“Well, when you put it like that,” I muttered.
But we laughed our way downstairs, and then smiled our way up another set of winding steps. The rose had its own tower, and it wasn't as bright as the rest of the castle. In fact, it was downright creepy. The invisible maids didn't bother with dusting it, and there were cobwebs clinging to the ceilings. But the stairwell opened onto a spacious room that was spotless. In the center of it stood a gold and glass cabinet with only one glass shelf in its middle. On the shelf was a crystal vase, and in the vase was a dying rose. Petals littered the shelf around the rose, blackened with decay. They looked like ash, like the barest breath would disintegrate them. But the petals on the rose were a brilliant crimson, as healthy as a brand new bud. All except for one. One of the four remaining petals drooped, looking as if it might fall at any moment.
I stepped softly across the stone floor, afraid that the vibration of my feet might jar the petal loose. Audric walked more firmly beside me. He took my hand and led my up to the glass, and then pressed my palm to the cabinet.
“Nothing can affect the rose,” he said. “Not for good or ill. Don't worry about disturbing it.”
“A magic rose,” I whispered. “It's poignant, isn't it?”
“Quite,” he agreed. “Especially for us.”
“You're not the men I read about.” I turned to face him. “The book portrayed you as horrible people.”
“Time and pain have changed us.” Audric looked away from me. “We were... different then. We deserved this curse. Looking back, I am ashamed to have tarnished our parents' memories with my behavior.”
“Then maybe this wasn't a curse, after all.” I laid my hand on his soft cheek and turned his face to mine. “What would you give to make your parents proud?”
“Anything,” he whispered, his eyes shining with tears. “My parents were the best king and queen this kingdom has ever known. Even their servants loved them. In fact, I think the servants stayed out of love for my parents and not because we paid them. If I could be even half the man my father was, I'd consider my life worthwhile.”
“Then this curse is actually a blessing,” I said, “because you have become a man your parents could be proud of.”
“I am not a man, Sylvie.”
“Yes, you are,” I insisted. “Fur and teeth don't change your heart. And it's a good heart, Audric. Whether we break the curse or not, you've earned that for yourself.”
“And what of your heart?” He whispered. “Could you find some room in it for me?”
“I think that maybe I could.”
Audric's lips pressed to mine, gently at first, then his arms went to my waist and he pulled me against his chest. I felt his precious heart beating against mine, and I couldn't resist its pull. I opened my mouth to him as I opened my heart, and made some space inside it for Audric.
Chapter Nine
“You're really leaving?” Blaise asked with wounded eyes.
“I'm coming back,” I promised.
“This is for you,” Lance said gruffly and handed me a little hand mirror.
“Thank you.” I admired the beautiful gold handle and the design of roses on the back.
“Just call for us,” Audric explained, “any of us, and you will be able to see us in the mirror.”
“Really?” I looked closer at the glass, but it seemed to be an ordinary mirror.
“Really,” Lance confirmed. “Do not stay away too long, Sylvaine. Remember that we need you.”
“I won't,” I promised.
I walked away from the castle with mixed feelings; excitement to see my family and dread over leaving the princes. When I reached the end of the property, I turned back and found the beastly princes still watching me from the steps of the castle. I waved to them, and they each held up a hand solemnly. Then I turned away resolutely and went home.
My father and sisters were overjoyed to see me. We spent two days celebrating my return, even though my father's business had completely failed, and we were in dire straits. On the second night, I found the pouch of gold coins the brothers had hidden in my bag.
I wasn't going to take anything with me at first. But the men had insisted, saying that they wanted me to have some things to remind me of them. So, I had packed a couple of dresses and a comb. But beneath the clothing, someone had tucked that leather pouch full of gold.
My father cried when I gave it to him and said that sometimes angels came in the most unlikely forms.
On the third day, I tried to leave, but my family begged me to stay. My father was especially adamant that I remain longer. So, I gave in. I missed my family, and it was easy for the days to slip by when I was with them, until I realized that I had been gone over a week. As soon as it occurred to me, I began to pack. My father was dismayed when he realized that I was packingallof my things.
