Disdain: A Cinderella Retelling (Tales of Cinder Book 2) Read online

  Disdain

  Tales of Cinder, Book 2

  M.J. Haag

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Author’s Note

  Character List

  Series Reading Order

  Excerpt from Damnation

  Copyright © 2019 Melissa Haag

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without express written permission from the author.

  ISBN 978-1-943051-21-2 (eBook Edition)

  ISBN 978-1-943051-53-3 (CreateSpace Paperback Edition)

  ISBN 978-1-943051-23-6 (Paperback Edition)

  The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similar to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Editing by Ulva Eldridge

  Cover design by Shattered Glass Publishing LLC

  To Catherine for helping shape an amazing person. I know she misses you every day.

  To my sprint group, Heather, Meg, and Chanda. Thank you for keeping me accountable and on track! I promise I’ll be back soon.

  Disdain

  A single blow shattered my life of glass. They shouldn’t have left me with the shards.

  Eloise knows the name of her mother’s murderer, but she cannot speak it. A curse keeps her silent and locked in the tattered remains of her once charming life. Though magic holds her tongue, it doesn’t quell the smoldering spark of her anger or her need to learn the reason behind her mother’s death.

  However, games of magic have dire consequences. Desperate to keep those she loves safe from the repercussions of her actions, Eloise must make a bold gamble with her safety and virtue that could win her everything or destroy her forever.

  Two lives hang in the balance. For, if Cinder fails, Snow will fall, too.

  Chapter One

  I lay beaten and chained to the hearth, anger my only companion as the events that led me to this circumstance vividly replayed in my mind. I’d been so blind to who was responsible for the murder of my family, and that ignorance had cost me far too much. I would not allow Maeve to take any more from me.

  A stab of agony shot through my face when I clenched my teeth at the thought of the woman who’d killed my mother. Maeve would pay. I’d find a way. Somehow.

  The sound of the door opening stilled my tormented thoughts.

  “You will need to prepare dinner tomorrow for a small group. Ten, perhaps. Something suitable to be served in a fine home.”

  “Yes, My Lady,” Heather and Catherine said.

  The sound of Maeve’s voice enflamed my anger anew. Keeping my eyes closed, I forced myself to push the emotion aside so I could think logically.

  Maeve was planning on serving dinner to guests. How could I use that to my advantage? Since I couldn’t speak out against Maeve because of the spell or show myself to whoever might be due for dinner because of the damned chain around my wrist, there was little I could do.

  A whisper of sound was the only hint of Maeve’s approach.

  “Stand, Eloise.”

  “I cannot. It hurts to move,” I said.

  “Stand, or I will call Hugh so your sister can feel what you feel.”

  Slowly, I turned my head and looked up at Maeve. One of my eyes no longer fully opened, but I could see her well enough. She watched me fight the pain that stabbed across my middle as I set my hand on the floor and began to lift myself. I let all the anger I felt show in my eyes as I leveraged myself onto all fours. It took another few moments to gain my feet and slowly straighten.

  Behind Maeve, I saw that Kellen worked alongside Heather and Catherine. All three kept their gazes downcast. However, despite my recent beating and the agony ripping through me at being forced upright, I was far from submissive.

  “Why?” I asked Maeve.

  “Why what, Eloise?”

  A small smile curved Maeve’s lips when I opened my mouth and choked on my words.

  “When you find your voice, I’ll answer your questions. Until then, walk around and exercise your legs. I expect you and your sister present and in good form for dinner tomorrow.” She stepped closer to me. “Appearances, Eloise. Don’t forget. I should hate for Kellen to suffer for your ineptitude.”

  If Maeve was so concerned about appearances, why would she want me to attend a dinner with my face so obviously marred? It didn’t benefit me to question her, though. I wanted others to see me as I was because, even if I couldn’t condemn her for it, they would know it happened under her care.

  She turned to the others.

  “Have a list ready for Hugh first thing in the morning. He will fetch whatever is needed. I have accounts to look through. When dinner is ready, I’ll take it in the sitting room.”

  She glanced at me once more then departed.

  Kellen rushed to my side and wrapped a supportive arm around me. I grunted at the contact. I felt certain something was permanently damaged inside of me. It shouldn’t have hurt so much to breathe.

  “I need a chamber pot,” I said, my words as broken as I felt.

  Catherine fetched it for me, and Kellen lifted my skirts to help me use it. She gasped at the sight of my legs. I didn’t look. I didn’t want to know. When I tried to squat, I groaned in pain.

  “How will you ever sit through a dinner?” Kellen asked softly.

  Her question echoed my own thoughts. It would be hell, but I would endure it to spare Kellen the same fate I currently suffered.

  After dinner, Catherine and Heather retreated to their room; and Maeve came to return Kellen to our room until morning.

  “And Eloise?” Kellen asked.

  “Eloise has yet to understand that there are worse fates than to be a pampered daughter of a merchant. She will sleep where she is tonight.”

  The stone hearth was hard, but the fire kept the chill at bay. Twice I woke to drink the tea that Kellen had left for me. All in hopes that rest would help the healing. However, when the sun rose, I felt each injury more deeply, not less so.

  Catherine and Heather moved about quietly, neither speaking to me as I slowly rose to my feet. Breathing continued to hurt, as well as using the chamber pot. When I finished, Catherine set a washbasin on one of the stools near the fire and took away the pot.

  I glanced down at the water. My cheek was colorfully swollen just below my eye, which was why opening it had been difficult. Between that and the dirt marring my face, I looked like I lived a very rough life. Given all that had happened, it felt an accurate portrayal.

  Picking up the cloth that Catherine had left, I washed carefully.

  The door to the kitchen opened, and Hugh walked in with his arms full of firewood. He didn’t look at me as he filled the bin. When he finished stacking all of the pieces, he went to the table and sat. Catherine glanced at him then me. An unnamed emotion crossed her expression before it disappeared again.

  “We’re fixing hot oats,” she said. “It will be a few more minutes.”

  While they cooked and he stared at the wall, I started walking in slow circles. My chain rattled occasio
nally and tugged at my wrist. The discomfort was nothing compared to everything else.

  Kellen entered the kitchen just as Heather placed the bowls on the table. Maeve was a step behind my sister.

  “We will sit together,” Maeve said, taking her place at the head of the table. Catherine hastily handed me my oats and went to join the others.

  “Do you have the supply list for Hugh?” Maeve asked. She blew on her oats and took a tentative first bite.

  Catherine and Heather cast nervous glances at each other before Heather answered.

  “Yes, ma’am. Will dove served with fall roots and a brandy-berry sauce suit you?”

  “It sounds lovely. Make sure it tastes so.”

  Sitting on the stool by the fire, I ate my oats and stared at Maeve. I hated her and still wanted to demand answers for questions I was forbidden to speak. My inability to do so only made my rage fester.

  “Kellen, once you’re finished, you will return to your room.” Maeve looked at me. “Eloise, I suggest you remove the loathing from your expression when you look at me, or I will take your eyes.”

  She said it so calmly and in such a gentle voice that I didn’t doubt her promise. Exhaling slowly, I masked what I felt for her.

  “Much better,” she said. “I will not tolerate that look from you again. Am I clear, Eloise?”

  “Yes.”

  “Now, there is much to do today; and the more you move before dinner, the better you will feel. Once Kellen is safely locked in her room, you will assist Heather and Catherine then bathe and dress for tonight’s guests. If you do anything other than that, your sister will suffer.”

  As she said the word suffer, her necklace glowed, and Kellen hissed out a breath and dropped her spoon.

  “Do you understand me, Eloise?” Maeve asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Very good. Now finish your meal. You need your strength.”

  In the entry, I stood beside Kellen. Maeve’s gaze swept over us, lingering on our hair and fancy mourning dresses.

  While the need to attire ourselves so formally worried me, I couldn’t bring myself to hate what I wore. The snug lacings made it a bit easier to breath and move.

  “Well done, girls,” she said, her voice echoing with true praise, which I knew to be false.

  She reached into her pocket and produced a small, dark vial which she held out to me.

  “Drink it all. It will mask the unfortunate state of your face for several hours.”

  I took the vial and uncorked it. I could feel Kellen stiffen beside me. I knew it wasn’t wise to drink anything from Maeve. However, it was less wise to disobey her. She’d proven that.

  Tipping back my head, I drained the vial and shivered at the taste of the contents. A moment later, my face tingled.

  “Much better,” Maeve said.

  I glanced at Kellen and noted a flicker of shock in her expression as she stared at my face. I touched my cheek, gingerly testing the puffy flesh. It still pained me greatly.

  “You’re no longer bruised,” Kellen said.

  Before I could question her, carriage wheels crunched against stone outside.

  “Just in time,” Maeve said. She gave us one last sweeping appraisal before meeting our gazes. “Do not be misled into believing the presence of guests will protect you from any transgressions. The punishments will only be that much worse for you and those who bear witness. Do you understand?”

  Kellen and I both nodded. We understood very well what was at risk. Yet, I was free from the chain, and Kellen was free from her room. If a moment presented itself, we would run.

  When Maeve turned her back to us, Kellen’s hand slipped into mine, and she gave me a light squeeze. My sister would be ready this time. I knew it in my heart.

  Maeve opened the door to a quartet of finely dressed gentlemen.

  “Lady Grimmoire,” the first one said with a dashing bow and a kiss to the back of her hand. “I was quite pleased when my wife returned from her visit with an invitation to sup with you in a week’s time. Although, I must say I’m curious as to the reason why.”

  “All will be explained in good time,” Maeve said. “Come. Let us retreat to the dining room. The fire will warm us as will the brandy.” She turned to Kellen and me. “Please lead the way, Eloise. Kellen and I will wait for the remaining three guests to join us.”

  Kellen discreetly released my hand, and I led the way to the dining room. The men helped themselves to glasses of brandy then tried to enquire why they were invited without their wives.

  “Is it a business proposition?” one asked.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know.”

  “It must be business. Why else would we be here?” another asked.

  Now that I knew what she’d done to my family, I could think of only one reason for her invitation. Yet, these were men of note. People who would be missed if they disappeared. Certainly, Maeve couldn’t mean to kill them. Especially not when she’d invited them a week ago before our attempted escape and my beating. If not to kill them, why invite them at all? What purpose could they serve for her?

  It wasn’t long before Kellen and Maeve joined us with three other well-dressed men.

  “Gentlemen, please have a seat,” Maeve said. She looked at me then Kellen and motioned for us to sit to her right and left. I sat gingerly while the men took the remaining chairs.

  “Thank you all for joining us this evening. Let us eat first and speak of business matters afterward,” Maeve said.

  The door to the kitchen opened, and Catherine and Heather emerged with covered platters. They began placing them before the men, making several trips to ensure everyone had a plate.

  Maeve raised her glass.

  “To new connections and power,” she said. The men around the table brightened and returned her toast then lifted the lids from their platters.

  Under the table, Kellen nudged me, and I hurried to unveil my meal. The little fowl sat prettily on a bed of sliced roots. The brandy-berry sauce glazed the crisp skin and had my mouth watering. I took my first bite, expecting delight only to embrace the pain of chewing. I kept my bland yet proper expression carefully in place and forced myself to keep going.

  There was some light conversation around the table while we ate. It wasn’t until I heard a familiar name that I fully paid any attention.

  “Alliances aren’t just for the Royal Houses,” one man said.

  “Agreed,” another said. “Alliances for those of us in business are just as important. We must protect our interests in these dangerous times.”

  “Dangerous times?” Maeve asked.

  “Yes. I suppose you don’t hear much out here. But a Mrs. Tiller and her niece were found dead in their separate homes. Honest working women, the both of them.”

  Kellen briefly met my gaze then focused on her meal. I did the same, struggling to keep the anger and hate off my face.

  “That’s unfortunate,” Maeve said. “Such deaths are unnecessary. But the topic of alliances does bring me to my purpose for inviting you here.”

  The men set down their forks and gave Maeve their full attention. From the corner of my eye, I caught movement in her amulet and kicked Kellen under the table. She glanced at me, and I closed my eyes, hoping she would do the same. I didn’t know how Maeve’s magic worked, but she’d asked me to look at her when she’d cursed me. I had no intention of being cursed again.

  “I struggle to build my power with the paltry offerings in this secluded area,” Maeve said, her chair scraping against the floor. “I’m inviting you to join me as I create an influence over this tired town. If you give your consent to help me in whatever small ways you can, I can offer you my support in return, along with limitless pleasure away from the censure of your wives.”

  One of the men at the table groaned his agreement. Then another. One by one they succumbed to whatever spell Maeve was casting.

  “Girls, open your eyes,” Maeve said.

  I reluctantly did and saw the m
en had their gazes fixed on us. Panic bloomed in my chest as one reached under the table to stroke his groin.

  “Catherine. Heather,” Maeve called.

  The door to the kitchen opened, and Heather and Catherine emerged fully nude. Shock and decency had my gaze locked on Catherine’s face. She wore an expression of hopelessness.

  “I believe Mr. Wineford would like his cock sucked,” Maeve said, pointing to the man next to me.

  Catherine came to his side, helping him loosen his trousers, and got to her knees. I quickly looked at Maeve, surely she didn’t mean for—

  The onset of wet slurps from Catherine and heated groans from the man made my face flush scarlet.

  “Heather, choose one,” Maeve said, gesturing to the remaining men.

  Heather moved to another man and did the same as Catherine.

  Two threads of green rose into the air and floated toward Maeve’s necklace. A satisfied smile curled her lips as she looked at me.

  “Tell me, Eloise. Do you wish to lead the life of a serving wench or that of a proper young lady?”

  Chapter Two

  “I wish to lead the life of a proper young lady,” I said demurely.

  “I thought as much. Kellen, Eloise, come with me.”

  I quickly fled my seat, keeping my gaze fixed on the wall as I joined Maeve near the kitchen door. Despite my focus, I still glimpsed what was happening to poor Catherine and Heather.

  The men were crowding around them, touching them. One man had lifted Catherine’s hips so her backside was in the air. While she continued to service the first man with her mouth, the second man stood behind her with his pants around his ankles. He began to thrust into her vigorously.