The Count of Castle Rock

Chapter LVI: Invitations

"Absolutely not!"

"Talbert, see reason!"

"I don't care how much gold the man has invested in my business, I refuse this invitation!"

"You're letting pride make you a fool."

Leesa comes down from her room, curious about the commotion coming from the kitchen. Jessica and Mary huddle together in the hallway, clearly drawn by the same.

"What's going on?" she whispers as she joins them.

"Your father has had enough with The Black Count and your dashing apprentice," Uncle Will replies from a stool by the window.

Leesa blushes at the mention of her apprentice. Rain hits the windows in sheets and winds jostle the rafters.

"I don't understand."

"A messenger from Black Roost delivered an invitation addressed to Father and Ms. Leesa Talbert."

"An invitation to what?" Leesa feels a twinge in her chest, a jolt of excitement and a healthy dose of unease.

"Count Methuen is throwing another party and, for some unknown reason, he invited you and Father." Maribelle's tone is even, but beneath the surface is jealousy and rage.

"Surely the choice is Hans's doing," Jessica says with a wink. "I'm sure they weren't even thinking about you, Mary."

Uncle Will, Leesa, and Jesse laugh heartily. Maribelle's glare is a sight to behold. If looks could kill, they would all be dead.

"Talbert, the man's coin has created this bubble of opportunity you and your girls live in," Uncle Barney says, Leesa imagines him spreading his arms wide. "You do not bite the hand that feeds you."

"The hand that feeds me? He disappeared with my daughter!" Someone pounds the kitchen table. "He's lucky I don't go up to that castle and-"

"Watch your tongue. Remember the Lord Marshal's list."

"My Caterpillar, Barnabas!"

Sounds like those men think your honor needs protecting.

"Methuen?" Leesa asks under her breath. She pretends not to see Uncle Will's curious expression.

I'm sorry Thueny isn't with us right now.

Laughter fills Leesa's ears, sending her heart racing. She covers her ears and squeezes her eyes shut. In the darkness she glimpses Shalafaral, The Hag Queen.

"How?"

You've opened the door. Now I'm in the house.

Someone grabs her shoulders and gives them a light shake. Leesa's eyes fly open. Uncle Will, concerned and confused.

"What is it? What did you see?" He stares into Leesa's eyes, searching for answers.

"I'm okay. It was nothing."

"Doesn't sound like nothing," Jesse chimes in. "You've been acting strange since you and Nemu were attacked."

"If they were attacked..." Mary adds.

"We were attacked," Leesa snaps, tired of her sister's insinuations. "By goblins."

"Right. There were goblins this far east and somehow you managed to fight your way free of them." Mary scoffs. "It sounds like a scene from one of your silly fairy tales."

"It happened."

"Maribelle, stop." Uncle Will shakes his head.

Mary narrows her eyes, but relents for a change. Leesa eases Uncle Will's hands off her shoulders with a weak smile.