ETHEREAL VOWS <PART-2>

She opened her mouth but no words came out.Sure, he was the bad guy. He had kidnapped,

imprisoned, and threatened her, after all, but he was still hotter than a blazing forest fire.

She

didn’t understand how a complete stranger could give her the most passionate kiss of her life—a

stranger who was now her husband, no less.

“Let’s stay here,” Victor said. “No one will come in and disturb us.”

“May I ask for something to eat?” And some wine—lots of it—to calm my nerves. Hey, while

you’re at it, why don’t you have the royal bartender throw a few cosmos in the mix? “In case

you’ve forgotten, I’ve been locked in a rat-infested dungeon all day.” It was the only thing she

could think of that might stall him and help her get back on track. She had to get him to the

reception, because Frank would be waiting there with some kind of rescue plan in the works. Although, she thought, letting her mind wander for a moment, how bad could it be to be married

to a drop-dead gorgeous king? Not bad at all, until he finds out I’m nothing but a peasant trying

to steal the royal wedding ring. Sarah couldn’t get caught up in the royal fantasy. He was only

using her to procreate, part of his wicked plan to tarnish the bloodline of her so-called royal

family. His plan was screwed; her reality set back in. Once he finds out the truth, he’ll have me

killed. That’s what all powerful tyrants do. I have to get out of here…NOW!

“You have my deepest apologies about the dungeon.” Victor tightened his grip on her body.

“Let me make it up to you…all night long.”

“But what I need now is some food,” she said.

“This is much better.”

Sarah gasped as hot kisses inched down her neck and toward her cleavage. Nothing had ever

felt better than that, but she had to focus and keep herself from getting distracted if she ever

planned on finding her sister and getting them all safely home. She wriggled, trying to free

herself of his vise-like grip. “But I’m hungry.”

“We can have cartloads of food brought to my…to our bedchamber.” Victor slid down the

puffy sleeve of her dress, kissing her bare shoulder, sending tingling heat throughout her body.

Enjoying his touch and kisses were a complication she couldn’t afford. She could easily lose

herself in that medieval world, but it would be at a lofty price. It was not worth losing

everything, her entire life, as well as Frank’s and Liz’s. “Don’t you want to celebrate with your

people on this joyous occasion? They might hold a grudge if you count them out. I’m talking

pitchforks and stormed castles.” She raised her brows in the hope that he’d buy it.

He groaned and let go of her. “You think of everything, my love. We’ll make a quick show

and then get you something to eat.” Pinching her butt, he winked. “You’ll need your strength, for

it shall be a very long night, Queen Gloria Fesque.”

Smiling sweetly, she nodded. If only…st like a second skin, raising and flattening all the right places, but she hadn’t seen that style

in any magazine in the last twenty years. She felt for the tags at the back, but the scratchy piece

of material wasn’t there. It certainly wasn’t a designer label, but with all the sequins, lace, and

fine details, it would have made a killing on any runway.

The maidservants had wasted no time preparing her for her dreaded nuptials. They scrubbed

her skin with lye soap in a tub of scalding water. Countless hands had forced her into a wedding

dress so tight she didn’t know whether she was dead as a ghost or just floating from the lack of

oxygen, and the shiny tiara that weighed a ton didn’t ease her throbbing headache either. A long

veil trailed the ground, promising to send her into a tumbling fall if she didn’t move gracefully.

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Curls trimmed her forehead and fell in ringlets down the sides of her face. Thicker curls

hung loosely at the back of her head and neck. She played with one gingerly, marveling at how

easy it wound around her finger. So this is what hair felt like before straightening irons and all

that hairspray. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen anyone with ringlet curls, but she

was beginning to think the trend should be brought back to life.

A guard walked Sarah through the dimly lit corridor, then stopped, his eyes focused

somewhere above her chest.

Frowning, she followed his line of vision and let out a groan. The pervert’s stare at her

cleavage couldn’t have been more obvious if he’d have tattooed the words on his forehead. She

rolled her eyes. “Why don’t you take a picture? It’ll last longer.” She was certain that King

Victor had definitely picked out the winner of a dress.

The guard cocked an eyebrow. “Excuse me, Highness?”

“Paint a portrait?”

“I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

“Never mind,” Sarah hissed. Of course they wouldn’t know what a camera was in a place

where they still knew what a chastity belt was and thought asking for a woman’s hand in

marriage meant knocking her over the head and dragging her to one’s cage.

The guard opened the door, letting her into a large room. More guardsmen stood in every

corner. She brushed against the wooden frame to avoid touching him. Her eyes fell on the iron

chandeliers holding a multitude of taupe-colored candles. Beautiful red and purple tapestries and

elaborate arrangements of gleaming swords, maces, arm poles, and shields covered the stonesculptured

walls. She took a deep breath as realization hit: She was there, in that real medieval

castle, to marry a real king.

“Wait here.” The guard motioned her to stand by the floor-to-ceiling fireplace.

Minutes later, Victor walked in. He took her hand and kissed it gently. Her stomach fluttered

as she peered from his gleaming white teeth and black, shaggy hair into his blue eyes. As much

as she hated to admit it, he could’ve stepped out of a fairytale; he was dressed like Prince

Charming himself, complete with crown, cape, short breeches tucked into high boots, and tights.

The black and white doublet, with a golden lion emblazoned on the velvet, outlined every muscle

in his chest. He was a handsome sight, even if he had the personality of a wolverine; she had

never gone for the controlling type who enjoyed threatening to murder her for his own political

gains. Against her better judgment, her knees went weak. Quit drooling! she scolded herself. She

was in a very dangerous situation with a man who could kill her at any moment if he found out

who she really was—or wasn’t. Sooner or later, he’d discover that she wasn’t Gloria, and there

wasn’t a royal bone in her body.

Slowly, his gaze traveled over her. “Princess Gloria, you look dashing…much more like a

princess now, soon to be a queen, my dear.”

Sarah knew that she had to play along if she wanted to get out of there. She returned his

smile and curtsied, hoping it looked close enough to the real deal. “Thank you, milord.”

A grin grew across his lips. “You respond to your name now?”

An incredibly sexy dimple in his left cheek drew her attention. She moistened her lips; her

breath caught in her throat. “I-I must’ve hit my head earlier and was confused, forgetting my

identity. It’s all coming back to me, but certain parts still remain unclear,” she fibbed, hoping

that would cover her if someone asked her a question she couldn’t properly answer. She had to

play the part of Princess Gloria perfectly or Plan B was gonna be a no-go.

He pointed around the room. “Welcome to my home…your home now.

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“Since you’re mentioning it, the first thing I would like to do is hire an interior designer.”

“I’ve no idea what that is.” He inched closer and touched the side of her face with a caress

so tender it sent shivers down her spine. “However, if it’s within my might to buy it for you, then

so be it.”

Sarah took a step back, her fingers barely connecting with the material of his shirt as she

placed a hand between them. Her throat felt constricted; her heart hammered in her chest. If he

wouldn’t have followed her command, she wouldn’t have had the willpower to push him away.

“You make a beautiful bride,” he said. “I’m glad you finally came to your senses.”

“Well, Victor, sitting in a cold dungeon will do that to a girl—that and threats of execution

will nudge a gal in the right direction.”

“You’re taking all of this rather calmly. Your reputation preceded you, and I expected more

of a fight.”

“My father doesn’t care if I live or die, so I hope he chokes on my new title.” She smiled

inwardly. Getting into character wasn’t as hard as she thought.

“That’s the spirit! You would never have been queen in your own kingdom. I have a feeling

your mother is going to hold on to that title for a long time.”

“Exactly, and that’s why I’ve decided to take this wonderful opportunity, though I must

admit I would have preferred a bit more romance and a proper courting.” She blinked her lashes,

amused. “May I give you some dating…er, courting advice, my King?”

“You may.” A note of amusement rang in his tone.

“It works best to woo a girl and sweep her off her feet rather than throw her in a dungeon.

When you propose, try kneeling and stating your undying love. That works better than

threatening your future bride with impending death or impregnating her with ten kids.”

Victor laughed, the delicious dimples forming on his cheeks again. “You’re here to marry

me, are you not?”

She bit her lip. “Guess you got me there,” she said, knowing she didn’t have much of a

choice.

He inched closer, a shadow passing over his features as he peered into her eyes. “You know

the consequences of the ring, yet you are still willing to move forward with the marriage?”

Yeah, she knew the consequences. She’d wear a ball and chain for a few hours before she

cut it off with a hacksaw and ran as far away from the guy as she could—no matter how

gorgeous he was. “I’m aware.”

“I knew you were, but I had to make sure. I wouldn’t want you to blame me for…” He

winced slightly. “Keeping it from you.”

Whoa! Is there more to this thing than he’s letting on, more to it than what that Jules told

Frank? She thought maybe she could play up the amnesia angle, leftover from the bump on the

head. She narrowed her eyes to tiny slits, considering her words. “Uh, just to be on the safe side,

would you be so kind and refresh my memory? Things are a little fuzzy from the fall.”

He nodded. “Of course, my love. It’s said that—”

A knock on the door interrupted him.

Victor held up a hand. “Ah, the priest. I want this done quickly.”

Sarah grabbed hold of his arm. “Wait! What about your bad conscience? You wouldn’t want

me to blame you later, would you?”

He laughed, motioning in a short man with white, thinning hair. He was dressed in a widesleeved,

kimono-style, monk’s robe with a knotted rope belt tied at the waist.

Victor shut the door, then met Sarah’s gaze. “All royalty knows about the ring’s secrets.

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And I’m certain you wouldn’t forget something so important. Let’s get started.”

“You don’t waste time,” she said. “Nothing says love better than a shotgun wedding.”

The priest bowed. “It’s nice to meet you, Princess.”

She nodded. Frank had better be right about this ring being the key we need to get outta

here. I hope his sources really are reliable, because if I go through with this all for nothing, I’m

gonna kick his butt into the next century!

“Is anyone else attending the ceremony?” the priest asked.

“No, Father,” Victor said.

Sarah chuckled and motioned around her. “I think the only guests we have are the guards.”

“I need you to stand to my left, and King Victor, please stand to the right,” the priest

continued.

Sarah moved into position, butterflies dancing in her stomach. Can I really go through with

this? Staring at all the polished swords and shields hanging on the wall, she gulped. She’d

always planned to get married in a church filled with smiling friends and family, not alone on

some King Arthur movie set. And what’s Victor hiding from me about the ring? Obviously, there

was something she needed to know, because it was something all the other royals were aware of.

The problem was, she wasn’t royalty.

“You’re so beautiful,” Victor whispered, cupping her face. “You take my breath away.”

Her heart leapt. The guy throws me in a hole in the ground and then feeds me a bunch of

compliments? She gazed into his eyes, searching for sincerity. For a minute, she thought he

actually meant it. “I’m flattered.” Then it dawned on her: There’s got to be something in this for

him, even if it is just plain old revenge.

“Your father and I don’t get along, but I bear you no ill feelings. I’m sorry I lost my temper

in the dungeon. I am fuming angry with your wolf of a father, and I should not have taken that

out on his blood.” Victor slipped his hands around her waist, his eyes glistening with something

she couldn’t place. “I know you were forced into this, and I grant you my deepest apologies. I

assure you, my love, that I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you happy.”

Gazing up at his face, she was surprised to find that he actually had a soft side. So his threats

were all a bluff? And he really wants to spend the rest of his life making me happy? Confusion

flooded through her. What girl doesn’t dream of getting swept off her feet by a handsome king

declaring his undying devotion? Even if we did start off on the wrong foot when he imprisoned

me.

The priest cleared his throat and opened his leather-bound book.

The king grinned. “Ah, yes. Let’s get started, shall we?”

The priest nodded. “King Victor Fesque II, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded

wife? Wilt thou love her, honor her, keep her and guard her, in health and in sickness, as a

husband should a wife, forsaking all others? Wilt thou cling only unto her, so long as ye both

shall live?”

Victor met Sarah’s eyes and smiled. “I will.”

“Princess Gloria Jarod, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband? Wilt thou love

him, honor him, keep him and guard him, in health and in sickness, as a wife should a husband,

forsaking all others? Wilt though cleave only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”

The words sounded surreal, almost as though marrying a man she never met before was

nothing more than a dream. Sarah wished she’d get up in the morning and erase all memory of

the nonsense with a steaming cup of coffee. Victor looked into her eyes, and she held his gaze.

Bring home the Oscar, Sarah, she told herself. She was enjoying her undercover work much

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more than she should have been. Hmm. Getting that ring on my finger might be easier than I

hoped. She gulped and spat out the words. “I will.”

The priest continued, “Do you take Princess Gloria Jarod to be your wedded wife, to have

and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, and in

health, till death do you part, if the Holy Church doth ordain it? And thereto plight her thy

troth?”

Victor smiled, flashing gorgeous white teeth. “I do.”

The priest turned and repeated the vows to Sarah.

She’d never dreamt she’d be saying the words to a stranger, but she said, “I do.” Her

stomach twisted into knots, and she took a deep breath. It had all seemed like make-believe to

that point, but now it was real. There she was, in that ridiculously fancy wedding gown, facing a

man in all his royal finery, wearing a gold crown crusted with jewels.

The priest said a blessing, then joined Sarah’s and Victor’s hands, “The third finger on the

left hand has a special vein called vena amoris, which means ‘the vein of love’. This vein runs

from the ring finger directly to the heart. The special ring that is placed upon this finger is the

symbol of the sun, earth, and universe, and it represents perfection and peace. It has no beginning

and no end, just like time.” He turned to the king. “You may pledge your allegiance to your love

and undying devotion.”

Sarah smiled as Victor pulled a ring from his pocket, cradling it on his palm. Her plan was

coming together perfectly and nothing made her happier.

“The rubies represent love, and the diamonds signify eternity,” said the priest, nodding to

the sparkling gems set in a gold band.

Sarah’s eyes widened. Not only was the ring her ticket back home, but it was also drop-dead

gorgeous, a huge, hulking piece of bling. She couldn’t stop staring at it. With its four-carat oval

ruby silhouetted by shimmering diamonds, it didn’t look like a traditional wedding ring.

She cleared her throat and raised her gaze for a second. “It’s real?”

Victor shook his head, wide-eyed. “Of course, my dear. I assure you it is genuine, for it has

been in my family for centuries. Why do you ask?”

“Because…” She took a deep breath to hide her emotions. “Well, I am a real princess, after

all, and I don’t do knock-offs.” Undying love or not, she made sure to hold on tight to the ring.

The least she’d get from that forced marriage would be a small house with a nice view in a

neighborhood where she didn’t need to barricade her windows at night and sleep with pepper

spray under her pillow.

As her new husband slid the ring on her finger, a jolt of electricity raced up Sarah’s hand

and spread throughout her body. She blinked, and a flurry of spots flooded her vision. It was

weird and quite inexplicable. The sensation stopped just as quickly as it appeared, and for a

moment she stood there, flabbergasted. Wait…did I just imagine that? Granted, her nerves were

on edge, what with almost being blinded by the gemstones. Or maybe I’m just dehydrated.

The priest handed her a matching ring. Looking closer, she noticed his ruby was square,

making it look more masculine.

“Put the ring on Victor’s finger,” the priest whispered.

She’d never been through a wedding ceremony before, and they hadn’t granted her the

courtesy of a rehearsal, so she had no way of knowing what to do. With trembling hands, she slid

the ring on his finger and gazed up at his beaming face.

“We’ve done it,” Victor whispered.

Wait…that’s it? We’re…married? The cave of her mouth felt dry, almost painful, as she

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swallowed past the lump in her throat. Is he going to kiss me? She stared at his best feature, those

full, firm, luscious lips. She couldn’t come to terms with what was going on in that head of hers.

There she was, marrying a powerful king who might keep her from ever going home, but all she

could do was stare at his mouth.

The priest broke through her thoughts. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. My King,

you may kiss your queen.”

“You’re mine now—forever. Our bond is unbreakable, the spark between us never to be

quenched.” In slow motion, she saw his face lower onto hers, their lips barely touching. His hand

wandered to the low of her back, drawing her closer, her chest pressing against his as his lips

came down harder but with nowhere near as much force as she would’ve expected from such a

man.

Sweet and gentle? That’ll work. Don’t all fairytales end with the perfect kiss? A flame

spread over her, spanning from the tips of her toes to the top of her head. He wasn’t kidding

about that spark! But she knew it was time to shut that down and go to the reception.

Victor dismissed the priest, and Sarah let out a breath of relief. The ring felt heavy on her

finger, reminding her that only the first step was done. The hard part was yet to come. She

needed to find Frank and get the heck out of there. She smiled sweetly as she peered at her new

husband. “Can we eat cake and smash it in each other’s faces now? It’s my favorite wedding

tradition.”

His mouth hovered over her lips, his hot breath giving her goose-bumps. Cake was

definitely the last thing on her new hubby’s mind. “I’m so blessed to have a bride as beautiful as

you.” Victor’s eyes bore down into hers. “I’ve been burning to touch you, to hold you, to kiss

you since the moment I laid eyes upon you.” He slipped his hands behind the back of her head,

pulling her even closer. He kissed her again, more deeply this time, pushing past her lips and

plunging his tongue deep into her mouth, demanding surrender. Sweet and gentle was out the

door.

Is he trying to prove his dominance somehow? Prove he owns me? Maybe I should smack

him, Sarah pondered, but she couldn’t deny the unexpected invasion of passion that threatened to

consume her. Letting out a soft moan, she felt a burst of heat race through her body as she

snuggled against his hard muscles, shivering with pleasure. Wrapping her arms fiercely around

his neck, she swirled her tongue over his, hot and fast. Somewhere inside her head, a voice

yelled for her to come to her senses. Why am I not trying to fight him off? She knew she was

nothing but a pawn in his game of revenge to piss off Princess Gloria’s father, yet she couldn’t

seem to do anything about it.

He broke away as she gasped for a breath of air. “Guards!” he shouted. “Leave us!”

Footsteps echoed across the room and a door slammed.

Victor ran his hands down her back while her fingers slid through his thick, gorgeous hair,

his crown landing next to him with a thud. Their tongues tangled and danced furiously in perfect

unison. Nobody had kissed her like that before, and his lip-lock drove all thoughts of Frank, the

ring, and going home out of her mind. Frank! The name jolted her out of her passion, awareness

banishing the fog inside her head. She was lucky she still remembered her name. It was time to

go, but she couldn’t force herself to stop.

Sarah wasn’t expecting that kind of kiss at all: bold, hot, addictive, and devouring. She

certainly wasn’t supposed to be enjoying it. If she kept that up, she’d be sleeping with the enemy

right there on the stone floor. She broke away, breathing hard, staring into his seductive blue

eyes as her heart pounded away. She wanted him in the worst way, and she could easily imagine

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giving herself to him right then and there. She’d only meant to give him a peck on the lips to seal

the deal, so she didn’t understand how that passion had blossomed so quickly. Her escape plan

was backfiring quickly. Her gaze focused on his lips again, and she wondered what it would be

like to make wild, passionate love to someone so powerful and dangerous.

Victor scooped her up and cradled her in his arms as her wedding dress trailed to the ground.

“Do you want to lie with me here or go somewhere more fitting for a queen?” His disheveled

hair made him look even hotter.

She opened her mouth but no words came out. Sure, he was the bad guy. He had kidnapped,

imprisoned, and threatened her, after all, but he was still hotter than a blazing forest fire. She

didn’t understand how a complete stranger could give her the most passionate kiss of her life—a

stranger who was now her husband, no less.

“Let’s stay here,” Victor said. “No one will come in and disturb us.”

“May I ask for something to eat?” And some wine—lots of it—to calm my nerves. Hey, while

you’re at it, why don’t you have the royal bartender throw a few cosmos in the mix? “In case

you’ve forgotten, I’ve been locked in a rat-infested dungeon all day.” It was the only thing she

could think of that might stall him and help her get back on track. She had to get him to the

reception, because Frank would be waiting there with some kind of rescue plan in the works.

Although, she thought, letting her mind wander for a moment, how bad could it be to be married

to a drop-dead gorgeous king? Not bad at all, until he finds out I’m nothing but a peasant trying

to steal the royal wedding ring. Sarah couldn’t get caught up in the royal fantasy. He was only

using her to procreate, part of his wicked plan to tarnish the bloodline of her so-called royal

family. His plan was screwed; her reality set back in. Once he finds out the truth, he’ll have me

killed. That’s what all powerful tyrants do. I have to get out of here…NOW!

“You have my deepest apologies about the dungeon.” Victor tightened his grip on her body.

“Let me make it up to you…all night long.”

“But what I need now is some food,” she said.

“This is much better.”

Sarah gasped as hot kisses inched down her neck and toward her cleavage. Nothing had ever

felt better than that, but she had to focus and keep herself from getting distracted if she ever

planned on finding her sister and getting them all safely home. She wriggled, trying to free

herself of his vise-like grip. “But I’m hungry.”

“We can have cartloads of food brought to my…to our bedchamber.” Victor slid down the

puffy sleeve of her dress, kissing her bare shoulder, sending tingling heat throughout her body.

Enjoying his touch and kisses were a complication she couldn’t afford. She could easily lose

herself in that medieval world, but it would be at a lofty price. It was not worth losing

everything, her entire life, as well as Frank’s and Liz’s. “Don’t you want to celebrate with your

people on this joyous occasion? They might hold a grudge if you count them out. I’m talking

pitchforks and stormed castles.” She raised her brows in the hope that he’d buy it.

He groaned and let go of her. “You think of everything, my love. We’ll make a quick show

and then get you something to eat.” Pinching her butt, he winked. “You’ll need your strength, for

it shall be a very long night, Queen Gloria Fesque.”

Smiling sweetly, she nodded. If only…

Sarah stumbled but quickly regained her balance. Stupid, big, fluffy wedding dress! An

embarrassing trip down the stairs wasn’t the grand entrance she’d hoped for. If anyone noticed,

she decided she’d just laugh it off as wedding-night jitters. She needed to pay attention, but

focusing on her footsteps seemed impossible when nothing but escape ran through her mind.

“Shall I assist you, Your Majesty?” A soldier appeared at her side, his arm proffered.

She scowled at him, lest he disclose her faux pas to everyone watching. “I’m fine, thanks.”

Why’d hubby have to go and send a multitude of armed guards as escorts to the after-party?

Now I’ll just have to lose them once I’m in the reception hall. Wait…hubby? Sarah still couldn’t

get over the fact that she was married to someone who wouldn’t look out of place on the cover of

a romance novel. She shook her head at her temporary lapse in judgment. But what a kisser!

She entered the great hall, which was filled with well-dressed ladies in silks and satins,

whirling across the floor in the arms of gentlemen garbed in rich velvets and brocades. Laughter

and chatter echoed through the room as her subjects drank to the new queen’s good health from

brown-colored mugs. A troupe of musicians with recorders, trumpets, and flutes played a

sprightly dance tune, while their whistles, bells, and drums kept the beat. She wondered if the DJ

would take requests, but she highly doubted it.

Victor smiled, looping his arm in hers. “I see I’m just in time to escort my lovely bride.” His

eyes glazed over, and she knew he meant every word. Against her will, Sarah felt her cheeks

burning.

She knew it was cliché, but she felt exactly like Cinderella at the ball. Maybe she’d watched

one too many Disney movies, but she had to keep reminding herself that it was all an act on both

their parts. All she wanted out of their “blessed union” was the ring, and all he wanted was to

piss off his alleged new father-in-law. Nevertheless, she couldn’t help but feel impressed.

Nobody had ever given her such a celebration or that much attention before.

A bald man in short red pants blew a trumpet blast. “Noblemen and women, commoners,

and all other parties, bow down before our glorious monarchs, protectors and defenders of the

realm, his Royal Majesty King Victor and her Highness Queen Gloria.”

In one smooth movement, the crowd formed a corridor, bowing deeply as the royal couple

stepped into their midst.

Victor held Sarah’s trembling hand high as they made their way through the parted sea of

people. “My bride!” He inclined his head, a broad grin playing on his lips, his eyes shining with

pride.

Part of Sarah wished the illusion was real, but she knew what was really lurking behind that

smooth smile of his: revenge. He hated Gloria’s father with a passion, and he viewed that

wedding and the forthcoming children as nothing more than payback. Of course, Sarah couldn’t

blame him, as she had her own little scheme going on and certainly wasn’t one to point fingers.

She scanned the room as the king engaged in friendly chatter, but there was no sign of Frank

anywhere. Where is he?

“Are you looking to make a quick getaway, my Queen?” Victor asked, gripping her hand

tighter. If it was meant as a joke, it sure didn’t come across as one. “There’s nobody here from

your kingdom to whisk you away.”

Oh boy. He’s not going to let me out of his sight for a minute. Talk about a clingy husband.

Maybe I can play up my alleged head injury, talk crazy and make my escape while he’s off

finding that so-called healer of theirs. That’ll be easy enough. All I have to do is mention my

world, my California, my cell phones, my high-tech cameras. Sarah beamed at him, spouting the

first thing that hit her. “I was a hippie last year, but I didn’t win best costume at the work party,

so I’m trying to decide which one of these fantasy costumes I’ll sport next month for

Halloween—you know…to win the title.” If I even get home in time for that, she pondered.

“What?” Confusion crossed his face.

She motioned toward the crowd. “These costumes don’t work for me. How come there are

no warrior women in the medieval Arthurian tales? I think it’s time I create one, because some of

these chicks look like they’d stab first and ask questions later. I, for one, would love to lead

troops out into battle. I bet they make some figure-flattering chainmail, right? But just because

I’m wearing a fluffy dress, that doesn’t mean I can’t find a nice shiny sword to match it. I think

I’ll be Lady Guinevere/Lara Croft. Whaddya think, Kingsy, dear?”

“I told you I was done with your games. You shall not distract me with your odd babbling.”

Babbling? When did I take a left turn into Crazy Town? Oh, wait. Maybe that was when I

decided to chase Bigfoot into a cave with no one but Frank around to protect me. Why didn’t I

just stay home and curl up with a good book or rent a fantastic movie? But she knew the answer

to that question: The adventure DNA in her gene pool wouldn’t allow her to sit at home

watching movies when there were creatures to be discovered in the wilderness. “Maybe it’s best

that I visit the healer. Could you please fetch him?”

Victor raised his brows. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

“What? No!” She laughed, putting on her best performance yet. The last thing she wanted to

do was stick around and end up as the inspiration behind some Lifetime movies starring Valerie

Bertinelli or Tori Spelling.

“I know you’re looking for your brother, hoping he’ll rescue you,” he said. “After all, he’s

the one who got you into this mess in the first place, love.”

“You’re right. It was his fault. Men are always getting me into all kinds of messes.”

Especially handsome kings with bright blue eyes. And Frank, too, with this alleged brilliant plan

of his. By the way, where’s the nearest divorce court? I’m sorry, but I need more out of a

marriage than good looks, money, and a fancy car…er, uh, horse. “But don’t worry. I always get

myself out of trouble. I don’t need anyone to help me with that.”

“Are you angry with him? With your brother?” Victor asked.

Heck yeah! If Frank ditched out on her, she knew she’d be up the creek without a paddle.

She frowned, realizing he was talking about Gloria’s brother. She wasn’t sure of exactly what

he’d done, but she had a pretty good idea how to fill in the blanks.

“Wouldn’t you be? The little sister crosses into enemy lines to warn her brother about a

nasty trap in store for him. He gets away while she gets caught. He’s probably home now,

toasting his freedom with Daddy dearest.”

“What a nice family you come from.” Victor laughed. “If I were you I’d—”

“Yeah, yeah. I got it, loud and clear.” She turned away because she’d had enough of his

mouth. She decided he’d be better off if he stuck to kissing instead of talking. Wasting her time

chatting with him wasn’t going to get her anywhere, and it was time to switch tactics. “I have to

use the little queen’s room.”

“All rooms belong to the royal king and queen,” he said.

“This freaking lung-squeezing corset is tighter than my skinny jeans, and it’s about to burst.

I have to fix it if I ever intend to breathe again. Perhaps oxygen deprivation is what is causing me

to talk such nonsense.”

He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close, whispering into her ear in a husky

voice, “How about we go upstairs and I remove it myself?”

She smirked, aware that he would enjoy unwrapping her like a Christmas present out of all

those buttons, ties, and layers. It would take hours, and she was sure the guy would love every

minute of it. She couldn’t stop the goose-bumps from rushing over her skin though. It was a

tempting offer, but one night of passion would be a high price to pay to squeeze out ten kids and

be bossed around for the rest of her life. “I’d rather mingle and meet everyone.” She winked.

“Remember, we have all night…and all our lives after that.”

He tilted her chin to meet his steady gaze. “Mingle with my subjects? Why do you care,

Gloria? You only married me to save your pretty little neck.”

“Not true. I was tired of lonely Friday nights, and I desperately wanted this wedding ring,”

she said, for once telling the truth.

Victor inclined his head, his eyes shining with pride as though he’d forged the thing himself.

“It’s one of our most treasured heirlooms, dating back thousands of years. The wearers of the

collection are bonded for all of eternity with one heartbeat.”

Eternity? How about a few short hours, buddy?

“I’m sure you’re familiar with the tradition,” Victor continued, a twinkle in his eye.

One heartbeat for all of eternity? He is nuts. She swallowed. Wait…could there be any truth

to his statement? Maybe I should’ve read the fine print before I said, “I do.”

“Now that we’re connected, I’m positive your father will meet every single one of my

demands.”

Sarah raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think so? He didn’t care before if I lived or got

my head whacked off by your sword.”

“He cares deeply. According to my sources, he seems to have trouble believing that I

actually have you in my possession.”

“Oh?” She realized that Gloria’s father had a heart after all.

“He thought I was bluffing, but he will now know the truth.” Victor leaned in. “Don’t

convince yourself for a minute that I would’ve believed that Sarah Larker nonsense. My most

reliable soldiers identified you as Princess Gloria. There is no mistaking who you really are.”

Sarah had heard of evil twins, of doppelgangers, but this was ridiculous. A shudder ran

through her body as a thought occurred to her. Princess Gloria’s father is on to my scam. He

knows King Victor doesn’t have the real princess. No wonder he wouldn’t meet the king’s

demands. She knew she had to jump-start the escape plan into high gear before Victor figured

the whole thing out for himself. “Is there a private place I could go where I can fix this girdle?”

Victor motioned to one of his guards. “Take her to the dressing quarters. Station six guards

at the door…no, make that a dozen of my finest men.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” a soldier said. For a moment, he peered at her, beaming with

enthusiasm.

Sarah chuckled. “Hey, I know I look like a fairy godmother in this get-up, but I promise, I

can’t vanish into thin air.”

A woman approached with her head down. She wore a simple muslin dress and carried a

large leather satchel over one shoulder. Copper bracelets adorned her wrists. She bowed in

humility. “Would you like me to help you with your dress, Highness?”

Sarah shook her head. “No, but thank you.” She knew the girl could easily ruin her plans

and spoil everything. The last thing she needed was some little spy following her around while

she hunted for Frank.

39

As contrary as always, the king motioned to the girl, his voice authoritative. “My queen will

definitely be taking any help you offer.”

Sarah rolled her eyes. The guy was definitely a bona fide control freak, and she wasn’t about

to let him think he had the upper hand. Just as she opened her mouth to set him straight, though,

she remembered something her kindergarten teacher said: “Say something nice or shut up.”

Nothing had worked so far, so she figured she might as well give it a try. Smiling, she cleared

her throat. “How kind of you to think of me. That’d be great.”

Victor grabbed her wrist, whispering in her ear, “Try to escape and you’ll pay dearly.” She

knew he meant every word of his threat; the teacher’s advice clearly sucked.

“After that kiss, I thought we were past all that. You’re posting an army at the door?

Where’s the trust? How could I possibly run away with everyone knowing my face, thanks to

you?”

He released her wrist, and she pulled her hand away, eager to put a few inches between

them. “Trust is something one must earn,” he whispered, sounding like something she read on a

fortune cookie once.

She met his hot gaze. “I kissed you. Doesn’t that mean anything?”

“Maybe it will when you do it out of enjoyment or passion or love and not for the sake of

saving your own life.”

“Are you saying I faked it? Come on! We both know that kiss was real.” For a moment, she

watched the dangerous glitter in his eye and wondered whether she’d underestimated him. She

knew he could easily overpower her, and the fact that he hadn’t done so yet didn’t mean he

wouldn’t once he realized she had no interest in being wife material. Should I dare an escape

attempt? She snorted inwardly. Heck yeah! Living in Freaksville isn’t my thing.

“The girl is waiting on you,” Victor said.

Sarah smiled up at him sweetly. “Thanks for your help, darling.”

The girl touched her elbow. “If you’d follow me, my Queen.”

Throwing him one last look, Sarah followed her through the crowd to a room in the far lefthand

quarter. True to Victor’s word, a multitude of minions guarded the entrance, and she could

see the king’s prying sapphire eyes not too far away. She stepped inside and scanned the room,

then shook her head. There wasn’t one window or opening, and freedom didn’t appear to be an

option, at least not anytime soon. She was only moments away from him taking her upstairs to

procreate an entire baseball team.

The girl motioned her behind a giant divider for privacy. “Please hurry, my Queen.” The

way the girl’s eyes darted about, Sarah knew who would bear the brunt of the punishment if she

did not do as she was told.

Sarah stumbled over the hem of her dress as she joined the girl. “Listen…I don’t need your

help.”

“Yes you do, Sarah Larker.”

She gasped. “What? You know my real name?”

The girl nodded. “That and much more. Frank told me King Victor has mistaken you for

Princess Gloria.”

“Frank? Oh my gosh! You’ve met him! Where is he? Is he here?”

“I’m working with him. He is currently hiding in the forest.”

“So you’re really here to help me with more than my dress?” Sarah gripped her hands, relief

flooding through her. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Frank said you went through with the marriage only to obtain the ring.”

40

Sarah flashed her hand with a huge smile. “Mission accomplished, baby.”

“Good, for that is the one key back to your world, according to legend. Now, are you ready

to switch identities? We’re pretty close in size. Even our hair is the same length and color. Your

true lover, Frank, said I would pass for you with no problem, as long as we are careful.”

“Lover?” She shook her head and laughed. “Frank’s not my boyfriend.”

“Why not? He seems to be a nice man. We met only this morning, but he couldn’t stop

talking about you.” The girl unbuttoned Sarah’s dress in the back, groaning. “This is tricky.”

“Why are you so willing to help us?” Sarah heaved a huge sigh as the cumbersome dress fell

to the floor, happy to breathe freely again.

“My father’s dying, and Frank promised to obtain some minerals that will cure him if I help

you.” The girl slipped out of her far less expensive leather dress.

Sarah thought Frank nuts to make such an outrageous promise, and she almost felt sorry for

the girl for falling for it. “What?”

“There’s an ancient legend about the Gold Minerals of Life. I’ve spent years looking for

them to help my father, and I’ve finally found where they’re hidden. It is said they shall heal any

person who swallows them, no matter the person’s affliction, but only a royal with a ruby

wedding ring can see the minerals. I told Frank the secret location. I will help you, but you must

help me in return, as Frank promised. There is nothing I would not do for my father.”

Sarah hated being put in such a position, but she had no other choice at that point. “Get me

the heck out of here so I can find my sister, and I will give you anything you want.” She knew

she’d have to find those minerals to make good on Frank’s promise, and she felt like slugging

Frank for that—and for referring to himself as her “true lover”. She was no fan of him making

crazy deals that’d just keep them in that world even longer. And what if these minerals didn’t

even exist? We don’t have time for this. Once I make my escape, the king will be hot on my trail.

All she wanted to do was find her sister and get the heck out of that dimension or wherever the

heck they were. In spite of her disdain for his crazy ideas, Sarah wished Frank was there. “Any

particular reason why Frank didn’t come to this little Halloween party himself? He’d make one

heck of a Robin Hood.”

The girl squirmed into the flowing wedding gown. “It would be far too risky for him to

venture inside the castle.”

Sarah hurried into the leather dress. “I’m not sure this plan is going to work. My eyes are

brown, and yours are blue.”

“No one will notice. I’ll keep them closed.”

“What’re you going to do when they discover you’re not me?” Sarah had a pretty good idea,

and she wondered why the girl would risk her life; she understood, though, because she’d risk

her own for her father’s in a heartbeat.

For a brief second, a shadow passed the girl’s face. Then she shrugged. “I can talk my way

out of anything.”

She must be quite the con artist. Sarah tied the leather strings in the front. “What do you

know about this king?”

“Only that he is one of the Immortals, like all royalty.”

Sarah took a deep breath and pondered her strange words, which sounded like something out

of a comic book. “That’s a rumor, right? I mean, some ancient people in my time used to say

they were gods, but they only claimed that to control their people.”

“No, it is entirely real.” The girl flinched. “Ouch! That pinched. Can we hurry this up?”

“I’m trying,” Sarah said. “Do you know how many buttons and ties are on this dress? Please

41

tell me more about the king…and what is your name?”

“My name is Mia. The king is one of the most dangerous of the Immortals. He is feared by

many throughout our world. I think it’s best that you get as far away from him as possible and

never look back. This will be no easy task though, since you’re bonded to him now for all

eternity, or so the legend says.”

“Not sure I can buy all that.” Sarah pushed and pulled the corset strings on the wedding

dress till the girl squeaked. “I saw a soft side to him during the ceremony, especially when I

kissed him.”

“You kissed him?” Mia asked in a shocked tone, shuddering.

“Not intentionally. I tried to dodge the bullet, but he just laid one on me.”

Mia shook her head. “That is not good. You’ve only strengthened the bond. Now he’ll be

able to jump into your head and control you.”

Sarah scowled. “What? This might be news to you in your misogynistic day, but nobody

controls me—and you shouldn’t let any man control you either.”

“I told Frank all of this, but he doesn’t believe it.”

Sarah thrust her crown into the girl’s hands. “Are you suggesting that Frank is stubborn?

Well, you ain’t telling me anything new.”

Mia slid off her thick copper bracelets. “Put these on. Servants are required to wear them.

You know, your lover Frank is a wonderful man. He went through a lot to ensure that this rescue

would happen.” She reached for a long leather bag and then froze for a minute. She snapped out

of her trance as her hands ran over the satin material on her dress.

“What’s wrong?” Sarah touched her shoulder, wondering if the girl was getting cold feet.

She certainly wouldn’t have blamed her.

“Just enjoying my thirty seconds as a queen and being in such a luxurious gown, one like I’ll

never see again in my lifetime. I hate myself for what I’m about to do.” Mia lifted up the leather

bag and poured a red liquid all over her face. It dripped down her dress, leaving tiny puddles on

the floor.

As much as she hated the idea of marrying King Victor, it was a shame for Sarah to watch

such a beautiful gown go to crimson ruins. “What’re you doing?!” Sarah stared in shock. It felt

like she’d jumped onto the set of Carrie, only John Travolta was nowhere in sight. She was

pretty sure even Stephen King woulda been running for the hills if he was mixed up in all that

mess.

“I am simply playing dead. Relax! It’s only scarlet dye, and it is all part of the plan. I will

tell the king that your…er, Gloria’s brother made me switch clothing, drenched me in dye, and

then knocked me out. We have to shock them and distract them, or our plan will not prove

successful. Please do well in your role of a horrified servant, Sarah.”

Sarah tucked the last strand of hair into her leather hairnet. “Got it. I can do hysterical.”

“A man named Jules, on a brown horse, is waiting outside for you.”

“Jules? Frank mentioned him to me earlier. I’m assuming I can trust him?”

“Of course! Jules is the love of my life. My father told him that if he would do this deed for

us, it will prove his loyalty to our family, and his prize shall be my hand in marriage. Of course,

that will be a prize for me too, for I adore Jules and want to spend my life with him once my

beloved father is healed. My Jules will take you to a carriage three miles away, where your love

Frank is waiting.”

“How many times do I have to remind you that he is not my love?”

Mia lay on the floor and closed her eyes. “Forgive Frank if you can, Sarah Larker. Life is

42

too short to hold grudges against those who hold you dear in their hearts, as Frank clearly does.

Any man who would risk his life for yours deserves some consideration, don’t you think?”

She had a point, for Frank had done plenty to prove himself. There was no point in being

held hostage by anger, and Sarah knew it was time to move on and apologize. But at the

moment, there were bigger fish to fry. She was tasked with another Oscar-worthy performance,

and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone from prisoner to queen to servant girl all in

the same day. It was the role of a lifetime.

Sarah covered her face with her hands and ran out screaming. “Help! Somebody! Anybody!

The queen’s been attacked.” She shrieked with hysteria, tears running down her cheeks. At some

point, her lungs constricted, burning like they were on fire, but she didn’t care. To make it seem

authentic, she had to let go of any pain and fear.

A soldier gripped her by her arm. “What happened, girl?”

“She’s bleeding! A man—no, more like a ghost—just appeared before my eyes and—”

He darted off before she even had a chance to finish her makeshift explanation.

Everything played out in slow motion. Soldiers headed toward the dressing room. People

gasped, heads turned, jaws dropped, and screams echoed. Every instinct told Sarah to run

immediately. She had just spun around on her heels to leave when she noticed Victor racing in

her direction, terror etched on his face. Glued to the spot where she stood, her heart pounded

with each step he took. Part of her felt bad for deceiving him in such a way after the tender kiss

they’d shared, but the greater part of her wanted to live and to have her old life back. She wasn’t

in her world, her life, and she refused to be controlled by some tyrant, regardless of how hot and

how good of a kisser he was. Sarah swallowed past the lump in her throat as he swept her a quick

glance, his troubled blue eyes piercing holes in her heart. Why do I even care? There’s no way to

soften the blow from a battle axe. He’s just gonna have to man up. He hasn’t even known me for

more than a day, even if I was his bride. She threw herself into the character of horrified servant,

and covered her face with her hands and sobbed as he passed by.

Thrusting the door open, Victor let out a loud shriek. “Get the healer in here now!”

The emotion in his voice made her shiver as she walked away, clutching her chest. Through

the crowd of people, directly into the dressing room, she could specifically hear his voice. She

wondered when she’d gained the power of superhuman hearing.

“Secure the perimeter!” Victor said. “Nobody comes in or out.”

“I feel a pulse throbbing,” a man said. “She’s alive.”

“Thank goodness, but something’s not right. Why don’t I feel her pain?” Victor asked. “I

should’ve felt this happening the moment it began. We are bonded, one to another, by the ring!”

“Maybe the ring has not taken effect yet,” someone suggested.

Feel my pain? Is he talking about the emotional pain of forcing me into marriage with a

stranger? Sarah forced her mind into action and swiftly walked through the crowd of people.

Dashing off like Cinderella after the ball at the stroke of midnight, she hoped she wouldn’t lose a

glass slipper, or rather, a leather shoe. She focused on forcing her way through, her eyes fixed on

her feet so she wouldn’t trip. Something brushed her back, but she didn’t halt. Somebody yanked

her arm, jerking her back, and she gasped, startled.

Sarah’s labored breathing echoed in her ears. It was even louder than the excited chatter of

the crowded room. She took another step forward, pushing against a bulky peasant, when she felt

another tug on her arm. Gasping, she turned, shudders running through her body. A large man

towered over her, his bulging eyes fixed somewhere below her head. Great. Busted.

The man grinned. “Whom do we have here?”

Holding her breath, she clenched her fists, ready to fight.

The woman standing next to her pressed an empty goblet into her arm yelling, “More wine,

girl!” Sarah stared, unbelieving. “Chop, chop.”

The man narrowed his gaze, staring from the woman to Sarah.

Rolling her eyes, the woman glared at her, enunciating each syllable. “I said, more wine.

Well? What are you looking at?”

She knew she’d be spending ten to twenty in a dark dungeon swarming with bugs once she

shoved that glass down her throat. Someone bumped into her, making Sarah stumble. She needed

to breathe before panic consumed her. “Coming right away, madam. I’ll fetch a bottle,” she said,

smiling.

She forged through the crowd to the other side of the room when she saw two huge doors,

the outside entrance. Glancing over her shoulder, she scanned the room. The man from before

wasn’t following. There were no knights, only clueless guests sipping on wine and laughing.

Nobody on that side of the room had any clue what was going on, and she was glad for their

drunken stupor. She placed her trembling hands on the iron handle and slowly pushed, squeezing

through the entryway. Outside, stars twinkled in a blanket of darkness, and a chilly breeze ran

over her body. She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself as her breath came out in

bursts of steam against the frosty night air.

Strong arms gripped her shoulders, throwing her up against the outside door. “You’re not

getting away that easy,” a male voice said.

Busted again, she turned slowly, fear gripping her. The guy staring at her wasn’t the same

one, but the frown on his face looked just as mean. Her heart pounded in her chest. She could

have tried to run, but there were guards posted every twenty feet. She took a deep breath and

continued with her role as a humble servant. “My shift’s over.”

“This entrance isn’t for slaves and riffraff,” he hissed. “Next time use the one in the back.”

She let out a tiny sigh of relief, keeping her head low. “It won’t happen again, sir.”

“Over here!” She turned her head toward the man hidden under a cloak, sitting on a brown

horse. He grinned at the guards, winking. “I’m here to escort this pretty maiden home.”

The soldier shoved Sarah toward the man. He wore a grotesque grin on his face. “At least

somebody will have fun with this trash tonight.” They all guffawed and laughed as Sarah

stumbled forward.

She hesitated for a moment though. She knew if she stayed back, the guards might raise

alarm. If she followed the horseman, he might turn into a whacko who’d rape her and dump her

body into the next available ditch.

“Come on.” The guy offered his hand and whispered, “I’m Jules, Mia’s friend.”

Jules! The sound of his name calmed Sarah’s racing heart. Mia’s boyfriend. Grabbing his

hand, she let him pull her up.

“I know you must be tired after your long day of work,” Jules said.

“Yes, and I have to be back tomorrow, bright and early.” She put her foot into the dangling

44

stirrup and heaved herself up into the saddle.

A soldier whistled, and the rest of them cackled.

Oh gosh! It was then that Sarah realized her leather dress had ridden up, exposing her entire

thigh. She tried to pull it down, but it was difficult to do while mounted atop a horse.

Jules pulled hard on his horse’s reins, galloping past the army of guards and into the moonlit

forest.

Sarah clung to his waist, praying she wouldn’t fall. Relief washed over her when she

realized nobody seemed to suspect a thing. She shivered as the cool wind blew through her hair.

Crickets chirped, and an owl hooted in the distance. Eerie shadows from branches jumped

around in the silvery light. “Are you taking me to Frank?”

“Yes. Did everything go according to plan? Is Mia okay?” Jules asked.

“She was fine when I left, but won’t they question her once they realize she’s not me?”

“My Mia can handle herself. That is one of the things I love about her. But if anything

should happen to my love, I shall know who to blame—you and your male companion.”

“She’s very brave,” Sarah said earnestly. “I’ll always be indebted to the two of you. Thank

you.”

He said nothing and only urged the horse on through the woods.

Minutes felt like hours, but they finally reached a wagon, which was situated under a

towering tree and loaded with bales of hay. As soon as Jules swung Sarah down from the horse,

she raced into Frank’s arms. “Oh, Frank!”

He embraced her, and she felt the warmth of his body against hers. “Did I ever tell you how

smoking hot you look in leather?”

She smiled, pulling her hair net off, allowing her long curls to bounce freely against her

shoulders. “So you’re into Tastian servant girls, huh?”

“You look absolutely stunning in anything,” he said. He leaned closer and nuzzled her neck.

“You smell nice too.”

“They curled my hair, painted on as much make-up as an Egyptian princess, drenched me in

perfume, and threw me in a Cinderella dress.”

“Let me guess… It struck midnight and you lost the gown and glass slippers?”

She laughed. “Something like that.”

“I can’t believe I just rescued you from a real-live castle.”

“You should’ve seen the inside, man.”

“That nice, huh?” He gazed at her intently, his hand cupping her face. “Did he hurt you? Did

that royal jackass put his hands on you in any way?”

“He only stole a smooch.”

“On the cheek?”

“Lips.” She winked. “And I can’t say I didn’t like it,” she admitted as that magical kiss

flashed through her mind, washing her with guilt. She wasn’t sorry about it though. In fact, she

wished Victor had made it a longer one, like all night. She cleared her throat, eager to change the

subject before Frank started asking questions. She held up her hand with a grin. “Anyway, I got

the ring.”

“Our ticket out of here!” His face lit up as he bowed. “My Queen, you rock.”

She grinned. “Yeah, baby—just like this giant rock on my finger.”

He examined the ring, its large ruby and tiny diamonds glinting in the moonlight. “It’s too

big, way too tacky. That bragging jerk.”

“Right. It’s so ugly. I mean, clearly, the man has no taste whatsoever.” She rolled her eyes.

45

“Are you kidding me? No woman in her right mind would say no to something like this.”

Frank was jealous and he had every right to be. The darn thing was gorgeous, almost as

gorgeous as the man who had placed it on Sarah’s finger. “You’re having a ball with this, aren’t

you?” he asked.

She touched his brown hooded cloak. “I see you are too. Love the new digs.”

He smiled, his hazel eyes twinkling. “An investigative reporter knows how to go deep

undercover.”

Jules approached and handed her a cloak. “This shall keep you warm, miss. Now, if you

will, please take measures to hide and hide well.”

“I made us a little fort inside all these towering haystacks.” Frank reached for some folded

blankets on the ground beside the wagon. He hopped on the wagon and spread a few out over the

scratchy hay. “A bed fit for a queen.”

She crawled inside and lay down next to him, pulling the top cover over her. She didn’t

know which one itched most, the hay, the blanket, or the cloak Jules had given her.

Jules rearranged the haystacks, covering the entrance to their makeshift fort.

“Nice little cubby hole you got here, Frank,” she said. “What’s the matter? You couldn’t

spring for a decent hotel? I was kind of expecting a limo on my wedding night, not a hayride.”

Frank snuggled up to her. “I tried to call for a rental car, but they haven’t invented spark

plugs yet—or engines or tires, for that matter. They do have horsepower though.”

Sarah rolled her eyes.

“What?” Frank said. “You’re not gonna laugh at my jokes?”

“Gosh, Frank, if you ever lose your job as a reporter, maybe the king could use a court

jester,” she said.

“Well, that’s the last straw!” he said, blowing a piece of hay in her direction, to which Sarah

just rolled her eyes again.

The horse snorted, and a moment later, the wagon lurched forward. To call the ride bumpy

would have been an understatement. It rocked and thumped and bounced over every bump and

crack in the road.

“I never thought I’d be riding off into the sunset with another man’s wife—let alone a

queen—on the dude’s wedding night.”

“I hope that’s not a deal-breaker.”

Frank laughed. “That depends. Do I get to enjoy the honeymoon?”

She laughed too, and then continued. “No honeymoon, but I can tell you this. Life throws

curve balls you can’t even begin to imagine.”

He chuckled. “Tell me about it.”

“So how did you get these people to do all of this anyway? And what did you promise Mia?

Gold minerals? Start from the beginning. What happened to you back in the forest?”

“I was running for my life from a herd of beasts I said never existed. And I’m sure you’re

still laughing about that one.”

She grinned. “Just a tiny bit.”

“The next thing I know, you disappear. I hear voices and start running toward them, but

there’s this guy in some ridiculous outfit calling you Princess Gloria. He and his armored goons

had you cornered, so I had to hang back so they wouldn’t take me prisoner too. Then, when they

cleared out, I followed them and found you at the castle. Is this weird or what?”

She snorted. “Thank goodness for horses or you would have never been able to keep up. If

you’d have only had a car, you might have crashed it.”

46

“Hey, those horses were pretty darn fast. While I was looking for a telephone to call 911, I

ran into a group of rebels, some local boys who thought for sure I was a spy for King Victor.

They tied me up and threatened me, but I used my charm.”

She pressed her hands into her lap, suppressing the laughter bubbling up inside her. It was

just like Frank to put the spotlight on himself, even though she’d been the one to survive

incarceration and marriage to a barbarian. He got paid to be a sensationalist, after all. “Really?”

She bobbed her head, brows raised. “And how did that work out for you?”

“I finally bonded with them over a few glasses of ale and told them about my situation. Then

they informed me that I am trapped in some other dimension. Of course, at first, I assumed it was

just the ale talking.”

“How do they know that?”

“Well, the legends apparently go back for generations. They only know there’s a magical

portal that opens with that royal bling of yours. It’s some kind of ancient door guarded by

Bigfoot in the Forbidden Forest, the very same one we came through. For goodness sake, I can’t

believe I’m even saying all this.”

“How did you take the news?”

“I freaked out, of course.”

She cringed. “How bad?”

Frank winced, pausing for a second. “Let’s just say that one of them had to throw a bucket

of water over my head.”

Sarah laughed, wishing she’d been there to witness it.

“Mia gave me some info on opening the portal, info that had been passed down from her

grandmother,” he said. “And the group offered to help me as long as we promised to go to

Global Mountain and get some minerals or something to save Mia’s dad’s life. Only a royal with

a wedding ring can see the ancient minerals.”

“So you volunteered me?” She shook her head. “I know I never would have gotten out of

there without Mia’s help, but even still, how could you make a promise like that?”

“I had to do something crazy to save you from being shacked up with Mr. Tyrant. And get

this…the group even knows your sister.”

“Really? How? Are they sure it’s her? Where is she? We have to go get her and—”

“They specifically remember your sister because they thought she was a witch when she

screamed like a maniac that she’d come through the portal. They even held a trial, but she was

found innocent when some rich guy named Charles paid off the judges.”

“Poor Liz! Oh, thank goodness for that Charles. I couldn’t have lived with myself if she’d

been burned at the stake!”

“We’re heading away from the portal toward another country called Dornia. I got a tip your

sister may be there with this Charles dude.”

She stared at him in disbelief. “Frank, don’t kid with me.” If he was playing any of his

ridiculous games, she vowed then and there that she would never speak to him again.

“No, I’m dead serious.”

“You mean she’s okay? Alive? And we’re gonna find her?” Tears filled her eyes, and an

overwhelming sense of joy flooded through her.

“Alive and in Dornia—at least that’s what they tell me, but don’t get your hopes up just yet.

We don’t know if the source is reliable.” He caressed her face and swiped away a falling tear

with his thumb.

“This is too much. How can I ever thank you?”

47

“Hmm. I can think of a few ways, but now that you’re a married woman and all, I don’t

know how proper it would be for me to expect you to—”

“Frank!” She went to slug him, but he caught her hand and kissed it.

“Nice thought, but I’m talking about something completely different, like forgiving me and

letting me back into your life.” Snuggling closer, he said, “I’m sorry I never understood your

research. I’m also sorry for all the awful things I’ve ever said. I’m an idiot.”

“You insulted my research.” She paused for effect.

“I’ll make it up to you, I swear.”

Frank’s apology meant a lot, but she had other worries. “So Liz’s is in Dornia. Let’s work

on a plan.”

“What about my apology?”

“I accept it wholeheartedly, Frank.” It was the second time a man had apologized to her that

day, only Frank’s meant much more to her than King Victor’s. “How could I hold a grudge

against you when you’re here helping me find my sister? And yes, that apology is a good start.”

She reached up and threaded her hand through his thick hair.

Frank pulled her next to him, his face so close that she could feel his hot breath and his

hammering heart. “I’ve been wanting to hold you since the second I saw you wearing that sexy

Indiana Jones hat and camouflage,” he said.

“I’ve been dying to run a hand through that gorgeous hair of yours from the moment I laid

eyes on you at base camp. And you’re right.”

“About what?”

“It was awe when I first saw you, not fright.”

“I knew it! You’re crazy about me.”

“Let’s not get carried away now.” When she touched his face, she knew every defense she’d

built against him was starting to melt. He had to care about her, even if they hadn’t seen eye to

eye in the past. No man would dive deeper into some bizarre world they knew nothing about,

especially while being placed on Tastia’s most wanted list, just to rescue a girl unless he cared

deeply for her. Closing her eyes, she let go as he captured her lips with a slow and gentle kiss.

She felt the familiar flutter and wrapped her arms around him. She had to admit to herself that

she had missed him. He didn’t push any further, and she rested in his warm, comforting arms.

She tried to forget about everything, but the events of the day marched through her mind,

making her tremble.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

Slowly, the words came out. “No, I’m not.”

Stroking the side of her cheek, he whispered, “Everything’s going to be fine.”

“But what if it isn’t?” she said.

“We have the ring. It’s the answer to all of our problems.”

“I don’t think so. I have a feeling it’s only the start of all our problems.”

“No, it’s our way out of here, babe,” he said.

“But Mia said I’m bonded with this king.”

“She’s filling your head with crap she’s been taught since birth, like some of those religious

zealots try to do back home.”

“I don’t know what to think anymore.” She took a deep breath. “We’ve actually seen

Bigfoot for ourselves. We’re not even in our own world. My sister’s out there somewhere. I’m

married to a real-live king. I’m wearing a ring that is a key to some mysterious portal. We’re on

the run. And last but not least, Mia told me that if you’re royalty, you’re an Immortal.”

48

Moonlight pooled in through the cracks of hay piled above them. Sarah’s eyes locked on

Frank’s magnetic gaze, quivering from his gentle touch as his fingers brushed her cheek.

“It’s a lot to process, I know,” he said. “The whole idea of another dimension is deeply,

shockingly unlikely, but here we are. I mean, I’m blown away by all of it—maybe more than you

are because I’m a skeptic by nature—but we’re going to get through this.”

Before she could respond, the king’s voice burst through her thoughts. Come back to me. It

disappeared as fast as it came. “Get out of my head!” she yelled, pressing her fingers against her

temples. She sat up, droplets of sweat rolling down her forehead. Mia was right, for the king

could clearly somehow jump inside her head. It was either that or she was going crazy from lack

of food and water. Worst-case scenario, she was having a mental breakdown. She began to

wonder where the men in white coats were, as she was just about ready for her straightjacket and

her trip on the paddy wagon.

“What’s wrong?” Frank asked. “I’m only trying to help.”

She worried he’d think she was nuts, and she hoped she was just imagining it all based on

what Mia had told her. “I swear I heard King Victor’s voice in my head, begging me to come

back.”

“Whoa. That’s weird. What did he say exactly?” he asked.

“You wouldn’t even believe me if I told you, Mr. Skeptic.”

“I’m trying to have an open mind here. Did I make fun of you? No, I didn’t.”

“Never mind. I’m stressed out right now. Let’s not talk about this. I-I think I’m going to

close my eyes for a little bit.”

“Okay. You’ve been through a lot. Try and get some rest. Goodnight, babe,” Frank said,

turning the other way.

“Hey, Frank. I won’t get mad if you decide to hold me—you know, just for tonight. Just

remember it doesn’t mean anything.”

“It means absolutely nothing. I got it seared into my memory, just like the kiss that you so

didn’t slap me for.”

“Just shut up and hold me,” she whispered.

He wrapped his arms around her, and she closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep.

* * *

The ground thundered underneath pounding hooves, jolting Sarah out of her sleep. She

shook Frank’s arm. “Why are we moving so fast?” She moved one of the haystacks over and

peeked out. She saw no trees, just the rising light of morning spilling through the clouds. She

realized she must have slept all night.

The horses neighed and came to a stop in a meadow at the border of a towering forest. “We

have a big problem,” said Jules in a rushed tone.

Frank jumped off the wagon. “What’s up?”

The king’s voice rolled across Sarah’s mind. Please stop running. You’re going to get us

both killed stepping into enemy territory. She reasoned that if he was so worried about getting

killed, he shouldn’t have his men chasing her into dangerous zones. He would have been safe

and sound if he’d just stayed in his fancy castle. A picture sharpened into focus, and Sarah felt

like she was up in a helicopter looking down; there were swirls of dust, knights, swords,

crossbows, spears, and war-adorned horses. Millions stretched out across the land, thundering

toward them. An icy chill ran through her, and panic ensued. “The king’s men are close! He

didn’t just send a platoon. He sent his entire freaking army!”

“For one person? How do you know?” Jules asked.

49

“I saw a vision.”

Frank shook his head. “Visions? How’s that humanly possible?”

“I’ve been trying to outrun a few soldiers for an hour now through shortcuts. I didn’t know

he had his army after us.” Jules took a breath, his voice frantic. “Our only choice is to take

another short cut, through Shadow Forest. If we take the long way around, we’ll be caught.”

“Cut through the forest then,” Sarah said. “They’re coming! Legions of them!”

Jules looked at her like she’d said the most taboo thing in the world. “It is forbidden. If we

get caught, we’re dead. Then again, if the king’s men catch us, we’re dead anyway.” He glanced

away. “Either way, we’re dead.”

“We can’t sit here and wait for the king’s men to kill us,” Frank said.

Sarah shot him a look. “Or steal this ring off my hand. We can’t wait here like sitting ducks.

I say we take our chances in the forest.”

“You don’t know what you’re asking,” Jules said. “Even the king’s men won’t follow us in

there.”

“Perfect,” Sarah said.

Jules stepped back. “I’m not taking one step into those woods. Nobody—and I mean

nobody—ever comes out alive.”

“You said we’d be dead only if we get caught,” said Frank. “We won’t get caught if they

won’t follow us in.”

“I’m not doing it.” Jules ran a hand through his blond hair. “You two are crazy!”

No, crazy is sitting here and handing ourselves over on a silver platter to a bunch of

psychopathic swordsmen. “Please take the chance, Jules, or I swear I’m going to knock you out

and carry you over my shoulder into that forest.”

“I won’t be the cause of your death,” Jules said. “The more I think about it, King Victor

might kill Frank and me, but he won’t kill you, as long as you beg him for mercy.”

“Now’s not the time to play martyr,” Sarah hissed.

Jules threw his hands up. “You’ll fare better with your husband than this forest. I can assure

you of that.”

“My fake husband. And remember, I deserted him on his wedding night,” Sarah said.

“Nobody does that. He’ll make an example out of me.”

Frank grabbed Jules’s shoulder, shaking it furiously. “We don’t have time for your

superstitious bull crap. Give us two horses or I’m taking them!”

Hooves echoed off in the distance, and Sarah swallowed. “They’re getting closer!”

“Take us in the woods, Jules,” Frank demanded. “You’re playing with our lives here, and

this isn’t a freaking game!”

Jules pivoted back, fear etched in his features. “You’ll be slaughtered.”

“By what?” Sarah asked, her eyes wide. “Tell us what we’re up against.”

“Magical beings,” he answered. “They turn into different forms.”

“Frank shot him an amused look. “Shape-shifters? How do you know they even exist if no

one has ever made it out of there alive to tell the tale?”

“They’re real!” said Jules.

“Nonsense!” Frank yelled. “Get these horses moving NOW!”

“He might have a point. Something in there is scaring these people.” Sarah looked off into

the distance; she could make out men heading toward them on horseback.

“Have you seen these ‘shape shifters’ with your own eyes?” Frank asked.

“No,” Jules said. “Anyone who has ever lain eyes on them is dead.”

50

Frank pointed toward the forest. “I’ll take my chance with them.”

He started to frantically unloosen the reins when Sarah grabbed his arm. “I’m not leaving

Jules here to die.”

“I’m not getting my head chopped off just because he’s afraid of some stupid myth. That

king’s not laying one of his filthy fingers on you, Sarah!”

She glanced over her shoulder. Thousands of mounted soldiers thundered into the open field

where they stood. A shiver slid up her spine, and she pointed toward the forest.

Arrows flew over their heads, and Sarah ducked behind the wagon.

“Forget the horses!” shouted Frank. “RUN!”

f, she thought, determined to have things her way.

The horse neighed, ready to jump into motion. The cart rolled into gear, but it was way too

slow. If the horse didn’t speed up, they’d be back in a cell within minutes…or dead.

From the corner of her eye, she caught Jules waving his hands. “What!?” she yelled.

“Get off of there, you two!”

“Why?” She glared at him as if he was insane. Maybe he was sick and tired of running, but

giving up without a fight wasn’t her style. She started to yell but instead switched to a soft voice

since yelling at him hadn’t accomplished anything. What is that they always say? “It’s easier to

catch flies with honey than with vinegar”? Well, personally, I’d rather just swat him,

but…”Jules, dear, you already said we’re dead either way. Let’s live for a few more hours, take

the gamble. If not for yourself, then do so for Mia. Please? She doesn’t want to see you die…and

neither do I.”

“Perhaps you’re right. But you must move over. I’m driving,” Jules said.

Sarah stifled her satisfied smile and crawled to the back of the wagon, adjusting her dress as

she sat on top of the haystacks next to Frank. Somewhere in the distance, shouts echoed and dogs

barked, and she knew their pursuers might be there within seconds. “Get a move-on, then, Jules,”

she muttered under her breath.

The agitated horses neighed and abruptly stopped, stomping their hooves. Jules snapped the

reins. “Come on!”

But the horses didn’t want any part of crossing the perimeter into the mysterious forest.

Sarah had to wonder if they sensed something she couldn’t. Glancing over her shoulder again,

she gasped. Horsemen were less than 200 feet away, the sun glinting off of the polished metal of

51

their armor. She could hear the troop leader call his men to arms. Their galloping hooves kicked

up clouds of dust as they thundered along, just as it had in her vision. The dust made her eyes

water. She ran a hand over her face, rubbing, but the friction only made it worse. “They’re

coming!” she shouted. “Get those horses moving!”

Jules gave a curt whistle and snapped the reins again. The horses snorted, and the wagon

lurched forward. He tried to steer them into the forest, maneuvering through the giant ferns. “I

hope you know you’re ordering us to our doom!”

“No, Jules, doom is coming up behind us. I think the king’s wrath is far worse than anything

we’re going to find in there,” Frank reasoned.

Sarah glanced behind her and scanned for anybody following them. “Do you think they will

follow us into the forest?”

“I don’t think so,” Frank said. “Look how scared Jules is—and even the horses. I think

they’ll respect the myth simply because they fear it. Walking into this forest is a death sentence,

in their opinion anyway.”

Sarah blinked as every detail along the forest’s edge sharpened into focus: the feathery green

of a fern, the uneven bark of a tree, even a tiny, six-legged insect scurrying across a red-veined

leaf. Unless she had suddenly developed superhero vision, this couldn’t be.

Sunlight shimmered through the towering trees, and a blanket of cold, damp fog surrounded

them, sending goose-bumps up and down her shivering arms. The wagon bounced down the

rocky path as the horses galloped on. Shivering, she pulled her hood up around her ears to keep

warm.

Frank squeezed her hand and pulled her down into the haystacks. “No use getting yourself

all worked up. I’ve learned a lot in my years of reporting, Sarah, and one of them is that magical

beings don’t exist.”

“Like the Immortals?”

“I don’t believe that crap for a minute. I’ve learned to accept that other dimensions are

possible and that unidentified primates can world-hop, but immortality? Not even you could

believe something so ridiculous, right?”

“I’d like to believe that the rulers here made the Immortals up to keep their subjects in line,

but I’m hearing voices in my head and seeing things, Frank.” Wait…did I just admit that to him?

He’s gonna be looking for a medieval straightjacket if I don’t learn to keep my mouth shut.

“Seeing things? Hmm. Maybe this dimension is doing weird things to our bodies. Maybe the

electric and magnetic fields are off. I mean, we weren’t born here. It could take some

physiological toll on us.”

She could only hope that was the truth. The wagon jerked, and Sarah bounced off a

haystack. Putting out her hands, she landed on Frank’s chest. “What the heck was that?”

“I dunno, but the wagon stopped.”

While trying to keep her balance, Sarah climbed onto the haystacks and looked at the wagon

seat. Jules was nowhere in sight. She glanced at Frank with a confused look on her face. “Where

the heck did our driver go? You think he jumped ship…er, uh, wagon?”

“Let’s check it out,” he said, reaching into the hay and pulling out the tranquilizer gun.

“You still have that?”

“Heck yeah! Who knows when we’ll need it? And now might be just the occasion.”

Sarah jumped off the side of the cart and walked to the front. “Easy, boy. It’s okay.” She

patted one of the horses, then looked around into the thick blanket of fog. “Jules?”

An icy wind blew across her face, followed by a menacing whisper in her ear. “Gettt

52

ooout…”

She gasped, her heart pounding a million miles a minute.

The horses neighed and kicked wildly, almost as if they’d heard it, too, as if they sensed

another frightening presence.

“Something’s spooking the horses,” said Frank, appearing beside her.

“Yeah. I…we heard a voice.”

“A voice? What did it sound like?” he asked.

“A whisper…like a ghost. Frank, do you think this forest is really haunted? Like you said,

we weren’t born here, and the people who were probably know more about the place than we

do.”

“I really don’t want to find out,” said Frank, pointing the gun into the forest. “Get back in

the wagon. We’re getting out of here. Time for Plan B…as soon as I think of one.”

Snap! A branch broke amongst the foliage.

Sarah’s heart thumped wildly. She spun in a slow circle, scanning the dark area. “H-hello?”

she stuttered, terrified.

Eerie whispers echoed from all around, as if invisible beings were speaking directly in her

ear. Shadows drifted in the trees all around them, causing the hair at the nape of Sarah’s neck to

stand on end. “Do you…you hear that? Those voices?”

“I don’t hear anything.”

“You sure? They’re everywhere,” she said, aghast that he couldn’t hear them. Maybe I’m

losing it, having some kind of a breakdown, Sarah thought. She gripped his arm tightly. “Oh

gosh, Frank. There’s something wrong…with my brain.”

“No, I think you’re all right. There is something off in this place though,” said Frank.

“We’d better high-tail it out of here…like NOW!”

“What about Jules? We can’t just leave him behind, Frank. I couldn’t do that to Mia, not

after all she risked to help me.”

A slow growl echoed through the air.

Sarah froze. “Wh-what was that? And please tell me you heard it too.”

“Yeah, I heard it all right. Sounded like some kind of wild animal.” Frank’s hand tightened

around hers. “Let’s get out of here!”

“But Jules is—”

A deep growl rumbled from the vegetation. Sarah glanced up just as a black wolf, the size of

a lion, lurched through the ferns toward her. Sarah staggered back against the wagon, gasping.

Eyes blazing, body tensed, the furry beast bared his teeth. She suddenly felt like she was playing

Little Red Riding Hood in virtual 3D—complete with dark forest, hooded cloak, and the big, bad

wolf with real sharp teeth to eat her with. She took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. “Back

up slowly…very slow,” she whispered, hoping Frank could hear her. Her hands were clammy,

and she had a death-grip on him, even though she knew he would be just as helpless against the

wild animal as she was.

The wolf snarled, its top lip quivering over razor-sharp teeth. The horses stood on their hind

legs, neighing in terror.

As Sarah looked feverishly for an escape route, she noticed that the fog had mysteriously

lifted, and hundreds of wolves surrounded the wagon. “There are so, so many! Wh-where did

they all come from?” she muttered, afraid to speak too loudly and set them off.

“Have you ever seen a pack this big?” asked Frank, taking another step back. He pointed the

tranquilizer gun directly at the front wolf.

53

“Never!”

The largest wolf inched closer. It lifted its muzzle to the morning sky and let out a primal

howl. The others followed its lead. The bloodcurdling noise sent shivers through Sarah’s body.

“Get back on the wagon,” Frank said. “I’m sure the horses can outrun them.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

A voice thundered inside Sarah’s head. “Leave, and we will tear you to shreds.”

She yanked Frank’s arm, showing him she meant business. “No, Frank, change of plans. We

need to stay put.”

“Are you crazy, Sarah? I’m not gonna stand here and become a snack for those—

“Frank! If we move, they’ll kill us.”

“Now’s not the time to freeze up on me, Sarah. Now get on the wagon and let’s go!”

She took a steadying breath. “No, I mean it. I heard them, Frank, crazy as that sounds. They

said if we leave, they’ll rip us to shreds.”

“What? Maybe you are losing it, Sarah.”

She slowly met Frank’s gaze. “Listen, I’m going to try and reason with them.”

“But they’re wolves!” he shot back.

“I think this pack’s intelligent. Maybe they’re the shape-shifters Jules warned us about.”

“It sounds absolutely crazy…but then again, this whole thing is insane. I suppose if you’re

hearing voices, maybe they’re trying to talk to you telepathically.”

Sarah gazed into the black eyes of the alpha male, or so she assumed. “We mean no harm.

We were being chased. Our lives were in danger, and we had nowhere else to go. We beg you for

sanctuary.”

Frank nudged her. “No, Sarah, not sanctuary. Ask for safe passage.”

She bowed deeply. “We throw ourselves at your mercy and ask for safe passage.” She felt

like an idiot.