Page 4 of Ties of Deception (Tethered Hearts)

Chapter

Four

O n the morning of the party, a mix of excitement and nerves made it hard for me to eat. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I would find out far more about this world today than I ever knew before, and maybe about myself too. I just needed to keep my emotions in check. But if there were going to be lots of other Graces there, surely everyone around would be getting Blessed, and nobody would know whether I was happy or not, as long as I stayed levelheaded enough to not break anything. It would be nice to have that pressure gone.

An hour before I was due to change into my formal dress, Pris hurried into the room without announcing herself. She had a book under one arm and was grinning conspiratorially.

“Purity, I smuggled this from the library for you. It might make you feel more confident about tonight. It’s got pictures inside!”

I beckoned for her to join me on the couch and looked over her shoulder as she opened the thick, heavily embossed leather cover, revealing only a few pages inside.

“These are examples of the two different types of goddesses as well as the gods of death so you can recognize them and tell them apart.” She flicked through a few pages of text to a full-page illustration that was painstakingly inked by hand and included some goldleaf. None of the drawings were labeled, but the woman was beautiful. “So here is a Grace. Typically pale skin, light eyes, blonde or brown hair. Basically, they will look like you and wear long dresses.” The goddess in the picture looked strong, confident, unknowable, and powerful. The complete opposite of how I felt. There was something strangely foreign about her. I was meant to be one of them, yet I still didn’t really understand what that meant.

Before I could study the picture of the woman surrounded by flowers and fruit closely, Pris flicked to a new picture. “Here is an Amazone. What you can’t tell from the picture is how tall they are. Their hair is always worn in braids when they are on duty, and the color of the beads represent their rank, though I don’t know how. They are mostly in service to the royal family as guards, though you will see them walking around when they’re at leisure, especially at the capital. There are only a few here in Yienna, though you might see others who ethnically originated from Hassia and have similar coloring. Many of the guards you see tonight will be Amazone since the royal family will be present and they prefer Hassian guards. Well, at least the empress and Prince Sebastian will be here. The emperor-consort often remains in their main palace in Hassia, despite him being originally from our island, Atos. He doesn’t come back here often.”

She let me linger on this picture of the Amazone. The goddess was strong and beautiful with a brave, determined expression. Muscular arms gripped a spear, and a sword was sheathed at her waist. Her skin was a rich reddish-brown, and the intricate ebony braids of her hair fell artfully to her waist. She wore a knee-length tunic and leather breastplate that was both practical and richly adorned with gemstones.

Pris flicked to the last image with a tremble of excitement. “And this is a god of death from the Unseen Lands. All the Aida look and dress similarly to their gods.” The man staring out of the image had a hard, brutal face. He was dressed in black armor with an enormous sword strapped to his back. His skin was light brown, his black hair short and straight, and his eyes had epicanthal folds. I thought he was the most striking of all the characters, probably due to the intense stare the artist had given him, and I was unmistakably drawn to him.

Pris flicked the page, but the rest of the pages were gone, so she snapped the book shut. “There you go. Now you know what to look out for and who to stay away from. As you can see, they’re quite distinctive. Nobody else wears so much black.”

I was still looking at the book. From the side I guessed at least half the pages were missing. “Why is it damaged?”

Pris shrugged. “I don’t know. This book’s old. A lot of the old ones are missing pages. I always assumed the glue binding the pages failed after so long and only so many pages could be saved when they were rebound.”

I frowned. It didn’t look like that. It looked like they’d been torn free. And the drawings had appeared immaculate. Unless they had been restored? Or added later? I didn’t push the topic.

Pris stood. “I should get this book back to the library. We’re not meant to take books out of that room—especially the old ones. In case they get damaged. It’s a rule for every library in Atos, actually. People can be really strict about it. I probably wouldn’t even touch the books in the palace if I were you.” She sighed and looked me up and down with a look close to fondness. “You should get ready. Mother will want to fuss over you before you go.” She grinned and tucked the book under one arm. “Good luck. And try to have fun. I hear the food is good.”

She hurried from the room. I stood and stretched as I mused over the god’s dark expression that sent chills up my spine. I knew Pris was fanciful and potentially quite ignorant of the court. Would he really kidnap an unsuspecting Grace like she said?

Either way, I’d have to worry about it later; it was time to get dressed.

Just as Flavia finished adding the final hair pin, Drusella announced herself as she approached from the gardens. I stood and smiled, hoping to convince her that I was in a steady, positive mental state. She barely glanced at my face, however, being far more preoccupied with what I was wearing: a long, pink, sleeveless dress and leather sandals that had been dyed gold.

“No, no, that’s too much.” Drusella took a pair of tailoring scissors from the dressing table and snipped the bow from the back of my dress so the fabric fell formless around my figure. She gave an approving nod. “Remember, you need to be dull and uninteresting tonight. Our aim is for your presence to be noted, but to draw no special attention. It’s too early for you to be thrown into the world of politics.” She dropped the silk bow to the floor and straightened the golden clasps that gathered the material over my shoulders. “And remember, whatever you do, don’t speak or even look at any Aida if they are present.” I opened my mouth, but she waved my words aside. “Just trust me on this. You’ll know who they are. Far too much black and sour expressions.” She stepped back from me and smiled. “Perfect. Make sure you have lots of fun tonight, now. Be polite. Whatever you see and hear at the palace, don’t gossip; it won’t do you any favors. Learn to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to everything.”

I gave Drusella a confused look. There were an awful lot of warnings for a party. Just what was she expecting to happen there?

She smiled and patted my arm. “As I said, have fun and be safe.”

She escorted me down the drive to the front of the gardens where a carriage was waiting. Flavia climbed in beside me. Drusella closed the door herself. “It’s an hour and a half to the palace at a brisk trot, so relax. There are plenty of refreshments stored under your seat.”

I thanked her—to stop her fussing—and waved, signaling to the driver that I was ready to depart. I left Drusella standing in the drive, waving a cloth after us. Her anxiety was clear even as the distance between us grew. However, as we left the villa and turned into the streets of Yienna, a guard flanking the carriage on either side, all I felt was excitement.

After passing field after field of vineyards, ancient olive groves, ripening wheat, goats, and cows, the countryside finally became obscured by the growing dusk. The walls of the capital city of Fierro bloomed with torchlight ahead.

Flavia touched up my hair and makeup as the carriage came to a stop. My heart thudded at the enormity of what I was about to experience. After spending my entire life, short as it was, stuck in the villa or the litter under Drusella’s close eye, I was entering a completely unfamiliar place alone, and I didn’t know half of the rules or expectations. Hopefully, I wouldn’t make a fool of myself. Maybe being around other Graces would help me understand myself better. It would be good not to feel so lonely and adrift as I tried to find my feet.

Flavia opened the carriage door from inside and bowed her head. “I will wait with the carriage, my lady. We will be ready to leave whenever you wish, just ask the servants to summon us. There is no expectation of staying late, but if you want to, we have accommodations we can use in Fierro.”

I nodded my thanks and looked ahead. Vast marble steps led upward between huge, fluted columns. The pillars were so large that four or five people would be able to link hands around them. The whole scene was atmospheric, the dark only broken by torches of flickering flames on long slender sticks marking the way on either side.

As I stepped onto the lowest step, the carriage behind me left, and a new one replaced it. I quickened my climb so I didn’t get in the way of whoever the next guest was.

A servant took my heavy velvet cloak in the atrium, and I was ushered down a dark corridor. I guessed that the darkness was meant to give more impact to the glowing room at the end.

I glided into a giant hall filled with candles, their light fractured by thousands of tiny mirrors. Flowers were everywhere. They carpeted each wall, the ends of vines pooling on the floor. What little I could see of the columns and walls was gleaming gold.

The room was full of people, and of course, I knew nobody. Many of the women wore extravagant dresses with trailing chiffon and cashmere trains. I was glad of my relatively plain dress. I already felt like I belonged in the background of this party. I didn’t want to make a fool of myself due to my ignorance.

There was a whole world Drusella and Hermon hadn’t told me about, and now I was thrown into it. I understood their desire to not overwhelm me and to hide away anything that might upset me, but, still, I would’ve been grateful for more advice that hadn’t just been warnings.

Uncertain of what to do, I drifted to the food table and put a few slices of orange and half a pomegranate on my plate. As I edged further down, looking for drinks, I neared a group of young men dressed in bold-colored tunics that ended at the knee and long red or blue cloaks that they held wrapped over one arm, I assumed to stop other people from treading on them.

One man was talking excitedly, leaning forward as if not wanting to be overheard, but not lowering his voice. “I heard that the Cassinos have lost their goddess.”

There was a responding scoff. “They’ve had her less than a year, haven’t they? Poor fools. What was their one called?”

The first man shook his head, displaying his bemused smile. “Haven’t the faintest idea.”

A third one talked with his mouth full while pointing at the others with a breadstick. “I’ve heard that goddesses are like cats. If you don’t treat them exactly as they like, they wander off to somebody else’s house who feeds them better.”

“Where is she now?”

“Living in the suburbs of Fierro in her own villa, I heard. She attends parties for a fee and Blesses the people attending.”

I blinked in surprise. Could I just leave Hermon and Drusella? That would seem cruel after all their effort and work to look after me. What had upset the other goddess so much that she’d abandoned her family? And why would she sell her powers like that?

One of the men raised his eyes over his companion’s shoulder and saw me. He smiled. Something about his confidence put me on edge. “Hello, my lady. You must be one of the newcomers.” He took half a step forward.

The rest of the circle turned to face me, and I felt each set of eyes assessing me. I cleared my throat, mumbled something unintelligible, and strode purposefully away from the table. There was a small group of Graces not far away. Maybe there was safety in numbers?

My mouth was uncomfortably dry and still bereft of a drink, I sucked the juice out of the orange and choked down some pomegranate seeds. Food dribbled down my chin, and I looked for something to wipe it quickly, settling for a clean-looking napkin somebody had left discarded on the rim of a huge flowerpot. I put it back afterward.

The group of Graces barely looked up as I approached. I hovered awkwardly, wondering if leaving as soon as I’d arrived would be seen as rude by our royal host, but I also wasn’t sure what else to do. A tremble shivered up my arm, and a sharp crack startled me as my empty plate broke in two.

The Graces didn’t even look. It seemed like most people didn’t care about my emotional state here. The flowers next to the other goddesses were blooming brighter by the second. Maybe they would outweigh me.

A sudden fit of excitement made the Graces lower their voices in excited hushes. “Look, look. There he is!”

I followed their stares to see a man in a pure white tunic with a bright blue sash entering the room. He had striking, unusual features: black hair in loose curls, skin that was a warm, deep bronze, and eyes large enough to make any girl jealous. His smile was wide and infectious, and already a crowd was assembling around him. Gold bands wrapped around his muscular upper arms, and he wore a circlet of golden laurel leaves on his head. He fitted into this room of beautiful goddesses perfectly.

He had to be the prince of Atos. Prince Sebastian. The only child of the empress and emperor-consort. And clearly the center of every room he walked into.

One of the Graces sighed and then giggled. I frowned. This was not how I’d expected other goddesses to behave. We carried so much responsibility for the prosperity of our people. But maybe there was room for frivolity too?

A Grace with a serious voice hissed to the goddess next to her. “Charity, do you know who Prince Sebastian is favoring at the moment?”

The tall blonde Grace beside her pursed her lips in a grumpy expression. “I heard he was seen walking with Constance again yesterday. I’ve not spoken to him for three days.”

A few hushed gasps. “Again! How often have they been together recently?”

The first one didn’t seem at all amused by the news. “Has he called on her at her villa? Or is she still staying at the palace?”

A more excited goddess leaned forward. “I’ve heard the empress is impatient for a daughter-in-law and is going to single out a group of goddesses for the prince to choose his bride from soon.”

Another tapped her chin as she watched the prince laughing with a group of young men about his age. “His best friend isn’t bad-looking either. He’s sure to be looking for a goddess wife.”

A quieter goddess hung back with folded arms. She had dark hair, which according to Pris was unusual for a Grace, but her skin was still pale. “I think the other prince is a far greater catch.”

Her comment was greeted by theatrical shocked gasps and giggles.

Charity threw her a scolding look. “Oh, please, Serene. It’s not seemly to shock people to get attention.”

The serious Grace looked more concerned. “Don’t even joke about the Aidis, Serene. Not even when he’s not in the room. Do you really want to end up in the realm of the dead?”

Aidis . Pris had never explained that term.

The group fell silent as they started glancing over my shoulder, subtly preening their hair and straightening their dresses. I looked behind me and saw Prince Sebastian had moved to the refreshment table and was now heading straight for us. His confident smile was pure charm, and a group of eager young men followed behind him.

My stomach clenched. If he talked to me, I had no idea what I would do. I discarded the two halves of my plate in the nearby flowerpot and noticed a doorway obscured by vines. I could make my escape before he got too close, and it would seem rude.

I pretended I hadn’t seen his approach and pushed through the curtain of passion flowers. Their scent was heavy and sweet, somehow reminding me of lemons yet with a hint of decay. The sensation was disorienting as I freed myself from the vines and found myself on a shadowed balcony overlooking the gardens. Torches on tall poles cast flickering light among dark, impenetrable shadows. It was much quieter out here. The chatter of cicadas made calming company.

I leaned over the balcony wall and breathed past the heavy scent of pollen, welcoming the fresh tang of citrus and pine. The stars were beginning to shine through the bruised purple clouds, and the sea breeze kissed my cheeks. Distantly, I could hear breaking waves. Yes, it was much nicer out here.

The balcony stretched onward in both directions, and I wondered if it curled around the entire palace. I walked slowly, tracing a hand along the marble wall. There were urns of flowers every dozen steps, and I walked to one, watching the flowers bloom and brighten as I neared, even in the dark. Beautiful. I wasn’t sure I would ever get used to that.

“I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.” The smooth male voice startled me, and I whipped around. Was there nowhere I could escape from these awkward interactions?

A man stood, one side of him gilded in torchlight, the other shadowed. I could see the black of his jacket and his glossy hair, short but thick and longer at the top. His arms were folded, and his stance was arrogant. Everything about him from his clothes to his features seemed foreign to me, and I immediately suspected he was an Aida, despite the poor light. I had never seen another individual wear black. I looked to the side, but nobody else was here. Drusella was going to be furious.

The man took a step closer, frowning, and the powerful way he moved set my heart racing. There was no sign of finery on him nor any glint of gold, but he was armed with a broad sword across his back. He was probably an Aida guard. When Drusella had said they were dangerous, too dangerous for me to even look at, what exactly had she meant? She was prone to exaggeration, but there was certainly a hungry glint in his eye. Surely he wouldn’t harm me at a royal ball. If he was a god of death, did his powers happen automatically around him like mine did? But Graces were meant to be immune to the powers of death. And if he was an Aida guard, surely he wouldn’t be a god anyway, since Pris had said the gods were their royal family. He would be a lower rank and so likely mortal. But this man looked anything but normal.

I subtly gathered my long skirts into fists so I could break into a run to escape back inside if I had to. “I was taking some air, but am ready to return to the party now. Excuse me.”

He moved, frighteningly fast, until he was a mere foot away from me. His dark eyes were wide, studying my face as if he were seeing a ghost. Even as fear twisted my stomach, I had to admit he was handsome in a practical, roughly chiseled, threatening sort of way. Incredibly so. Though I remembered Pris saying all Aida were handsome. It was part of why they were so dangerous.

“You’re…” he breathed. For some reason I couldn’t move as he wrapped one hand around my waist locking me in place, and the other cupped my chin with his thumb and forefinger, forcing my face upward so he could study my features. My whole body froze, cold striking down my spine. What was happening?

He seemed to be in some sort of a daze, his brows half-lowered and his lips parted. Maybe he was drunk, but I smelled nothing on his breath. “You’re....” He frowned in confusion.

His hand tightened at my waist, the other pushing my cheek so he could view the other side of my face. I was trapped, and I could feel his strength—strength I couldn’t match. Through my incapacitating panic, instinct finally took over. I needed to free myself. Now. He had a knife in his belt, and his hands were nowhere near it.

I seized the knife’s hilt and pulled the weapon free, resting the point against his stomach with a firm warning prod. “Let go of me. Don’t touch me.” The words came out in a strangled hiss.

The man looked down in surprise, and he raised his eyebrows. Confusion flickered across his eyes which ignited a rage within me. Did he think he had the right to do whatever he wished to me, merely because he was an Aida and there was some sort of an agreement they could look for brides in Atos?

I caught my breath and poked his stomach with the dagger a little harder. “I mean it. Step back. Now.” Beside me, an ornate pot of colorful vines tipped over and smashed without being touched.

His eyes met mine, now cooler and clearer, and a small, infuriating smile flirted around his lips. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding.” He removed his hands, spreading them out on either side of his head as if in surrender.

His words turned my remaining fear to pure anger. I narrowed my eyes and pressed the knife harder against his stomach, feeling the hard muscle beneath the soft black leather of his tunic. He didn’t flinch.

“No,” I hissed. “You can’t grab somebody—somebody’s face no less—and then pretend it was all an innocent misunderstanding.”

The Aida stepped back, his hands still raised. My knife became suspended in empty air, but I kept the point directed at him. He was tall, easily a foot taller than me, and far broader. I’d never felt so fragile.

He tilted his head, his eyes still studying every detail of my face. “We’re Fated. Can’t you feel it?”

I grimaced. “Fated? I have no idea what that means, but nothing, absolutely nothing is an excuse for what you just did.” I was liking this man less by the minute. I vaguely wondered what would happen if I pushed him off the balcony. Surely they couldn’t lock a goddess in jail without negatively affecting the surrounding area. They had to keep me happy.

His expression softened. “I am sorry. Truly.” He moved one hand to his heart. Did Aida even have one? Or were they as dead inside as their land?

His expression was filled with an eager sincerity that was hard not to believe. “I assumed… But you must be very new. A few weeks old, that would explain it.”

I gaped at him. “Explain what? Who do you think you are that you would feel you could just grab me as a stranger and that I would allow it? Did you do something to me?” Did the Aida have powers as well as their gods?

He moved his hands into a calming motion that had the opposite effect. “Please, my lady, will you let me start our meeting over again?”

I raised my eyebrows even further. He was unbelievable. “No! I don’t want anything to do with you. Let me pass and leave me alone.”

I thought panic flickered in his eyes, but I knew I’d imagined it when his arrogant smile returned. “My lady, I…”

A new voice yelled from behind. “Drop that knife!”

I stepped back and turned as a royal guard ran up to us, panic on his pale face. He had already drawn his sword. I lowered the knife and glared back at my harasser, ready to tell the guard exactly what the Aida had done and request that he be removed from the party. But the guard stood between us, protecting the Aida and facing me. Well, I suppose I had been the one with the knife, looking like I was about to stab him.

“This really isn’t necessary,” the Aida said in a formal yet relaxed voice. “The lady was merely demonstrating something to me. She has made her point completely clear.”

The guard stepped out from between us and bowed, still looking on edge. “Your Highness, would you…”

“Leave us, please.” The Aida’s tone brokered no argument.

Highness? So this had to be...

He winked at me. “Keep the knife. It suits you.” He caught me further off balance by tossing me the scabbard before striding inside, leaving me fuming and alone.

The guard had vanished but an Amazone with a stern expression soon appeared. Her towering height was both striking and intimidating and emphasized by her tall bronze shafted spear. Her black braids were gathered high on her head before falling down her back all the way to her waist. Her tunic was shorter than the ones I had seen, and I wondered if this was the typical Hassian fashion. “Lady Purity, please wait here while this incident is reported.”

My relief at getting away from the Aida wavered at her tone and the fact that she knew my name. Her words sounded a little ominous. I awkwardly looked down at the knife. Its handle was smooth pale bone and the blade’s metal was black. I sheathed it and pushed it into the calf straps of my right sandal. I could consider what to do with it later.

The royal guard returned and he nodded meaningfully at the Amazone. She straightened, though she already towered over me. “Lady Purity, come with me.”

The Amazone didn’t speak again as she led me back into the bright busy room. She didn’t slow down as she walked through the crowds but took me straight to a small antechamber, opening the door with a bow to whoever was inside.

My trepidation grew. I slipped past the goddess and found myself in front of a woman who could only be the empress. I froze for a moment before falling into a clumsy curtsy.

The empress reclined on a couch. She wore a long flowing dress of bright yellow that was weighed down by hundreds of delicate golden chains. Their weight caused the voluminous material to hug her slender figure. Her skin tone was much deeper than the bronze of her son, much closer to the rich brown of the Amazone beside me, and the yellow of her dress gave it a healthy glow. Instead of wearing her hair in tight braids, however, the empress’s hair was a large Afro, golden chains weaving through it and giving the suggestion of a tiara. Even in her relaxed pose, she struck an imposing figure.

“Lady Purity. Come and sit beside me.” She swung her legs into a sitting position and patted the couch beside her. My mouth dried as I perched on the very edge of the seat.

I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty, if I have caused trouble.”

The empress handed me a glass of fruit juice from the low table beside her, and I took it, grateful for something to do with my hands.

The empress looked at the table as she spoke as if trying to be less intimidating. “You are new, Purity. It is common for very young goddesses to react emotionally and not to understand all the intricacies of court.”

I opened my mouth, but then decided it was probably best if I didn’t say anything I didn’t have to.

The empress sighed. “If you find yourself talking to the Aidis again, you must be respectful and courteous, whatever your own personal feelings. It is his right to come here to search for a bride and integral to the alliance between our empire and the Unseen Lands. His kingdom requires a Grace in order to continue. It is a great honor for us.”

I gripped my glass tighter. “I didn’t know that he was a prince. He grabbed me by the chin. Surely he shouldn’t have done that, no matter his rank.”

The empress frowned, suddenly more intense. “He did? Whatever for?”

I looked away. Some instinct warned me to be wary. “I…I don’t know.”

The empress seemed to ponder that for a moment. “If he takes an interest in you again, even if it’s just a passing greeting, let me know straightaway.”

I swallowed and nodded, not liking what she was inferring. I didn’t want the attention of any men or gods right now.

She ran a gold chain through her fingers. “Did you know that your emotions on the balcony caused a crack in the palace wall?”

I straightened in shock and shook my head.

The empress leaned forward, and her expression was not unkind. “Purity, the first duty of a goddess is to learn to control her emotions. If you can’t do that, you won’t be able to attend any future parties or visit Fierro. Please work on it earnestly.”

My cheeks heated, though right now, I never wanted to set foot here again.

There was a single sharp knock on the door, and it opened before the empress could speak. Prince Sebastian strode in. He smiled when he saw me. “Forgive my rudeness, I didn’t realize you had company, Mother.”

I lowered my head and didn’t meet his eyes. I hoped the gesture appeared respectful, when really, I just wanted to avoid any more attention.

The empress’s tone became softer now her son was here. “Sebastian, let me introduce Lady Purity. She is our newest goddess.”

I bowed my head further. When I raised my eyes, his smile had widened to a grin. “Why, you’re beautiful even for a Grace. Your family must be overjoyed to have you.”

I groped for a safe reply. “Thank you.”

The prince was still looking at me, and my cheeks heated once again. The empress cleared her throat. “Did you come for a reason, Sebastian?”

His smile moved to her. “Do I need a reason to talk to you, Mother?” He chuckled. “But, yes. They wish for you to start the dancing.”

The empress stood, and I hurried to follow suit. She sighed and straightened her skirts. “Time must be rushing by without me noticing.”

The prince’s attention snapped back to me. “Will you be joining in the dancing, Lady Purity? I would be honored to have such a beautiful partner.” He extended his hand to me with a half-bow.

The empress slapped his wrist. “Nonsense. Your first dance is reserved for Constance, remember? And then wasn’t Charity next? And Hope? Besides, Purity is leaving now.” She looked at the Amazone. “Please direct her to her carriage.”

Right now, I was past feeling shame at my dismissal. All I felt was relief.