Page 7 of A Traitor Sister (Remnants of the Fallen Kingdom #2)

7

ASTRA

S alt. The priestess said it could protect against evil spirits. I’m thinking—or hoping—it can also block magic.

I couldn’t believe that Otavio left me alone and could believe even less when one of my guards brought me some salt. Now I’m rinsing my hair with salt water. I think my master would go berserk if he saw it, but if everything goes according to plan, he’ll never see it.

In fact, I hope he never sees my hair again.

Why does my heart feel like a paper I’m crumpling? A paper like all the pages in the many books I read. A page in the life I lived, in all the useless knowledge I gained. Crumpled. Left behind.

I take a deep breath, the light smell of salt strangely assaulting my nose. It’s like leaving a part of me behind.

Onward to a new page. I don’t want to be a tool anymore.

And that is why I can’t risk Otavio using my hair coloring to locate me. How did he even do that? Was it Tiurian magic? Some kind of dark magic? Or just some odd property of whatever ingredient he put in the lotion?

No, there’s no ingredient that will let anyone locate you from so far away. How much magic does he have? How much magic has he never told me about? I wish he could tell me everything he can about my power, my people, and yet wishes won’t make any of that true.

I have to leave. And save Marlak.

The hill in front of my window has a castle-shaped, triangular shadow on it, as the sun lowers on the other side. Soon we’ll reach that in-between moment when it’s not day or night, when the eyes haven’t gotten used to the dark, when things aren’t yet silent. That moment when shadows are longer and stark.

This is something I learned in the Elite Tower, under Otavio’s instructions. At night, sounds spread further and guards are more alert, not to mention the overbearing silence, so it’s the worst time to try to sneak in and out of anywhere. Sunset and sunrise, on the other hand, are the ripe time for thieves, intruders, and fugitives. Otavio would know that’s when I’d try to escape, but I doubt the thought even crosses his mind. Still, just to be sure, I want to be far away when the sun kisses the horizon. Far away, before Otavio realizes I’m no longer his puppet.

No time for regrets, not even time to think much.

I checked the walls of the castle. While they might be smoother than Krastel’s, they still have gaps that will let me climb down.

Once on the ground, I’ll find a river.

As far as plans go, this is bold and dubious, but I don’t want to spend even a night here, not when I saw where Marlak is being held, when I can do something to rescue him.

The first step is to find Nelsin and Ferer. They’ll know what to do.

Nelsin’s playful face comes to mind, as well as Ferer’s focused, thoughtful demeanor. Do they know I’m here? Would they try to rescue me? I don’t want them doing anything foolish, and that’s another reason why I need to leave.

I take one last glance inside, at this fancy room that doesn’t belong to me. I’m wearing the leggings, blouse, and shoes made for me by Irene—comfortable clothes that will let me move freely, or at least as freely as I can.

My only other possession here is the sword that’s too far from my reach. I won’t get sentimental about it. A sword can be replaced, even a legendary sword.

With no regrets, I sit on the windowsill and find a place to put my foot. A cold chill raises the hairs on my skin. The gap is not deep. With a deep breath, I hold on to the ledge and let my other foot search for another opening. A sigh of relief escapes my lungs. This one is deeper and comfortable enough for a safe descent. My hand then searches for a place to hold below the window—a thin fissure, not enough to hold my weight, but enough to give support to the other limbs.

Slowly, I descend, making sure I always have at least one foot and one hand secured to the wall. Hanging precariously like this, I feel as if this is an interminable precipice, a wondrous, horrific height. No. With a steadying breath, I calm down.

Regardless of the height I have to climb or descend, all my focus should be on where to put my hands and feet next. That’s it.

And that’s what I do. Still, for some horrifying seconds, I fear there’s nowhere to grab, and during other seconds all I want is to return to the castle and concoct a better plan, but there’s so much wall between me and my window that going back would mean more dangerous climbing, just in another direction. At this point, down is my only option.

All of Marlak’s magic within me is gone. I can no longer sense even a spark of his magnificent power, even a sliver of it, and I regret not having tried to escape earlier. Well, earlier I was being watched by Otavio.

I’m searching for a gap with my left foot, still too high above the ground for my heart to beat normally, when I sense something shaking. Shit. Was that an impression? Another tremor, and I press my body against the wall. This is either an earthquake—or the castle’s about to move.

Right. Moving castle, Astra. What kind of dingbat tries to scale the walls of a moving castle?

This is the time to call for the Almighty Mother and her light, even if I don’t know what it can do. Perhaps it’s time to ask for forgiveness for being such an imbecile.

But I don’t have time to do that. Another tremor hits, and it’s accompanied by such a strong gust of wind that my poorly placed feet lose their hold on the stone. I try to put them back, but I’m only hanging by my arms when another windblast throws me off balance, and I find myself sliding down the wall, trying desperately to slow my descent and find a gap for my feet or hands.

That’s when another gust hits me like a huge hand slapping me, pushing me away from the wall.

In free fall.

The sky is dark above me while I feel my body accelerating towards the ground.

I think about light. Love. Magic.

Magic. I reach for the tiniest trace of Marlak’s magic, trying to control the air below me, trying to slow me down.

But I can’t feel it. Can’t feel anything other than regret.

And yet I haven’t yet reached the ground. All that wind is not letting me fall, at least not as fast. So much wind—and then I stop.

Did I… did I connect with Marlak’s magic?

I feel my body moving up. This is too precise, too controlled.

It isn’t me.

While I’m grateful, so grateful that I’m not going to kiss the ground, I don’t know who’s pulling me, what they want, or what price they’ll ask for saving me.

Air moves fast below me, tickling my back, and I relax, wondering if it makes a difference like it does in the water. I relax as I feel myself pulled through an open window, relax as my body enters a bedroom, and then I finally fall on hardwood floor.

I’m alive. Alive. My heart accelerates, not in fear, but in celebration, as I take in my surroundings. It’s a small bedroom with plain walls and a single bed with a simple wooden frame. I’m wondering who pulled me in, when a man steps out of a shadow.

He has long, blond hair and wears a black hat with a wide brim, and an embroidered green waistcoat. I can see just a glimpse of the tip of a fae ear on his right side. Only when he approaches me, do I recognize him.

Azur. Azur, but his countenance is so different. At the coronation, he looked like a human courtier, despite his pointy ears. My stomach recoils as I recall the disgusting words he told Marlak, telling him he wanted a taste of his wife. A thousand times yuck.

In the sanctuary… I was so stressed that I don’t even remember much of what he looked like, but he seemed cruel—needlessly cruel and gloating.

Now, he looks calm and mildly curious.

Regardless, this is Renel’s number one man—and I’m in trouble.

MARLAK

P atience. I always thought it was one of my noblest qualities, allowing me to remain steadfast in my darkest hours, and yet now that I’m locked here, the wish to break these bars and destroy this prison is stronger than ever.

Renel has Astra. Azur has Astra. A great reason to escape and get her out of that castle. Also a great reason to wait and only make a move once I know she’s safe.

I sit on the packed earth table and rest my face on my hand. There are other fears gnawing at me. These are the Shadow Lands, where monsters roam free. Giants are the mildest of them. Ghouls, ghosts, and sand sprites roam these plains. Soulsuckers can feed on fear and drive a person insane.

Maybe the walls of this prison keep them out, maybe there’s enough magic to repel the horrors of the Shadow Lands. And then again, maybe not.

Would Renel risk his own life imprisoning me in a place where I could be killed? Or does he think that it won’t count if it’s something else that kills me? Is he expecting me to escape and die in the desert? That would be my own fault—and would cause him no harm.

Can my subdued magic even break these walls? There’s so much air around me, and my connection with it, while weak, is still there. I think I could damage the walls, yes, then run.

Right. In the desert of the Shadow Lands, to face monsters with one tenth of my magic.

While Renel has Astra. An ember of fury burns in my chest.

The wall cracks.

Horror seizes my heart. Is my magic getting out of control again? Even with the dark metal cuffs?

When the wall breaks, I don’t know if I’m relieved or troubled. I’m not the one who broke it. Actually, I’m definitely troubled.

Something’s here. Something’s about to catch me.

ASTRA

A zur stares at me, all his cruelty hidden under a mask of mild curiosity.

Did he save me? Or did he push me and blow me off the wall so he could bring me inside? His air magic is deadly and incredibly powerful, if he could pull me as if I were a leaf.

Waiting for him to break the silence is getting on my nerves, so I wave. “Hey. Fancy seeing you here.”

He raises an eyebrow and glances at the window and back at me. “Fancy seeing you falling. What exactly were you trying to achieve?”

“Now? Or before? Now, it was obviously holding onto the wall. Before, well, the view is pretty.”

He tilts his head as if seeing me from a different angle will make my explanation make sense. “So you had to go outside ?”

I almost lie that I was just by the window and slipped, but it won’t be convincing, considering I climbed down so much.

I shrug and smile. “I like the wind on my face, the air from the outdoors.” This is absolutely ridiculous as far as explanations go, but at least it’s something. I won’t elaborate because long explanations tend to sound suspicious.

“Were you trying to escape?” His tone is neutral, oddly neutral, with no anger or accusation in it.

I feign shock and confusion, as if the question was absurd. “Why would I? I’m not even a prisoner.”

His fingers brush his chin. “So you decided to climb the walls of a moving castle for fun?”

“I was just outside my window. Not sure what happened.”

With two steps, he breaches the distance between us, then leans down so that his nose is only a palm away from mine. “I saved your life, Astra. This is what happened.”

That would mean an incredible debt. “I was doing fine, actually.”

He steps away, thankfully, then snorts as if amused. “Don’t worry. The treaty doesn’t allow humans to owe us anything. So there’s no need to repay the favor. Or even thank me. Not that you were going to do that, of course.”

“I was fine. Fresh air and all.”

His chuckle is amused and surprisingly not as chilly as I expected. Then he stares at me, a smirk on his face. “I don’t know what you were doing, but if I wanted to escape, I’d take the servants’ exit. The main rotation is right after sunset. We watch carefully who comes in, but not who goes out, so if you’re dressed like them, nobody will notice you.”

I blink, unsure what his goal is, and if it’s some trap. “And you think I’m going to follow your instructions?”

He spreads his arms and grimaces. “Didn’t you just say you don’t want to escape? Why would I think you’d do that? I’m making conversation.”

“Oh, yes, it’s so normal to tell people how to do something they don’t plan on doing.”

“It makes more sense than climbing down the castle walls.” He stares at me with a raised eyebrow. “How did you hold on for so long?”

“I was fine until the tremors started. What was that?”

There’s a mocking edge to his smirk. “Perhaps you were tickling the castle.”

“Wait. Is it going to move?”

“Perhaps.” He fiddles with a blond strand of his hair, as if uninterested. “It’s prone to do that, which is one more reason you should appreciate the view while inside .”

“Yes. Great advice.” I smile at him and walk to the door, but then he steps in front of me.

“Nah-ah. Not so fast. I’ll escort you back to your room.”

“Like a prisoner?”

“Like a clueless visitor who might get herself killed.”

“Charming.” I can’t help but hate him, and there are several reasons why. His behavior at the coronation is the biggest one, and I blurt, “I heard you. Talking to Marlak. About me.”

He chuckles. “Don’t fret. I was just testing your husband.”

“What was the result of your test?”

He pauses, blinks, then says, “My conclusions are my own.”

That’s quite a fae answer. While a human could say they found out nothing, for example, Azur can’t lie.

I shrug. “Well, escort me to my room, then.”

He raises a finger. “Careful there. I only take orders from one fae.”

Renel, he means. I don’t know how he can say that with his chest full of pride. Also, it wasn’t an order, but I don’t care to contradict him. “Oh, no.” I mock pretend that I’m disappointed, then smile. “I guess I’ll have to walk by myself.”

With that, I leave the room, sure that he’ll follow me, but he stays back. Is he trying to prove a point? The idea to escort me was his .

I stare at the long hallway with its interminable doors. Is this the same floor as my room? I don’t know. Otavio told me not to wander around the castle on my own. Is that advice for my protection? His? Perhaps I could explore and learn something but all I want to do is leave this place and find Marlak.

I still want to yell at my husband, obviously. He made such a mess of things. And hurt me, on top of that.

But I also want to kiss him, want to tell him how much he means to me, want to tell him that I love our house, that I enjoyed all our time together, that I appreciate his attentiveness, his kindness.

They might be hurting him right now.

“You’re crying?” Azur’s abrasive voice reaches my ears.

The answer’s yes, as I feel a tear on my cheek, but I ignore all my nostalgic thoughts and smile. “This is such a beautiful castle. And I’m here.”

He squints and looks in both directions. “It’s… a hallway. With doors. What do the hallways look like in the human castle?”

“Similar, I’d say, just not as long. But the walls there aren’t white.” I can bring up the memory of being there—and strangely, it’s the perfect explanation for my tears. “I spent all my life in that castle. Sometimes, I wondered if I’d ever see anything else. Well, I’m here now.”

He nods. “Indeed. Would you like me to escort you to your room?”

I should tell him that I can go on my own, but the truth is that I can’t. And I need to spend time planning my next move, not being lost, so I swallow my pride. “If it’s not too much work.”

“The hard work was pulling you through the window.” He gestures with his head, pointing sideways. “Follow me.”

I do as he says, and we reach a heavy wooden door. He opens it, revealing a staircase.

He turns to me. “If you go all the way down to the red door, you’ll find the servants’ exit.”

I snort. “You truly think I want to escape.”

“I’m just showing you around. Come. Your room is this way.”

We climb two flights of stairs and come up at another wooden door leading to a similar but wider hallway. This is where my room is, and I see two creepy-eyed fae passing us by.

I’m curious, so I ask, “Do they even know what’s happening? Or are they in a kind of trance?”

His steps stop. “Imagine being a prisoner in your own body, except that it moves.”

“How do you know what it’s like?”

He lifts a shoulder, then keeps going. “Heard accounts.”

“Isn’t it…” I was going to say problematic , but I don’t want to antagonize my hosts, as temporary as they might be. “Is it right?” The question came out worse.

“It’s the way things are.” His voice is strangely void of emotion, almost eerie.

“You mean the way Renel wants things to be.”

“Fae ways predate him.” He looks at me. “Are you interested in learning about our laws?”

“Yes.” I mean, I’d rather learn about it with Ferer and Nelsin, but I can’t say that, can I? “It sounds fascinating.”

He snorts. “ Fascinating . Like a rare, exotic insect?”

“I’m not really into insects. Or arachnids.” The Spider Princess comes to mind, and I want to shake that memory away.

We stop in front of a door.

“Here’s your room. I might not be around to catch you if you fall, so I suggest you look at the scenery from inside. Ah, and wandering on your own is not advised either.”

“I appreciate the advice.”

He narrows his eyes. “You don’t, do you? Liars are fascinating.”

“ Fascinating . Like a rare bird?”

Azur smirks. “One without wings.”

I chuckle and enter the room.

If he weren’t Renel’s minion, perhaps I could tolerate him and take advantage of his goodwill to learn more about the fae. As it is, I hope he perishes with his master.

Do I, though? He might have saved my life—but might have blown me off the wall before that. His air magic is dangerous, and to make everything worse, he knows I’m trying to escape. Is he hoping I’ll use the servants’ exit and then catch me? Kill me? Is that red door a trap?

I don’t know. But I’ll need to find another way out.

TARLIA

W e’re silent now, walking down a hill covered by a thick forest. I can spot the top of the fae castle from among the canopy above us. It looks impressive, with no towers, a triangular shape, and a crystal on its very top. The walls are made from some gray, smooth stone, so that the castle itself reminds me of a crystal. It’s also quite high and perched on a tall, black rock.

The building is imposing and magnificent—even for me, who grew up in the Elite Tower.

For a moment, I wonder why the castle would be built so near a forested hill, from where enemies could approach undetected, until I remember: the castle moves. But then, it means the king chose to place it here, which strikes me as odd. And then again, there’s no talk of war in the fae kingdoms, so I suppose he can stick his castle wherever he wants. I think I would place it by the ocean if I could, from where I could see the foaming waves I’ve only ever read about.

The Crystal Court King has likely been to the sea many times, and perhaps even had this castle on a wide, sandy beach. What a neat way to travel.

“This is it,” Lidiane whispers.

“What?” I ask. Not that I haven’t memorized the plan, but I’m not sure which it she means.

Her chest moves up and down slowly, with a slight tremor—the first time I realize she’s not as fearless as she looks. I wonder if I look fearless, not that it matters, of course.

She pulls the capes from her bag and gives me mine. “Put it on.”

All my remaining worries fade the moment I put the garment on my back, comforted by the thought that I’ll remain unnoticed. There’s always the possibility that she overestimated her magic, but believing in it at least calms me.

My hair is tied back in a low ponytail that covers the tips of my ears. In theory, it shouldn’t matter. The magic of the cape will keep anyone from noticing me, let alone checking my ears, but it doesn’t hurt to be extra cautious.

Lidiane faces Nelsin. “You know what to do.”

He nods. I’m not sure exactly what his part of the plan comprises, but I think he’ll approach the castle shortly after us. My fault for going to Ziven’s room for whatever nonsense we did.

“Good luck,” I tell Nelsin.

He gives us a wide grin. “You too.”

I wave goodbye and continue the descent with Lidiane, our steps careful and quiet.

Soon we’re near the base of the castle.

I looked at diagrams of it a few times. The base is pure rock, except for a large atrium and a staircase in the front, and another stairwell on the back, from where servants climb up to the castle. Most of the fae nobility come from the top, using their air magic or flying carriages that land on the Royal Terrace, a flat open area near the top of the castle. I can’t see it from here and assume it’s on the other side.

The more we approach the rock at the base of the castle, the larger it looks, as if it could squash me like an insect. There are no guards around it, no fence, no walls. Bizarre, but then it’s possible that there’s some magic protecting the castle. Will these capes work against magic? I guess we’re about to find out.

The sky is getting pink above us when we reach the other side of the castle, and I finally see the entrance to the stairs we’re supposed to climb. My heart jumps. It’s a tiny door. Tiny. With two fae guards standing by it, wearing intricate golden armor and helmets. I assume they’re high fae, not enchanted servants, but I can’t be sure.

Near this area of the castle, there’s a pebbled road, and further below, a village with wooden houses and some canvas tents. Lidiane told me that villages like these are built around the castle, mostly for suppliers and merchants.

Two fae leave through the door, and that’s it. Nobody else coming in or out. When I agreed to come, I was imagining a large gate, like at the castle in Krastel, and that we would sneak in among some twenty, thirty people. I didn’t imagine we’d be the only ones coming in or that the door would be just like a regular bedroom door.

Lidiane’s steps are firm, though, and nothing in her demeanor suggests she’s surprised or reconsidering her plan. I look up, wondering if climbing the walls would be safer, but the rock at the base of the castle looks quite smooth and dangerous.

On we go. I keep my steps steady but can’t manage to do the same with my heart as we walk right between the two guards. Soon we’re on a winding staircase, illuminated by holes in the rock and some glowstones. We’re in the fae castle, or at least almost inside it.

Oh, that’s a lot of stairs. I hate to think that anything Otavio ever did was right, but I don’t know how long it would take me to climb this if it weren’t for all that stupid physical training. Lidiane, ahead of me, isn’t even panting.

Do fae ever get tired? It’s a miracle they didn’t squash the humans in the war, considering they have more magic than we do, they’re stronger, and they don’t tire as much. Even with some magic from opus stones, our strength doesn’t even come close to the fae, and yet we got the River of Tears Treaty and lasting peace. That is an interesting question—for some other time. Right now, I need to focus on finding Astra and not getting caught.

We come to a red door with no guards around it. Lidiane pulls it open while I brace myself for some kind of magical intruder alert, but there’s nothing. Nothing. We reach another staircase. This one is not winding, but square, wide, and beautiful, and connects the main floors of the castle.

Astra should be on the fourth floor from here, and Lidiane memorized the position of her room.

And then this could also be a trap. I feel my daggers in my pockets, just to be sure. Yay, daggers against magic. Is there any doubt which of them wins?

We leave the stairs and come upon a wide, white hallway, too refined, too polished, too empty. Sterile, eerie. A fae comes in our direction. I guess this is another test for the capes. When she approaches us, I realize her eyes are unfocused, lost. I suppose we could be jumping up and down and she wouldn’t notice us.

If my memory of the map of the castle serves me right, Astra’s room should be three doors down. We’ll have to hope she’s there—and that Otavio isn’t around.

“Hold there!” a man shouts behind us.

We’re in deep shit. I mean, not yet. I can pretend I’m Astra, walking around. If she’s not a prisoner, it should be fine. If she’s a prisoner, I suppose I’ll be thrown in a cell and then they’ll realize there are two of us.

I turn and see a fae with long blond hair, wearing a wide-brimmed black hat, his face so perfect that it doesn’t look real. Unreal fae beauty, I suppose.

He’s staring at Lidiane, who’s doing the whole empty-headed expression. A bit too much, perhaps. She’s practically cross-eyed.

He walks towards her in slow strides, approaching her carefully, then frowns. “You’re not enchanted.”

We just got caught—and I’m pretty sure Lidiane’s cape’s defective. The blond fae staring at her most definitely noticed her.

Lidiane’s shoulders sag. “No. But I’m doing my work here.”

“Not enchanted.” His eyes widen. “How?” The crack in his voice sounds like desperation, but it must be anger.

I’m about to tell him to leave her, but then I see her hand by her hips, palm facing me, as if telling me not to intervene. But she can’t lie. What’s she going to answer?

Lidiane swallows. “I can pretend.” She makes that ridiculous face again. “Nobody has noticed.”

He stares at her as if she had five heads, each of them more fascinating than the other. With his mouth hanging open like that, he’ll drool at any moment. Instead, he scowls.

“And where are you going?”

Lidiane lowers her head, like in a bow, and looks down. She’s quite good at looking humble. “Taking a garment to the human visitor, my lord.”

He blinks. “No lord. No. After you do that, come to my room.”

This time, she trembles. It’s subtle but not imperceptible. “I have tasks to do.”

The fae man stares at her, then chuckles. “Don’t we all? Finish the task you’re doing and come right away. If I’m not in my room, wait for me.”

Room. Shit. I hate this.

He leans toward her, so his face is close to hers. “Do we have a deal?”

“Yes.” The smile she gives him barely disguises a snarl.

This is a problem, and our plans are already getting ruined when we just barely walked into the castle.

We turn around, but I still sense his eyes following us as we walk down the hallway. I glance back. To my relief, he finally turns and walks away, perhaps to torment a servant or to care for his pretty hair.

“Do you have to go?” I whisper once I’m sure we’re out of earshot.

“It will be fine.” Her voice carries a fake levity, almost as if she is trying to convince herself of those words.

I understand. Once she agreed with his deal, she can’t back out. Being fae has many advantages, but being bound by words like that must be dreadful.

I mull over what she agreed with. “Don’t finish your task.”

“It will be finished once she leaves. And I can deal with him.” This time, I hear a hint of her spunk and confidence. I still don’t like any of this.

“Over there,” she whispers.

There. Where a guard wearing golden armor stands by a door. Astra’s door. We knew this was a possibility, but the sight still chills my bones. In theory, any guard wouldn’t mind or notice us, but now that I know Lidiane’s cape is not working, I’m not so sure.

“You could stay back,” I whisper.

“We stick to the plan.”

The plan. She can’t be serious. It has already flopped. That said, this hallway is hardly the place to argue, and maybe there’s some kind of fae magic binding her to what we agreed. I hope not. If things keep going wrong, we’ll need to adapt and improvise.

We approach the door in silence. The guard doesn’t even glance at us, staring straight ahead like a statue. Odd. And guards in the fae castle are not enchanted. Perhaps he just ignores servants.

As quietly as I can, I do mine and Astra’s secret signal. One knock, pause, two knocks, pause, one last knock. Please be alone . We could use some luck.

The door opens—and Otavio stands there.