Royal Rebel (Alfheim Academy

by S. T. Bende

  “You used to be able to touch rainbows on Earth, too?” Was there no end to the day’s surprises? “What happened?”

  “That’s a story for another day,” Idris said. “We should get you inside onto the castle grounds before anyone sees you. Why are you this far out? Did you get lost?”

  “Our coordinates should have put us closer,” Viggo said. “The storm must have blown us off.”

  “We don’t usually get thunderstorms this early in the summer.” Idris glanced up. “Thor must be in a mood.”

  “Ooh.” My ears perked up. “Does he visit often, or—”

  “Down, girl.” Maja cracked her first smile of the day.

  “Shut up,” I hissed.

  Idris giggled. “You’re picturing Midgardian Thor, aren’t you? The one your home world made movies about?”

  Obviously. “Yes.”

  “Sorry to disappoint you, but the real Thor looks nothing like that one. He’s much older, with red hair, and a beard I fear hasn’t been combed in centuries.” Idris sighed. “But he does have a lovely stepson—and Ull looks a lot like the guy from those movies.”

  “Oh, does he now?” My mind wandered to a very happy place. “And where is this Ull, exactly? Does he visi—”

  “We’re here to work,” Viggo interrupted. “And we only have three days, so we’d better get started.”

  Right.

  “Everybody hop on an animal—unless you’d prefer to fly?” Idris asked.

  “I’ll fly,” Maja declared.

  “Not me. I want to ride a unicorn!” I took Idris’ offered hand, and pulled myself onto Sparkles’ back behind her. “Oh, my gods, I’m on a real unicorn.”

  Idris grinned over her shoulder. “Viggo, you want to go with Hans?”

  “Sure.” Viggo stretched his wings and flew onto the back of Hans’ mount.

  “Maja, follow us,” Idris instructed. She nudged Sparkles with her riding boot, and the unicorn took off across the meadow. I clung to Idris’ quilted vest as the wind whipped at my cheeks. I wish I’d worn more than a thin sweater.

  Second note to self: layer when traveling.

  We reached the castle in no time, and trotted across the wide, rock bridge that crossed a massive moat. I could barely see the tips of the castle above its grey, stone wall—the structure must have been set really far back. A guard appeared, and called down to Idris.

  “Crown Princess, would you like me to admit the visitors, or send down a guard?”

  “They’re with me,” she assured. “You can let us all in.”

  “Even the flier?” The guard scrutinized Maja. She hovered a few feet above the ground beside us, close enough to be a part of our travel party, for sure. Her all-black ensemble and petulant glare must have flagged the guard’s danger-radar.

  “She’s with me, too. These are our visitors from Alfheim. I’m sure your department was briefed.”

  “Yes, Crown Princess.” The guard bowed before calling over his shoulder. “Open the gates!”

  The enormous, wooden doors parted, and at Idris’ instruction I reluctantly slid off Sparkles’ back. She did the same, taking the unicorn’s reins in one hand and marching through the entrance. I glanced at Viggo, now standing beside me, and shrugged. Without a word, we followed Idris through the wooden doors and onto the castle grounds.

  When I looked up, all breath promptly vacated my chest. Holy mother of freaking gods. This is their castle?

  Vanaheim’s royal residence made ours look like a hovel. It stood easily twice as tall as my grandmother’s castle, and boasted a silvery white and blue color scheme that made Constance’s all-grey stone façade look positively gloomy. I hadn’t been wrong about the setback—the Vanaheim castle was positioned a full mile behind each of the four guard walls, and multiple gardens were nestled at varying intervals around each of the three sides I could see. Idris walked us past a lavender maze, through which children chased each other. The sound of their laughter mingled with the sweetly scented air to create a cloud of happiness. Beyond the lavender stood two orchards, one thick with blossoming trees, the other bearing some kind of citrus fruit.

  “The work buildings are around the back,” Idris said over her shoulder. “The stables, barn, smiths’ shops, most of the—oh, there you are.”

  “I hope you enjoyed your ride, Crown Princess.” Three men dressed in white approached our group. Their knee-high boots and fitted vests made me think they must have been the unicorn’s keepers. My theory was confirmed when Idris handed Sparkles over to the tallest of the three.

  “I enjoyed it very much, thank you.” Idris smiled. “Will you check Sparkles’ right front hoof? Her gait was off, I think she needs a new shoe.”

  I glanced down, noticing for the first time that each unicorn wore a pair of shiny, golden horseshoes. The sheen just barely peeked out from beneath the animals’ sparkling hooves.

  “Oh, dear.” The tall groom frowned. “Were you hurt?”

  “I’m a strong rider, Magnus.” Idris waved her hand. “I can handle a few missteps.”

  “Of course,” Magnus said quickly. “Were there any other issues on your ride?”

  Idris tilted her head. “Well, Barry spooked when we stopped to get a drink at the lake—the fish must have been too close for his liking.”

  “Were you thrown?” Magnus turned to one of the twin guards.

  Stoic silence was Jans’ only response.

  “He was fine,” Idris answered. “Just give Barry a thorough look over—he may need an extra dose of rainbow dust to soothe any residual nerves.”

  “Right away, Crown Princess.” Magnus bowed to Idris. He and the other grooms led the unicorns past a vast daffodil garden. Barry looked longingly at the blooms as he walked away.

  “The family wing is this way.” Idris pointed to the right side of the castle. “It’s faster if we go in the side door. Come on.”

  We followed her around the gardens, past families playing catch on a grassy field, and two teenagers taking what looked to be an awkward, romantic walk. I laced my fingers through Viggo’s and squeezed lightly, grateful we’d passed that stage in our relationship long ago. Unwanted mate marks aside, it had been a fairly easy transition from hate to like to . . . whatever we had now. I didn’t need the Norns to tell me that Viggo was a great boyfriend. He challenged me in all the best ways, pushing me to be a better Verge, student, and leader. He was my calm when I needed it, absorbing all my stress so I could focus on what I needed to do in any given day. He’d been my rock over this past year of craziness.

  Even if he had gotten jealous of Thor’s stepson.

  Snort.

  “This is it.” Idris nodded as two uniformed guards opened the castle’s side door. She walked inside, then turned and gestured for us to follow. “Welcome to the royal residence.”

  “Holy skit,” Maja swore. “This is your house.”

  “Ja.” Idris stepped aside, affording me a view of her not-so-humble abode. A grand staircase stretched from the polished, marble floor to the second-story balcony, where life-sized statues stood at intervals across the walk. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in almost blinding-levels of light, and what appeared to be priceless works of art adorned the all-white walls. Twin chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their crystals sparkling so fiercely I wondered if they might actually be diamonds. Idris’ residence was opulent, and grandiose, and somehow, at the same time, homey.

  And we got to stay here for three days?

  “Your rooms are on the third floor, adjacent to the family wing.” Idris’ footsteps echoed off the marble floor as she crossed to the staircase. “Let’s get you settled, and then we can talk over brunch.”

  “Sounds good. I’m always hungry.” As if on cue, Viggo’s stomach rumbled.

  “Can’t take you anywhere,” I teased.

  “How many residents does this building have?” Maja rested her hand on the polished banister as she climbed the stairs.

  “There are around a hundred full-t
ime—my parents and I, our household staff, and our key government officials and their families.” Idris hung a right at the top of the stairs, and walked down the statue-lined hallway.

  “And is it only the residents who have access?” Maja continued.

  “No. We also house our governmental offices here, and those staffers account for another hundred or so bodies with clearance.” Idris approached two guards who framed a shiny, oak door. They opened it at her nod, allowing us to slip into a two-story sitting room. Another chandelier hung from the high ceiling, and a slightly less ostentatious staircase extended from the room’s far end.

  “Welcome home, Crown Princess.” A middle-aged woman in a grey skirt-suit stood behind a glossy, mahogany desk. “Your parents are out for their morning ride, but they’ll join you and your guests for dinner this evening.”

  “Thank you, Narissia.” Idris nodded, and the woman sat back down. By the time we reached the staircase, she’d resumed reading whatever document sat atop her desk.

  “My protocol advisor,” Idris whispered as we climbed. “She oversees my day-to-day schedule, and makes sure I don’t embarrass the crown any more than usual.”

  “Yeah, right.” I followed Idris down another long hallway. “I can’t picture you ever embarrassing yourself.”

  “Oh, it happens.” Idris chuckled. “I lost Freya’s cat, remember?”

  “Freya, the Goddess of Love?” Maja’s jaw unhinged. “You met her?”

  “She and my mother are friends. She stays with us for a week every spring.” Idris led us to a door at the end of the hall. She opened it, and motioned for us to go through. “We thought you’d be most comfortable in here. This suite has three individual rooms, each with an in suite bathroom, and a shared living area.”

  “This is gorgeous.” I let out a whistle as I walked into the living room. Twin couches and arm chairs framed a low, glass table, and a six-person conference table was positioned in front of a window that took up an entire wall. A fireplace was nestled into the second wall, and the third hosted a kitchenette. The entire room was done up in creams and whites, with pale blue accent blankets and pillows positioned around the sitting area.

  “Seriously.” Viggo poked his head through an open door I assumed led to one of the bedrooms. “Is this one mine?”

  “It is.” Idris smiled.

  “I love the view.” Viggo stepped inside. “And the . . . jerky tray?”

  “I heard you liked dried meat,” Idris said.

  “I do,” Viggo called from inside. “But I’m not so big on dresses, so . . .”

  “Oh!” Idris laughed. “I had our staff bring up a traditional outfit for each of you for tonight’s dinner. My parents are into protocol, and Aura told me you’d be traveling light.”

  “Your men traditionally wear . . . gowns?” Viggo emerged from his room holding a knee-length silver robe. It was a near-identical color to his wings.

  “Over their slacks, yes.” Idris fanned out the fabric. “The sash ties around your waist, and knots in the back. I had our seamstress cut out holes for your wings—I hope it fits.”

  “I’m sure it’ll be perfekt. Thanks, Idris.” I glanced at the other two doors. “Which one is mine?”

  “The one in the middle. I figured you’d prefer to be flanked by your security.”

  “I’m not her security,” Maja said drily, at the same time as I blurted, “Viggo’s not my security.”

  “Aura can take care of herself,” Viggo assured Idris. “We’re just along for the ride.”

  “Very well.” Idris gestured to the kitchenette. “Our staff stocked the cabinets with all of your favorite foods.”

  “How’d you know our favorite foods?” I asked curiously.

  “Your protocol advisor sent over a very detailed briefing,” Idris said.

  Of course she did.

  “Get settled while I clean up from my ride. I’ll come collect you for brunch in half an hour.” Idris pointed to a small button by the main door. “If you forgot anything, this activates a data pad that links to our household staff. Whatever you need, just let them know.”

  “Thanks, Idris.” I clasped her hands in mine. “We really appreciate your hospitality.”

  She grinned. “Us crown princesses have to stick together.”

  “While you’re sticking together, I’m going to comb through some of your security footage.” Maja sat down and activated her wrist com. “Oh, good. Someone’s already authorized my sequence to access the files.”

  “My advisor is nearly as efficient as Aura’s.” Idris’ eyes twinkled.

  “Lucky you,” Viggo said drily. “See you, Idris.”

  “Enjoy.” Idris squeezed my hands, and slipped into the hallway.

  I closed the door behind her. “This is nice.”

  “I’ll say.” Viggo walked over to the window. “You can’t beat the view.”

  I crossed the room to stand beside him. We were just high enough to see not only the topiary garden below us, but also the field of wildflowers that stretched beyond the castle wall. Feathery treetops dotted the horizon, where green met with grey. Thick clouds still hovered overhead. I had no doubt we’d have an epic view of the approaching storm, if we didn’t have business to attend to.

  “We should take more diplomatic trips,” I declared. “It’s important to build relationships with our allies. Plus, this is a really cool suite.”

  “Huh.” Maja spoke up from behind me. I turned to find her sitting on the couch. A hologram of a document projected from her com.

  “What?” I asked.

  “There was another unauthorized entry early this morning—just before we got here.” Maja swiped the hologram to the right. The document shifted into what appeared to be surveillance footage.

  “Is that the specter?” I hurriedly moved to sit beside her.

  “It could be.” Maja tapped the hologram, and the footage began to play. A shadowy figure hovered in front of a row of topiaries.

  “Was it down there?” Viggo pointed out of the window.

  “Can’t tell.” Maja frowned. “But wherever it was, it managed to corner her.”

  She tapped the hologram again. It froze on the image of a woman with long, white-blond hair. She wore a full-skirted dress, and carried a basket laden with wildflowers.

  “Zoom in on her face,” I instructed.

  Maja placed her fingertips to the hologram and slowly drew them apart. The woman’s arched brows, parted lips, and flushed cheeks suggested she’d been caught off guard.

  “She’s conscious,” Maja deduced. “She sees the specter, and she doesn’t know what to make of it. It hasn’t altered her memory yet.”

  “Scan that image and send it to Idris,” Viggo said. “We need that girl brought in for questioning.”

  “If her memory’s been wiped, she won’t be able to tell us anything,” I said.

  “She will if I can override whatever blocker that shadow put in her head.” Maja tapped on her communicator. “Idris should have the image in a minute. I took this footage from the castle’s internal feed, so hopefully we’re not the only ones who picked up on it.”

  “I’ll follow up.” I typed a message on my own com, asking Idris to have her guards locate the girl from the hologram, and bring her to us at their earliest convenience. “This is good—if the specter was here this morning, he has to be close.”

  “And if he’s close, we may have a shot at capturing him.” Viggo leaned over the back of the couch. “Zoom in on him, Maja.”

  Maja extracted the shadow from the hologram. She swiped her hand, and the specter expanded so his image filled the space above the coffee table.

  “It’s scrambled,” she said in frustration. “It’s reading almost like soundwaves.”

  “What if it is?” I asked. “What if he’s not actually here—he’s only projecting a resonance?”

  “A resonance capable of wiping memories?” Viggo rubbed his jaw. “Is that possible?”

  “I h
ave no idea.” I shook my head. “But we’re about to find out.”

  Chapter 6

  “WELCOME, VANESSA. PLEASE TAKE a seat.” Idris gestured to an empty chair. She, Viggo, Maja and I were lined up on one side of the table in the first-floor conference room. The royal guards had located the girl from the hologram, and she stood in the doorway, wringing her hands together. At Idris’ instruction, she shuffled across the floor. Her eyes looked anywhere but at us.

  “Do you know why you’re here?” Idris asked when Vanessa took her seat.

  “No, Your Majesty.” The girl ducked behind a wall of white-blond hair.

  “Are you sure about that?” Maja pressed.

  Vanessa’s eyes widened. “I would never lie to the Crown Princess.”

  “We’ll see,” Maja muttered.

  Vanessa shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

  “Vanessa,” Idris said calmly. “What is your position in the royal household?”

  “I work in the kitchens. I’m a baker.”

  “And can you please tell me what your daily duties entail?” Idris asked.

  “I awake before dawn and bake the breads, scones, and rolls served at breakfast. The first run is usually complete around sunrise, at which time I visit the gardens to pull flowers for the trays being delivered to various rooms.” Vanessa’s eyes darted to me. “Some of our residents eat in the main hall while others prefer to dine alone.”

  “I see.” I made a note on the pad in front of me. “And is that where you were this morning at approximately six thirty? Picking flowers?”

  “Yes, miss.” Vanessa’s gaze shifted from me to Viggo to Maja. “Apologies, Crown Princess. I’m not familiar with these members of the household.”

  “They’re friends of mine, here to help us,” Idris said. “You may speak candidly with them.”

  “Very well.” Vanessa shifted in her chair. “After I selected the flowers for the trays, I returned to the castle. On my way, an old man approached me. He said he had a message from my boyfriend.”

  “Your boyfriend?” Maja said sharply.

  “Yes, miss.” Vanessa’s cheeks pinked. “He’s a member of the royal guard. We’ve only just started seeing each other, and since he’s away training with his regiment, I wasn’t expecting to hear from him.”