Corabell and Her Beast Read online

  Corabell and Her Beast

  By: Savannah Brown

  Note

  Every character in this book is fictional. No resemblance to actual people. It’s a fictional world that I hope you all enjoy. It’s my take on a fairy tale and I hope to do more. Thank you! I hope you all enjoy!

  ©2019 by Savannah Brown

  All rights reserved.

  Chapter 1

  Corabell

  Life is difficult! I try to make it easier every day for my family but it’s harder than I thought. Our mother passed away giving birth to the twins. They were a surprise, considering I was ten when they came along.

  My parents tried for years to have children and they finally had me. So, it was a surprise when she found herself to be pregnant again.

  So, like I said the twins were not expected. My father and I tried our best to raise them right.

  At eighteen I should have left home and found a husband. I made the decision not to, since my father traveled so much for work. I instead got a job at the library.

  That scared a few of my suiters away.

  The women in town hate me. I’m a hard worker, intelligent and I must assume pretty.

  I have long chestnut brown hair that has a bounce to it that I hate. I can’t tame it for anything. My eyes are what I love the most about myself, they are a sky blue that tends to mesmerize most people.

  It’s still early but not that early. I’ve been up for hours cleaning and cooking. The twins should be up soon, hopefully. Our father is still gone on business and I have no idea when he will return.

  Evelyn and Raylyn turned ten last month. Our father was here for them but left shortly after. He travels a lot for his work and I haven’t seen him much in years. I know he sells things I’m just not sure what exactly.

  I stare down at my baby blue dress, I love the way it fits me. My father brought it home from his last trip. It is made perfectly and must have cost him a fortune. I still love it though. It’s perfect for me in every way; plus, much need since I hemmed up some of my other dresses for the twins to grow into.

  No need for me to throw them out when they can still be used. I quickly take off my apron and go in search of the twins. They need to get up and eat before school. I hoped they would have been up and dressed by now but there is no sign of them.

  As I hurry up the stairs I think about my life. I haven’t married because the twins need me; plus, men don’t like it when a woman works. I spend my days at the library earning a little money to help pay for food. Most men want to start their own family and wouldn’t be too happy that I have two ten-year-old girls in my care.

  I have a feeling I will be alone for the rest of my life. It’s not a terrible thing just lonely. I’m well read, a good cook, a decent housekeeper and polite. I could become a governess or something. I sigh and hurry to the twin’s room.

  I reach the door and walk inside. I stare in wonder at the chaos in front of me. Both girls are holding part of a dress. The dress is yellow with little pink flowers on it, it’s the one my father brought home last month.

  Sometimes I think he forgets they are twins and gets one of something. Then they fight over it none stop until I step in and fix the problem.

  There are other dresses, ribbons, shoes, and fabric thrown around the room. It looks like a natural disaster in here. Therefore, I always make matching clothes for them.

  “GIRLS!” I yell over their bickering.

  They both stop talking, drop the dress and stare at me. Then they both start talking at the same time to tell me what was going on.

  “Stop! How about you both wear different dresses and I’ll make another one like this.” I tell them. It means more work for me but anything to get them to stop their arguing.

  “Yes, Bell. We’re sorry!” They both say in unison. I nod to them both as they grab other dresses to put on.

  “Breakfast is ready. Hurry so we’re not late.” I tell them as I leave the room. I love those two, but they sure do try my patience.

  I hurry back down the stairs to wait on them. No need to stay and watch they tend to listen to me very well after I yell.

  Five minutes later they are rushing down the stairs and almost stumbling in their hurry. As they sit to eat, I grab the brush and do their hair. Tying bows into it to help keep it out of their faces all day.

  Once they are finished, I clean up quickly and then usher them out the door. We walk across town to the little school building and I watch as they run inside before I turn to head to the library.

  I tend to take refuge in all the books. It’s what keeps me from going insane most days. I quickly get to work organizing books and putting back books that people have returned.

  Before lunch, the only people I encounter are the older ladies and the other book worms in town. The children will come after school and the young mothers will arrive after lunch.

  I take a quick lunch then return to my desk. No point staying gone for too long. The old man that owns the library never leaves but I still feel the need to be here to help others.

  Today when I return there is a young man standing in front of my desk, looking around. He’s wearing nice clothes and looks out of place in our small town. He has a bag over one shoulder and a stack of papers in one hand.

  He has short blond hair, blue-grey eyes and is quite tall. He carries himself like a noble man but there aren’t many of those around here. They hardly ever come into town, normally bypassing us, going to the North Kingdom. He looks to be looking for someone or something. Maybe I can help him and get him on his way quickly.

  “Can I help you with something, Sir?” I ask as politely as I can. He turns at my voice and looks me up and down before speaking.

  “I’m looking for Miss Corabell James, daughter of Winston James. Are you her?” He says so formally that I’m taken back a little.

  “I am. How can I help you today mister…”? I almost said Lord but then again, I don’t know his name or his station.

  “Lord Thomas Blair, but you can just call me Thomas. I am here on behalf of my…boss to collect a debt that is owed to him. Your father isn’t the man you think he is, Miss Corabell.” I stare dumb founded at this man sitting in front of me. Did he think I was stupid?

  “Well Mister Thomas, I am a very well-educated woman. I’ll need to see facts, I won’t just take your word for it.” I tell him. I figured he would have everything I needed to see. I can’t let him walk all over me.

  If my father owes a lord money than I need to know why. I can’t risk everything just on his word. I have the twins and myself to think about.

  “I thought you would say that.” He sits the stack of papers in front of me and then rummages around his bag and pulls out more. “This is all the proof I brought with me if you need more it will take a few days to get it to you.” He says with a straight face that I can’t read.

  I life the first page and read a few lines before places it back on the stack and turning back to Mister Thomas.

  “Mister Thomas, if what you say is true and my father owes a large debt, then why aren’t you talking to him?” I ask. I know my father is in Bellfont, at least that’s where he said he would be. I think that’s where he is at least. You know what I don’t know. He travels so much I can’t keep track of him.

  “We’ve been searching for him for a little over a month now. We seem to be behind him. He signed this contract and the terms have yet to be met. I hate to place this burden on you, but the contract involves you. I’ve waited a few weeks to approach you, but my boss is wanting answers, soon.” He says. I nod in understanding.

  “I haven’t seen him since last month. He travels so much that I’m not even sure where he is. I thought he said Bellfont,
but I could be wrong. How long will you be in Riverton for, Mister Thomas?” I rambled.

  “Please read the contract and all the information I gave you. I’ll be back in two days to talk with you. Until then.” He stands and leaves.

  Leaving me with a sinking feeling that this can’t be good. I stand up and pace, this day needs to be over with and soon. I stack the papers on top of the books I am taking home with me and get back to work.

  No need to worry right now that can come later.

  Chapter 2

  Marshall

  I am a raving beast! That’s what everyone sees at least. I’m tall with a large body, broad shoulders, and lots of muscle.

  I’m not refines like most lords or royalty. I’m rough around the edges and blunt. So very blunt, I tend to speak my mind a little too much. Even though I know I shouldn’t.

  I think the worst part of all that is that I truly do turn into a beast. I was cursed years ago by a witch that said my ego was too big, I was rude, a womanizer and not fit to be around people.

  The curse is simple and complicated all at once. I can be in the presence of people but not for long. Bring a woman around and I’m done.

  The curse changes me into a beast when people get to close to me. Women who take an interest in me tend to back off once the hair starts sprouting and my features change. I have a few close friends, they have stayed by my side even when I change.

  If a woman can love me for the monster, I become the curse will be broken. The thing is I won’t let women close to me at all now. I tried at first allowing them to line up and try to get to know them. Only to scare them away when the change started.

  If my soul mate is to come close to me the beast will be calm and only appear when she is threatened. Over the years I quit allowing women of marriageable age to be around me. I won’t allow myself to scare them anymore.

  That leaves the men. I still turn when I get angry so most the time no one pushes me. It’s caused my life to become…boring.

  I moved myself to the Northern mountains to get away from society and everyone trying to break my curse. I have resigned myself to live with it forever. It’ll be a miracle if I ever find true love.

  I don’t see a lot of visitors that come here. I have Thomas deal with them and then I sign off on things as I see fit.

  Self-imposed exile!

  But one commoner caught my attention and I had to see him myself. He proposed a deal that I couldn’t pass up.

  If I gave him the money, he asked for then he would give his eldest daughters hand in marriage. Considering I’ll never have a better offer than that I took it. I don’t know the girl and she doesn’t know me so that makes it even better.

  I paid him and…I never saw his daughter. I gave him two years to bring her to me and it’s been two and a half now. I haven’t been able to find him either. I know where she is, so I sent Thomas to talk to her.

  I also gave him enough evidence of her father’s dirty dealing to convince her to take a chance here with me. Hopefully, she isn’t like her father and is a decent person.

  I don’t like being made a fool of and that’s what Winston did. It’s why I had the contract drawn up and why I will enforce it. It just seems that Winston is going to back out of this deal.

  Thomas has orders to go to the daughter if he can’t find Winston. I had hoped it wouldn’t come to that, but I have a feeling it will. Winston is a thief and a crook, he wouldn’t do the right thing even if forced to.

  I stop pacing my bedroom and head to the library, which is also my office. I have a few correspondences to get to, no use putting them off. I’ll have my hands full once Corabell gets here and I need to be caught up on work.

  That also brings me to the fact that I have a wedding to plan. I don’t know when she will arrive, but I hope it’s soon. I’ll marry her the day after she arrives. I won’t give her time to change her mind.

  Maybe one day she can learn to love me for me and this curse will be broken. Until then I want to have a companion, a friend and maybe a family.

  The small staff I do have here tend to stay far enough away that I don’t have to deal with them. It’s nice but also lonely. They are mostly men too and I tend to get angry easier as the years go by.

  I will have to get more staff once she arrives and maybe more women around too. I don’t know how I feel about having nothing but men around my wife.

  Miss Corabell James, the young woman whose life was sold to me by her worthless father. She won’t know what hit her when she finds out and I feel sorry for her. She doesn’t know what awaits her here in the Northern Kingdom. I have a feeling she is about to find out though.

  I stare out the window lost in thought when there’s a knock on the door. I’m not expecting anyone and Clayton won’t bother me unless absolutely necessary.

  “Come in!” I yell to whoever is on the other side.

  In walks Clayton, my butler, with a young woman behind him. He gives me a sad look then announces her.

  “Lady Clementine, my lord.” He says and steps to the side to allow her entrance. He knows I don’t like having women here. They want my title and money and I know that. It’s why so many try to stay even when the curse takes over.

  I know it won’t take effect until she is in my presence for a longer period of time. The thing is though I feel it under my skin and it wants her gone. The beast hates women throwing themselves at me.

  “State your business!” I say in a rough but bored voice. I barely look at her as she steps closer, trying to get my attention. Years ago, before the curse, it would have worked and I would be trying to woo her. Not now though.

  “Lord Rowan, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am here to offer you my hand in marriage…” I growl when she says marriage. I stand up and make myself as large as I can. I let the beast take over some and start to sprout fur on my arms and face.

  She gasps but doesn’t run, yet. I won’t let the change take me fully, it’ll happen whether I want it to or not if she stays longer though. I’m tired of women always wanting to offer their hand but I know they don’t want me, just what I can offer them.

  “Lady Clementine, I regret to inform you that I am already betrothed. She will be arriving here soon and our wedding is to take place in two months’ time. Would you be so kind as to tell others and make your way out the door?” I know it was a little harsh, but I needed to make my point.

  “I’m sorry my…kin...lord. I had no idea, I’ll be leaving at once then.” She says and curtseys before darting out the door.

  “No more female visitors until after Corabell arrives please. Also alert me when Thomas sends word or returns with my bride.” I tell Clayton before he takes off after the girl.

  I sit back down and sigh. It seems like every week a new woman arrives and offers to marry me. What I wouldn’t do for one of them to be sincere instead of greedy. My bride will want for nothing.

  Since I am the mystery King of the Northern Kingdom! I hide myself away and only a select few know who I truly am. Mostly the people that need my help and the Lords of course.

  Chapter 3

  Corabell

  After dinner I finally get the girls settled down. It takes me a while since they both refused to listen to a thing I had to say. This happens so often. They claim they don’t have to listen since I’m not their mother or father for that matter.

  I finally get the chance to sit at the table and go over some of the papers Mister Thomas gave me. I need to understand what is going on and how much my father owes.

  Since my mother died my father has been acting differently. I just assumed it was because he lost his wife and wasn’t happy any more. I have a feeling I was wrong.

  The first couple of papers show how much money my father has gambled away. The people he owes and how much he owes them. He’s borrowed money from a lot of people over the years.

  I guess that answers why sometimes he brings gifts and other times he has nothing. It explains a lot of his behavi
or the last couple of times I have seen him.

  I pick up another page and start trembling. It’s a drawing of my father, it says he’s wanted for robbing a bank. Really, borrowing money and not paying it back is one thing but robbery. I don’t know if this can get any worse.

  I pick up a stack of papers and notice it’s some kind of contract. At this point I’m not surprised by anything until I get to the end of it and gasp. I drop the papers and start to cry.

  In exchange for a hefty sum of money my father sold me to a lord in the Northern Kingdom. He was to either pay back the money in two years or bring me to him so we could be wed. From the date it’s been two and a half years.

  I have a feeling that my father didn’t pay the money and Lord Thomas is here to collect me. This is possibly the worst thing my father could have done. I can’t pay back the money he borrowed and they must know that.

  If I don’t go willingly, they will take the house and everything in it to pay the debt owed. I can’t believe my father would do this to us. Me mostly but this greatly effects the twins too.

  How careless is my father?

  Does he even know what he’s done?

  Where is he anyways?

  Is this why he has been gone for so long?

  I carefully stack the papers back up and head to my room. I need to talk to Thomas but it’s getting late. I’ll have to wait until morning to send him a message to see me. Until then I’ll do my best to forget what my father did and try to think of this as an adventure.

  It’s not a hard decision for me to make. Maybe it’s my fate that I marry a man I don’t know so I can have the family I have always wanted. I need to make a list of things that I need to pack and we will sell the rest.

  Maybe I can convince my betrothed to let me keep the house after we marry. I can pass it on to the twins when they come of age, if they want it. If not, I’ll sell it along with the memories it holds.

  As I get ready for bed, I pull out a little notebook and set it on my nightstand. I set the candle next to it and quickly change into a nightgown and braid my hair. Then I start to write, I end up having a full page before I decide I need to get some sleep. I end up tossing and turning for hours before sleep finally takes me.