Page 55

fifty-four

Carnaxa

T hylas and I would often run through the workers’ halls to sneak out of the castle and here I am, using them to sneak in. Considering the incident at the main bridge, we concluded that it is crucial to steer clear of as many people as possible until we understand the kingdom’s current situation. Our first task: reach my father’s chambers.

Thanks to the foresight of those who built the castle, hidden entrances and corridors were discreetly installed, ready to be used if necessary. Thylas had a knack for finding them, before he joined the Ke Neye, and his curiosity never failed to land us in trouble.

The passageway we find ourselves in now is dark, with a musty smell, and a thick layer of dust that suggests it hasn’t been used in quite some time. The anticipation builds as I near the next bend, where my father’s chambers are located, and worry sets in about what awaits me inside. Ever since my memories resurfaced, I haven’t had a spare moment to process everything that has happened or to figure out the next steps for Thylas and me, either. I know he performed the neni . The aching hole in my heart is proof. I still need to discuss with Ereon the anger that recently twisted my thoughts, I know those thoughts were not my own. With so many things to talk about and do, I long for a moment of stillness to let my overwhelming emotions finally break free. But right now, I can’t. I once was a girl who would wear her heart on her sleeve, but now I must focus on unraveling the mystery surrounding my people, including my father.

My fingers tremble as we step closer to the door that will lead me to him. Ereon’s cool hand grabs my own, steadying my fingers and stopping me. He turns me so I face him, and even though I can’t see him, I feel him. Our shells give off a gentle light between us as he pulls me to him.

“I know these are not my words ...” He brings the back of my knuckles to his lips and kisses them softly. “I’m not him, but I promise to be your safety here. Don’t fear, nothing in this world or the next could keep me from protecting you. ”

“I know ...” It’s all I can say in response as I turn, preparing myself for whatever battle may be behind the door. I let my fingers glide across the marbled door and gently push it open to take a tentative step inside. His room is dark except for the small candle near his bed. The moon radiates light through the window, highlighting the balcony on the other side where we would often look up at the moon and think of Mother.

My mother. The Goddess. Did my father know, or was this secret kept strictly from me?

A long sound of a sword being pulled from its sheath stops me. Eldoris, my father’s personal guard, comes into view. The wrinkles around his eyes have increased, but he wears the golden armor with pride as he points his sword at us.

“Eldoris!” I say and run up to him as his sword falls to the side. Eldoris pulls me into him, if he’s here then my father is safe. While his father and my grandfather were lovers, my father and he grew up together. They are friends. Ever since Eldoris was a young man, he’s sworn his allegiance to my father.

“Princess Carnaxa,” he exclaims as he holds me against him, his voice alone a peaceful fountain. “I’m so glad to see you. Your father will be too.”

“So he’s still —” I can’t even say the words. I can’t imagine a world without my father in it.

“Yes, Princess ... he’s weak, but he’s still here with us. Kos? those Shaston soldiers King Atlas sent. I’m the only one not in chains. They assume I am too old to put up much of a fight. ”

I wince as soon as those words leave his mouth. Ereon comes into view along with Siphonie and Rhenor.

“Your Highness,” Eldoris says as he bows. “I apologize, I did not see you. I should have addressed you first as is tradition in Shaston.”

“No need for formality,” Ereon says as Eldoris stands. “You are Antalian and as such should always address Princess Carnaxa, the future queen of Antalis first.” Ereon’s voice is smooth, calming. Eldoris looks between the two of us as he takes in what he hears. A queen, not a queen-consort.

“Yes, Prince ... I am sorry I spoke ill of your father in front of you.”

“I speak ill of my father in front of anyone who will listen,” Ereon retorts, and I hear Rhenor stifle a laugh under a cough.

I look up at Eldoris. “Things have changed ... many things. But right now, I want to see my father.”

He puts his sword back in the sheath on his hip and takes my hand. “This way.”

My father lies on the bed and I have to fight the memories of seeing my mother in the same frail state. Once a proud king, his frame is swallowed up by the bedding around him. His beard, which used to be thick, now has patches of hair missing, and his stark white hair has become tinged with a sickly yellow since I left. I know when I see his eyes they will have the telltale sign of bloodshot veins spreading throughout.

I run to his side of the bed and sit on the edge, grabbing his hand.

“Father.” I kiss his cheek. “I’m here, Father.”

His eyes flutter open and look around the room, not truly focusing on anything, but he squeezes my hand and asks, “Iviloan ...” Then his eyes focus and a smile returns to his face. “No ... Carnaxa. What are you doing here? You are supposed to be in Shaston.”

“I was.” I hold his fevered hand to my cheek. “But I heard you were sick. I had to come. Why is the Prel here?”

As he coughs, Eldoris brings a glass of water to him before helping him sit up. He takes a small sip before he explains, “King Atlas. He sent them … said that you and the Prince dispatched them.”

I glance back at Ereon, who looks like he wants to punch a wall, before my attention returns to my father. “We just need to get you better.”

“I won’t get better, Carnaxa. I have barely any time left. I know Iviloan is waiting for me. I can hear her singing for me in my dreams.” His wrinkled fingers graze my cheek. “Sometimes I even think I see her.”

“I saw her.” I smile down at him, a tear falling. “I saw Ata . She misses you.” I know she didn’t say that, but I know how much love she has for my father; she wanted to make sure I saw him before he goes to her. And for that, I will comfort him. Eldoris comes and helps him recline back. My father takes hold of my hand until he falls back asleep .

I step away from him and Ereon comes to wrap me in his arms. “Are you okay?”

“I will be.” And I know the words that leave my lips are the truth, because eventually I will. This is not the first death that’s happened in my life. I am not the same girl who lost her mother.

Suddenly, a woman with black strands peppered with a brilliant gray comes rushing in. She carries a tray of food, but she’s not a worker I’ve ever seen before. She turns and notices our presence. “I’m sorry ... I’ll bring this later.” She smiles, and something about it seems familiar, but as she glances behind me her expression falters for only a moment before she retreats.

“How did this happen? How was the Prel able to gain so much control?” Rhenor asks as he stands next to Eldoris.

Eldoris replies, “The Shayi was stretched thin when they arrived. Many taken down by the deluc, same in Midaelia. It wasn’t hard for Prel soldiers to take over those who remained and throw them in the dungeons. We’ve sent word to those in Midaeliea, but with the khind , they haven’t made it back … or the correspondence was never received.”

Rhenor looks to Siphonie who bites her lip and asks, “So what can we do?”

Eldoris looks to my father who sleeps soundlessly. “I don’t know. For the first time in many years, Antalis is falling. Nothing can be fixed tonight, hopefully with Prince Ereon here, he can keep the Prel in check, and our men will return home shortly from Midaeliea.”

We make our way down the corridors, the blue-streaked marble beneath my feet helps me feel grounded, despite all that is going on around us. Siphonie and Rhenor mumble amongst themselves behind us.

My heart quickens as we turn the corner near Thylas’ room. A room I hope he sees again. He shouldn’t have returned to Shaston, a foolish mistake in his unwavering loyalty to me. But Atlas won’t be fooled. He knew, somehow — he always seems to know.

Just ahead the door knob rattles, the one to Thylas’ room and I stop. Maybe he didn’t leave us, maybe he came back and was separated. I run to the door and quickly open it.

Inside his room is the same woman I saw in my father’s. Her hair hangs down the side of her face as she stifles a gasp. “Princess … forgive me. I was turned around and got lost.” But it’s her face that reveals the lie. Her eyes flicker back and forth across my face, not meeting my gaze. “I’ll just be on my way.”

She starts to walk past me when Siphonie grabs her elbow. “I’ve seen you before. In Midaeliea, you sold me clothes for my baby.”

I look closely at the woman, thinking about our time in Midaeliea. I focused more on the words of the prophecy than the appearance of the one who first spoke it to me, so I don’t fully recall what she looked like.

“No … I’m sorry, you must be mistaken.” She tries to pull her arm away from Siphonie. “I’m new to this land, just arrived a few weeks ago.”

“No. In Midaeliea, you watched us leave … you stared at Thy — my guard. But before that you spoke of the prophecy.” I look at her and the room she just came from. “You are leaving the Ambassador’s personal quarters. Why were you in there?” I ask, my words coming out quicker as the hair on the back of my neck stands on end. This can’t be a coincidence.

Ereon walks in front of her, eyeing her with suspicion. “You’re from Shaston. I know you, you used to be my mother’s handmaiden.” He draws his sword then issues his threat,“So either you tell us why you are here or I’ll have to assume you are a spy, and I don’t take kindly to spies.”