The Laurille Legacy

By Mary S. Catlin

After learning of her royal lineage in the overthrown kingdom of Haighdlen, Elise Laurille is sent back in time through her grandmother's diary along with her friends (and crush). Their mission? Find the spy responsible for aiding an evil sorceress and stop Elise's estranged family from falling apart all over again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mary S. Catlin
• Release date: Dec 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781736339701

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

An obsessive unwanted thought entered an otherwise pleasant dream.

Elise Laurille was all too familiar with the cyclical symptoms of a panic attack that came with having anxiety. Jerking awake, she sat up and scanned the darkened bedroom. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Everything was still except her overactive brain tricking her into thinking she was in danger. She looked down at the opened yearbook on her lap. When that didn’t help, she shuffled through her college applications on her end table and checked her phone. Her attempts to distract herself failed, of course, and the inevitable attack snuck up on her.

Like clockwork, her chest froze, and she struggled to breathe. She jumped up and began pacing by the foot of her bed. Anything that kept her moving to get rid of the building adrenaline made her feel productive while her thoughts raced in circles.

Her eyes checked the time. 12:28 a.m.

It was nearly impossible to hold on to any clear thought, let alone which one had actually brought on her panicked state.

She wiped her clammy palms along her pajama pants and took a steadying breath.

I have nothing to be afraid of. I am safe. I am safe. I am safe. This will pass. . .this feeling will go away.

Her foot stomped into the carpet as shameful tears poured relentlessly down her cheeks.

What is wrong with me? Why can't I control this?

She feared one day she'd go insane. At some point, people were going to notice how unhealthy this was and carry her off to an asylum. The imagery alone was enough to shake her unsteady state of mind.

This feeling will go away. Just breathe and wait. . .

This continued for the next five minutes or so, until she felt her chest clear, and the dark clouds within her mind began to subside.

That was the irony of panic attacks. Every time felt like the first time all over again.

She walked into the bathroom and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Being wide awake now, she was thankful it wasn’t a school night. The year was almost over, and graduation was the following weekend. Everything familiar was coming to an end, and the idea of college was overwhelming. Maybe that was what woke her up. She couldn't be sure. . .

As she passed her mother's room on the way to bed, she was jolted back to reality by the sound of her mother's cell phone ringing. Elise saw her mother sleeping and let it go to voicemail. Until it rang again.

And again.

She tiptoed into her mother's room and peeked down at the screen.

Uncle Ian. . .why’s he calling this late?

It went to voicemail for the third time. Then the phone buzzed with her uncle's incessant texts.

Ruby? Are you awake?

. . .

Ruby, this is important. Pick up the phone.

Ruby. NOW.

It's Mother. We have to go now.

Was her nana sick? Her mom never mentioned her and always became irritable when Elise did. She didn't even know where any of her family lived except her uncle. They visited with him and his family often enough, but never the others. Ruby had always excused it away as a simple falling out but would never go into any detail.

If her nana was sick, surely her mother would want to know.

Elise looked at the empty wine glass next to the phone. Her mom’s eyeliner was smudged, and her mouth hung open deep in sleep. This occurred often enough for Elise to know it had been a busy night at the diner.

The phone vibrated again.

RUBY!!!!!!!! Answer me or I'm calling Elise's phone and telling her EVERYTHING.

Before Elise could question his meaning, another text came in.

We can't hide it from her anymore. It's finally happened. PLEASE call me.

Unable to contain her curiosity, she risked her mother's wrath and gently shook the other woman's shoulder.

Mom?

Ruby made a noncommittal noise. Elise shook her again.

What? What is it? Ruby growled. Elise? Do you have any idea what time it is? Do you know what kind of day I had?

Yeah, Mom, I can see that, Elise said, nodding towards the empty stemmed glass before she picked up her mom's phone. Ian's been trying to get in touch with you. Your phone has been going off like crazy.

Ugh, let me see that. She snatched the phone away, easing it back at arm's length for her eyes to adjust. When she got to the last message, her eyes widened.

You didn't read any of this, did you?

No, Elise lied. Is everything okay?

As much as she hated being left out of something, Elise knew cornering her mom was a recipe for disaster. She'd have to play her mother's game strategically to get any information.

Just get dressed, Ruby snapped as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. Pack a small bag. We'll get a motel if we need to. You drive.

Where are we going?

The only reply she got was the sound of her mother's bathroom door shutting. She didn't know why she expected an answer to her question. Ruby avoided confrontation at all cost, and judging by the seriousness of Ian's texts, this was going to be no different.

***

We’re only going to be there an hour. Do you hear me? Ruby asked as she took some Tylenol.

Mom, I don't even know where ‘there’ is, Elise argued as she merged to pass someone.

Ruby moaned as she put on her sunglasses to block the oncoming headlights.

Not so fast!

Elise ignored the criticism and continued to stare ahead. She had been listening to her mom complain about her grandmother for almost an hour.

She eventually started paying more attention to the pattern of the swishing wipers to block out the rant about her supposed unreliable family.

If it were up to me, we wouldn’t even be going there at all. Ruby reclined her seat back.

And yet here we are, Elise grumbled. "I still don’t know what the big deal is. You complain all the time, but you never tell me why you don’t like them."

It’s not that I don’t like them, Ruby said. I have to love them, but it’s complicated. I’d rather not talk about it.

"And yet that's all you've done. Elise sighed. There was a brief awkward pause before she continued. You know that excuse is getting old, right?"

Elise knew that she was giving her mother an attitude, but she was so frustrated, she really didn’t care at this point. I’m eighteen, Mom. You have to start including me at some point.

When she got no response, she rolled her eyes and slumped back into her seat.

It was times like these she wished she had applied for an out-of-state college. At least graduation was around the corner, then maybe her mom would start treating her like an adult and not some little kid who couldn’t keep secrets.

It's just off here. Make a right. Ruby pointed towards a long winding driveway that Elise hadn't noticed.

Are you serious? Elise asked. You told me they all lived far away. We’ve only driven for forty-five minutes! We’ve been this close to Nana all this time?

Her mother ignored her. Of course her mother ignored her. Elise bit her tongue and squeezed the steering wheel until her knuckles turned white. Keep it together, Elise. If you want to know anything, don't blow up.

She parked beside her uncle's car in front of a large two-story house. The coffee-colored vinyl siding and decorative stone exterior were covered in vines. Faded blue shutters, which had probably once added charm, now needed repairing. A struggling garden had long been taken over by weeds, and a tattered rope swing drooped from a nearby oak tree. The stepping-stones leading around the side were beginning to crack along with an empty cast stone three-tiered fountain.

Ruby cursed under her breath.

Elise looked up and saw what looked like several shadows in the upstairs windows.

That better not be them.

Who?

Never mind. Ruby huffed and sneered as she stepped into a puddle of mud that stained her shoes.

Elise gritted her teeth and turned the car off. She jumped out and huddled to stay under her mother's umbrella until they got to the front door.

Ruby banged on the knocker until a tall middle-aged man answered.

Her mother barged in before he could greet them. Hello, Joseph. Where's Mother?

Welcome, your high-, Joseph said, but was stopped by Ruby's severe expression. Erm, I believe that you will find her in the living room.

Her mother thanked him and hurried inside.

Was he about to say highness?

Once Joseph had taken their coats and umbrella, they made their way into the spacious living room.

Ruby!

A woman she assumed was her grandmother jumped up from the couch and walked up to them. She opened her arms wide only to pause a moment later, unsure if Ruby would be open to her embrace. She hovered awkwardly before hugging her anyway.

Elise was surprised to see how. . .healthy her grandmother was.

Joranna Laurille had an elegant flair about her that Elise absolutely loved. She was dressed in a billowy blouse that flowed as she walked with impeccable posture. Almost regal. Her dark red hair, that Ruby and Elise inherited, was frosted with gray and pulled back by a pearl clip. Her makeup was flawless and completed the overall polished appearance. Elise felt underwhelming with her ponytail, faded jeans, t-shirt and muddy sneakers.

Hi, Mother, Ruby said. Ian said you were sick.

Oh, I am, dear, but never mind that now.

He made it sound severe.

Well, how else was I supposed to get you here? It’s been at least ten years since you’ve visited me. Her eyes traveled over to Elise. This can’t be little Elise!

Joranna didn’t waste any time squeezing her, and Elise was comforted by an aroma of mint and vanilla.

You are so beautiful.

Thank you. . .Nana.

I bet you don’t remember me. You spent an entire summer here when you were eight. We had tea parties every day and played princesses. Do you remember?

Elise tried jarring her memory.

Um. . .a little.

Joranna scoffed. I blame your mother.

What else is new? Ruby muttered before speaking up. Anyway, we need to talk about the other thing.

Oh, yes, we will. There's plenty of time.

"We need to talk about it now, Ruby said. Elise and I are not staying."

The room grew cold as Joranna pulled her mouth into a thin line and invited her daughter to sit on the couch. Ruby made sure they only spoke in whispers so that their voices didn't carry.

Elise rolled her eyes and busied herself by walking around the room admiring the trinkets her grandmother had collected over the years.

The first thing to catch her eye was a crystal bowl with carved mermaids around the exterior. She reached out and grazed a finger along one of the tails.

Ah, I see you have found my favorite gift, Joranna said, cutting Ruby off. It was given to me by Eugena, the Mermaid Queen.

Sorry? Elise asked, thinking her grandmother was trying to pull her leg in a childish joke.

The older woman didn’t seem offended and walked over to a nearby closet. She pulled out a long silken pink scarf.

"And this, she said, running the cloth lovingly across her cheek, was given to me by Horanis, the Fairy King. It was sewn by the fairies of—"

Mother, Ruby said, a chill in her voice, warning her mother not to complete her sentence. Elise watched her grandmother’s lip twitch in annoyance. I think it’s time for you to go to bed.

"I’m not going to be told when to do anything, Joranna snapped. Especially by a daughter who won’t acknowledge my calls or letters."

The air was thick with tension that was only broken by the sound of running footsteps above them.

Mother, Ruby said through a tightened jaw, who else is here?

Joranna hesitated and wrung her hands. Everyone.

I knew it. Elise, let’s go.

Now, hold on there, Ruby. Don’t you go storming off. You just got here. Don’t you think Elise should get to meet her family?

Elise’s curiosity was piqued, and she glanced down the hall hoping to see someone walking past.

Was she finally going to meet her mother's sister and older brother after all these years? Maybe her cousins, too?

Mom, I want to meet them! Elise said, ignoring her mother’s signals to drop everything and leave. Getting back in the car without finding out what was really going on was the last thing she wanted to do.

Of course you do! Joranna said, sending Joseph to fetch the others and invite them down into the living room.

Ruby slumped down on the couch to pour a cup of the tea Joseph had brought in moments earlier.

Mother, it's after two in the morning. What're they all doing awake?

We can hardly expect them to sleep after what they've just been through! Joranna exclaimed.

The first ones to appear in the doorway were Ian and Morgan's twin daughters, Olivia and Naomi, who sported dark-brown pigtails and toothy smiles. They raced around the room until Joranna chastised them for running through the house. They settled for playing with their dolls in the corner of the room.

I know you've visited them quite a bit, so you'll already know that Ian’s wife Morgan is expecting again.

Elise didn’t think that needed to be explained once a very pregnant Morgan came in with Ian a few moments later. The twins definitely favored their mother with the same thick hair and fair complexions. Her uncle was very charming, too, sporting brown hair and a short goatee. He smiled as he hugged Ruby and Elise.

Elise immediately felt comfortable around him, but the same couldn’t be said about her other uncle, who entered next.

Richard was taller than Ian. His thick brown beard was trimmed to perfection across a strong jaw. His eyes, however, seemed sunken and blood-shot, and Elise wondered if he had been crying or sick recently. He sank into a nearby armchair and muttered a slurred greeting.

Two more women followed him, and Joranna introduced them as Richard’s wife, Gwendolyn, and Elise’s Aunt Sarah. Both sat down and adjusted their pants as if they had never worn any.

The family reunion concluded with Sarah’s two boys, Paul and Eric, and Richard’s and Gwendolyn’s daughter, Madelyn. All three, teenagers just a few years younger than Elise, stayed near each other at the far side of the room muttering under their breaths.

The back of Elise’s neck grew hot under everyone’s stares.

The room seemed a lot smaller now that it was holding this rather odd group of characters. The air was once again thick with tension, and Elise wished for someone to say something. Anything.

Well, Joranna said with a bright smile, I must say it is wonderful to have everyone under the same roof again. It’s been too long since we were a proper family.

Ruby groaned from across the room.

Ugh, are we really going to do this, Mother? Pretend that we’re all here by choice? It seemed by the reaction on everyone’s faces that Ruby was saying what was on everyone else’s mind. Richard cleared his throat and asked Joseph to bring him a drink. Why are all of you here anyway? She doesn’t look that sick to me. And will someone please explain what Ian meant by 'it's finally happened'?

Oh, Ruby, for once in your life, can’t you be considerate? Sarah snapped at her younger sister.

Elise gulped. She had never heard anyone talk to her mother like that, and she honestly didn’t know how she felt about it.

"I am being considerate, Ruby said. I’m here, aren’t I?"

Yes, until things get hard, and then you’ll probably leave again. Sarah clicked her tongue and pushed a brownish-blond strand of hair away from her eyes. Look at you now. Are you drunk?

That’s enough, you two, Joranna said as she walked to stand between her two daughters. Not in front of the children. Both women moved away from each other. Now, the reason we are all together is because something terrible has happened, and it has nothing to do with my cold.

She turned expectantly to her eldest to fill everyone in.

Richard took the last swig from his glass and took a deep breath.

Haighdlen has been attacked. . .and taken over, he said, by Rona.

Ruby gasped and Elise was filled with even more questions.

The other adults nodded grimly, their faces full of grief and confusion.

Elise was once again reminded that she was being watched when she heard more whispers from across the room. Her cousins didn’t appear to be shocked or confused, and she was left to conclude that she was the only one left in the dark.

Can someone please tell me what's going on? I don’t know what you’re talking about. Where’s Haighdlen?

Oh, honestly, Ruby! Sarah huffed again. You really kept all this a secret from her?

"It was working out fine until you all showed up, throwing her into a world she doesn’t belong in!"

Both started to argue at the same time, and it was difficult to make out what each was saying to the other. What were they talking about? Where was her family from? She was genuinely confused and started to pay more attention to the others.

Richard seemed uncomfortable in his stiff blue jeans. Gwendolyn and Sarah didn’t seem to be faring any better with their outfits. Madelyn and Paul sat very still on the loveseat while Eric had chosen to stand near the twins. Elise adjusted her posture to match theirs and hoped it was subtle.

It doesn’t matter now! Richard bellowed, bringing his sisters' argument to an end. Don’t you see? No one is to blame here but me.

Richard, that is not true, Joranna said. We know you did everything you could.

But it wasn’t good enough, was it, Mother? he asked, his voice breaking. He paused for a moment to gaze at her. I failed my kingdom. . .Father’s kingdom. So many lives were lost due to my poor leadership.

I don't want to hear you talking like that, Joranna said as she took the glass out of Richard’s hand. You have been a strong and just ruler since your father passed, and I won't have you doubting your choice to leave.

But it wasn’t my choice, he said. His eyes closed, and he frowned as his mind wandered. I wanted to stay there. . .to die for my kingdom. For my people.

Richard, Liam and Charles pulled you out before you were killed, Sarah said, resting a hand on his arm.

"And now they’re dead. They’re both dead."

Ruby gasped and paled before them.

Liam died doing what he felt was right. Sarah’s voice sounded strained as she comforted her brother. He made sure the boys and I were safe, and his duty was to protect you as well. And I know how much Charles meant to you. I’m so sorry.

They were my best friends, Richard said. I could’ve been there to save them. I should have stopped Rona before she ever grew to be as strong as she is now. The people are doomed now. She finally accomplished what she set out to do all those years ago when she killed Father.

Elise interrupted him.

"Okay, someone please catch me up. Mom, is this what you’ve been keeping from me? Is this the ‘big secret’?"

Her chest felt constricted again as the reality of the conversation set in. Whatever was happening, it was serious enough that people were dying, and her family was right in the middle of it all. Her clothes and posture didn’t seem like such a big deal now.

Ruby recognized Elise’s anxious state and walked over to her.

Elise, I don’t want you mixed up in all of this. As you can see, nothing good comes out of it. Please, let’s just get out of here.

"Yes, Ruby, leave. Again. Right when your family needs you," Sarah said.

Okay, that’s it, Ian said, speaking for the first time since he had greeted them. I’m not going to sit here and watch you two rip each other apart. Ruby, what you chose to tell or not tell Elise was your choice. The point is, you can’t hide it from her now. She deserves to know. All of our children deserve to know where they come from. I’d love to take our son there when he’s born. . .if there's anything left. So, what can we do?

Richard shook his head.

There’s nothing to be done.

All right, I’ve had enough, Gwendolyn snapped, pulling her husband up out of his seat. I have seen you do too many great things to give up like this. You have trained your whole life to be the king that Haighdlen deserves, and I will not see you abandon it when it needs you most because of a lack of confidence. This is your chance to be great and save everyone. It isn’t too late.

But what can be done? Sarah asked.

We’ll need a lot of magic, Joranna said. Elise watched her mother’s face fall. Maybe there’s something in here. Joranna took a worn purple book off her shelf, opened the cover and leafed through the stiff pages.

What is that? Elise asked, once again feeling like she was the only one left out of a secret.

It’s my diary, Joranna said and stroked one of its pages. I kept it all those years I was the Queen of Haighdlen.

Elise shook her head and waved her hands. "Okay, so. . . you’re all some kind of royalty? Actual royalty? Like the Queen of England?"

For the most part, yes, Joranna replied. The Laurille family has ruled for many generations, but we were threatened by a powerful sorceress named Rona. It appears she has finally won and taken over the kingdom.

I’ve never heard of Haighdlen. Elise frowned. I don’t remember seeing it on a map.

And you never will on the maps of this world, Ian said. The magical kingdoms are in another realm. Kind of like a comic book.

Nice reference, Ruby scoffed as she dabbed her face with a tissue. Elise, you don’t need to be involved with all this magical nonsense, and I need to be alone.

Don’t keep her in the dark just because you’re jealous, Sarah said.

You know, I’m getting really tired of your holier-than-thou attitude. Ruby closed the distance between them. It isn't bad enough your husband just died, but you have to drag me down with you?

I just thought you might want to be responsible for once and actually help Haighdlen and all those people who looked up to us.

And look where it got them!

There was a hush throughout the room, and Ruby immediately looked to Richard. Elise could tell her mother regretted her words as soon as she had said them.

Ruby walked over to her brother and touched his shoulder. Richard. . .I didn’t mean—

Don’t trouble yourself, he said, shrugging her hand off. You're not wrong. I’m not fit to rule. Look at us. None of us are. We’d rather fight each other.

What is going on here? Another realm? What happened to make them so angry with each other? I hate being left out!

Elise wiped her hands along her pants again as her thoughts ran away like they often did. Up until twenty minutes ago, Elise had only thought magic existed in fairy tales and movies. Now it sounded like it was all around her.

I think I better get the children off to bed, Morgan spoke up, using Ian’s hand to help her stand as she held her belly. Keep me informed. I’ll see you all in the morning. She kissed Ian good night and walked the twins and other teenagers out.

Why don’t we just take the obvious route? Joranna said. One of you can use magic to send someone back through the diary and alter what happened. They can defeat Rona before she gets this powerful. Think of all the lives that could be saved!

How would we pull that off? Sarah asked. We'd risk running into ourselves. Even with a disguise, it’s dangerous.

Silence filled the room.

What about her? Ian asked. Elise’s throat dried when she noticed Ian staring at her from across the room. What if she went?

What!

Are you crazy? Ruby spat. Ian, she’s never even been out of the country, let alone out of this realm. She knows nothing about Haighdlen or its customs. She’ll be found out immediately!

Give her some credit, he argued. Think about it. None of us would recognize her at that time in our lives. A simple spell could alter what our past selves remember so as not to risk recognizing her later as she ages.

A spell? What spell? Why isn’t anyone else freaking out?

And how do you expect an eighteen-year-old outsider to defeat the most powerful sorceress the world has ever seen? Ruby argued.

Elise could hear her heart beating. Her breath quickened, and for a moment she thought she was going to have another panic attack.

I take everything back. I think I just want to go home now and forget all of this.

Why don’t we let Elise decide for herself? Joranna suggested. Her eyes warmed as she looked at her granddaughter. An involuntary shiver ran down Elise’s spine. It’s a lot to process right now. Take all the time you need to think about it. She handed Elise her diary. Read through this, and hopefully it will help you get to know our world a little better. But please be careful with it. It’s very dear to me.

Elise ran her fingers over the aging cover and could tell a lot of love had been placed inside. She knew her family needed her help, but at the moment, she really didn’t see what she could do to help them. One minute she was coming to visit her sick grandmother, and now she was being asked to travel back in time through a book. She wanted someone to pinch and wake her up. None of this could be real. She didn’t believe in magic like this. Were they trying to play a trick on her?

Why don’t you sleep on it? Joranna offered again when Elise didn’t reply. Things may look different in the morning. Keep the diary as long as you wish.

Ruby's protests were ignored, and Elise was escorted to a bedroom on the second floor. Her bag had been brought in, and she saw that she was sharing a room with Paul and Madelyn, who were still awake.

Wasn’t there another boy? Elise asked.

Eric is sharing with the twins, said Paul, who was very tall and gangly with brownish-blonde hair and acne.

Sorry for all the staring. Madelyn smiled. "You’ve just always been the secret cousin, you know? We’ve only heard about you, but never actually got to meet you."

Madelyn had inherited Gwendolyn’s thick red hair and several freckles on her small face. She looked to be about thirteen years old while Paul was most likely fifteen or sixteen.

Secret cousin? I don’t like the sound of that.

What kinds of things have you heard? Elise asked as she slipped into her bed.

Her cousins