Page 10 of Anatomy of the Immortal Species

When they reached the electric car stand, Sevar opened the door for Kathrine to climb in, then took the driver’s seat. They travelled in silence, the car bumping along the cobblestone roads of the poor suburbs. Through the window, Kathrine observed the creatures outside. Most were dressed in rags as dirty as the streets they walked on barefoot.

She ran a hand over her knee, feeling the texture of her blue jeans. In Antambazi, jeans didn’t exist; the Queen found them tasteless and only allowed her people to wear them so they could fit in during their missions on Earth.

From the tall bridge connecting the suburbs to the heart of the city, Kathrine observed children playing in the black waters. All creatures of her kind were exceptional swimmers even before they reached immortality, so this was nothing out of the ordinary.

“Something troubles you,” Sevar said.

Kathrine kept her head turned towards the river as they crossed the bridge, her gaze lingering on the water-frolicking children. When they disappeared, she shifted her focus to the Queen’s castle looming in the distance.

She frowned. “We almost killed a child.”

“Don’t start again, Kathrine.”

“I can’t forget it.”

Sevar expelled a breath. “For the last time –it wasn’t us.”

“It washerorder.”

“It was that nymph’s initiative.”

“Approved byher,” Kathrine retorted, unable to hide her disapproval. It wasn’t fair to blame Sevar, yet his ease andacceptance of the Queen’s every action made her stomach churn.

But then, she was just as guilty. She had done nothing to dissuade the Queen from her war plans, remaining a silent observer like Sevar.

And a traitor.Memories of the dim lights at the Seven Horses flashed through her mind, but she quickly shoved them aside.

“Forget it,” Sevar said, his voice firm.

Kathrine turned her gaze towards the city. They were already ascending through the inner parts of The Low, where grey stone buildings lined the crooked paths between the hills. This was the vendor area, where everything from local produce to imported goods from Earth was sold.

“I don’t understand you, Kathrine. The Queen has always been more than generous to you. She raised you as her own. She even forgave that incident. And yet, you seem intent on finding fault with her actions.”

Kathrine didn’t need reminding – the guilt followed her, regardless. Sevar was right. The Queen had always acted like a mother to her, despite Kathrine’s orphan origins.

And how had she repaid her?

With betrayal.

The electric car stopped at a red light at the border between The Low and Middlehoud. A woman in a typical schoolteacher uniform crossed the street, clutching a thick binder under one arm. She was probably on her way to the nearby school, one of the two places where young creatures learnt about Antambazi and everything beyond this realm.

“I’m sorry. I’m exhausted. This last month has been tough,” Kathrine said.

“I know.” Sevar stroked her cheek with the back of his index finger. The car resumed its journey, only to stop again at another light. “Damn it! Travelling was much easier in the olden days, without lights all over Antambazi.”

“But there were many car crashes back then,” Kathrine reminded him. “I believe that whoever suggested this idea of the traffic lights to the Queen is a genius. I wonder who that was…”

Sevar shook his head. “No idea.”

Katrine grinned. “Try to guess. She’s smart, funny and wonderful.”

“Still no idea…”

“And she is engaged to the sexiest man in at least a few realms.” Kathrine lifted her right hand, drawing his attention to the enormous glimmering emerald on her ring finger.

“The butcher’s daughter?” Sevar guessed.

“What?”