Page 38 of Once Upon an Enchanted Castle

Or perhaps somehow it was the book’s doing. He felt it instinctively in his gut the destruction of the manor house and the ships were tied to the book. Thecursedbook. The book that was supposed to save him from living as an immortal beast, forever roaming the wilderness.

But only if Bella was able to translate it.

“There is more, my prince.” Dickens placed the teacup to the side and leaned forward as though the next bit of news was the worst yet. “Her father was arrested and placed in a portside jail until the formal inquiry concludes, and he appears in front of the magistrate. His accounts and manifests have been seized, and his license has been suspended.”

Leopold stared in cold silence at the man across from him. Dickens’ features were pinched with concern and worry. He understood what this meant for Bella. With his license suspended and his account frozen, the family faced financial ruin. Contracts would fall through. Investors would pull out. Debt collectors would close in, demanding payment. Not to mention his reputation as a trader and merchant was shredded.

And the gossip in town. He pressed a hand against his head. He imagined the gossip spreading quickly into town and higher society.

If Rinaldi didn’t know what he was bringing on board, the burden of proof would fall on him. If he had no proof, nothing to indicate it wasn’t illegal goods, then he’d face accusations of negligence or—worse—smuggling.

Where would that leave Bella?

The thought of her becoming destitute or homeless sent his senses reeling. The arrival of the book was the catalyst, though she may not even realize that. And he only added to her troubles by asking her to translate the bookfor him. He had to find some way to help her. Some way to make sure she remained in Hawthorne Hall. Not only because he needed her, but because he abhorred the thought of her facing such awful trouble alone.

He placed the teacup on the table in front of him. “Dickens, I think it’s time I call on Miss Rinaldi at Hawthorne Hall.”

“My prince?”

“She didn’t return today. Perhaps if I call on her, I could put her mind at ease about coming back here to finish her translation.”

A dark brow lifted in apprehension. “Do you think that’s wise?”

He cut a glance to the hourglass. By his calculations, if the curse wasn’t broken by the next moonrise and the sands ran out…his life as he knew it was forfeit. “I think it’s my only choice. We’ll go in the morning.”

“We, my prince?”

“Yes,we. You’re coming with me.” He got to his feet and held out his wrists. “Best use the iron shackles this time, Dickens.”

Dickens got to his feet, his expression one of concern and remorse. “Are you certain?”

“It’s the only thing we haven’t tried. If it doesn’t work, then I don’t know what will.”

“As you wish, my prince.” He bowed low and headed for the door.

Leopold followed, his gut in a tight knot. His transformation followed the phases of the moon, from waxing gibbous, to full, to waning gibbous, giving him ample time to cause mayhem. By the time the quarter moon came around, his transformation went dormant.

But if the curse was getting stronger…well, he didn’t want to think about that. They were heading toward a new moon. He hoped Bella found a way to break the curse before the next quarter moon. Otherwise, he’d be lost to this world forever.

Chapter 16

Bellastayedinherroom the remainder of the night. She didn’t go downstairs for dinner, either. And when Emmaline knocked on her door, she feigned sleep so she wouldn’t have to talk to her.

She understood the calamity of the situation with her father far too well. For the moment, she wanted to remain in solitude as she tried to collect her spiraling thoughts. It wouldn’t be long before the money ran out and the debt collectors came calling.

Her sleep was fitful with haunting dreams of burning ships and cursed books. She awoke several times to the mournful howl of the wolf in the distance. The howl that seemed to grow closer and closer with every passing moment. She was relieved she was in her bed, safe behind her closed bedroom door.

When dawn broke through the lace curtains at her window, she pushed aside the blankets and sat up, staring at the day as though it were offensive. She was still no closer to an answer than when she fled to her room leaving Lord Vincent in the parlor.

A tentative knock on her door sounded. She pushed her hair out of her face, swung her legs off the side of the bed, and took a deep breath.

“I suppose I can’t hide forever,” she said on a sigh. “Come in.”

Emmaline pushed open the door and peered through the crack, looking timid and almost afraid to enter. Bella waved her inside.

The girl entered and shut the door, pausing there with her hands clasped in front of her and worry creasing her face.

“I’m all right, Em,” she said at least. “Just…weary. Thank you for seeing to Lord Vincent yesterday. I didn’t have the strength.”

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