Secrets of the Beast: Fairytale, #1

By Natalie R Allen

Royce Romilly is the second son. He wasn't supposed to inherit. But when tragedy strikes, he sees no other option than to take his handful of trustworthy servants and addle-brained older brother, to a secluded manor house. Now far away from the rumors and whispers of what really happened to the prestigious family, Royce is determined to find peace for, not only himself, but Maxcence as well. While the outside world believes his brother to be dead, he is very much alive and hidden away in the west wing of Royce's new home. Had there been any other option but to feign Maxcene's death, Royce would have taken it. Now, all he can do is try and give everyone under his roof a peaceful living, although he struggles with that for himself. Royce is full of self-doubt, uncertainty about his past and future. He grieves for his parents and a lost love. He worries over his brother, and wonders if peace will ever find him.

Royce and Juliet's worlds collide when Maxcence escapes, causing an accident with Juliet's cart and horses. Royce finds them in the next moment and sees no other option but to take Juliet with him. She has seen Maxence, and Royce can't have anyone from the outside world knowing his older mad brother is still alive. Juliet struggles being held at the manor against her will, and until she receives explanations, she refuses to be cordial to Royce who has only shown his temper. Even with impending threats, danger, and past sorrows, they reach an understanding. Fondness for each other grows, and they soon find themselves in love, but their love and everything else is threatened as the outside world finds its way in.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Natalie Allen
• Release date: Mar 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9798215271452

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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or in any medium without the written permission of the author.

This is a work of fiction. The characters, names, incidents, places, and dialogue are either products of the author’s imagination, and are not to be construed as real, or are used fictitiously.

Copyright © 2021

Natalie R Allen

All rights reserved.

Chapter One

Royce

M’lord?

Royce Romilly was awakened from a deep slumber. He typically didn’t sleep well, if at all. Therefore, when Milo came bursting through Royce’s door, he felt no remorse in glowering at his servant. What the blazes are you about at this hour, Milo? Royce’s voice was deep and unforgiving. He could only just make out Milo’s silhouette rushing across the room. Milo flung Royce’s trousers and a shirt at Royce; that was not the way a manservant dressed his lord. Milo’s voice was breathless as he lit two candles, minimally brightening the room. Royce sat up and glared daggers at Milo until he focused on Milo’s panicked, ashen face.

He’s gone, m’lord! Escaped in the night.

Damn! Royce was on his feet and dressed in record time before Milo followed him briskly to the west wing of the great house. Milo’s panting breath, a step behind Royce, was fraying Royce’s nerves and fueling his temper. He kept himself in check as he threw the door open to the bedchamber and scanned the room before striding to the cross-paned window. He looked out into the early morning, but the light was still too dim to see anything.

He’s not here, m’lord. I’ve searched high and low. Mrs. Hurst checked on him and alerted me that he was missing.

Royce’s stomach felt as though it dropped to the main floor. Escaped? How? Why?

Mrs. Hurst stepped into the room in her nightdress and a shawl wrapped around her shoulders. The grandmotherly woman was quite overset. Oh, m’lord. I don’t know how it happened. She was in tears, but Royce had not a minute to waste placating her.

He whirled around and ran his hands through his disheveled, golden hair. Wake the other manservants, Milo, he growled, and half-tossed Milo back into the hallway. He must be found. Once you have woken the others, you must all make haste to the stables. His footsteps echoed as he ran down the dark, chilled corridor and called over his shoulder, Quickly, Milo. He is not safe to himself or anyone else. We must find him!

Royce had two horses saddled and was fumbling with the third by the time four servants, led by Milo, came barreling in. They all bore the same anxious expression, but whether their worry was for Maxence or for the menacing look Royce was sending their way, he neither knew nor cared at the moment. They had to work together and bring Maxence back with all haste before someone saw him and, heaven forbid, recognized him.

Royce mounted swiftly as the men finished the saddling. I will go through the forest southward. Royce pointed at Milo. Go east. Lamar, north. Elliot, west; and Jules, come with me. We must find him! Knock him out if you must, but do not harm him beyond that. He cannot be seen, men. Find him!

Royce rode Dominico as fast as he dared, working furiously to control his rage, which stemmed mostly from concern. He was finally settled in a new place and living quietly. Why did something have to go wrong? Had he not dealt with enough in his life up to this point? It seemed the cards were always stacked against him. Would he never have the peace he yearned for? It was all he wanted out of life. That didn’t seem too much to ask for. But as he rode on and strained to see through the gradually brightening forest, peace seemed hopeless. Would his life ever take a turn for the better?

Juliet

Juliet’s mouth was dangling open in a very unladylike fashion. Unfortunately, it couldn’t be helped after hearing the news her dearest friend, Sylvie, had just relayed to her. Sylvie’s emerald eyes were wide with glee as she bounced on her toes, ready to break into dance. She laughed excitedly and reached for Juliet’s hand, giving it a squeeze. Juliet! Did you hear me? Mr. Dennel Colbert is going to ask for your hand. Is that not grand?

Juliet blinked in surprise. She looked past Sylvie’s shoulder at the hustle and bustle of the village. The butcher shop door opened and a mother with two small children emerged. The children skipped along past their mother and entered the bakery where Juliet knew Mrs. Nuttle, the baker’s wife, would greet them with her usual cheerful smile.

Blinking again, Juliet pushed back a strand of her honey hair, which had escaped the braid lying over her shoulder. She let out a short breath and met Sylvie’s expectant eyes once more. Sylvie, are you in earnest? How can you be certain?

Sylvie nodded, causing her copper curls to bob in the midday sun. I am, she insisted. I have just come from my brother and he said he heard Mr. Colbert telling the banker that he has great plans for this day at the Thawyer residence.

Juliet’s heart skipped. Could Sylvie be correct? Did Dennel really intend to offer for her by way of marriage?

Sylvie? Come along, dearest. Sylvie’s mother had returned from a shop nearby, and Sylvie squeezed Juliet’s hand once more.

Juliet returned the pressure. Sylvie, she whispered. Please do not spread this news until it has happened. I do not want the village speculating about Dennel and me more than they already do.

Sylvie knew what Juliet was referring to. Only last week Juliet was looking in a shop window and overheard two women gossiping about Juliet and ‘...that cad of a man, Mr. Colbert.’ Her face had flamed at what the two women insinuated. Juliet had fled to Sylvie’s door with her cheeks flushed and eyes full of embarrassed tears.

Sylvie nodded. Of course. But please send word the moment you accept him.

Juliet agreed and Sylvie joined her mother. The older woman looked more troubled than usual. Sylvie’s mother worried too easily and too much, in Juliet’s opinion. But perhaps Juliet was just used to having a parent who was less overbearing.

She picked up her basket, its weight a bit heavier than usual after having added a book from the village’s tiny book shop. Mr. Cassette was stern about lending books, but for Juliet, he always had a welcoming smile. His suggestions always offered a new, captivating read, and he would insist she tell him about her adventure once she was finished.

She made her way through the village, offering a wave and a smile to those who greeted her. While many in the village were kind toward her, there was gossip about her education, that she was something of a bluestocking. Juliet never paid much heed to the murmurings; she loved her books and wouldn’t give them up for even a tea party with the queen.

Juliet dawdled on her walk toward her home over the crest of a hill. During her walks back and forth to the village, she usually favored the sounds of the river rushing under the old stone bridge. She also loved the canopy of lush green trees with the early autumn sunlight streaking through. The sounds of the birds were like her friends welcoming her home each time she passed by. On today’s journey home, Juliet was thrown from her scenic joy as Sylvie’s news occupied her every thought.

Could David, Sylvie’s brother, have heard correctly? He was known for stretching his stories beyond the facts. But this one had to be true. It has to be, Juliet said as she crossed the stone bridge. She shifted her basket from one hand to the other and flexed her free fingers, thinking about Dennel.

Dennel Colbert was an acquaintance—a friend, even. She had known Dennel for three years, after his family moved from a few villages away. He was always kind and talkative with Juliet, and she with him. He was respectable, as was his family. His parents were a touch stuffy, but that was to be expected from people who had much more than everyone else in the village. If she married Dennel, she would be well looked after.

But marriage? Did she want to marry Dennel? I am of age, she thought. Well of age. At nineteen, most parents would see their daughters were settled by now. But not her papa.

Unlike Sylvie’s overbearing mother, who was much too worrisome, Papa let Juliet have the freedoms she fancied. He didn’t mind when she explored the woods or climbed trees. He didn’t fret if she came home a little scathed or had dirt on her dress. Papa said it brought him joy to know Juliet was happy with how she spent her time. She always did favor exploring, climbing, or reading aloud to the chickens roaming in the grass behind their home, which she did more than she cared to admit. But it was nice to have someone to read to. She would imagine her chickens getting lost in the venturous stories the way she did. And to that, Papa would simply chuckle. He encouraged her reading and learning, for which Juliet was grateful. Not many approved of educating girls, but Papa did well with Juliet’s education, and she was quite proud of it.

What would Dennel think of her education? Would he slight her for wanting to read as a pastime? He had not looked down on her when he found her coming out of the bookstore last year. She had blushed when he eyed the book in her basket, but he just smiled and made easy conversation. That was always Dennel’s way. He could ramble on about practically anything. Juliet didn’t mind, though. Compared to some of the other men in town, who were complete lackwits, Dennel seemed a fine choice.

Her thoughts returned to word of his impending proposal. Could I listen to Dennel’s ramblings for a lifetime? she wondered as she proceeded beneath the tunnel of aged trees. Her birds were as welcoming as ever, but she hardly heard their chatter. She wondered what Papa would say about Sylvie’s news. Surely, he would be pleased; his only daughter finally wed. Although, he seemed slightly irritated whenever Dennel came for a visit these past few months. When Juliet questioned Papa about his grumblings, he brushed her off and claimed, No man likes seeing his precious daughter in the sights of a man.

She had to smile at that. And her smile remained as she made the rest of the walk home, picturing the life she and Dennel could make together.

The cottage came into view, resting in the grass at the edge of the forest. She gave a quick thought to the memory of her brother, Gabe. He was only a year older than her, but when a sickness swept through the village many years before, it took Gabe and her mother with it. She had only been eight years old, but she clearly remembered nursing her brother until his final moments, at which point her father forced her from the room. Her heart still stung for missing her mother, but the loss of Gabe was greater to her somehow. He was her best friend. She missed him still, every day.

Juliet passed Gabe’s tree in the front yard, remembering wistfully how he used to hide high in the branches and coax her into climbing higher and higher with him.

Is that you, Juliet? Papa called from his workroom as she entered the house through the kitchen. Juliet knew he would be finishing preparations for his trip north. He had a delivery to make, one he had been working diligently on these past weeks.

Juliet set her basket on the table and made her way to Papa’s workroom. Yes, Papa, I am home, she answered as she leaned on the doorframe.

Papa straightened up from where he was bent over his worktable. The disarray of strange metals and other parts used to make his music boxes always left Juliet wondering how Papa kept track of anything. He made it known that simply because it looked in disarray, didn’t mean that he couldn’t locate exactly what he was looking for. Papa winced, his face pinching in pain as he rolled his stiff shoulders.

Juliet noticed the worried crease along his forehead. Those wrinkles made a home there whenever he was close to leaving Juliet alone for a few days’ time while he traveled. Today he appeared even more concerned than usual.

Is something amiss, Papa? You seem very preoccupied, but not with work...

He cleared his expression quickly and shook his head of dusty-brown hair. No, my dear. That is—I have something I want to speak with you about. Papa made a feeble attempt to wipe his hands clean as Juliet sat on a nearby stool. She chewed her lip, anxious that perhaps he had heard the news about Dennel, and he wasn’t in agreement.

What is it that you are so concerned about? Juliet asked, straining to keep her voice steady.

Papa came around and stood in front of Juliet. He leaned back against the counter and the worry lines returned as he searched for what to say. Juliet had not seen him this out of sorts since their cow got an odd illness this past winter.

Papa?

Juliet, I’m ill at ease to leave you this trip. He sighed and wiped at his brow with the soiled rag he’d used for his hands only moments earlier. Juliet didn’t mind, though. It was endearing to see Papa dirty from a hard day’s labor.

She frowned in confusion. I have not accompanied you on a trip for years. Is there something you need help with?

He was looking out the window, pausing a long moment before he answered. I have heard disturbing news, and do not want you left alone here. His attention continued to remain outside, and Juliet was glad he had not seen her face fall with disappointment. He must have heard the news of Dennel and was noticeably displeased. In fact, he was so disturbed that he had no intention of leaving her here alone. What did he think would happen while he was away? Did he truly believe that she would marry Dennel without his consent? Or that she might do something drastic and run away with him?

She couldn’t fully hide her disappointment when she said, As you wish, Papa.

He nodded absentmindedly as he continued to gaze out the window. When he said no more, Juliet excused herself to the kitchen, looking for work to keep her hands busy as she wallowed. Aside from Dennel, she had no marriage prospects. Oh, she had more than her fair share of attention from men, most of whom were highly disagreeable to Juliet. None she would ever consider binding herself to for life.

It was not as though she had her heart set on Dennel, but after hearing he cared for her enough to want to marry her, she struggled not to be let down by Papa’s disapproval. The match would certainly not be one of love with Dennel; not yet, anyway. However, Juliet had heard that love could grow with time. She was certain that she could come to love Dennel, prattling mouth and all.

Sighing when she saw nothing more needed to be done in the kitchen, Juliet retrieved the book from her basket and headed outside to her favorite spot on the grass near the roaming chickens. She laid on her side, head propped in hand, as she and the chickens were swept away in a tale of adventure.

When Juliet reached the point in the book where the great lady was falling for the dashing hero, she found herself mildly bothered by the budding romance and snapped the book shut. A chicken close by was startled by the sudden thud and clucked at Juliet.

Well, I am sorry, she said shortly to the chicken. But I have no desire for romance today. We will have to resume when I am feeling more myself.

The chicken clucked again, and Juliet sighed as she looked off into the forest. She often paused her readings and lost herself in her own daydreams of a dashing man who would come to her rescue and sweep her off her feet. Perhaps she would do the saving. When she and Gabe were young, they would play in the forest behind their home and she would beg to let him be saved by her. Every now and then he would oblige, but only if she promised to keep it secret. He didn't want his friends finding out that his sister was, in fact, the heroine of their stories.

Juliet was lost in her favorite daydream of rescuing a handsome, lost prince, when she heard the sound of a horse approaching and gasped, Dennel! He was the only one who came on horseback to visit.

Juliet jumped up with her book and quickly entered the house again. She had been so lost in her disappointment that she had forgotten about Dennel’s visit altogether.

Papa? Juliet called as she quickly released her hair and braided it once more. Papa, Mr. Colbert has come to call. Juliet winced when she heard Papa’s grumbling already. Normally she shushed him in good humor, but today she felt put-out by his attitude toward Dennel.

There was a small knock at the door and Juliet didn’t wait for Papa before she took a breath and answered.

That night, Juliet lay in bed thinking about Papa’s odd behavior during Dennel’s visit. Dennel had not proposed marriage to her, but he did tell her privately that he had something of importance he wanted to discuss with her once she and Papa returned home from the journey north. She watched him ride away, wondering if perhaps Papa would come around.

She thought about the days ahead. It was a two-day ride, and Juliet was looking forward to it after the letdown of the day. She was certain Sylvie would be disappointed as well when she heard there was no proposal offered.

~ Secrets of the Beast

Chapter Two

Juliet

Papa? Tell me something else about Mama.

Juliet and Papa were on the North road. They had been traveling for a couple of hours after leaving at dawn, stopping only to rest the horses. The road didn’t offer a smooth ride and Juliet was certain her backside would be terribly sore the next day. She was not used to riding atop the rattling horse cart. 

She loved wild berries, Papa said with a reminiscent smile. Not so much for the enjoyment of eating them, although she did do that, he chuckled. Your mama loved the hunt, to search for them and earn a tasty reward. He grinned at Juliet with a wistful look in his eyes. She was a joy, your mama.

Juliet smiled, pleased Papa was willing to share whenever she asked about her mama. She knew by now that Mama was cherished by him, but Juliet often wondered if Papa was not lonely. He had never spoken of taking another wife. Perhaps he was concerned Juliet wouldn’t like the idea of a stepmother. But truly, the thought of another woman in the house sounded comforting, especially if it was what Papa wished.

Papa, why have you never remarried? She laid a hand on his arm and hoped he could see the sincerity in her eyes. I would not mind if you wanted to marry again...

Papa scratched his ear, a habit of his when he was in consideration. Juliet waited patiently and finally he sighed. After loving your mother the way I did—the way I still do— he smiled solemnly, there is not another who could compare to her. When you love someone the way your mother and I loved each other, it does not merely go away because one of you did. Those feelings continue to hold my devotion to her. I feel it every day. I feel it in my very bones, dear girl. And you should never settle for anything less than that affection for yourself. He leaned over and kissed Juliet’s forehead. I know your mother would have wanted that for you as well.

Juliet smiled as they rode along in comfortable silence. Hearing Papa’s romantic declarations for his late wife was endearing, but Juliet knew a true love such as that was not always offered to everyone. She wondered what her mama would think about Dennel. Would she have taken unkindly to him the way Papa seemed to? Juliet hoped Papa would come around and see that a match with Dennel would be a friendly, happy marriage. The prospect might not be the all-consuming love Papa spoke of, but there were many different versions of a happy marriage.

What was it about Dennel that Papa was put off by?

Juliet heard the rush of a nearby river as she glanced at Papa. She took a breath of courage to ask, Papa, what is it about Dennel’s proposal that you oppose? While I do not love him in the way you spoke of, he is a respectable man...

Papa jerked in surprise and the horses whinnied at the sudden movement of the reins being tugged. Papa settled them and looked at Juliet once more. Has Mr. Colbert offered for your hand without asking my permission first?

Juliet frowned. What can you mean? I thought you knew he was going to propose marriage to me upon his visit yesterday. She shook her head lightly, still very confused. Is that not why you wanted me to accompany you on your journey?

Papa’s brows furrowed. No, my dear. He looked forward again. I had not heard of his intentions, although I am not too stunned in hearing this. Juliet, he sighed with reluctance. I do not want you committing to anyone at present with the unrest that keeps happening in the nearby villages.

Juliet was unaware of the unrest he spoke of. The only news she and Sylvie caught wind of was a girl missing a few villages away, and a house-fire one village to the east. She couldn’t see how any of this was akin to her marriage prospects.

Papa, have you heard something new that I have not? Have there been riots?

He shook his head and his kind eyes met hers, although he couldn’t fool Juliet. He was more worried than he was letting on. The creases near his mouth gave him away. There has been another young lady taken, he said gently. And as there are no leads to who has taken these girls, I do not trust anyone just now. Not even Mr. Colbert.

Juliet felt sick at the thought of being taken by some brute criminal. One missing girl was not completely unheard of. She could have eloped or simply run away. But if another one had been snatched in the vicinity... She didn’t care for this news at all. It was no wonder Papa didn’t want to leave her to her own devices, even only for a couple of days.

Once she had digested this unsettling news, she thought again about what Papa had said regarding Dennel. You do not trust Mr. Colbert? We have known him and his family for years. Do you really think he is capable of such a thing?

Papa shook his head and spoke seriously as they began ascending a rather steep hill. Juliet held herself steady as the cart wobbled. Anyone is capable of anything, he said. It is whether or not they act. I do not know what is happening, and until it is resolved, I am not comfortable with you— The horses shrieked unexpectedly as a man in his nightclothes emerged from the forest at a wild run. Juliet screamed as the horses kicked up on their hind legs, causing the cart to topple over. Juliet was thrown into a bush and she immediately felt the stings and scrapes against every bit of exposed flesh. She heard the horses carrying on and a man grunting.

Papa! Papa, are you hurt? She fought against the bush, but any slight movement caused another scratch. Blast! she muttered as the tears in her eyes finally spilled over.

In the next instant, she was hauled out of the bush. The hands around her arms were much too tight. She glanced behind her, expecting to see Papa as her rescuer, but it was the man who had caused this horrid accident.

Unhand me this instant. I must check on my papa!

How are you here? the man said breathlessly. I thought you were in the country with your family... He looked closely at her, but she jerked away from him, ignoring his strange question. Once free from his uncomfortable grip, she ran to Papa, who was unmoving and his leg stuck under the cart.

Papa! Juliet cried as she knelt quickly beside him. The horses were restless, dancing around so much that the cart broke free of them. Juliet gasped as the cart knocked the man over into the very bush he had just drawn her from, and the wild cart slid noisily to the bottom of the hill.

Juliet looked at Papa again. His face was badly wounded, although nothing too threatening from what she could tell. She opened her mouth to speak once more, but before she could, deep voices filled the woods and suddenly two men emerged on horseback. Juliet’s heart lifted at the stroke of luck to find help. Oh, please, you must help us! she called. My papa is injured, and I believe that man needs help as well! She gestured to where the man now struggled against the prickly shrub. Juliet gasped and drew back in alarm as both newcomers dismounted and tackled the man where he wrestled the thicket.

The poor captured man struggled helplessly and called out, Joslin! We cannot play any longer. You must leave. Make haste and get away from here! One of the men knocked the struggling man into unconsciousness.

Juliet gaped at the scene playing out before her. She was too stunned to speak or to move. She watched them toss the limp body over a horse, and the two brutes breathed heavily once their task was complete. Finally, they turned toward Juliet and she sidled up to Papa’s prostrate form, feeling more than uneasy.

What about her? The man speaking looked just older than Juliet. Dark curls sat on top of his head, and with his sharp jaw, one might consider him comely had he not asked such a disturbing question.

The other man had yet to take his eyes off Juliet. He was staring—nay, glaring at her as though he intended to burn her up where she sat. Even in Juliet’s vulnerable, frightened state, she couldn’t deny that he was much more beautiful than any man had a right to be. His golden tresses were dampened with perspiration, while his broad shoulders and chest moved noticeably with each heaving breath. The man’s eyes, though. Those eyes, which were currently glowering at her, were the lightest blue she had ever seen. He loomed yards away, yet she could see how finely they added to his already too-handsome face.

The man’s hands were at his hips and he tore his burning gaze from her toward his partner. She comes with us.

Juliet’s stomach churned and she shook her head fearfully. "No. Please, leave me. I will stay here with my papa. Do not bother