Fiendish Grace (Beastly Beauty Book 1) by Emma Coal

Author:Emma Coal [Coal, Emma]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Nine Tails Story Crafting
Published: 2019-01-04T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen: Ruby

“Papa, what happened? It’s been three days.”

Johan regarded his daughter from his place nestled deep within a cozy armchair. It seemed to her that he was hiding. He’d led her to the library in an attempt to placate her but Grace would not relent. She sat on the edge of her armchair watching her father intently.

“I-I don’t know,” said Johan, his mustaches contributing to his look of shame.

“What do you mean? Were you injured? Are you hurt now?”

Johan rubbed his head, rumpling his steel grey hair and Grace noted the movement with increasing concern.

“Did you hit your head?”

“I think I did, my dear. Quite recently judging by the knot in my scalp. I either hit myself or something hit me. I don’t remember what happened before I came to this grand house, I barely remember leaving home. Something must have happened, of course, but I don’t have any inkling what.”

Grace smiled. “Father, I have something. It will resolve most of our problems.”

She grabbed the sack she’d sat beside the chair and rummaged through it, producing the wrapped parcel with a grunt. Her father watched bemused as she undid the twine and carefully removed the aging sacking to reveal the little wooden chest. Triumphantly, she lifted the lid and held out the box with both hands like an offering.

Johan regarded the little treasure box. His breath caught. He could see gems in that box and one, an emerald about the size of his thumb with brilliant color, caught his focus. He shook his head slowly and reached out. Grace tried to put the box in his hands but Johan gently closed the lid and pushed it back.

“My dear, this is quite a find. I truly want to know its origins but we have more pressing matters.”

Grace frowned and set the box on the side table, noting with surprise that she had to push a small plate of sandwich biscuits, filled with ruby jam, to one side to do so. She looked at her father with raised eyebrows and nodded at the biscuits.

“What is going on here, Papa?”

“Honestly, I have no idea.”

Grace stood. “Then let’s go. We need to get home. Louise is worried. Elsbeth is falling apart. What are you waiting for, papa?” She held out a hand for him to take.

Johan looked away. “I’ve tried to leave. It’s how I got the bump on my head. It’s impossible. I have no idea why but we’re stuck here. I’m afraid we are both doomed, I’m sorry my girl. I’ve failed you.”

“What do you mean? I’m here and I can lead you out of the mist. There are roses on the grounds just outside. Once we return you won’t have to worry about money. Everything is fine and about to get better. What are you talking about?”

Johan sighed. “When I remembered the contract, I tried to break a window. The house prevented me. It’s alive. It’s been feeding me, warming me and allowing me to explore. I’ll take a gander that the house wanted you here as well, perhaps to keep me from trying to leave again.

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