Page 7
Tari
A sh played with the girls and Wolfy on the floor while Shiri, Drae, and Helian went flying. I couldn’t help but feel a stab of jealousy that my sister got to fly on Isa while I was too tired to get off the sofa. I suspected my fatigue wasn’t just from healing Arabella and my father today, but also from the bean growing inside me. Fatigue soon overwhelmed me, and I napped on and off while listening to the sweet sound of my children’s laughter.
I woke to a loud knock on the door, followed by Wolfy’s annoyed bark. I slowly sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
“Come in!” Ash hollered, jarring me fully awake.
About half a dozen trembling servants came in carrying glittery, pale gowns and ridiculously tall wigs. They walked wide circles around Ash and then around Wolfy, before scurrying through the double doors into Shiri’s bedchamber. Elements. I sure hoped they didn’t expect me to put on one of those ridiculous gowns.
Two roars sounded outside, shaking the glasses on the table. The girls leaped from their carpet and ran to the terrace, jumping up and down with excited squeals. Ash wrapped a blanket around my shoulders and took my hand, leading me outside.
Moonlight shone through their wing membranes as Radnor and Isa hovered over us, blowing the hair off my neck while the heat radiating from their chests warmed my bones.
Triss tried to land on the terrace, but Isa latched on to her tail with her teeth and snatched her back.
You’re too heavy for this flimsy castle , Isa chided.
Flimsy is right . Radnor chuckled. I’m tempted to knock down another turret.
Helian laughed aloud while patting his dragon’s neck, while Triss let out a pitiful wail, flying circles around her mother’s head.
Aurora tugged on my skirt. “May I teleport to her, Mommy?”
“No!” Ash boomed.
Aurora folded her arms with a pout.
Ember looked up at Ash with watery eyes. “But she’s our dragon, Papa.”
Ash knelt beside the girls, grasping their shoulders. “You’re not experienced fliers yet, and now is not the time to learn.”
Ash swore when they answered with more pouting.
Isa let out a low chuckle while staring down at me with those penetrating, glowing eyes. How do you feel, Goddess?
“Tired.” I placed a hand on my abdomen. “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to fly with you today.”
Do not be sorry. Get all the rest you can while you can. Her heavy jowls turned a frown. None of us will be resting when the demons return.
I nodded as Helian jumped off Radnor’s back, landing on the terrace with the dexterity of a cat. Drae scooped Shiri off Isa’s back, landing behind Helian on the terrace. Then the dragons flew off, roaring into the night sky and scattering Ravini mages who flew too close.
Shiri smoothed her hands through her windswept hair after Drae set her down. She had bright color in her cheeks and a smile etched into her face, and, yes, I was extremely jealous that she got to ride Isa, though I knew I was being churlish.
She came up to me, looping her arm through mine, leading me back into the sitting room. “I could’ve flown on Isa all night, except I know we must prepare for court.”
I cast a look over my shoulder as my mates and children followed us. “Don’t tell me we have to go.”
Unfortunately. She patted my arm while speaking through thought. We must make nice with Aunt Malvolia while we’re here.
I frowned as she led me into a large wardrobe where a handful of servants were waiting with shimmery gowns.
Ember tugged at my skirts, her thumb stuck in her mouth.
I scooped her into my arms, fitting her on my hip. “What is it, sprite?”
She pulled out her thumb, flashing tiny wolfish fangs. “May we go to our nursery?”
I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Your aunt and I must get ready for court.”
Her bottom lip hung down as she clung to my neck. “But I need court gowns for my new Bethamys.”
Aurora clung to my leg, blinking up at me. “And I need my firemage toys to play with my dragons.”
How could I say no to them?
“I can take them,” Ash said.
I looked over my shoulder at him. “I will,” I said while swaying Ember in my arms. “It should only take a moment if Aurora teleports us.”
She let out an excited squeal. “You’ll let me?”
“Yes, darling.” I balanced Ember with one arm and held a hand down to Aurora. “You must practice in case bad demons attack.”
“All right.” Aurora beamed up at me. “Let’s go.”
Ash lurched forward, grabbing my arm. “Not without me.”
Shiri grabbed my other arm. “Me too.” She blew Drae a kiss, and he caught it with a grin.
Aurora made another excited squeal. I blinked, and then we were standing in a dark room. Had Aurora teleported us already? I squinted at a set of gossamer curtains covering a moonlit window, our only source of light.
“It’s dark in here,” Ember whispered.
“We should’ve brought Drae,” Shiri said.
“Hang on.” I handed Ember to Ash and summoned my magic. It was slow to move at first, tingling my fingers as if they’d gone numb. Then a spark flared from my fingers, followed by another and another until I’d created several faery balls of light that floated to the ceiling, casting a pleasing glow on the pretty four-poster bed, rows of books, toys, and dolls, and a low table in the center of the room.
Ember gasped while craning her neck toward the ceiling. “Those are so pretty, Mommy.”
I cupped her soft cheek. “Thank you.”
Ash set her on the floor, holding on to her hand. “Let’s go find your gowns.”
Skipping toward the toys, Aurora called over her shoulder. “I’ll help you, Em.”
Ember ran to her sister and took her hand while dragging Ash with her.
Moved by their display of affection, I clasped my hands to my chest. “They’re so sweet together.”
Shiri snickered. “The best of friends when they’re not getting on each other’s nerves.”
I spun a slow circle, admiring the size of the room and the many more rows of books behind us. “What a magnificent nursery.” To think, this could’ve been Shiri’s and my nursery if our aunt hadn’t turned into a madwoman. Or perhaps we would’ve had a similar nursery at Elisi. I couldn’t deny my bitterness toward my aunt and the demons who’d destroyed our childhood.
“I prefer the smaller nursery at Abyssus, as well as Mrs. Euphemia,” Shiri said.
“This is one of our safe places,” Aurora called as she shoved toys into a basket.
“I told them to come here if demons attack,” Shiri said.
“Good idea,” I answered while watching firemages fly by our window.
“Here,” Shiri continued, “or else their nursery in Abyssus if here isn’t safe.”
“And where if none of those places are safe?” Ash asked while helping Ember slip gowns off other, less fortunate dolls.
“The Fallax Islands,” Shiri and I said in unison, sharing a smile, though I noticed the sadness in her eyes and felt the depression radiating off her.
You okay? I projected to her.
She shrugged, looking away. Yeah.
You were never a good liar, sister. I grasped her elbow, searching her eyes. You’ve lost two of your mates, and you feel like you’ve lost Ember and Aurora. I’ve been so consumed in my own worries, I haven’t thought enough about what you’re going through.
She cast her gaze to the girls while they fought over space on Ash’s lap. We’re all making sacrifices.
That didn’t mean we wouldn’t feel resentful toward each other by the time this was over. Our mother and Malvolia had once been inseparable, best friends and confidants. Now their relationship was in ruins. I swallowed back a knot of sorrow. I don’t want us to end up like our mother and Malvolia.
She jerked back as if I’d struck her. We won’t.
I fought back the emotion that clogged my throat. If you need to talk, Shiri, I’m here for you. You are my blood, my twin, the other mother to my children... And the better sister , I wanted to add, though I knew I’d only sound like I was feeling sorry for myself. For years, she’d watched while our mother favored me over her, and she never resented me. Then she took care of my children as if they were her own without complaint. She was definitely the better sister.
Her smile was warm and kind, the same loving smile our mother gave me as a child. As long as you don’t try to kill me, my mates, and my future children, we won’t end up like them.
I would never . I might have been imperfect, but I was nowhere near as bad as our aunt.
She faced me, squeezing both my arms. We’re not Malvolia and Flora. I love you.
And I love you. I choked back a sob, throwing my arms around her. I’m sorry for the way I acted after the girls were born , I said to her through thought, too cowardly to speak the words aloud.
You were in mourning. She hugged me back, wrapping her arms completely around me. I would probably do the same if I lost my mates.
I didn’t want to think about my debilitating depression all that time I’d believed King Fachnan had killed Ash and Finn. Thank the Goddess that Helian and Radnor had saved them in time. I wasn’t there for my babies...or for you. I was wallowing in self-pity.
We can’t change the past, sister . All we can do is learn from our mistakes and move forward. She squeezed me tighter, rubbing my back like she was consoling a child. I didn’t deserve her.
I rested my head on her shoulder while praying we never ended up despising each other like our aunt and mother. Our parents were fools not to realize you were the better sister.
She pulled back, cupping my cheeks, her eyes shining with sincerity. It doesn’t matter what they think.
I swiped moisture from my eyes. You sure?
Like I said— she averted her gaze, looking out the window— we need to move forward.
I knew her words were as much for herself as they were for me and that she hadn’t moved forward. She still hurt. Fool that I was, I had thought it was from losing the girls and her mates. While that may be true, I realized her deeper source of pain stemmed from our mother’s rejection. Our mother had never treated Shiri right. Our father Derrick hadn’t been much better. Neither of them had ever apologized, and Shiri still bore the burden of their mistrust.
* * *
Shiri
T ELL ME ABOUT COURT , Tari projected to me as we stood on a low platform while servants undressed us in the privacy of my wardrobe.
I chewed my lip, thinking how best to answer her while the girls admired the sparkles in the court gowns that hung on the rack in front of us. I was relieved that Malvolia had gifted Ember and Aurora with beautiful lavender and blue gowns, for it meant she welcomed them at court. Good thing, because Tari wouldn’t separate from them. Hopefully, this was Malvolia’s peace offering, and she was ready to be on her best behavior.
Inwardly, I laughed at my momentary lapse in judgment. Expecting Malvolia to behave was like asking a dragon not to breathe fire.
Heaving a sigh, I finally answered Tari through thought, knowing the servants would report every word we said to their mistress. Everyone dresses like clowns while wasting food and dealing with Malvolia’s moods.
Lovely , she replied, scowling down at a servant who shoved her feet into pearl stockings. Maybe we shouldn’t go.
No, we should go , I answered. Our absence will only make Malvolia’s mood worse.
Tari held up her arms when a servant slipped a shift over her head. I’m not leaving my children.
You don’t have to. I ducked when another servant dressed me in a silky shift that fell around my hips like melted butter. I’ve brought them to court with me before.
She gave me a long look. Malvolia didn’t mind?
Oh, she minded, but she sent court dresses for them . I motioned to the two shimmery children’s dresses hanging on the rack. So it looks like they’re invited.
An older woman with a thin, pinched face came into the wardrobe, giving instructions to staff as they wheeled in the tallest wigs I’d ever seen.
“Who are you?” I asked her.
She bowed low before me. “I’m Sandria, Your Highness. I’m here to dress you.”
“Where’s Daminica?” Annoyance rang in my words. I didn’t care. I preferred Daminica, for she knew what I liked and especially what I didn’t like.
The color drained from her face as she slowly stood, keeping her gaze focused on the floor. “The queen sent me, Your Highness.”
I heaved a frustrated breath. “Very well.” I didn’t want to upset the servant for doing her job, but I would insist Daminica attended to us tomorrow. When servants approached me with a pallet of paints and powders, I waved them away. “No face paints and no wigs for me.”
“Me too,” Tari said.
The servant motioned to the rack of cream-colored gowns, the color meant to signify our pale magic. “That leaves just the gowns.”
I turned up my chin. “Exactly.”
Sandria wrung her fingers together. “The queen won’t—"
Tari held up a silencing hand. “We don’t give a damn.”
Trembling servants shared nervous looks, and I knew they feared retribution from my aunt for our behavior. I would have to speak to Malvolia about her ridiculous court attire.
Two servants approached us, carrying what looked like lace-up bodices. “Leave off the corset too,” Tari said, rubbing her stomach.
“B-but it shapes your waist,” the servant stammered.
“And crushes my unborn child.” Tari waved the servant away. “Leave it off.”
I was very aware of the servants going eerily silent while sharing sly looks. I could only imagine them running to Malvolia with glee at that little piece of information.
Now everyone will know you’re with child , I projected to my sister. They’re spies for Malvolia.
Tari chuckled before saying aloud, “I don’t give a damn.” Then, while rubbing her abdomen, she said, “Mother has already seen the babe in my womb. I’m having Helian’s son.”
I shook my head when the servants’ eyes widened before they continued to dress us, acting as though my sister hadn’t just revealed a juicy secret. I feared what our aunt would do with that information. No doubt, she’d find a way to use it against Tari. Elements, I hated it here.
* * *
Tari
M ALVOLIA’S COURT LOOKED nothing like what Shiri had described. In fact, the wicked bitch’s court was made up of nothing but our dysfunctional family, minus our mother and fathers. My mates’ mother, Casandra, and her lover, Gadea, were also there, appearing more awkward than I felt, for they wore hideous silver wigs that resembled painted pines.
We sat at a large circular table, with Malvolia sitting between us in a tall, dark chair that looked more regal than her pathetic floral throne. I hated that the servants had seated Helian on Malvolia’s left. When we’d protested, the servants had insisted we sit by rank. A power play, for if that was the case, Shiri and I should’ve sat at the head of the table, since our magic was strongest.
Shiri sat to Malvolia’s right, leaving me on Helian’s other side with the girls between me and Ash. Drae sat next to Shiri, with Casandra and Gadea beside him.
Ember glanced around the room as if she was seeing it for the first time, her gaze focusing on something on the ceiling. I swallowed back a knot in my throat when I realized she was probably staring at spirits.
Aurora squirmed in her seat, swinging her legs beneath her. “Where is everybody?”
Malvolia waved her wine goblet, sloshing red liquid on the table. “I dismissed them.”
“That’s weird!” Aurora blurted.
I hid a smile behind my hand.
Malvolia narrowed her eyes on Aurora. “And you, child, have just illustrated why I don’t normally allow children at court.” She pointed a blackened finger at Aurora’s chest. “If you’re going to remain, then be seen and not heard.”
Sniffling loudly, Aurora frowned down at her lap.
I wrapped my arm protectively around her while glaring at my aunt. She had no right to scold my child.
Malvolia ignored me, her gaze slowly drifting to Helian as she broke into a wide grin. “So do you go by Prince Helian or King Helian?”
His cheeks colored as he kept his gaze forward, refusing to look at the evil bitch. “Just Helian.”
“Well, Just Helian ,” she cooed, leering like he was a young, succulent lamb and she was a hungry dragoness, “why don’t you drink wine?”
He scooted his chair closer to me. “I’ve sworn off drink.”
She leaned so far toward him, she was in danger of falling into his lap. “Why?”
Helian grimaced. “Because it makes me act a fool.”
Malvolia clucked her tongue and snickered as if he was a wayward child. “Drink gives us courage to do what we long to do while sober.” She turned her sneer on me. “Do you partake in wine, niece, or do you worry it will sicken your spawn?”
Spawn? Bitch! I rested a protective hand on my abdomen. “I’d rather my child didn’t partake.”
“Tell me, niece.” Black ink leached from her fingertips, staining the white tablecloth. “Why do you carry King Regent of Caldaria’s child, and yet you don’t wear a crown?”
My hand instinctively flew to my gut, and I regretted spilling my secret in front of the servants.
Don’t let her upset you, Tari , Ash projected into my head while giving me a warning look. She wants you to lose your temper.
No , I corrected. She wants to be turned to ash .
Listen to him, Tari , Helian warned.
I was too focused on my wicked aunt to pay heed to my mates’ warnings.
Knowing I might need to fight the sorceress queen, I summoned my magic, letting it drip into my hands like sludge coming out of a water pump. “I don’t need a crown to know my mate loves me.”
She leaned back in her chair, never taking her gaze off me while tapping her fingers on the table. “But you will need a husband and a title, else your bastard babe could be stripped of his birthright.”
White-hot rage shot through my veins, and my magic began to bubble and boil in my fingertips. I bared my teeth. “My child is not a bastard.”
She shook her head, clucking her tongue. “You lack foresight like your mother.”
Don’t lose your temper , Ash warned through thought.
Too late , I projected back. Tears of rage blurred my vision as I slowly stood, resting my knuckles on the table. “I’d rather lack foresight than be a washed-up, old whore.”
Malvolia jumped to her feet, snakes of black magic slithering out of her fingers. “You dare!”
My fingers swelled with magic. This was it. I would blast the bitch before she struck me, and my family would be rid of this menace for good.
“Hold your magic!” Shiri’s voice rang through the room with the power of a dragon’s roar, and my magic instantly went dry. She pointed to me and then Malvolia. “Sit!”
My legs buckled, and I fell onto the chair, inwardly cursing my sister as Malvolia flopped into her chair, too.
Shiri stood and kicked back her chair, her eyes flaring with anger. “Every day, demons are trying to breach these walls. There is a demon mistress, no doubt assembling an army to attack us.” She paused, giving me a look that could melt iron. “Not to mention, she’s already stolen the children once, and she can do it again.”
I internalized my ire when Malvolia flashed a triumphant grin.
“Peloponese and Ventus are ghost cities, thanks to a corpse king, his demon wyvern, and demonic spiders,” Shiri continued, pounding the table so hard, I flinched. “Mark my words—Thebes will fall next, as long as we’re bickering amongst ourselves.” She jutted a finger toward Malvolia. “Aunt, like it or not, Tari is your niece, and Helian is her fated mate. Your flirtations will only drive this family further apart.”
Malvolia threw eye daggers at my sister.
“Tari and I will dine in our rooms. Tomorrow, we’ll uncover the book in the rubble of the temple you made me raze.” There was no doubting the censure in Shiri’s voice as she glared down at our aunt. Then she arched back, holding up her hands as if she was a necromancer resurrecting the dead. “I release you all from your spell, but you will not harm each other.”
I gasped aloud, hardly realizing I’d been holding my breath. Ash jumped to his feet and scooped the girls into his arms while Helian helped me up from the chair.
Shiri took Drae’s hand and waved us forward, her siren voice still ringing with each word. “Let’s go.”
Casandra and Gadea stood, too, following us. I was very aware of Malvolia’s heated gaze staring holes through my back as we left the dining chamber and hurried through the throne room. That had been far too close. If Shiri hadn’t intervened, Malvolia and I could’ve killed each other. The realization was enough to make my stomach pitch, especially since I suspected this wouldn’t be our last confrontation.