Page 9

eight

Carnaxa

W alking through the cold hallways lit with torches every few feet, makes me miss Antalis. My home was full of white marble, but here it’s even gloomier than the wooden hallways of Midaeliea. I recall from a trip when I was younger, Midaeliea was dark, but in a comforting and cozy way. There is an unwelcoming feeling that lingers here.

Prince Ereon and Ambassador Thylas entered my room without warning shortly after I was summoned to the throne room. Siphonie had to usher them out so I could continue getting dressed, but I heard them talking through the opened door which connects my room with the Ereon’s. The whispers I couldn’t make out made me more uncomfortable. I wish they would speak openly with me. I know my memory may be lacking right now, but I know I should be privy to their conversations.

Siphonie walks beside me, her hand seemingly wanting to reach out and touch mine. I feel her featherlight touches as we walk, but I don’t want to appear any weaker than I already think I do. Surely being asleep when one enters the kingdom they are meant to rule — co-rule — isn’t the best first impression. I walk with my head held high — or as high as I can — readying for the unknown. Siphonie said she hasn’t met the King yet and is unsure about his demeanor. I can already guess he is the opposite of my father. From the stories I heard as a child, anyone who rules a kingdom where the women are not of the same social ranking as men, cannot be like my father.

We reach the end of a darkened hallway to be met by a giant door. The door has the Shaston sigil of a snake against a sun backdrop carved into the sandstone. I itch at my arms along the strange leather cuff wrapped there. I take my fingers and run them along the bracelets of my other arms — the bracelets my mother gave me. How I wish she was here right now.

“Just her,” Shache Ataiun says, startling me, and walks quickly to get in front of us.

“I am Bêlit Siphonie. My husband, Bêl Rhenor, will be joining us soon. I am Princess Carnaxa’s cousin, as well as her chaperone. Where she goes, I go. ”

If the circumstances weren’t what they were, I would laugh. Siphonie has never been my chaperone. I don’t argue because I don’t want to enter the throne room without her at my side. Right now, the only ones I feel safe with are her and Rhenor.

Ataiun rolls his eyes before grabbing Siphonie above the elbow as she starts to walk past him. “The King does not care who you are, Bêlit Siphonie. We may honor your title because of where you are from and will soon return to, but make no mistake, the only value you carry here is between your legs.”

Siphonie’s fist curls against her leg. Never would someone of Antalis speak to her like this. Ereon grumbles under his breath and I hear Thylas somewhere behind me make a statement as well, although I don’t catch what it is. I hear their steps coming from behind me as Ataiun just smirks down at Siphonie.

“I don’t care who you are, but if you talk to my wife like that again, I’ll make sure you have met your end with my blade. Sooner, rather than later.” Rhenor hastens over from the left corridor. He stands tall with his red-tinted hair shining against the flickering flames which light the hall. He’s wearing the blues of my house and it makes me smile to see something so familiar.

“ Bêl Rhenor.” Ataiun bows. “Forgive me. I let myself get carried away. I was simply letting your wife know, here in Shaston, a woman’s word is the same as voices on the wind. Forgotten and unheard quickly. The King has requested for Princess Carnaxa and Prince Ereon only. The rest of you are to remain outside. ”

“I am Ambassador to Antalis and I should be involved in any meeting Princess Carnaxa is called to,” Thylas says from behind me.

“While that may be true, the King is unsympathetic. You are to be included during discussions of Antalis. This is not one of them. Princess Carnaxa and Prince Ereon are the only ones permitted in at this time. I would not anger King Atlas after barely arriving, especially considering you were expected weeks ago.”

Ereon’s tall frame comes into my periphery. I had forgotten how tall he was. I didn’t notice when I stumbled into his room after I woke up. I remember the first time I saw him as he walked into my father’s throne room the day he arrived in Antalis. I was shaking so hard, my trembling hands gave my emotions away. When my father introduced me, I remember meeting his dark brown eyes and how warmth spread through me beneath his gaze. He was absolutely breathtaking, but I looked away, feeling guilty. For what, I don’t remember because there is a darkness in the memory, until I recall his eyes. I hear the faint words of “It’s nice to meet you, Princess Carnaxa” echoing through my mind.

“I’ll take her then and present her to my father. She’ll be safe with me.” Ereon smiles down at me, a crown resting upon his brown curls. My heart beats faster when his eyes meet mine and a feeling of safety comes over me. I nod in Siphonie’s direction and she reaches out to Rhenor as he takes her in his arms. Ataiun seems satisfied with the answer and steps to the side.

Ereon holds out his hand. “Since you seem to be having trouble remembering, I’ll say this once more ... today we start our new life, Princess Carnaxa.” He winks and waits for my reply. I don’t know when he said those words to me, but I reach out and let his hand take mine before he places my palm in the crook of his elbow, and the doors to the throne room open.

King Atlas sits on his dark throne. It is a twisted — almost dark — impression of my father’s. Upon his head is a blackened crown with five wicked points reaching towards the ceiling. The throne room is illuminated by chandeliers that hang with candles atop them, adding a foreboding ambiance to this already uncomfortable meeting. My fingers involuntarily squeeze Ereon’s arm and I briefly shift my glance to him. He squeezes my hand in a reassuring manner. I look back at his father, whose grim expression takes over his face.

We make it to the bottom of the dais, Ereon and I bow at the waist before the King.

“Nice to see you could join us, Princess Carnaxa Althister. I was beginning to wonder if you would,” he says as his fingernails scratch against the hard throne.

“Princess Carnaxa woke up just last night, Father. I’m sure it was not her intention to keep you waiting,” Ereon speaks before I can get a word in.

Because no one cares about what you think.

“I’m sure it was not. I requested your presence all the same to see that you were, in fact, awake and fit for the ceremony. We have completed the preparations and shall begin tonight.” His words are cold with a hint of irritation stretched between each one.

“Father, Princess Carnaxa’s unfortunate accident has kept her from remembering things in the recent past. Perhaps we could give her a few days to adjust to her new surroun —”

They don’t want you to make your own decisions.

I interrupt Ereon, “I’ll be ready, King Atlas. I knew this day would come and I am prepared.” A half-truth. I knew I was going to marry Ereon for years and I remember him arriving not too long ago, but the thought of going through with the Noko Maki so soon has my nerves rioting through my body.

“See Ereon, she’s prepared. It’ll take place tonight.”

Ereon lets go of my hand and it falls limply to my side. He takes a step closer to his father.

“She speaks of the Noko Maki — Antalis’ ceremony — not our Nle Shom . I’ve not had the time to explain what will be required of her during Nle Shom nor the plal ryow .” He swallows before continuing, “Please give her a few days.”

Nle Shom and plal ryow the terms mean nothing to me but how different can a ceremony be? It’s a wedding — all kingdoms have them. It’s not anything to fear. Maybe Ereon wants me to be the frail princess in need of his saving. I take a step forward to be on equal ground with the Prince.

“I’ll be fine. I may not have a shell for the ceremony, but I’m sure I can find something. ”

The King’s twisted smile grows wider as he claps his hands. “Perfect. Princess Carnaxa, return to your chambers. Ereon, I need you to stay for a moment.”

I bow before looking at Ereon. His brown eyes look into mine with a hint of sadness. My heels click against the floor as I retreat back through the doors that led me here.