Page 15

CHAPTER 15

F our days later, we made it to Torbernite, Lander’s home. Due to our arrival being so late into the night, Lander had shown me to a guest suite in his parents’ castle and suggested we take a tour of the kingdom in the morning. Traveling had exhausted me, and my body ached, so I’d quickly agreed and sunk into bed.

I’d awoken early the next morning, eager to explore. Sulphur as a whole had been much smaller than Amosite; the size, homes, and capital itself reflected their seemingly simpler way of life. But already, I could tell Torbernite would be more like Amosite in its grandness. There was nothing simple here.

I slid into my slippers as I emerged from the warmth of my bed before crossing the room to shove open the window. The morning chill met my skin, my hair blowing back from my shoulders. I inhaled the salty scent of the sea that carried on the air wafting into the room. Torbernite was directly southeast from Amosite, sitting across the continent on the opposite shore. From the back of the castle, the view of the ocean was spectacular. The water stretched for miles, not another land mass in sight, despite other continents being out there, only reachable by ship.

Though the view from this room was beautiful, I ached to see more. Hurriedly, I dressed in a long sleeve garnet dress with a deeper red thread wound throughout the bodice in intricate detail. It stood out amongst the green accents in the room, just like I was sure it’d do the same out there among the emerald attire of Torbernite’s people.

Lander had briefly given me more insight into Exitium Lunae, explaining how the town decorated the meadows that butted up to the sandy beaches, right by the forest bordering Feldspar. Apparently, every kingdom was invited to celebrate the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the moon’s explosion. Some got together in their respective territories while others traveled elsewhere to partake in festivities on this particular day every year to commemorate when the moon burst into millions of pieces. With the explosion came the silver rings that highlighted the land in the day and illuminated the world at night.

Tomorrow, I’d make up for the lost years and celebrate Exitium Lunae like the rest of the continent.

I opened the door to the bedroom to find one of Amosite’s guards stationed beside my door, as well as Paxon standing across the hall with his hands held behind his back, almost as if he was waiting for me. His hair was perfectly styled, slicked back flat against his head. He’d clearly cleaned off all evidence of our travel, taking advantage of being home.

“Sleep well?” he asked, stepping toward the threshold.

“As well as one can away from their home.” But the truth was, I’d slept better than I ever had before. Perhaps it was the change of scenery from my pretty prison. “Is Lander awake?”

He dipped his chin in a nod. “He’s waiting on us, actually.”

“Oh?”

He swung a hand in the direction of the hall as he tilted his head to the right. “Come with me.”

Crossing the threshold, I shut the door behind me. The guard moved to step forward, but Paxon held up a palm, halting him.

“The lady is perfectly safe with me,” Paxon assured him.

“But the king—” the guard started.

“Would agree,” he interrupted. “If she’s to marry my brother, King Tenere has clearly entrusted us with her safety. There are no threats here, I can assure you of that.” But the slight smirk pasted on Paxon’s lips did little to back his statement.

With a hard swallow, the guard dipped his chin. “Yes, Your Highness.”

As Paxon and I walked side by side through the hall and down a set of stairs, I said so only he could hear, “The guard was so quick to see me off.”

He kept his gaze forward. “He’s well aware we have guards stationed throughout the castle. There is nothing to worry about, Lady Auria. It is merely his job to stay by your side, and today, that will not be needed.”

I didn’t say anything more as we continued on. I merely wished I had as much authority to demand my guards leave me alone for even a few minutes.

The foyer we passed through was decorated with their signature emerald green colors. A grand statue showcasing a massive crystal stood tall in the center of the space, a large rug underneath it. It was noticeably carved from stone, and I wondered if healing magic ran through the rock, causing it to glow that familiar green. I’d never seen magic in its raw form, only after it was placed in vials, but I had to guess this was what it’d look like before being extracted from its natural state.

Rather than exiting through the large front doors, we walked down a long hallway to a side door that opened up to a wide expanse of a perfectly-cut field. The smell of grass baking in the sun was a welcome embrace to my senses as I found Lander standing in the center of some sort of game with a wooden mallet slung over his shoulder, another supporting his weight as he leaned on it. His jacket was unbuttoned, the cuffs wrinkled, and his hair blew in the slightly chilled breeze. In the trees surrounding the grassy area came the chirps of birds and the rustling of leaves.

Lander squinted his eyes against the sun as he smiled at me. “Care for a game?”

I approached him, shading my eyes with my hand. “I’m not sure how to play.”

Paxon picked up the mallet lying in the lawn. “We’ll teach you.”

Lander handed me one of the ones he held as Paxon began explaining the rules of the game. Once I’d figured out the basics of what the goal was, we fell into an easy routine, yet I could tell Lander was bored. He took his time whenever it was his turn to make a shot, often checking out of whatever topic Paxon was going on about.

“So, Auria,” Paxon began after tapping the ball through one of the hoops. “Have you been enjoying your time outside of Amosite so far?”

Lander took his turn, adjusting his hands on the stick as he slumped his shoulders.

“It’s been more than I expected,” I replied. The incident in Sulphur had taken me by surprise, though I should have guessed not everyone would be particularly happy seeing King Tenere’s daughter.

“So my brother has let on. Torbernite has been much calmer than your time in Sulphur, though, no?” he asked.

“It has. So far, at least,” I answered, plopping the end of the wooden stick in the plush grass.

“And you’re looking forward to the Lunae Festival?” Paxon questioned.

“Do you ever stop asking questions?” Lander piped in after hitting the ball.

Paxon slowly moved his gaze to him. In the bright sun, his deep brown eyes seemed to darken. Perhaps they reflected his mood. “Problem, brother?”

Lander propped both hands on top of his mallet, leaning into it. “The entire game, all you’ve done is yap your mouth.”

“Just helping you get to know your fiancée,” Paxon replied innocently.

Lander’s fingers flexed. “I know Auria just fine.”

Paxon looked to me. “Is that true?”

“I-I suppose. We’ve had quite a bit of time to talk during the days of travel.” Lander and I didn’t know each other much past surface level, but we were content with that. This was only a friendship, after all. His brother wasn’t aware of that, though.

“What’s her favorite food, then?” Paxon asked, peppering yet another question.

Lander dropped the mallet in the lawn. “I’ve no time for this.”

Paxon tilted his head at him. “Better things to do than spend time with your soon-to-be wife?”

“We have different hobbies,” Lander bit out.

My grip on the mallet tightened. “You—” I shook my head, stopping myself before I could say something I might regret. “We don’t have to defend ourselves. Our relationship is none of your business.”

Amusement flitted into Paxon’s eyes. “No? My brother is marrying an absolute stranger, a daughter to a corrupt king, and it’s not my business to be sure he is well aware of the woman he is betrothed to?”

“That’s enough,” Lander barked.

My eyes narrowed on Paxon. If that’s how he wanted to play, fine. I’d play.

“That king supplies your kingdom with magics of all kinds, so I’d watch what you say.”

Paxon leveled his gaze on me. “And Torbernite provides yours with weapons.” He took two steps closer, swinging the mallet in his grip casually. “How weak a kingdom is without a means to protect itself.”

Tension rang through the air between us, so thick not even a bird could flit its wings in it. It nearly sucked the air from my lungs and shoved me back a few steps, but I held firm. He was trying to intimidate me, to make me bow down and tell him everything he was digging to find out. I wouldn’t be fooled by the superficial questions, only to be taken off guard by something that could ruin me later.

In the span of a breath, Lander was standing in front of me, shoving Paxon away. “Enough with the bullshit. Auria and I are leaving.”

Paxon picked a piece of lint off his jacket where Lander’s hand had made contact, then slung the mallet over his shoulder, sending me a wicked grin. “Enjoy the town. Lander may disappear after you pass the gambling hall, so be sure to stay safe on your own. People can be quite unpredictable the day before Exitium Lunae.”

The warning held true in his tone, but I ignored it as Lander and I turned our backs on him and walked, leaving our mallets in the grass. Two of the guards that had been standing post quickly caught up to us, flanking us as we went.

Paxon had played his cards well, but he hadn’t won the game.

I wasn’t scared of him and the threats he doled out, and for that, he should fear me . I didn’t have nearly as much to live for, and pain was all too good of a friend of mine. He could say whatever he wanted. Dole out whatever empty threats he found pleasure in.

He wasn’t the only monster in my life.

* * *

We hadn’t been in the city long before I began to feel queasy. One of the guards brought me back to the castle, leaving Lander behind to presumably indulge in his hobbies while he had the spare time. His family might fault him for his addictions, but I envied him for having the luxury of being able to form them. He had the ability to leave as he pleased, to partake in whatever activities he liked, while I, on the other hand, wouldn’t know what to do with myself if presented with the opportunity to do as I chose.

As soon as I returned to the room and was alone, I used my power to refill the fire vial in the lantern. Right as I did, the sourness in my stomach eased. My brows pulled together, taking notice of the pattern I’d been feeling during the trip. At some point each day, I’d grow nauseous, but I’d been assuming it was due to the long hours in the carriage. Each night, when we’d settle down and I’d refill my lantern vial away from any prying eyes, the rolling of my gut would ease.

Was I having…withdrawals?

I stared at the vial glowing a bright amber in the compartment of the lantern, then moved my gaze to the tips of my fingers. That had to be what was going on.

Was I truly so accustomed to using my power day in and day out that even one day away from it was whittling away at my body?

If that was the case, I’d have to find a vial to use my magic on in private each day until we returned, which wouldn’t be difficult in the grand scheme of things, but making sure no one witnessed what I was doing might become tricky. Thankfully, since we had been in Torbernite, my guards had been a little more lenient on watching my every move, so I hoped it’d stay that way until we returned to Amosite.

Accepting that was the case, I laid down, falling into a deep sleep shortly after. I must’ve rested all through the afternoon and well into the night, because when I opened my eyes, it was the next morning.

Feeling like I’d woken from the dead, I climbed out of bed and bathed before dressing for the day and heading downstairs. The Bulars were holding a grand breakfast in the dining room to begin the celebration of Exitium Lunae, and I was thankful for it as I was starving since I’d skipped lunch and dinner yesterday. With the festival, I was sure there’d be plenty of food to indulge in, and my stomach was already anticipating the delicacies.

The doors to the dining area were wide open as I entered. My guard stayed posted by the threshold, leaving me to my own devices. I assumed none of them told me their names, despite our traveling together, due to my father’s instruction. I didn’t mind very much, given that as soon as we arrived back in Amosite, I likely wouldn’t see them again.

“Lady Auria, I’m so glad you joined us,” Queen Bular said from where she sat at the end of the table. Her blonde hair was placed atop her head in an intricate style, pins and clips holding the multitude of curls in a seamless display. Her eyes were lined with brown eyeliner, her blush heavy.

The dining area wasn’t quite as long as my father’s, the room feeling much more intimate, but I guessed it was due to the nature of the holiday that we were eating at a smaller table. Today, as Lander had informed me on our way into the kingdom, was a day to celebrate equality. To honor each other.

“Of course. Thank you for inviting me. I’d never miss a delicious breakfast,” I replied, taking a seat next to Lander. Paxon sat across from him, and their father was seated at the opposite end of the table. The warm smells of various foods coming from the kitchen made my stomach growl.

“Just lunch and dinner,” Paxon remarked with a wink in my direction.

My fingers fumbled over the cloth napkin as I unfolded it. “I?—”

“It’s no problem to skip a few meals,” Queen Bular said before I had a chance to come up with some excuse and apologize. “You have all been on quite the journey, and rest is important to take care of yourselves. I’m sure sleeping on the road is not the most comfortable.”

I gave a small nod, flattening the napkin on my lap. “That’s quite the understatement.”

Three servants wearing finely pressed light green suits appeared from a small door that led to what I assumed was the kitchen. Their attire wasn’t as grand as the royals, but even so, they seemed better off than Amosite’s. They carried covered plates of food and sat a platter in front of each of us. I thanked the one who placed a silver tray in front of me, earning me a peculiar look from the queen.

“Lander tells us this is your first year celebrating Exitium Lunae?” King Bular sent a glance my way as he sliced into his fried egg.

“That’s correct,” I replied, grabbing my fork.

“Does Amosite not partake in the celebration?” he asked before taking a bite.

“I’m not sure.” Without knowing the holiday even existed before last week, I wasn’t sure if Silicate ever threw their own festival to celebrate.

Paxon stared at me from where he sat, not touching his plate. “Why is that?”

My thumb ran along the intricate etching on the handle of the fork as I tried to think of a suitable answer. It was one thing to never have celebrated Exitium Lunae, but to admit I knew nothing about it was almost embarrassing. What king’s daughter was so uneducated that she’d be clueless about a holiday celebrated all across Serpentine? Me. And depending on how I answered, it could lead to questions I couldn’t respond to altogether, which would look all the more suspicious.

“Now, Paxon, leave the poor girl alone,” Queen Bular piped in.

Poor girl? Was that how they saw me?

Paxon gave a closed-lip smile. “My apologies.” He finally grabbed his cutlery and sliced through an egg with the side of his fork, the yolk leaking out onto the plate. “It’s only interesting that you know nothing of your kingdom’s traditions around such a widely celebrated holiday.”

His mother didn’t scold him this time. She simply glanced at me, half expecting me to explain.

I set the fork down, smoothing a crinkle out on the napkin in my lap. “You’re right. It is interesting. But I’m eager to take part in Torbernite’s festivities today.”

King Bular pasted on a glowing smile. “We do hope you’ll enjoy.”

I returned the expression with ease. “As do I.”

We ate the rest of the meal in silence until the servants returned to gather our plates and clear the table.

Queen Bular sat forward slightly in her chair. “I’m not sure how much Lander has told you about Exitium Lunae, but every year, citizens come together to celebrate the equality in the people of Serpentine by wearing our finest masks and dancing together under the ring-lit sky. As I’m sure you weren’t expecting the festivities during your journey, I had something made specially for you.”

As if on cue, a servant filed into the room holding a small box. He set it on the place mat before me, gave a curt bow, and left. I eyed it, not sure if I should open it in front of them or not.

“Go on.” Queen Bular gestured to the green box. “Don’t be shy. Open it.”

With all eyes on me, I gently slid the lid off the box. A garnet mask sat on an emerald plush cushion. Where it flared up to a point at the tips on either side, it faded from deep red to pitch black with delicate black lace laying over the entirety of the piece. Tiny silver gemstones framed the upper half of the eyes, giving an almost wing-like look. It was far more precious than any mask I’d worn in Amosite, and it felt too great a gift to accept.

“I can’t—” I started.

“You can,” Queen Bular interrupted. “Consider it an engagement gift. With the amount of dances your father will likely throw before and after your wedding, I’m sure it will come in great use.”

After one more look at the mask, I placed the lid back on. “It’s truly beautiful. Thank you.”

The servant reappeared, taking the box back from me.

“It will be brought to your room for when you get ready tonight.” The king and queen both stood, and she crossed to him, hands clasped in front of her as she turned to me. “Enjoy your stay in Torbernite, Lady Auria. We are so ecstatic to be hosting you.”

With that, the two of them left. Paxon stood shortly after they disappeared, facing Lander. “I expect you to be at your best tonight.”

Lander sat back in his chair, draping an arm over the back of mine. “Of course,” he drawled, the response sounding anything but sincere.

Paxon looked at me. “Keep his nose out of the barrel until the festivities begin, will you?”

“That’s hardly my job,” I responded.

He straightened his jacket. “Prepare yourself for a lifetime of it. Lander never matured past the age of twelve.”

“Better that than a stuck-up prick,” Lander murmured before sipping from a glass of water.

“Watch it, brother. The guards only protect from the outside, not from within.” Paxon turned on his heel without another word, leaving the two of us alone.

Lander stood, looking down at me. “I’ll see you tonight?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

Then he left, leaving me alone in the dining hall.

I stared out at the empty table and chairs, taking in the stark silence of the room. The dynamic between the Bular brothers was anything but pleasant, and yet, I found myself enjoying their company much more than I thought I would.

Perhaps I preferred a little bit of chaos, and chaos preferred me.