The False Saint

I stood at the rehearsal for my beach wedding, but my heart was in my shoes.

The man who was supposed to be riding beside me, my fianc, was instead cradling his adopted sister in his arms. The two of them were laughing together on horseback, a picture-perfect couple.

When I frowned, my displeasure obvious, he just arched a brow and coldly accused me of being uncharitable. He said his sister was just helping me with the rehearsal and that I should thank her.

The sister, however, was even more audacious. She leaned in, kissed him provocatively on the lips, and then turned to me with a smirk. "Just testing it out for you. The whole kissing-on-horseback thing works perfectly."

Just as I was about to fire back, a voice echoed in my mind. It was the white stallion, complaining.

This trashy couple is unbelievable, it grumbled. The cuddling was bad enough, but then they started an acrobatic routine up here. Nearly threw my back out.

I froze, and then a slow, wicked smile spread across my face. So thats how it was.

I let out a soft, sharp whistle.

The next second, the stallion reared up violently, sending the pair on its back tumbling to the ground.

If they wanted to play saints, then Id be happy to help them on their way.

Id send them straight to meet their maker.

I narrowed my eyes, staring down the coastline.

There, on my white stallion, Storm, sat two people.

My fianc, Patrick, held Daisy in his arms.

They whispered to each other, their smiles sickeningly sweet, as if they were the ones getting married today.

I folded my arms, watching the scene with cold amusement.

Interesting.

Beside me, the wedding planner whispered to her assistant.

Whats going on? Shouldnt it be the bride and groom on the horse?

I have no idea. Who is that girl?

She looks happier than the bride

I heard every word but said nothing.

The horse stopped a few feet away from me.

Patrick pulled on the reins, his expression as serene as a benevolent saint.

Cassie, Daisy was just testing the horse for you. You should thank her.

Shes a pure soul, a woman of God. Dont get the wrong idea.

His face was unnaturally flushed, a look of deep satisfaction in his eyes.

Daisy tilted her head, her smile a mask of innocence. Dont misunderstand, Cassie. The horse looked so tall, I was afraid youd be too scared to ride him.

I almost laughed out loud.

This horse? Id raised him from a foal.

Id be scared?

Daisy shifted, pressing a quick kiss to Patricks lips. Then she turned back to me, beaming.

See, Cassie? I tested it for you. Kissing on horseback? Totally doable.

A stunned silence fell over the crew. Someone audibly gasped.

Patrick, after a brief pause, just chuckled and ruffled Daisys hair.

Youre such a little rascal. Always playing games.

Have you had enough fun? I asked, my voice dangerously sweet.

If not, you can continue the show tomorrow, in front of all our guests.

Patricks hand froze.

His brow furrowed with irritation. Cassie, Daisy is my sister. And shes a devout woman. Dont take it too far.

His sister. A devout woman.

The same excuses hed been using for the past six months.

It all started half a year ago, when he returned after his long period of service at a remote monastery. Our families had arranged our marriage when we were children, and with his return, the wedding was back on the agenda.

Id been content with the arrangement. Id heard he was a man of principle, pious and kinda suitable partner.

But from the day he came back, Daisy was a constant presence.

She was an orphan the family had taken in, a fellow devotee who had spent time at the monastery with Patrick.

At first, she just dropped by occasionally. Soon, it was every day.

Once, I walked in on her changing clothes in Patricks room. He was standing right behind her, a robe in his hands, about to place it on her shoulders.

Daisy saw me and didnt even flinch. Oh, Cassie. My clothes got wet, so Im just borrowing something from my brother.

Afterward, I confronted Patrick. I dont appreciate relationships without boundaries. This is the first time.

He seemed taken aback, a hint of annoyance in his voice. Youre misunderstanding.

I held up a hand. Just remember. Three strikes.

I didnt elaborate. I just left.

A month later, I found them shopping for lingerie. Patrick even reached out and adjusted the strap on her bra.

She saw me and smirked. Dont get the wrong idea, Cassie. Im just hopeless at picking these things out, so I asked my brother for help.

I looked straight at Patrick. Thats strike two.

He scowled, his patience clearly wearing thin. Youre so worldly. Shes my sister. I was just helping.

I still didnt raise my voice. I just said, You told me you knew the difference between a fiance and a sister. I hope you remember that.

He stared at me for a long time without a word.

Today was strike three.

He had publicly kissed his sister.

Theres no brother-sister relationship in the world that looks like that.

My patience had run out.

I took a deep breath, ready to unleash my fury.

Suddenly, a voice echoed in my mind.

[This pair of humans has no respect for a horses dignity.]

[The cuddling was bad enough, but then they started an acrobatic routine. Nearly threw my back out.]

[My poor mistresss perfect wedding theyve ruined it.]

I slowly turned my head, my eyes locking on Storm.

Acrobatics?

A cold, bitter laugh escaped my lips. I finally understood.

So, theyd broken more than just boundaries.

Id been waiting on this beach for hours, the cold sea wind whipping at my skin, while he was off somewhere playing his acrobatic games with his adopted sister.

I remembered a conversation wed had a month ago.

Cassie, Patrick had said, his tone serious. Although Ive returned to secular life, Ive spent years in devotion. I will honor our marriage contract, but for the first three years, I will not touch you. I hope you can understand.

Id nodded at the time. I wasnt a saint, but I could respect his faith.

I see now.

He wasnt keeping his body pure for me. He was keeping it for her.

I looked up at Patrick. He was whispering something to Daisy, his eyes full of a tenderness he never showed me. She playfully tapped his chest, and he caught her wrist, holding it gently.

The nauseating feeling of betrayal and deception washed over me.

The two things I despised most in the world, served up on a silver platter.

This marriage? I was done with it.

Patrick, with Daisy still in his arms, rode Storm around the venue, surveying the setup with a satisfied air.

The sea breeze tangled her hair, and Patrick, ever the gentleman, gently tucked the strands behind her ear, using the red braided bracelet on his wrist to tie it back.

I watched, my eyes narrowing.

That was the promise bracelet wed gotten together at a festival, blessed for a long and happy union.

Patrick caught my gaze and shrugged. Dont worry about it. Its just a string.

I gave him a slow, knowing smile. Are you testing my limits?

He knew I cared. And he did it anyway.

Daisy immediately untied the bracelet and held it out to me. If you dont like it, Cassie, you can have it back.

Then her hand slipped.

The red cord fell into the sand and was instantly swallowed by a wave.

Oops! she gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, but there wasnt a shred of apology in her eyes. Im so sorry, Cassie. My hand slipped.

Patrick wrapped an arm around her waist, his voice dripping with affection. Its fine. She wont blame you.

Suddenly, I laughed. Of course not. Its just a string.

I reached down, untied the matching bracelet from my own wrist, and tossed it into the ocean.

Patricks jaw tightened. His lips parted as if to say something, but he remained silent.

I turned my attention to Storm. You two should get down now. Thats my horse.

Daisy started to dismount, but Patrick held her back. He looked at me, his eyes cold as steel. Im giving this horse to Daisy.

My eyes narrowed to slits.

He was giving her my horse? On what authority?

[Mistress, no!] Storms panicked voice screamed in my head. [I dont want to go with her! She eats horse tartare right in front of me!]

So, a fake saint after all.

Daisy beamed from her perch on Storms back. This horse is special to me and Patrick now, Cassie. A blush crept up her cheeks. Riding him together today its a memory well always have. You should just let me have him. You have so many other horses at your familys stable, you wont even miss one.

I scoffed. Their memory? How pathetic.

No.

Patrick froze, clearly not expecting a direct refusal. His voice was laced with impatience. Its just a horse. If Daisy likes him, just give him to her.

I wagged a finger at him, enunciating each word. I. Said. No.

A muscle twitched in Patricks jaw. He was getting angry.

He suddenly raised the riding crop and brought it down hard on Storms flank.

Storm whinnied in pain. My heart clenched.

The horse spun in place, trembling, a raw red welt already forming on his hindquarters.

Patrick gripped the reins, his eyes filled with a challenging, warning glare. An animal is an animal. It needs to be taught a lesson when it misbehaves.

His words were a thinly veiled threat. As if he werent taming a horse, but me.

I clenched my fists.

I had been satisfied with this marriage because I believed in Patricks character. But would a truly kind man treat an animal like this?

It all became crystal clear.

He wasnt a man of God. He was a hypocrite.

I pulled out my phone and dialed my father.

Dad, officially notify the Montgomerys. The wedding is off.

Patrick looked down at me from his high horse, a mocking smile on his face.

What kind of act is this, Cassie? You think you can just call off the wedding? He sighed dramatically. If only we had a choice.

So thats what he thought.

The Montgomery family business was on the brink of collapse, desperate for a cash injection from my family. We, on the other hand, had a long list of suitable marriage candidates. If it werent for his carefully crafted image as a pious man, I might never have agreed.

The wedding was tomorrow. He was betting that Id cave to protect our families reputations.

He had bet wrong.

I, Cassandra Hale, dont check the clock before I flip the table.

If youre so reluctant, theres no reason to continue, I said, then turned to the wedding planner. Youll be paid in full. Cancel everything for tomorrow.

The color drained from Patricks face. Cassandra, dont be childish.

Daisy chimed in, her voice syrupy sweet. Cassie, this is a union between two families. Itll sound so bad if you cancel now. She paused, feigning concern. Besides, being left at the altar is so humiliating for a woman.

Patrick snorted. Dont coddle her. If she cant understand something so simple, shes not fit to be a wife.

He patted Storms head forcefully. Just like this horse. You cant spoil them.

Storm let out a pained whinny.

[Mistress, help me.]

[They were whipping me while they were insulting you.]

[They tampered with your medication said something about once the Montgomerys are stable, a grieving widower would be best theyre not good people!]

A roar filled my ears.

I remembered the strange pains in my chest over the past few months. Id chalked it up to stress from work, a weakened immune system.

But they didn't want me to live.

Rage flooded my veins. I stepped in front of the horse.

Dont touch my horse! Get down, now!

Patrick didnt move. Daisy didnt move.

I glared at them, my voice low and dangerous. The only reason hes calm is because Im here. Dont push your luck.

Patrick laughed, a sound full of contempt. Cassie, there isnt a horse I cant ride.

I knew what he was really saying.

There isnt a person I cant control.

This whole series of provocations today it was a compliance test.

Too bad for him, he had miscalculated.

I may bow to God, but I dont bow to false prophets. And I certainly dont bow to sanctimonious hypocrites.

I am telling you for the last time. Get. Down. Now. Or you will face the consequences.

Daisy giggled, covering her mouth. Oh, you look so scary, Cassie. Patrick, youll protect me, wont you?

He looked down at her, his eyes soft. Of course.

I stared at them, my voice flat. Are you absolutely sure youre not getting down?

Patricks gaze was indifferent. I told you, this horse belongs to Daisy now. When she gets down is her decision.

Daisy shot me a triumphant smile. Thank you, Patrick.

She dug her heels into Storms sides. Giddy-up!

The horse started walking toward the ocean.

I took a deep breath and put two fingers to my lips.

A piercing whistle cut through the air.

Storm understood my command instantly.

The next second, he reared up, his body almost vertical.

Ah!

Daisy screamed, falling backward. Patrick instinctively grabbed for the reins, but he had no control.

They both tumbled from the horse, landing with a heavy thud on the wet sand.

The scene erupted into chaos. Crew members screamed and scattered.

Patrick scrambled to his feet, his face contorted with rage. What the hell did you do? You spooked him! If Daisy is hurt, Ill kill you!

Help me! Patrick, help me! Daisy shrieked. She had fallen directly under Storms belly and was curled in a ball, covering her head. The horses hooves danced around her, inches from crushing her.

Patricks face went pale, and he lunged forward without a second thought.

Any last shred of hesitation I had vanished.

I whistled again.

Storms eyes fixed on his target. His front hooves shot up into the air.

And came down, square in Patricks groin.

A bloodcurdling scream echoed across the beach.

Patrick curled into a ball, clutching himself, writhing in the sand.

I smirked.

Enough.

I let out one last, short whistle.

Storm galloped away, disappearing down the beach.

The crew finally rushed forward, surrounding Patrick.

Call an ambulance!

Hes bleeding! I think hes bleeding!

I walked over slowly and stood over him, looking down.

I told you. You shouldnt have ridden my horse.

He was drenched in a cold sweat, but his eyes still glared at me with pure hatred. You you

Daisy finally pulled herself up from the sand, trembling, and pointed a shaking finger at me. It was you! You did this on purpose! You told the horse to trample him!

I laughed coldly. You brought this on yourselves. I warned you. You didnt listen.

You!

Before she could say more, a commotion started at the edge of the beach.

Patricks parents had arrived. They hurried toward us, their eyes locked on me.

Cassie, whats going on? Why are you canceling the wedding?

It seemed my parents had called them.

As they got closer, they saw the scene.

Patricks mother shrieked and ran to her son. Patrick! What happened to you?

Daisy burst into tears. Mom, it was Cassie! She made the horse go crazy and hurt Patrick!

Mrs. Montgomerys head snapped toward me, her eyes filled with suspicion.

You want to see the truth? I asked, then gestured to the camera crew. Play the rehearsal footage.

The videographer scrambled to set up the camera, projecting the video onto a large monitor.

On the screen, Patrick and Daisy rode together, laughing. Daisy turned and kissed him. He smiled and ruffled her hair.

I hit pause.

This is why Im canceling the wedding. This brother and sister are a little too close. I wouldnt want to get in the way of true love.

Mr. and Mrs. Montgomerys faces turned an ugly shade of red. Mrs. Montgomery looked at Daisy as if seeing her for the first time.

Daisy panicked. Mom, Dad, let me explain

Patrick, still on the ground, groaned through the pain. Mom, its not Daisys fault Cassie was being unreasonable

I held up my hands and shrugged. See? Theyre perfect for each other. Its only right that I step aside.

Daisy pointed frantically at the screen. Mom, Dad, watch the rest! She set us up to fall! Shes the one who got Patrick hurt!

The video continued playing. It clearly showed me whistling.

Daisys eyes lit up. See? It was her! She did it!

I kept my voice casual. Im not a horse whisperer. I was just trying to get you to stop. That horse has a wild streak. I warned you more than three times, but you wouldnt listen.

I glanced at her, my voice dropping. He was originally going to trample you. It was you who screamed for him to save you. Youre the one who got him hurt.

Daisy froze.

The video was undeniable. Patrick had been on his feet, disheveled but unharmed. It was Daisys screams that made him play the hero.

The color drained from her face. Mrs. Montgomerys was even paler.

SLAP.

The sound was sharp and clear.

You ungrateful viper! We took you in, and this is how you repay us? Seducing my son, nearly getting him killed! Mrs. Montgomery was shaking with rage.

Mr. Montgomerys face was like thunder. After all, their family desperately needed my familys money.

My dowry alone was three billion dollars.

Daisy clutched her cheek, tears streaming down her face. She opened her mouth to argue, but one look at her adoptive parents faces and she snapped it shut.

The wail of an ambulance grew closer.

Paramedics examined Patrick, their expressions grim. Oh, god. His groin I think its severed.

A dead silence fell over the beach.

I hid my triumphant smile behind a mask of pity and sorrow.

I pressed my palms together.

Amen.

The man of God had truly become celibate.

And next, it was the saints turn.