Page 8 of A Traitor Sister (Remnants of the Fallen Kingdom #2)

8

MARLAK

T here’s only air here, my weakest magic. I turn toward the new opening in the wall, waiting for the right opportunity to attack, and then see an arm, a humongous arm.

The giants are here, or at least one of them.

I don’t see why they would want to kill me, so it must be something else. “What do you want?”

The arm moves away, and a big head stares at me through the opening. “Free you.”

Giants are smart, even if snobbish high fae don’t think so, except that they severely lack communication skills, so I need to ask simple questions.

“In exchange for what?”

The giant frowns, as if confused, and I rephrase my question. “Why? What do you want?”

“Monsters will come.” He brings that enormous hand again and points at me. “Protect us.”

That’s a huge request, and vague. What does he mean by monsters ? And quite strange. I mean, me, protecting giants? As much as I have strong magic, they’re up to five times my size and said to have their own spells. I need to understand their request.

“What monsters?”

“Monsters. Many monsters.” His voice is raspy and loud, and yet I can sense the fear in it.

His answer doesn’t help much. The Shadow Lands are brimming with monsters. And then, to be honest, I wasn’t even planning on escaping. But refusing a giant’s favor will get me into even more problems.

“You’re stronger than me,” I say. “Why do you need my help?”

“New monsters. Future.”

I hear a scream outside and realize this giant isn’t alone, and that the longer I remain, the longer they’ll have to fight. It means possible fae deaths. And now it’s too late to stay in a broken cell.

I decide to make a proposal. “When monsters come, call me. If I can help, I’ll help.”

“We need promise.”

I’m not sure if he doesn’t like the conditions I imposed, or if he wants to make sure he has my oath. “It’s a promise. I’ll do what I can. I can’t do what I can’t.”

“Come.” The giant extends a hand, palm facing up, and I realize he wants me to climb on it.

At this point, I don’t think I can explain that I had no intention of escaping, so I have no choice but to do what he asks.

The humongous hand takes me out of the cell, then out of the prison, where I can see the purple, darkening sky above us. I almost avert my eyes to avoid any carnage, but to my relief, I see no bodies. It doesn’t mean nobody died, and doesn’t mean it wasn’t my fault, at least in part. I should have been more careful. I should have done so many things to avoid getting caught—but there’s no point regretting.

As the giant lifts me high above the ground, I survey the area and see four more giants around the keep, two of them holding fae guards as if they were toy sticks. Neither the gate nor the outer wall were broken, and I realize that the giant who was manning it perhaps wasn’t as enchanted as he seemed. A very easy victory for the giants. A chill takes over my chest as I wonder what would happen if they decided to defy the fae. We have superior magic, and more weapons, but still…

At least there’s strong magic keeping them north of the Shadow Hills and the Charmed River. And yet these giants fear monsters? And think I can help? Upside down world. Either they’re delusional or… But giants don’t have foresight as one of their powers, do they?

“Where are you taking me?” I ask.

“Near Cursed River.”

His voice is still raspy, but lower now, careful. I’m not surprised he doesn’t find the river keeping them north that charming, but I’m still mulling why they would ask for help from a being so much smaller than them.

“Why do you fear monsters?”

He moves his hand up and down, and I wrap my arms around his middle finger, afraid of falling.

“Earth moves,” he says. “Stir things.”

I don’t know if he’s being curt because he can’t talk well or if he wants to end the subject, but I have to ask more.

“What things?” I insist.

“Old things.”

For some reason, his words send a jolt of terror down my body. And again, what can giants fear?

“And you think I can defeat an ancient terror that threatens your kind?”

He pauses and brings me up so that I’m right in front of his face. “Help is help.”

“Is there a way to prevent it?”

“Pushes up.” He makes a gesture with his other hand. “Evil, old magic. We feel it. Only fire kill old creatures.” He points at me. “Fire prince.”

Fire.

A cold chill embraces my body.

I could tell him I don’t wield fire, and yet I don’t want him sending me back to the end of the Shadow Lands or even crushing my body. And I never promised to do anything I couldn’t. Even though I’m trembling, I nod.

Above me, the sky is getting darker and darker while he runs and runs without stopping. Nights here are dangerous, and I hope to cross the Charmed River before it descends upon us, along with all the evils it conceals.

The giant stops, puts me down, then points straight ahead. “River. Near river.”

I don’t see anything other than bushes and small hills, but it’s true that it’s just a rivulet, barely with any water, and unfortunately with no nymphs, so perhaps it’s not surprising I don’t see it.

Still, I’d rather sound like a whiny coward than risk this place. “Can you take me closer?”

He picks me up again, walks ten steps, then puts me down. “River magic. Can’t go. You can.”

“I appreciate your help.”

“We wait for yours.” He points a finger at me, then turns around.

It feels like an accusatory finger. If they can’t cross the river, how will they ask for my help? And that was the condition I imposed. Did he not understand what I said?

But then, the giants might be taken with some overzealous fear or some old superstition. Old. Like old things . A shiver runs down my spine.

Anyway, I’d better run before not-so-old things catch me here.

Unconcerned with what it may look like, I bolt in the direction the giant showed me, my legs moving faster and faster. While running can attract unwanted attention, it also gets me faster to my destination.

A tug of energy pulls me. Cherry Cake. I want him as far from here as possible and push him away, tell him not to come. And I run. And still see no river. I’m wondering about the giants’ definition of near. That said, if the magic doesn’t let them come closer, there was nothing he could do.

The dark cuffs still weigh me down, like heavy bags of rocks in each hand. My head hurts and I feel weak from not eating or drinking for so many hours.

And then, ahead of me, I see a wall of fire. I should be able to control it or quench it. And yet all I see is Astra, screaming for help. My sister screaming. My mother screaming. My ears are ringing and I don’t know where I am anymore.

I’m falling into that horrifying pit of panic and pain.

I can’t—I have to reach the river.

But

I’m

falling.

TARLIA

O tavio. My breath pauses. What a disgrace.

I look down quickly, unsure if it will make a difference.

Whenever I see him, my instinct is to tremble, part in fear, part in anger, but then I stiffen to hide that reaction, except that trembling is the least of my issues when I’m looking like Astra.

Where’s my luck now? I mean, I knew there was a high possibility I’d come across him, but I wasn’t expecting it to be so soon.

In a second, I know what to do. I can beg him to take me in, pretend I’m here to be Astra’s substitute, claim I have nowhere else to go. I’m not sure he’ll believe me, but it’s the only idea that crosses my mind.

He steps aside, though, and doesn’t address me.

Doesn’t see me.

In disbelief, I catch a relief exhale and swallow it before it gives me away. He didn’t notice me.

With a new appreciation for Lidiane’s phenomenal magic, I step into the room, and she follows. Otavio doesn’t ask her anything either, probably because he assumes we work in the castle. Her cape might be defective, but her disguise is working.

Then I see Astra, sitting at a dressing table, lost in thought, a green paste covering her face. I step behind her, but she doesn’t notice me.

Between me and Lidiane, I’m the one who can lie, so this is my task. I make sure to make my voice sound different, and say, “Excuse me, we’d like to measure you.”

I’m looking down, but sense Otavio turning to us. “Can it wait an hour?”

“I’m afraid not,” I say as I stare at the ground, hoping he won’t see my face. Then I add, “But it won’t damage her beautiful green painting.”

I know it’s some kind of beauty treatment, but it’s fun to pretend I’m a clueless fae who thinks it’s attractive.

“It’s fine,” Astra says.

Otavio huffs, but steps out and closes the door.

Astra gets up and turns to face us, not a single sign of recognition on her face.

“Astra,” I whisper.

She blinks, looks at me, at Lidiane, then finally her eyes widen.

“You’re here!” She wraps an arm around me and another around Lidiane, bringing us all in for a hug. She then steps back, her expression full of worry, as she whispers, “Isn’t it dangerous?”

“Everything is,” I whisper back.

She turns to Lidiane. “Any news of Marlak?”

The fae shakes her head. “Ferer and Nelsin wanted to rescue you first. They’ll tell you everything once you’re away from here.” No mention that they have no idea where he is.

Astra’s shoulders sag, disappointment spelled on her face. “What’s your plan?”

Lidiane gives her one of her capes. “This will make sure you’re not noticed.”

I recall then that her cape is malfunctioning, so I remove my own and hand it to Astra. “Take this instead. I’m sure this one works.”

Astra takes it, and Lidiane continues, “I’ll walk you down to the servants’ exit.”

“No.” She shakes her head. “Azur knows I’m trying to escape and that’s exactly what he suggested I should do. It must be a trap.”

Lidiane emits a sound similar to a growl. “Azur. His magic is strange. I’ll take care of him. But he barely saw Tarlia when she was wearing this cape, so it will protect you.”

“You mean that blond fae?” I ask.

Lidiane nods. “Yes. But I’ll deal with him.”

Astra’s eyes are wide. “Let’s just leave and forget him.”

“We’re staying,” I say. “So they won’t notice you left.”

Lidiane adds, “And I have things to do . ” She gives me a significant look, as if to warn me against telling Astra about her promise to Azur.

Well, worrying Astra would only further complicate our plans, so of course I won’t say a word, even if I’m anguished for Lidiane.

Astra stares at me, as if finally understanding, finally realizing I’m glamoured to look like her, but then steps back. “Otavio’s here. He’ll know you’re not me.”

“You forget I just saw him,” I reply. “And walked right past him. He thinks he knows everything. I can trick him.” In fact, I can’t wait to deceive that horrible worm.

Astra’s thoughtful. “And your plan is to stay here until Marlak’s free?”

“Or longer.” I glance at Lidiane. “I could find a way to defeat Renel.”

In reality, I want an opportunity to kill him, but I don’t want to confess that. The only problem is that I’ll need Lidiane’s glamour, and I don’t think she wants to stick around.

To my surprise, the fae grins. “I knew you’d agree with that. Let’s take down this false king.”

We share a smile, while Astra stares at us with an open mouth. “Fair. Good. Dangerous, though, so be careful. Renel, I think he wants something, I’m not sure what. Maybe he just wants to spite his brother. I don’t know. Otavio…” She pauses. “I told him I didn’t see anyone, that I was kept in a hut in a small fort, and that we walked to the coronation. And…” She stares at us and bites her bottom lip. “I’m Tiurian.”

A darksoul? Like the ones they claimed would steal us from our beds when we were kids? The creatures who threatened our kind for so long? But then, this is what Andrezza told me, that horrible hag. How much of it was true?

I think Astra noticed my reaction, as a flicker of disappointment crosses her eyes. Well, I’m surprised!

She continues, “Otavio knows it. He’s Tiurian too. I don’t know what he wants. I don’t know anything. My natural hair is purple. He’s been coloring it since I was a child, telling me he’s the person keeping me safe.”

It makes so much sense, explains so much. I always found her obedience and devotion to Otavio exaggerated, but I can see now that he trapped her because he knew her secret. I can’t believe I despise him more than I already did.

She continues, “He found me because of my black hair coloring, so be careful. I don’t know what he wants, only that he expects me to seduce Renel. Also, he thinks I have no magic.”

That’s intriguing. “Do you?”

“I’m not sure.” She stares at me. “Don’t let him see your natural hair color. Your glamour…” She takes a deep breath. “Might fool Renel, but…”

“I can deal with Otavio,” I insist.

“Let’s go,” Lidiane says. “Before he suspects anything.”

Astra nods, then says, “Please leave, escape if you suspect any danger. Can you promise me that?”

Lidiane shrugs. “ Suspect any danger is too vague of a condition for a promise, but I assure you that our self-preservation instincts are intact.”

“We trained,” I say. “You know that.” And now I’ll turn my training against the madman who trained me. The irony is delicious.

Astra looks at us. “I know you’re both amazing. Let’s do it then.”

We exchange our clothes quickly while Lidiane fills her in on Nelsin and his location, then Astra removes the paste from her face and applies it to mine. We need to add some water since it was already drying, but I think it looks fine.

“I’ll walk her down,” Lidiane says. “You stay here.”

“I thought you were going to distract Azur.”

She smirks. “By getting his attention while Astra’s beside me. It’s perfect, actually, and better than if both of us were unnoticeable. My task is to get her out, so I have no choice.”

Meaning that Lidiane has to see him after she leads Astra out of the castle. I still hate the idea and want to punch his face or maybe remove his appendage, but I also have to trust that Lidiane’s capable of taking care of herself.

Astra smiles at me. “We’ll see each other soon.”

I nod. “Bye.”

When they’re almost at the door, I reach for Astra again and pull her in for another hug. “I love you. To me, you’re my sister.”

“Same. Please be careful.”

I laugh, even if the paste on my face is drying and I feel it cracking. “Careful is boring. I’ll be reckless and wild.”

She laughs too. “And smart. I know you’ll do great. And I love your wildness.”

I pat her shoulder. “See you soon.”

Then I sit back on the chair in front of the mirror, actually eager to trick Otavio, eager to take down a king, eager to be at the center of the most important kingdom in our land. I can dethrone a king. Not only that, I can kill him and get a reward.

A strange chuckle comes out of my throat. I don’t know if the idea is laughable or if I’m thrilled with the power I’m about to wield.

I can change the fate of a kingdom. And I sure will.

LIDIANE

W alking out should be easier than walking in, and at least I’m sure that Astra’s cape is working. It has to be, as we cross her master, who does not pay us any mind. At least we’ve overcome one hurdle. And then I see another hurdle—Azur, standing in the hallway, watching me. Me only, which given the circumstances, I suppose is a good thing, but it doesn’t change the fact that his stare feels like a spear crossing my body, pinning me to a wall.

Astra walks beside me, her steps firm, but not too tense, her body relaxed. Even without the cape, nobody glancing at her would guess she’s escaping the castle, and that’s quite helpful.

We enter the staircase, and an inaudible sigh of relief escapes me when we’re no longer under Azur’s gaze.

We descend the stairs in silence, these strange stairs in the castle and in the rock. They say that the core of the magic moving this castle is in the rock supporting it, but oddly, I don’t sense anything, don’t sense any current of power like I do in most enchanted places. Either the magic here is something my senses can’t recognize, or maybe it’s on the crystal on top of the castle.

My goal was just to lead Astra to the exit, but now that she suspects this could be a trap, I walk outside with her and then meet Nelsin by a tree. My farewell is in silence, a silence concealing so many words I’d like him to tell my brother. He and Astra look at me one last time as I keep a defiant, confident smile. I don’t want them to worry more than they’re already worrying.

I watch as they walk away, disappearing in the increasing darkness.

I barely know Astra, and as much as I like her, I didn’t do this for her. I’m here for my people. I’m here to defeat Renel—and his guardian.

And now it’s time to return. This time, if someone stops me, I have a legitimate reason to enter the castle: to see Azur.

My insides are shaking, shaking, shaking, no matter what I tell myself. When I told Tarlia I could deal with him, what I meant is that I trust myself not to reveal any secret. In my heart, that’s what matters. I could die today, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll regret thinking that I’d rather die trying than live until old age and do nothing. I’d really rather live and make a difference.

And there’s so much difference I can make with my enchanted garments. I could make more of them, try different properties. So many possibilities. There’s so much I want to do, to see.

But now I have to see Azur—and face the consequences of my actions. Why so soon? The worst part is imagining my brother’s face when he learns something happened to me. And worse than worst is proving him right, that coming here was too dangerous for me.

My steps feel heavy like my heart, the unpleasant anticipation stiffening my body. I just need to make sure it doesn’t cloud my mind.

It’s incredible how many servants walk past me and pay me no notice. How nobody notices me. Except the blond scum, of course. He’s often referred to as Renel’s dog, but Marlak thinks that’s very demeaning and quite unfair towards canines. It’s why he calls him Renel’s pig.

Azur’s hovering near Astra’s door, a beast waiting for his prey. Well, here I am.

I approach him and bow. “I finished my tasks.”

He raises an eyebrow, his face so imperious and punchable. “Was it here that I asked you to meet me?”

“No.”

“Well, then.” He extends a hand. “Go.”

“I don’t know where your room is.”

He cocks his head and laughs. “Of course you don’t.”

Of course… Ugh. A wave of terror moves through my body. Real castle servants would know the location of all rooms. I just confirmed I’m an intruder.

“Come. Follow me,” he says, his tone strangely pleasant.

I have no option but to follow that black-hatted pile of feces, even if I was hoping we’d have a conversation here. Dread takes over my thoughts to the point I need to focus to hide the webbing in my hands. Is he thrilled to have a new victim? Who knows? Unless his interest is for a different reason. My entire body feels cold.

He leads me to the stairs, and we descend. Great. I’m going to a prison or to some torture chambers. It feels unreal, like watching myself in a strange story, unreal because if I grasp the reality of what’s about to befall me, I’ll collapse.

Instead of descending to some dark dungeons, he leads me two floors below, where we walk down the hallway, then he opens a door and gestures for me to walk in.

No torture instruments. No cells. Just a simple wooden bed and a wardrobe. A bedroom, but it’s too modest. This can’t be where Renel’s number one man sleeps.

Maybe Azur’s goals are less nefarious than I thought, which only makes them more nefarious. Quickly, I glamour my face to look unremarkable, even ugly, and I also undo the glamour in my hands. This snobbish wretch won’t want to touch a lower fae. Of course, that means I have no way of using my charms to try to wiggle my way out of this, but I had no intention of doing that.

The door clicks closed behind me, and I feel a wind whirl of panic inside me. Caught. At the mercy of one of the most powerful fae in the Crystal Court. At least I’ll face my fate head on, with dignity.

MARLAK

F ire, so much fire.

Fire around me. Fire inside me. There’s an inferno within me, ready to destruct everything. And screams, so many screams.

Screams are the sound I hear when everything is quiet. Silence is never silence but a memory.

There’s a light. And fire. And something wet on my face. Wet—and comforting.

I open my eyes and see darkening sky above me, and a familiar face: Cherry Cake. Cherry Cake, who should never have come to this place, and yet he’s here, licking me. All I want to do is protect him, even if the dark unicorn might be much more powerful than I am.

But there’s no threat around us, no threat other than inside my own mind. No, I see it, slithering away like a snake, but too fat to be one. It’s a soulsucker. That was the cause of my fear. For a moment, I consider killing it with ice, but I gather all my strength to climb on Cherry Cake. Too high. The cuffs are too heavy.

I see then a small rope ladder leading to the saddle and climb it. This is a magic saddle, created by Cherry Cake, and can adapt, change, and even disappear. Now it’s helping me climb onto his back.

“Take me to a river,” I tell him. “A river with Nymphs, not this one. And let’s go.”

I run my hand through his rough coat, so thankful for his help. My gratitude is the size of the world, and yet I fear I’ll never be able to repay it or make it right for him. Being the last of its kind must be lonely.

So lonely. And for so long, I felt that me and Cherry Cake, we were the same. Strange looking—and lonely.

Now I have to find my friends—and my wife.

TARLIA

I watch as the door closes, as Astra leaves me to face my fate. Not mine, actually. Hers. At least in theory. Who’s to decide which fate is whose anyway?

My heart presses down on my stomach in worry for Lidiane. I wish I could accompany her and murder Azur, but I bet there are two problems with it.

First, he must be hard to kill. Second, being as important as he is, there’s probably some wacky magical rule that will make hair grow on my hands or something if I kill him. Third, I’m supposed to stay here and wait.

All that remains from Astra is a fresh herbal scent where she stood.

Shit. I’m. So. Screwed.

Astra was smelling all fresh and flowery, while I’m all armpit sweat from walking here then climbing those ridiculous stairs. Otavio will notice there’s something wrong.

I pull one of the blankets over the bed, wet it with some water from the pitcher, then take a fragrant soap that’s lying on the table and wipe out some of the sweat, A few knocks sound on the door as I’m putting back the blanket.

There he comes. Will he believe I’m Astra?