Page 19 of A Traitor Sister (Remnants of the Fallen Kingdom #2)

19

AZUR

M y magic is gone and I’m naked in the middle of nowhere—or everywhere. I want to transcend away, escape, but I’m stuck. Suspended between consciousness and sleep, all I feel is nothingness, strangely calming nothingness calling me.

Until I feel a tug. There’s a bond pulling me, pulling me back to that dreadful place full of pain. Not a dreadful place, but a carriage with my master, the human girl, and her .

“What happened?” The words roll out of my tongue somewhat slurred.

“It depends. What’s the last thing you remember?” Renel asks, and then memories assault me at once.

Murder, danger, blood. Why do I feel so horrible after getting rid of that vile leader of the council? And how come I passed out from magic fatigue? How did I get to that point? I need to speak to Renel in private, and I have postponed this for too long.

“I need to think,” I say, still stunned, still shocked. “But I’m fine.”

Only a faint trace of my magic still runs in my veins, but it should be enough. I change the air around the human girl and the pretty fae, even if my heart tells me that it’s wrong.

Renel exhales. “Good. I thought I would have to carry you into the castle.”

The idea of someone hauling me is so humiliating that makes me cringe.

Her breathing gets steady, deep, and so does the human girl’s. They’re both asleep.

“Oh.” Renel sounds appalled. “Did you just make my human guest pass out?”

I turn to him. “Both of them. We need to talk.”

“Very much so, but it could wait.”

“If you want, I can wake them.”

“Now, it won’t change anything. What is it? The explanation for all this?” He gestures to me, and I realize I’m naked with only a shirt covering me.

Right. More memories assault me like punches, but I need to start from the beginning.

“I went to the Jewel City, and the task you assigned me was accomplished.”

“That’s… great to hear.”

“But there were problems.” I swallow. If I could, I’d never confess what I’ve done, and yet I feel my bond pressing me, which doesn’t even make sense. It would be safer for him not to know any of that, but magic is magic, and for some reason, it wants me to tell him the truth. “I was about to transcend with the prisoners—when Zorwal arrived.”

Renel catches a breath and his relaxed expression turns serious at once.

I continue, “I hid, and I don’t think he saw me, but he was trying to extract information from those men, and wanted to know who was in the Desert Keep.”

His eyes are enormous and his breathing shallow as he stares at me. “What did you do?”

“I was duty-bound to keep that information secret, so I had no choice.” The rest of my words get stuck in my throat. In my mind, it was already horrific, a sight that stains my memory with blood and death, and yet now, when it’s time to voice it, it’s as if I’m about to make it real, permanent.

“Azur, just tell me what you did.” Renel’s voice is gentle. “Whatever it is, I’ll understand it.”

“I killed Zorwal.” The confession comes quickly, like coughing out something that was choking me.

Renel’s eyes widen even more, then he blinks. “How?”

“I threw him against a wall, and he hit his head.”

His finger touches his bracelets. “Are you sure? You know he has healing abilities.”

“There was blood—a splatter.” That disgusting image has been carved in my mind. “And his eyes… I glanced at them, and they were empty. He was no longer breathing. He was dead, Renel. I’m absolutely sure of it.”

Renel’s lips part, and the sound that comes from his mouth is what I least expected; laughter. Pure, joyous laughter.

He notices me staring at him, and says, “It’s not—” His laughter resumes, and he can’t finish the sentence. After a few seconds, he says, “Not that I delight in death.” And yet hysterical laughter takes hold of him again.

It’s odd. I always thought Renel was thankful to Zorwal, who helped him gain and maintain his position, even if the relationship wasn’t the most friendly. That’s clearly not the case.

When Renel chokes what I think might be his last laugh, I say, “So you like the news?”

“Not…” His shoulders sag. “Well, yes. I can’t believe it. Killed him. I could kiss you right now.”

“That’s hardly necessary.”

Renel shakes his head, a wide grin spread across his face. “I know! I’m just… Can’t believe it.”

“Right. Now, the issue is that I don’t want to be sentenced for murder, and there will be a body along with five missing prisoners in the Jewel’s Inquiry House.”

His smile fades. “Were you able to free them?”

“They’re on a boat, going to the Nowhere Lands.”

“You killed the leader of the council then went to the Jewel Port with the fugitives?”

I often want to strangle Renel, and in moments like this, the want is a thousandfold. “Of course not. What do you take me for?”

“An incredibly efficient guardian. It’s just a question, Azur. How did you get them on their way?”

“I transcended straight onto a boat.”

He stares at me open-mouthed. “In the middle of the sea?”

“Where else would it be? Among clouds?”

“A port. Does your magic even work in the ocean? Not to mention the scare you must have given the crew. And it’s Sea Court territory. I’m not sure they wouldn’t notice that much magic.”

“What was the alternative? And I promised you to do my best to save their lives. It meant that if someone else’s life was on the line, I would not be able to save them.”

I can’t transcend. I still remember being stuck on that boat, unable to escape, the Sea Court threatening her.

Renel rolls his eyes. “ Do your best means trying within the limits you think are right. Your best, not your impossible.”

“That’s not how magic bonds work, Renel.”

He runs a hand over his head and almost drops one of the combs holding back his hair. “Was anyone else in danger?”

I sigh. “That’s not what I’m talking about. I’m just saying I had no choice.”

“You did well.” A strange chuckle leaves his lips. “More than well.”

I lift a finger. “So you should trust me.”

“Funny you say that. Didn’t I come to a festival to have fun just because you said so? Almost got killed, but that’s a minor detail, I assume.”

I roll my eyes at the absurdity of what he just said. “Those desperate villagers were nowhere near killing you, and you know that. And there were tons of guards around you. I can’t—it’s physically impossible for me to put you in danger. And you know why I brought us to the festival.”

He squares his shoulders. “Yes, sure. So people will say they saw us far away from the Jewel City. Not sure why I had to be there. What you aren’t taking into consideration is that you never dance, never get drunk. I think you barely ever laugh, Azur. All of a sudden you’re stripping naked on a table.”

“Excessive wine makes people do stupid things. I won’t be the first one. The attendees who saw us will think I had been drinking for a while. Nothing strange in that.”

Renel nods. “Did anyone see you in the Jewel City?”

She did, but he doesn’t need to know that. “I was disguised and glamoured, then used air magic to make the guards lethargic and confused.”

“They’ll know the murderer was an air wielder.”

“Not necessarily. Few fae can use magic to change the air people breathe. They might not identify the element used, or even realize there was any magic. They won’t know how Zorwal was thrown against the wall. I mean, air doesn’t leave signs.”

“Which is a sign in itself.”

“Sure, but someone could have pushed him or something. Now, as to the prisoners disappearing… They don’t know I can transcend.”

“Marlak knows.” He points to the girls in the carriage. “They also do.”

“The human has no idea it’s anything special.” I point at the pretty fae, sleeping so peacefully. “And she won’t tell anyone.” At least that’s what I hope, considering she has her own secrets to hide.

Renel glances at her. “Now, I do have a few questions about this fae, Lidiane.”

The name surprises me. I’ve heard it before, but I don’t recall where, and yet I’m sure the information is stored deep down where I’m not sure I want to reach.

“I mean,” he continues, “When you said you had chosen a lady-in-waiting for the Tiurian, I was thinking of something more pragmatic.”

Renel’s uttering nonsense while I’m here, pushing and pulling my memory, wanting to know and not know who she is.

“Azur,” he mutters.

The word gets my attention. Of course it does. I’m barely different from an enchanted fae, unable to escape my commands. “Yes?”

“Did you place her as the human’s lady-in-waiting just because you’re smitten?”

Stupid questions deserve no answers. “I’m not reckless, Renel.”

“Where did you even find her?”

“She was already in the castle, and I placed her where I thought she could be useful.” I point at the two young women asleep. “Was I wrong? The human seems to trust her.”

Renel glances at them. “Why is a high fae even acting as a servant?”

“She’s lower fae.” I look at her hands and notice that her glamour is holding even when she’s asleep. No surprise—her magic is powerful. The question is why. And why was the Sea Court after her?

“Fine.” Renel sighs. “But do you see the problem in placing your lover to guard my human guest?”

I make no effort to tone down my glare. “Your question contains an incorrect assumption. How can I answer it?”

“Isn’t she your lover?”

“She is not.”

“But you’d like her to be.”

No is at the tip of my tongue, but won’t come out, obviously.

“She’s gorgeous,” I say in a matter-of-fact non-answer.

“There are thousands of gorgeous fae in the crystal court. Would you want to sleep with all of them?”

They’re not like her, but I obviously won’t say that. I raise an eyebrow. “Maybe I wouldn’t mind it.”

He takes a long, deep breath. “Listen, I can see the merits of showing your junk to the girl you like, but you should pick somewhere more private.”

“Is this supposed to be funny?”

“I don’t know. My jokes suck, Azur. Nevermind me. Now, if you like her, great, but maybe try not to get her involved in all this… mess.”

Too late. She’s neck deep. I hope I never have to tell Renel that. “I didn’t say I liked her.”

“Do you not like her?”

“I barely know her.”

“That makes no difference. I always remember my father telling me about when he met my mother.”

Renel hangs to the memory of his father like some deity. His father and his love-at-first-sight story. His father and his beautiful love that eventually got him killed.

“Your father’s case is unique, Renel. Regardless, I’m a guardian.”

“My father was a guardian.”

“Not a bound guardian.”

Renel throws his hands in the air. “I swear, if people hear you, they’ll think I walk around with you on a leash or something.”

I chuckle. “That will fuel quite a few fantasies.”

He laughs as well. “They’ll be lining up for threesomes.”

I lean back on the seat. “I’m sure they would be doing that, if they knew where to line up.” I point to the human girl. “Now, since you’ve become an expert on seduction overnight, how is it going?”

“I didn’t read any books; you did. You should be the expert, but after today’s display, I’m not so sure. Regardless, she’s human. I thought she would be just like a fae woman, you know, minus the pointy ears. No. It’s as if she’s from another species.”

“Come on. All high fae have human blood.”

“But humans have no fae blood, and I’m pretty sure there’s something missing there.” He stares at her as if she was some kind of weird food he doesn’t know how to eat.

He’ll obviously never manage to make her fall in love with him. Doesn’t surprise me. “Maybe that’s the trick. Find what’s missing.”

He stares at her, his expression thoughtful, likely concocting a foolish plan. His desperation reeks through every pore and I inhale it like perfume.

Then, all of a sudden, the memory hits me, and with it, a wave of fury. My fists clench as if they had a will of their own.

I know who Lidiane is. Oh. The truth is so revolting I might feel sick.

Consumed with distress, I look outside and realize we’re approaching the Crystal Castle. I change the air the girls breathe, then tell Renel, “Silence now. They’ll wake up in a minute or so.”

He nods and looks out the window. “There are lots of guards at the Royal Terrace.”

“Hmm.” Probably because of Zorwal’s murder. A thrill of fear runs through me, but I decide to convince myself that they cannot know what I’ve done.

Across from me, Lidiane opens her eyes, and I glare at the little traitor. She manages to frown as if confused, and yet I keep my stare.

“So you enchanted us,” she says.

I smirk. “Got a problem with a nap?”

Renel stares from me to the window. I look again and have to admit that the amount of guards at the terrace is not normal. I decide then that if they come for me, I’ll transcend away. I can’t leave Renel, though. I guess I’ll just have to bring him along.

My heart is beating fast, and I can feel it pushing my chest. Even Lidiane’s face changes from defiant to worried. She’s deep in the same mud that I am, and now I’m not even sorry for that. Meanwhile, the human girl is just waking up, looking around and stretching, so oblivious and ignorant.

I can’t transcend yet. My orders are to keep my magic secret from the fae guards in the castle. The exception is if I absolutely have no choice, so I’ll have to wait. I’ll have to bring Lidiane along, since our secrets intertwine like knotted thorns. More than just our secrets.

When I feel the thud of the landing, my heart matches it with its own thud. If things go wrong, I’ll have to be fast. How am I going to do it, coming out of a magic depletion?

A guard opens the door.

“Your Highness.” The guard bows to Renel.

Too calm, too respectful. I don’t think they’re here to arrest me, at least not yet, and it doesn’t seem that they’re going to announce the death of their council leader, since his tone is not grave enough.

I’m puzzled for a second, until he continues, “Lord Zorwal summons you.”

Lord.

Zorwal.

I feel like I’m falling into a bottomless hole.

ASTRA

P urple. So purple. I had no idea that all the fake color would come off like that, and yet I’ve looked at myself in the mirror more times than I should, just to see my hair again. It’s bright, colorful, not a light lilac or a deep purple.

It’s pretty.

It’s what I’ve been hiding all these years.

It’s me.

Perhaps I had to see that, see myself. Now, every time I look in the mirror, I want to giggle and cry and yell and cheer.

Hello, Astra. It’s nice to meet you after all this time.

I’m not sure my hair is going to tell me who I am or how to connect with my magic, though. What might help me is to check the papers I got from Otavio’s office, and that’s what made me stop staring at myself.

I’m now in the kitchen, sitting with Nelsin and Ferer, checking those pages.

The first one has a list of family trees, with names I don’t recognize, only two or three generations deep.

Ferer pulls the paper to look at it from a better angle. “They sound Tiurian to me.”

His comment surprises me. “You know the Tiurian language?”

He chuckles. “A little. Very little. A few words here and there, and that’s all. It’s just that they don’t sound like fae or human words or names.”

I look back at the paper. Why would Otavio make a list of families? Under most of them, he wrote ended or added a question mark.

“So perhaps he was looking at Tiurian family lines. But why?”

Nelsin taps his fingers on the table. “If Tiuris had a monarchy, I’d bet he was looking at what happened to the royal line. But it didn’t.”

Ferer’s expression is thoughtful. “There are claims that the Tiurian Kingdom had a monarchy, but that was a long time ago, like more than five hundred years, and we don’t even know if it’s true. Now, it could be a different line. A lot of magic is passed on through blood, so he could be looking for someone with a certain kind of magic, I suppose. Or maybe not necessarily magic, but a specific family line.”

Family. I’d love so much to learn about mine, and yet there’s nothing on this paper about it. “It could relate to me or not. It’s possible I was just the first obviously Tiurian child he found, my origins clear because of my hair color.”

“The hair color could also mean something,” Ferer suggests.

“Maybe. The Nymph Queen said Tiurian magic has been suppressed for a hundred years, and yet I have it. I’m not saying it’s the hair… I just don’t know.” I can’t understand what it all means.

Nelsin looks at me. “At least we learned something with the first paper; he was paying attention to a family—or many families. And these were family lines that ended.”

I’m trying to untangle this puzzle. “It could be related to me, either because of some magic, or maybe my family line has some significance. He could be trying to figure out who my family is, or maybe this is from before he found me. Maybe he was already… looking for someone.”

The possibility stuns me, and then again, a list of families proves of nothing.

Ferer takes a deep breath. “What did he tell you? About how he found you.”

“Someone in an orphanage called him when my hair started to grow, asking him to disguise it. He’s a beautician, so it makes sense. He brought me to the castle, and then the orphanage caught fire and all the records were lost.” I roll my eyes. “How convenient. Nowadays, I think he might have caused the fire either to hide his steps or to protect me, I don’t know.”

“Hold on.” Ferer raises a finger. “Was he already the royal beautician at the time?”

“Yes.”

“Then it doesn’t make sense that they’d call him. Why would they trust him? How would they know he wouldn’t turn you over to the king?”

“I have considered that, but in my mind, it was someone who knew him, or perhaps who knew he was Tiurian, maybe even another one of us.”

Nelsin snaps his fingers. “Ha. A Tiurian, for sure. Unless the whole story about the orphanage is a lie. Do you have any proof it existed? That there was an orphanage that burned when you were a baby?”

“He showed me a royal record once.” I sigh, my previous naivety managing to stun me. “Who knows if the record’s even real.”

Nelsin looks at me. “How old were you when he took you?”

“He says I was eight months old.”

“Who was hiding you before that?” he asks.

“I didn’t have much hair before. Again, that’s what he claims, but I’ve seen some hairless babies. It makes sense.” I think back to the Nymph Queen and her hurry. “You know what? I don’t have time to focus on this right now, even if it’s interesting. Let me see the other papers.”

A quick glance tells me that they’re cosmetics recipes for lip coloring and lash thickener.

I don’t even know what to say. “I’m so sorry. I guess it was foolish to go to Otavio’s office. I learned nothing, and it’s not going to help me with my magic, which is what I need to focus on.”

Ferer nods. “All right, so what do you want to learn?”

“First, there’s something I need to find. Have you ever heard of the Amethyst Palace?”

“Yes,” Ferer says, while Nelsin says, “No.”

“You’ve heard of it?” I don’t hide my surprise.

Nelsin stares at Ferer, who sits up straight.

“Stories,” he says. “Legends, perhaps. It was the Tiurian’s castle, where their king and queen lived.”

“What happened to it?” I ask.

“Disappeared together with most of the Tiurian civilization. But that might be a story, you know? But I’ve heard about it.”

Nelsin turns to him. “How come you know all that?”

“Sea Court. We had some books from there.”

I’m quite intrigued. “So they know more about Tiuris? Is it possible to go there? To research?”

Ferer’s laugh is bitter. “They’d kill me on sight. And they’re not very welcoming of strangers. The only reason they allow boats to float above them is due to some old treaty or something.”

I remember what the half-nymph told me. “Because the sea court punishes relations with other fae, is that it?”

“I suppose. They killed my mother, and I guess my father too.”

Oh, this is horrific. “I’m so sorry. And they kill children?”

Ferer shrugs. “I suppose. You said Krastel could kill Tiurian children too, didn’t you?”

“That’s what Otavio told me, but I don’t even know what’s true anymore. We do learn that darksouls are evil and dangerous, so I suppose Tiurian children could be killed.” My voice cracks. “I used to believe Tiurians were dangerous.”

“What made you change your mind?” Nelsin asks.

I stare at the wood patterns on the table. “So many lies… It’s like I was immersed in them, and once I was out, I could look back and see them for what they were. I won’t say I’m free and perfectly confident that there’s nothing dark or dangerous about my magic, but I can see the manipulation for what it was.”

Nelsin stares at me. “It might still affect your connection with your magic.”

“Certainly.” I chuckle. “As if I didn’t have enough problems.” Find what you need to find. The queen’s words come to mind. “You know what? I need to find that castle.”

Ferer raises an eyebrow. “You think it’s hiding somewhere?”

“I do. Didn’t Marlak spend years looking for a tower? A castle is just a little bigger. It can also be hidden. And I need to find it.” I remember the books Marlak gave me. “Have any of you read Tiuris, the Fallen Kingdom ?”

They both shake their heads.

“I’ll check it now.”

Ferer strokes his chin. “What about your magic?”

“The castle first. And it’s urgent.”

“We’ll help you. And we can bring more books for you.”

I click my tongue. “I’m afraid we might be out of time.”

The Nymph Queen’s fear was palpable enough. And I’m starting to worry about Marlak.

And then, I don’t even know what I’m looking for—or why.

Trust yourself.

It sounds so clear, inspiring even, but when my head is a mess of tangled thoughts, which of them should I trust?

LIDIANE

Z orwal. I saw him dying in front of me.

Now, apparently, he’s summoning the false king. I don’t look at Azur, fearing my eyes could betray his guilt. Renel walks out and doesn’t look back either, perhaps with the same thought.

Azur didn’t make me sleep like he thought. I was pretending, and now I’m trying to make sense of everything I heard, including the fact that now Azur knows my name. It shouldn’t make much difference.

Beside me, Tarlia says, “Interesting trip.”

I think she can feel the tension in the air and yet doesn’t understand what’s happening, but no casual conversation can erase my shock.

Still, I smile at her. “At least you enjoyed the roasted rat.”

She grins. “Very much.”

Azur is still glaring at me for some bizarre reason.

“Lidiane.” His voice is full of venom. “Follow me now.”

I point at Tarlia. “I need to walk her to her room.”

“A guard can do that.”

“No.” Tarlia holds my hand. “Don’t want a random guard.”

Azur doesn’t even glance at her and takes my arm. “Come.”

I push him away. “Let me escort her. I’ll see you after.”

“Five minutes, no more.” He leans over and waves a finger near my face, then walks out of the carriage, holding a shirt over his crotch and yet standing tall as if he was covered in finery.

“Moody, this one,” Tarlia says, her voice much lighter than her face.

“Yes.” There are so many thoughts crossing my mind at the same time that none of them are intelligible. “Let’s go.”

We walk into the castle, strangely undisturbed by any guards. Nobody stops us, nobody asks us anything. I guess arriving in the company of the sham king has its advantages.

I try not to worry about Zorwal or whoever summoned Renel. I’ll soon find out if he’s dead or alive, and then I can wonder if he remembers anything.

Chills are creeping up my back, even if I try to remain calm. And then I’m also wondering why Azur was so strange, so angry . Do I need to wonder? He killed a man who’s apparently summoning his master now. Something’s wrong, something’s odd, and things don’t make sense. And yet I still think Azur was unlike himself—as if I even knew him.

She’s gorgeous . I still remember what he said when he thought I was asleep. Then again, I know what I look like, and agree with his assessment.

Still, he avoided some of Renel’s questions, when he could have said no . Does he like me? This line of thought will never lead to a positive outcome and makes no sense. I came to this castle to find a way to bring down Renel, and I’ll never be able to do that if I change my mind about his bound guardian—even if he might seem nice sometimes.

This is my first time walking into the castle from this door, and it takes me a few minutes to recall where Tarlia’s room is, but I remember it when we get to the central part of the castle around the spiral staircase, under the crystal. From there, I find her hallway easily.

We barely enter her room, and she asks, “What happened?”

“A lot.” I look around to check if we’re truly alone, and see no one, but then I’m not even sure what to say or from where to start.

She steps close to me. “Did he threaten you?”

“Who?” I’m thinking about Zorwal, but then I realize she means Azur. “No.”

“Why did he need you?”

Odd. Only now I notice that I made no promises to keep anything secret, and yet the truth of what happened at the Jewel and then later at the sea is too heavy, too dangerous. “I can’t tell you all, but—” I was going to say Azur’s not so bad. Am I sure? Does it matter?

“What?”

“I’m not afraid of Renel’s guardian and I’ll go see him now. Still, if by any chance I don’t return in three hours?—”

“Oh, no. If it’s getting that bad, you need to tell him no .”

“Nothing’s…” Bad , I was going to say, but it makes no sense. “I mean, Azur’s not dangerous.”

Tarlia stares at me as if I had just hit my head.

“At least I don’t think so,” I add. “If things go wrong, look for Serenade. It’s a village in the north, where I live. Ask for me. Eventually, my brother will find you.”

“What’s happening, Lidiane?”

“I’ll probably be back, but I can’t tell you everything.” I take her hands. “Trust me that I want to keep you safe.”

“Do you even want to defeat Renel?”

I let go of her hands. “Why would I change my mind?”

“You trust his guardian.”

“Not completely, no. And they’re two different fae, in case you haven’t noticed.”

Her look is still suspicious.

“I have to go now,” I say as I walk toward the door. “But I’ll be back—I think. Your glamour will hold until the evening, at least.”

“Good luck,” she mutters, when I’m already outside.

I don’t turn back to reply to her.

You trust his guardian . Why do her words gut me?

I had to trust him. We worked together, saved some innocent fae, he protected me. I do trust him to a certain extent, and yet the admission bothers me. And then I recall what I heard, and the fact that he went to the Jewel City under Renel’s orders. Why did I have the impression he was rebelling or something? Perhaps moonlighting as a hero? No, it was just part of his job. Of course he was following orders. What was I thinking?

And then there was the glare he gave me, so different from everything that came before. I dread this meeting as much as I’m eager to see him and understand what’s going on.

And then there’s the worst part: Zorwal. Is he truly alive? And if yes, can he identify who killed him?