Chapter 7
ELLA
HONAU
The hood of my cloak conceals my face in shadows as I tuck myself into the back of the packed town hall. The last thing I need is to be discovered. It’s hardly a place for an unescorted lady, and I don’t need more reasons for people to talk about my family.
When I heard Dr. Wissen called a town meeting about the wolves, I made sure to show up.
I cast my eyes about the room to see if anyone might recognize me and spot Jacob Grimm leaning against the left wall.
His sharp blue eyes survey the room with an attitude that only an outsider could have.
As if he sees our little village in a way we never could.
My heart skips as I take in his lean, agile body, but I shut down those thoughts immediately.
We’re not even in the same social circles to have a conversation.
He’s a hunter, while I’m a nobleman’s daughter.
A commotion at the front of the hall drags my eyes away from Jacob.
My stomach instantly sours as Dr. Wissen strides up to the platform, bright-eyed and flashing that gorgeous smile half the town swoons under. He’s wearing his usual black coat and hat.
Dr. Wissen’s right-hand man claps, calling out, “Attention! Attention please. Dr. Wissen will speak.”
Everyone settles onto the benches, and the rowdy crowd hushes.
“My esteemed neighbors and fellow citizens,” Dr. Wissen begins. “We face difficult times in our land. Our people are suffering. As you may have heard, my late wife was killed by one of those creatures prowling about in our woods. God rest her soul.”
He bows his head. The room remains silent. He clears his throat and continues, “It is with great sorrow that today one of our own died from one of these vicious creatures. And yet, our king does nothing. Nor does he care about us.”
A murmur of agreement spreads through the crowd. I suck in a breath, shocked at his words against King Frederick. Some might even call it treason.
“But do not fear!” Dr. Wissen continues. “I personally will do everything in my power and use all my resources to make sure our lands remain safe. The king may fail in keeping the peace, but we’ll show him we can take care of our own.”
He gives a slight bow, and the crowd bursts into cheers, rising from the benches and clapping. I can’t deny that I’m hoping he’s being truthful. Sure, Dr. Wissen makes my skin itch like poison ivy, but if he can keep our land safe from these wolves, who am I to stop him?
Dr. Wissen’s right-hand man starts explaining the plan of action.
“We’ll be visiting every household,” the man says, “to assess any potential threats and needs you may have. Before you leave tonight, it’s important to let us know the name and age of each individual in your household. We’ll have men at the doors gathering information.”
I frown. The last thing I want is Dr. Wissen or his men skulking about my home. I should leave before anyone notices me. Tucking my hood further over my face, I dart into the hallway to find two large men standing by the front door, checking villagers’ names before they leave. I freeze.
If I remember correctly, there’s a door in the back of the hall. I turn and duck down the darkened corridor only to collide with a hard chest. Fear clenches me in a vice grip. I open my mouth in a scream, but a hand closes over my lips.
“It’s me. Jacob Grimm.” His voice is low and velvety smooth against the shell of my ear.
My heart thumps even faster, and my head spins. I’ve never been this close to a man before. It’s altogether improper, and yet, all I can think about is how he smells of ink and pine.
And I like it.
“I’m going to trust that you’re not going to scream.” His eyes glitter in the shadows as he eases his hand away.
“I didn’t take you for one to lurk in hallways to attack ladies.”
“Then you don’t know me that well.”
I step backward, but for some reason, I don’t leave. Pure stupidity, likely. “What do you want?”
“I thought I’d spied you across the room. I was surprised to find you here.” He searches my face. “You know something about these wolves, don’t you?”
“I need to leave.” I pull away, but he moves his hand lightly to my elbow. I slip my hand into the pocket of my skirt where I hid a knife for moments like this.
“I must speak with you, but not here. It’s not safe.”
“And you’re safe?” I sputter.
“That’s a valid point. I promise not to hurt you.”
Against my better judgment, I follow him down the hallway into a small nook. Whispers of moonlight trickle through the tiny window beside him, outlining his figure.
“What do you want?” I ask again.
“This Dr. Wissen. What do you know about him? Trustworthy?”
“Hardly,” I scoff. “He came by our house after he heard we were desperate. He was trying to make money off our situation. It wouldn’t be the first I’ve heard of him doing this.”
He nods and rubs the slight scruff on his chin, considering my words. “The villagers seem quite enamored by him.”
“He has given many people jobs.” I sigh, trying not to think about how many of my staff have left to work for him. “He has this inherent knack to know everything that goes on in this village. Why are you so curious about the doctor?”
I study Jacob carefully. That nose, so sharp and proud. The way his jaw tightens with worry. The way he’s focused on me, as if every word I say has purpose. His presence consumes the air around me, dangerously drawing me closer to him.
“You heard him back there. His words are borderline treasonous to the crown, and as one who works for the king, it concerns me.”
“Yet Dr. Wissen speaks the truth, doesn’t he?” I press. “What has the king done to protect us? Or are you his solution?”
Jacob’s eyes flash, silvery in the moonlight. He leans closer, his breath skimming across my skin. “Wolves are prowling your lands. It won’t be long before they come to your doorstep.”
“What are you saying?” Anxiety nips at my mind. “You think the wolves are purposely hunting people?”
“I’m saying no one is safe as long as the wolves are alive. Do I have your permission to hunt them on your land?”
I bite my lip. So, this is the real reason he wished to speak to me. Not to ask my opinion, but to ask a favor. I stand taller, lifting my chin. “You may hunt on my lands, but it will cost you. You’ll pay my steward before entering, and I want a full report on anything you find.”
“That sounds reasonable.”
Once we agree on the price, he shakes my hand. But as I duck out the back door, a sinking dread pools in my stomach like I just made a dangerous deal I didn’t completely understand.