Corabell and Her Beast Page 4

  “I thought it best you didn’t know. Damn it stop throwing things at me. Maybe your father knew about the first contract and decided he would try to defraud money out of Marshall. You won’t know unless you ask your father and that won’t happen until you find him.” She sighs and nods. Sitting down she stops throwing books.

  I stay where I am for a few more minutes no need to interrupt yet. I’ll find out more.

  “Thomas, is he a good man? I’ve heard rumors that he’s a womanizer and won’t stay true to me. I know that rumors are just that but I’m worried.” Thomas sits next to her and puts his arm around her. That’s all it takes for me to barge in on them.

  “Marshall! Glad you could join the party.” Thomas says.

  “Get your hand off her, you idiot.” Thomas laughs and moves his arm.

  It’s deadly quiet as I try to calm my nerves. Hopefully, she doesn’t throw books at me to. I open my mouth to speak when she puts her hand up and stops me.

  “Thomas answer my question!” She says sternly.

  “He’s not a womanizer, that’s for sure. He’s a good man when he keeps his temper in control. The rumors of the curse are true, though. He will stay true to you. That I know for certain.” Thomas says as he gets up to leave.

  “Goodnight Thomas. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Corabell says as he leaves.

  She is beautiful and caring. Her concerns are valid. I have heard the rumors I just never thought much about them. She stares at me for a minute before I sit next her and sigh.

  “Well it’s nice to finally met you. I can’t tell you how many different scenarios I ran through my head about what you looked like.” She says. I laugh and smile the best I can.

  “Well you did just see me at my worst. The curse turns me to a beast. I have some control but not much. When my emotions are raised it is worse. Why did you run?” I ask quietly.

  “I don’t like being the center of attention. You changing didn’t scare me it intrigued me. I want to know more.” So, we stayed right there on the settee and talked into the night.

  I told her everything I knew about the curse. It wasn’t much but it was nice to talk to someone about it. I felt calm and relaxed for the first time in my life. We talked until dawn. When she started to yawn, I stood up and walked her to her room.

  It was a great start. Hopefully, we can talk more and get closer.

  Chapter 8

  Corabell

  The ball was weird but fun. At least it was until I left it in tears. I mean it was a lot to take in that my betrothed was a King and not two men but one. With Thomas’s reassurances I feel better about the situation.

  The past week has been a whirl wind of fittings, parties, and late-night talks with Marshall. I like him and he is quickly becoming a good friend. I feel things for him that I never thought I would get to feel.

  Our wedding is days away and we have agreed that we would not see each other until I walk down the aisle. It’s harder than I thought it would be. I have gotten use to seeing him every day.

  He has only gone into ‘beast mode’ a handful of times. He thought I would run away but really, I kind of like how he changes. It reminds me of some stories I have read. It feels like my own mini fairy tale.

  Today is the day that I marry my beast! I got up earlier than I planned but I think the nerves are getting the best of me.

  Marshall is a wonderful man. He is intelligent and handsome. Sometimes he’s a brooding jerk but I’ve come to love all him. I can live with him having a short temper, sprouting fur, and changing into a beast at times.

  I sit in the tub longer than I should, but I know that after I become his wife and a queen, I won’t have a lot of free time to myself. This country is going to be mine as well I need to help make it run a little smoother.

  I quickly dry off and run the brush through my hair. My maid, Julie, softly knocks on the door and lets her self in.

  She helps me into my dress and then gets to work doing something with my messy hair. When she is done, I admire her work in the mirror. My brown hair is half up and half down with curls framing my face. It looks elegant and something I never would have been able to complete on my own.

  She helps me pin my veil on and then I just wait. Nothing to do but wait! Since my father is no longer in the picture, I am walking down the aisle alone.

  It scares me but I can do this. I look around the room one last time. Most of my belongings have been moved to the room I will be sharing with Marshall. Only a few things remain and those will be moved shortly.

  I stare in the mirror until there is a knock on the door and Julie answers it for me.

  “My lady, it’s time!” She says as I turn around.

  I nod and walk towards the door. Thomas is standing there holding a bouquet of flowers and smiling. He hands them to me and takes my elbow to help me down the stairs.

  We make it to the ball room that the ceremony is taking place in and I stop and stare at the door. It’s now or never!

  Marshall

  I have had to control the beast non-stop since Corabell locked herself in her room. It’s only been two days, but I feel as if I am losing control the longer she is away from me.

  I had Clayton trim my hair and get my best suit out for the wedding. He can’t stop smiling which causes me to lash out at times.

  Clayton is use to it so he doesn’t say or do anything to try to get the beast to unleash. I thank him and then head to the ball room to check and make sure that everything is in place. I don’t want any glitches today.

  It’s finally time for me to stand in my place at the front of the room. I stand there with Thomas at my side. He is smiling also, and I know he’s already seen Corabell.

  At times I let my anger get the best of me. I know that! I let the beast take control and the beast’s thoughts are always jumbled. The beast always tries to lose control when Corabell isn’t near.

  My thoughts are clear, but the beast thinks that Thomas is more than Corabell’s friend. I know that is crazy but try telling that to the raving beast inside me. It takes all my self-control to keep the beast at bay right now.

  Finally, the doors at the end of the aisle open and Corabell enters with Clayton on her arm. That makes me smile. I know she was worried about walking down the aisle alone. I’m glade she is finding a father figure in Clayton.

  I scan the crowd and notice that a few of the women are staring daggers at Corabell. They don’t like her and wish they were her. I honestly can’t blame them.

  Corabell is smart, pure, beautiful, and loving to all. She is the perfect woman and will make the perfect queen. I know that for a fact.

  The lacy dress and veil do nothing to hide her beauty. It looks as if they were made for her, but I happen to know they were her mothers. She looks like an angel and it takes my breath away.

  When she reaches me, it takes a lot of self-control to not throw her over my shoulder and run out of the room. I do the right thing and take her hand as we turn towards the pastor in front of us.

  The ceremony is fast and for me it was a blur. I couldn’t help but stare at the lovely woman standing next to me. We say our vows, exchange rings and then I kiss my bride. The very first kiss and I know without a doubt it won’t be our last.

  I hear the applause and it’s what brings me out of my daydreaming. We turn to face our guests and I still see a lot of angry faces on some. It’s a fact that they will have to get over and quickly if they want to continue to be a part of this court.

  I hold Corabell’s hand as we walk down the aisle and out the large doors at the end. It’s time to go to our wedding party. It’s across the hall in the other ball room. I pull Corabell to the side and into a small alcove.

  Leaning down I kiss her. She pushes her body closer to mine and kisses me back with so much passion. It feels like forever, but I know it’s only been moments when I hear someone clear their throat.

  I turn to see Thomas standing there smiling. I really don’t like him right now.


  “The guests are awaiting your arrival.” He says and turns to leave.

  Corabell smiles at me and we leave the alcove. Standing in front of the double doors I smile at her.

  “You ready, my love?” I ask her. She nods and the doors are opened.

  “King and Queen Marshall Rowan Edwards!” One of the guard’s yells into the room. We walk in and greet our people hand in hand.

  Chapter 9

  Corabell

  When I was waiting to walk down the aisle, I spotted Clayton off to the side. It was then that I had the brilliant idea to have him walk me down the aisle. He is the closet thing to a father I have had in years. It was perfect.

  He smiled and accepted my offer. It made the walk a little easier and made me feel as if I was on top of the world. He is an amazing man and has been there for me no matter what these last few weeks.

  The wedding its self was a blur. I couldn’t concentrate on the pastor with the way Marshall kept staring at me. I know I saw a few angry glares as I walked down the aisle, but I fear that will be normal that the one man they all wanted is off the market.

  Marshall cut his hair, it was a shaggy brown but now it’s short and combed. I had a large smile on my face that I couldn’t hold back. He cleans up nice, that’s for sure.

  Once the pastor pronounces us husband and wife Marshall kisses me. It’s a deep and passionate kiss that is not for others to see. Thankfully, the crowd applauses and it pulls us apart.

  We race down the aisle and into the hall. Marshall pulls me to the side and into an alcove and we kiss. I pour all my passion into the kiss. It’s a kiss that we have tried to keep at bay all these weeks and can finally let go.

  We pull apart when someone clears their throat next to us. I know it must be Thomas or Clayton, so I pull away and smile sweetly. It’s what I am expected to do.

  It’s Thomas and he says something that I don’t quite catch. We move to stand in front of the doors and wait to enter.

  “King and Queen Marshall Rowan Edwards!” The guard yells into the room for all to turn and stare at us. I blush of course with so many eyes on me, but Marshall tightens his hold and I know I am safe with him by my side.

  Since meeting him in person I have always asked questions and he has always answered them. I am a person that likes information! This curse is something that I can live with for the rest of my life if I need to.

  I have barely seen the twins since arriving here. Thomas assures me that they are thriving, but I still worry. They can be a handful. I spot them off to the side with Thomas and a few guards. I rush to them and hug them tight.

  “My beautiful girls! I have missed you so much. Please, tell me what you have been doing.” I say with a smile on my face.

  I can’t help but laugh when they start talking at the same time. I try to listen to both girls but finally must stop them.

  “One at a time, please. I can’t take in so much information that fast.” I tease them. They giggle and Evelyn starts talking.

  They tell me all about the new school they are attending. How they have made so many friends and are learning to ride the horses. They are excited to be able to run around without any fear. They get whatever they tend to ask for and are fed very well.

  They giggle when they tell me some of the pranks they have pulled and I can’t help but laugh with them. They are doing well here and for that I am grateful.

  “I made you something, Bell.” Evelyn says excitedly. Raylyn nods too.

  “You did! That is wonderful, who taught you?” I ask. I always wanted to teach them sewing, embroidery, cooking, and housekeeping but I never had the time. With two of them they tend to get a little loud when arguing with each other.

  “One of our many tutors that Lord Marshall found for us. She isn’t as good as you, but she taught us well.” Raylyn says.

  I nod and follow them across the room to a table set up with gifts. They point out theirs and I make a mental note to open those first.

  “Well, thank you, both of you. Now how about you get a slice of cake.” They gladly walk off to find the sweets.

  I watch them for a minute then turn to find my brooding husband. It takes me a minute, but I finally spot him.

  He is standing with a short bald man and doesn’t look happy. I start walking towards him when I notice the girl firmly attached to his right arm. She is smiling up at him as if she were his bride.

  I notice that he hasn’t pushed her off yet. I stand there staring for a few minutes then turn away. No point in watching and breaking my heart.

  I turn around quickly and run into Thomas. He grabs my arms and hold me up, so I don’t fall. He doesn’t look happy either.

  We both turn at a sudden commotion near the tables with food. We both head over to find the twins covered in cake and punch. I sigh as Thomas picks one girl up and then the other. He’s saying something to them, but I really can’t hear him over the murmuring people around me.

  “Corabell! Come help me!” Thomas yells over at me. I rush to his side and help him set Raylyn down. She was wiggling so much he almost dropped her.

  I follow them out the door and up the stairs to the girl’s room. Thomas sets Evelyn down and I let go of Raylyns arm. I can’t believe they had to cause trouble today of all days.

  “What happen? I thought we talked about behaving today?” Thomas yells at them. I place my hand on his arm to get him to calm down. He looks down at it and sighs.

  “I’m sorry, Bell. Today was supposed to be perfect and it seems to have gone to hell in just minutes.” He says as he sits in a chair.

  “It’s not your fault, Thomas. Girls change! Then we will talk.” They don’t argue as they take off to get out of their ruined dresses.

  I sigh and sit in the chair opposite Thomas’s. We don’t have to wait long before they return.

  “Tell me what happen?” I say quietly.

  “Well…Raylyn was teasing a boy and he smashed cake in her face. So, I threw my cup of punch at him. Then things got crazy!” Evelyn says just as quietly as me.

  “So, Raylyn started it and you both ended it. I figured as much. Raylyn you can’t tease people not now that you are a Princess. It can’t happen again. You are a Lady and must act as one.” They both nodded and apologized. I know they are young, but they can’t keep this up.

  “Thomas?” Evelyn says.

  “Yes, Princess?” He says as she climbs into his lap.

  “The boy said that Bell will never be his true Queen. That his sister should have been the one to marry Lord Marshall and not her.” I hear the sadness in her voice and I want to cry.

  I know so many of those women out there don’t like me. They think I stole something from them even though I am the Duchess of the Norther Kingdom. A title just below the Royals. I have more standing then they do and they still won’t accept me.

  He sighs and stands up. He places Evelyn in the chair and then kneels in front of both girls. They stare at him with tears in their eyes.

  “You are Princess’s, Bell is the Queen. Those people are jealous and want the life that you now have. I will deal with the boy and his family later. Now both of you get ready for a nap. Then I’ll wake you up for dinner.” I smile at his answer and watch the twins until they close the door to their bedroom.

  I turn at a noise at the door and see Marshall standing there. Thomas gives him a frown and I sigh. I know I need to get back to the party, I just really don’t want too.

  In the hall he grabs my arm and stares daggers at me. Thomas leaves the room and looks at the hand still gripping my arm. Marshall quickly drops it.

  “I’m fine, Thomas, I’ll be down shortly. Please go socialize for a bit.” I say to him. He nods and walks away.

  “What’s going on with you and Thomas?” Marshall says in a harsh voice that he has never used with me before.

  “He is a friend, Marshall. We have been over this. I can’t believe you would think…Never mind I can believe it. Let’s get back to the party and
pretend to be in love, my King.” I say just as harshly as him.

  Chapter 10

  Marshall

  I watched as Corabell left the party with Thomas and the twins. I felt jealous and confused. They both had looked at me with anger before they left and I honestly couldn’t figure out why.

  That’s when I noticed the girl holding tightly to my arm was smiling up at me like she was my bride. I tried to get her to let go but she held on tighter.

  I was losing patients fast. I could feel myself changing now that Corabell was gone. The woman on my arm noticed and pulled back disgusted with the hair that was now covering my hands and body.

  Therefore, I could never be with any of them. They don’t understand and they run. Corabell is different. She isn’t afraid and she doesn’t mind the beast.

  “I think that my daughter Gretta would make a perfect mistress for you, King Marshall. She is…” I growl at what the man is saying.

  “I will have you know that I will not be taking a mistress like my father. I plan to be an honorable husband to Corabell. If you do not agree with this, you may leave court and forfeit all your land bac to the crown. That goes for everyone in this room.” I was yelling now. I am not my father and I will not have other women.

  They all stare at me like I have two heads. I see some men nodding and agreeing with my decision. Also, a lot of the women agree too. Some look like they want to cry because they have lost a chance at having a comfortable life doing nothing at all.

  As I start to leave the room I have so many people tell me that I am doing the honorable thing and that they respect me more for that. I nod and keep going. I need to find my wife and I need to find her fast before the beast takes over.

  I climb the stairs to the twin’s bedroom and stand in the doorway. I listen and watch as Corabell and Thomas talk to the girls and each other. I know they are friends, but the beast doesn’t. I must keep him in check, I don’t want to scare the twins.

  Once Corabell walks into the hall I grab her arm. The beast is taking control and I know that. The next few minutes are a blur as I see Thomas and then Corabell and then she is walking away from me.