laura. I walk with my head held high and descend the massive staircase as I pull up half of my shimmering skirts.
As I round a large pillar that the stairs wrap around, I suddenly see two incredible male specimens at the bottom.
I feel a bit lightheaded when I see Apollo’s magnificent figure come into focus. I do not linger though and focus my attention on Tarren who is looking handsome in light gray riding finery.
I feel my skin prickle as I near them, and my heart misses beats with every shaky breath.
Why do I always do this when Apollo is present?
I can see Tarren’s eyes widen when his gaze travels over my body. Another one knocked out of the ballpark for Pierce. I hear Laura’s voice and I can’t look just yet; I just focus on Tarren.
If I look at Apollo, I might make a fool of myself and stutter or something. I would not put it past me to yell something incoherent.
I hear Apollo murmur pleasantries with Laura, and my smile just widens as I stare at Tarren. He takes my scarlet glove and brings his lips to it.
“You are jaw-dropping,” he says with a wink.
I can’t say anything, feeling eyes on us.
“Sister,” I hear Laura say from behind me.
It takes everything I have in my body to turn my head in her direction.
~Smile, idiot.~
I force a smile and see Laura’s innocent blue eyes, all doe-like.
She is hanging on Apollo’s arm like they have been lovers for forever. Apollo is leaning slightly against the wall looking amused, a ghost of a smirk on his handsome features.
Gosh, he is sexy. There is no other way to describe him with his easy swagger and arrogance. The expression on his face says, ~Tell me your secrets and this all stops, Angel…~
His gorgeous hair is tied back save for a few tantalizing curly strands, and his dark, forbidden gaze sears me. I feel his intensity as his gaze lowers, sweeping over my body .
My cheeks heat as I look at Laura’s narrowed eyes. “Sister.”
“What lovely riding habit,” she says, “but I wonder if it is practical.” She laughs lightly, but I can see jealousy in her eyes.
Tarren says, as he touches the tight fabric at my arm, “Stunning. Feels very durable to me.” He tugs at the material jokingly.
I laugh and slap his hand. “My Lord, you’ll rip it!”
“If it rips that easily, I will have to thank the dressmaker personally.” He winks at me, the meaning well understood.
“Let us go before Tarren embarrasses himself anymore,” says Apollo in a clipped tone.
Tarren laughs as we all make our way outside to see a magnificent open carriage fit for a king. Silver and sapphire adorn the carriage with glowing lights.
My adrenaline starts pumping when I see the six black horses pounding their hooves in anticipation.
“I take it last night went well?” Tarren whispers in my ear.
I slightly glance at him while Apollo helps Laura into the ride. I try not to blush under his stare. “I’m not sure, actually.”
“Well,” he nods at the driver as he passes by, “I only ask because I found Apollo drunk at four in the morning, pounding on my door.”
My eyes widen. “You’re kidding,” I hiss.
“No. He was out of his mind, to put it mildly. And threatened that if I ever touched you. he would cut out my tongue. It was all very charming.
“So it makes me wonder if you’re really that ~good~ , and if I should risk getting my tongue cut out for you.”
I stare at him.
“I’ll take your silence that it went very well.” He continues with a whisper, “ Apollo has never done that, by the way. Atta girl.”
Apollo jumps down from the carriage, his black attire giving him a sinister appeal, like the villain rather than the hero. His black-gloved hand urges Tarren to hurry.
“Are you waiting for me to help you up, Tarren?”
He laughs. “I thought you would never ask.”
Apollo rolls his eyes and glances at me.
~His eyes.~
The wind blows his hair, and the sunlight kisses the side of his face perfectly. He is Adonis in the flesh. It is almost hard to pinpoint where he is looking due to his dark eyes making me shiver.
His lids lower , then raise with a slight tilt of his head. “Ready, Angel?” he barely says, I almost didn’t hear him. I think I read his lips more than I heard him.
I walk up to him, and I feel the air around us crackle and spark. I look away and pretend to be indifferent. “Please, Your Grace, I do not need your assistance.”
He smells delicious. A wild man musk that drives women to madness.
“Please, allow me. It would be my honor,” he says, his voice like melted honey.
I glance up at Laura’s pinched face.
“Do hurry up, dear sister. I think you have stolen enough time from my fiancé.” She laughs, but her eyes are as sharp as a knife.
I raise a brow at Apollo, and he meets me with an expression I find hard to read. “Of course, I would not want to take up too much time.”
Apollo grabs my hand, and it’s rough. He lifts me up, and I feel his other hand much too low on my lower back. Well, on my butt, technically speaking.
I shoot him a murderous glance, and I catch a glimpse of humor before he sits next to Laura. He takes her hand in his and pats it, saying something to her, making her laugh.
Won’t this be fun?
I keep my eyes away from Apollo and focus on Tarren, who looks like he is having the time of his life. Tarren grabs my hand and kisses it also in a mocking way.
“Don’t they make such the splendid couple? I’m so happy to see the famed Apollo settle down finally.”
I almost cringe.
I laugh and glance at the two, smiling my best feline smile. This smile is something I have worked on for a long time. Apollo sits up a little straighter, looking like he would love to strangle me.
“Yes, stunning,” I say with a sweetness I’m sure will make Apollo vomit later.
Laura beams and grabs Apollo’s muscled forearm through his fitted black coat. “Looks do not matter to me. It’s what’s on the inside that matters.”
Tarren’s mouth drops open. “Never have truer words been spoken, my dear.”
I hold back a grin. And here I thought Laura would be competition. Does she not know how to ensnare a man? Though she is right in her thinking, voicing it out loud like this is a little much.
I think too much lovey-dovey emotional stuff seems to scare men off.
Just from observing couples throughout my life, the man always strays to the one that is hard to catch. Laura would benefit from not acting so submitted with him. Just my opinion, though.
But I will not be the one to point that out. Let her dig her own grave.
The large carriage lurches forward and a real smile spreads over my face. “Can we go fast?” I ask Tarren with a sheepish grin. I bet these horses can haul ass.
“Danger seeker?” comes Apollo’s voice. I keep forgetting he has abnormal hearing .
I glance at him. “I like to go fast.”
Apollo tilts his head and licks his lips, almost making me blush. “I’ll keep that in mind,” he says softly.
Laura frowns at him. “I would also like to go fast, for I am quite the horseman.”
So Laura also has a talent for horseback riding. I mentally tally what I know—she has voice, boobs, and horseback riding. Well done, Laura.
Apollo glances at her. “I do not trust the driver. I will take over and show you some speed when we pull over.”
“Apollo does not trust anyone,” Tarren says matter-of-factly.
Apollo’s gaze flickers to mine. “I have no choice.”
Tarren nods.
Laura leans into him. “You can trust me.”
My eyes widen.
Apparently, her agent did not tell her that she will have to tell Apollo the truth at the end of all of this. She will regret those words later. Well, if she wins, that is.
Apollo’s jaw clenches, but he doesn’t say anything.
After about an hour of riding around the city, I realize this place is out of a dream or a fantasy. It’s like old-world beauty paired with some sort of supernatural power.
I will admit there is a certain darkness that surrounds this place. But I am surprised when we stop at a massive graveyard/garden maze.
I stand up to see it better—massive above-ground gravesites are spectacular and remind me of the famous graves in New Orleans.
“The royal graveyard of Garthorn,” says Tarren.
“Is that a maze?” I ask in awe, my mouth hanging open. It looks like it’s a few miles long! Towering green vines and walls of overgrown garden growth make a remarkable display.
Apollo stands up to help Laura down. “Yes, it’s centuries old.”
Laura’s eyes are wide. “Are we going to go into the maze?”
Apollo grins. “Of course.”
I let Apollo help me down after Laura, and my eyes fix on the massive maze in all its glory. “Are we going in pairs?”
Apollo grins down at me. “Alone.”