By the time we left the room, our bodies were sore, silent and serious.
“Is something wrong?” Cash asked as he walked me back to my rooms.
“Maybe.”
“Roo, I’ll tell you everything tonight. No more secrets.”
I took a few steps without a word. Those few expanded into a dozen, and then into more until we stood in front of the Urser apartment.
“I’ll tell you everything, too,” I said, bringing my fingernails to my mouth, chewing. “So you can trust me.”
A crease etched between his brows. He almost said something, but changed his mind. His eyes told me enough, they glistened with emotion. The surprise of my confession worried him but he didn’t push it. Instead, he glanced at the closed door. “What’s the plan then?”
“I don’t have my phone, but I’ll get Lincoln on my side enough to borrow his. As soon as I get photos of the lab papers in Bruce’s room, I’ll send them to you, then delete the evidence. I’ll come over after that. Shouldn’t be long.”
“Good. I don’t like the idea of you staying here one more night.”
The door opened. We shut up.
My father’s eyes narrowed and focused on Cash. “You.”
“Bruce.” Cash met him, pound for cold-hard pound of ego. Cash calling him by his common first name didn’t go unnoticed. Being a military man, my father demanded Cash call him General Urser when he was a subordinate of his House. Now, Bruce had no authority over Cash. My father lowered his gaze first—he checked his watch.
“Six o’clock,” he said to me.
“Is that supposed to mean something?”
“Business hours are over. Training is over. Dinner is in half an hour. Your dress is in your room.”
I shrugged. “I’m still failing to see the point.”
“Must you be so insolent every time I speak to you?” He narrowed his eyes again. “Every night until the trials, you must fulfill your royal duty and attend dinner with our major Houses.”
“If you attended training today, like most—” I was going to say “other mentors” but stopped myself. He wasn’t my mentor. Cash was. I bit my tongue then took a deep breath. “The Tribunal has ruled that you can’t keep me confined in these rooms. I’m free to roam wherever I like and see whoever I like.”
“I know. I was there.” The violent warning in his eyes didn’t go unnoticed, but his aura didn’t waver. “Business hours, you are his. After that, you are mine.”
“Dinner is not a royal duty.”
“And I suppose you know what is?”
He had me there.
I turned to Cash for help, but he looked as lost as I felt.
We needed Marc. He’d only been gone a few days, but I felt the loss of his presence tangibly. Sometimes it seemed to me these Watchers just made up their own convenient rules. For all of his flightiness, Marc would know exactly what to say to my father.
I swallowed, getting ready to do something, but Cash placed a palm on my arm.
“It’s okay,” he said, calming me. “I’ll see you after dinner for some business overtime.”
“Overtime wasn’t specified in the Tribunal agreement,” Bruce said.
“And it wasn’t specifically denied, either,” Cash replied to him, then looked at me. “I’m in between Lyra House and Vernalis House in the guest apartments.”
“Fine.” I grit my teeth. “I’ll see you later. For dessert.”
I left Cash with a crooked smile on his face.
Bruce’s face was blank, but his aura skipped.
And that put a smile on my face.
Chapter 15
As I entered the Urser House apartment, I noticed the table formally set again. This time, there was a cook in the kitchen, and a housekeeper fluffing about the living room. A waiter prepared ice and drinks. Three staff! Must be important.
Lincoln opened his door when I passed as though he’d been waiting for me. He leaned on the door frame, tuxedo inside out, a toothbrush in his mouth. “Cutting it close, sis.”
I frowned. That word.
Sis.
It had never gone down well with me. Not when Leila said it, laden with all the guilt. Not when Petra said it, heavy with evil. Now, he used it freely. I had to watch myself and not forget my true purpose here. The dinners, the familial banter. It was all fake. Wasn’t it?
A sense of unease settled in my bones. Cash was right. I should have moved in with him. But first, I had to find out what that serum was being used for and when. I needed photos of the list.
In order for them to not see me a threat, I had to make them think I belonged. Starting with Lincoln.
I shot him a mysterious smile. “I’m taking pointers from the master.” When he didn’t catch my drift, I elaborated. “From you, Lincoln.”
“Oh.” He smiled back, chest puffing out. He saluted me with his toothbrush. “May your pots be well stirred.”
His smile was genuine as though he really enjoyed the idea of some sibling team-up rebellion. That thought stirred something inside, and I thought perhaps using him wouldn’t be as easy as I thought.
After entering my room, as expected, I found a plastic dress bag on the bed. I didn’t bother opening it to see what was inside. I wouldn’t wear it. Instead, I showered, dried my hair and put on a touch of makeup. With a towel wrapped around my body, I re-entered the bedroom and stood in front of the bed. My eyes lingered on the dress in its wrapper.
“Screw you, dress,” I said to the air. I would not be boxed into a compliant woman for anyone. Even Cash. I’d do this on my own terms.
I riffled through my recently stocked drawers for some underwear. Still no sign of my real suitcase or phone. My fingers landed on a pair of red, lacy lingerie and hesitated. I smiled. Well, maybe I could give Cash something else. Like I said before, not the main course, but dessert.
I ripped the store tags off and put the underwear on. Perfect fit. Briefs and a soft cup, lacy bra. Then I slipped on a fresh pair of jeans and a navy blue, sleeveless blouse—inside out. The inseams stuck out. Excellent. Just like Lincoln’s fashion sense. With a pair of ballet flats, and my hair tousled up high in a bun, I looked like your average mentally ill girl. No royal princess in sight. A thrill skipped up my spine when I thought of my father’s reaction to my outfit. If he got angry, well, it would be at both Lincoln and myself.
The doorbell rang, and I heard its muffled sound through the apartment, to my room. Couldn’t have happened sooner. It had been a long day, and I was tiring.
I gave one last glance at the room, knowing I wouldn’t be returning. My gaze snagged on the Ducati keys and I quickly shoved them in my pocket. There was nothing else I wanted to keep.
Show time.
When I entered the living room, our guests were milling about the dining table, making their introductions and small talk with my father. All eyes landed on me as I sauntered up to them, surprised to see a friendly face.
“Wren,” I said gleefully.
The petite girl smiled at me. She wore a blue dress, in a retro fifties style, similar to the style Kitty favored back home. Yet, this version wasn’t a thrift shop variety. It was probably vintage Channel. I sighed at the thought. Kitty would love it. I hadn’t spoken to her or Alvin for days. I hadn’t forgotten about them, just didn’t want them involved in any of this. My aim was to get through the trials, and back to Margaret River where I could start my new, boring life. My spirits lifted for a moment. Hopefully with Cash.
If he doesn’t hate you for lying. I almost jumped at the sound of The Others in my head and checked to see if Wren noticed my oddness, but her eyes flittered over my shoulder and then dropped to her feet, a blush staining her sweet cheeks. I followed her gaze and noted my brother waltz in with a swagger that looked better on Marc, but suited him nonetheless. Could it be that Wren was being betrothed to Lincoln… and she liked it? He mentioned duties to fulfill. Maybe tonight was all about him.
My hopes dashed when a taller boy with dro
opy, down-turned eyes moved from behind the older Watcher talking with Bruce. He wore a white shirt and a brown, three piece suit and tie. It looked expensive, but he appeared just as uncomfortable in it as I had been in my fancy dress last night. His messy short hair and fingernails had traces of ink as though something splattered on him. Interesting. He caught me looking at his nails and self-consciously put his hands in his pockets.
When I checked their mentor, he was a familiar face from the depository. He was the one who ignored me when I tried to ask for directions. Friar Tuck hairstyle. He also dressed smartly and had a whale pin on his lapel.
When he noticed me, a flicker of surprise swam over it. Next to him, Bruce took in my attire and narrowed his eyes. Tonight, he wore a tux with a golden brooch shaped like a bear. His nostrils flared at my outfit, his aura spiked, but he said nothing. If he secretly planned my murder, I’d never know. His lack of response was almost more frustrating than his outbursts.
“Shall we?” Bruce gestured to the table.
The two Watchers sat at one end of the table, of course my father was at the head. I made a beeline for Wren and made sure I sat next to her. Lincoln sat in his spot next to the new kid, except he was looking at me, tapping his chin, nodding at my blouse.
“Didn’t think you had it in you, sis.”
I smirked and gave him a mock salute. Let him think we were partners in rebellious crime.
“Now that everyone is seated, let me make the formal introductions. Mathieson Cetus, I believe you know my progeny, Lincoln Urser, and across from him is my… uh… daughter La Roux Urser.”
Mathieson cleared his throat and squinted at me. The fine lines around the edges of his eyes drew my attention to other fine wrinkles on his skin. It was the first time I’d seen a Seraphim with wrinkles. He must be old indeed. Wren had mentioned he was one of the first scientists who helped create the human race in the image of the gods. He would know things. Lab things. Perhaps soul things.
Bruce didn’t bother introducing Wren or her friend to me. We obviously weren’t important. He told the chef to serve the first course then continued to speak privately with Mathieson. Within moments, we had a table full of Michelin starred quality food. Excessive.
“So, Wren,” I said, for all to hear. “Who is your friend?”
Wren didn’t have time to respond because her friend did.
“My name is Cygnus. I’m not her friend.” He waved the waiter down for a refill of his drink.
Not her friend? What kind of rude nonsense was that?
About as rude as asking someone else what his name was, The Others said.
I didn’t like how they seemed so close by. So in my ear. Suddenly, Cash’s absence was felt acutely. Without him, they were stronger. I slipped my fingers into my pocket and located the Ducati keyring. The embossed logo felt reassuring to stroke and reminded me of what I had waiting at the end of the night. Just a few more hours.
Wren placed a soft hand on my arm. “He’s my sibling.”
“Sorry, that was rude of me to ask like that. Nice to meet you Cygnus, I’m Roo.”
The rest of the night moved on without a hitch. We were half way through the main course, and I thought it was the best time to weasel a bit of information from my companions. I sent a furtive glance to the head of the table. Still busy in a serious discussion.
“So,” I started. “I don’t know if you heard, but I’m pretty new to all this.”
“That’s an understatement.” Lincoln laughed.
“Exactly. What kind of juicy gossip can you share. What have I missed out on?”
Wren wrinkled her nose. “Juicy gossip?”
Cygnus shrugged stiffly. “I don’t know what you mean.”
I rolled my eyes at Lincoln. “C’mon, bro. Surely you’ve got something exciting to tell me. You seem to be all over the underground scene here.”
“There ain’t nothing I do that is underground. I’m an open book.”
“So are we.” Cygnus appeared confused.
Oh Jeez, what’s it going to take? I spooned a mouthful of food into my mouth and chewed, thinking on what to say next. “So, without seeming forward, can I take it that we’re all matched with each other for this breeding thing that everyone is pretending is going to happen only if we fail?”
Wren’s fork clattered to the plate.
I looked up and found Cygnus and Lincoln staring at me.
“What? Did I say something I shouldn’t?”
“Nah, sis, it’s just that, we don’t really talk about it.”
I lowered my voice. “Well, we should talk about it. Don’t you think it’s wrong they’re making plans as though we’ve already failed?”
It was Cygnus who replied. “There’s no other way. Every round of the Game, the heads of the houses, specifically the royals, have to create fresh bloodlines. Without it, the Game would be over.”
“So, what about what we want? Do we get a say in passing?”
They all shrugged.
“Who else is a royal?” I asked, suspecting I already knew the answers—every name on that list.
“Well,” Wren said. “There’s different levels of royals and the other Ludus’s have more, but here in Australia, Urser, of course, is at the top. Then there’s Epsilon, Aldebaran, Cetus, Corvus and Lyra. Oh, and Jacine is in town, so her House…”
“Vernalis,” Cygnus said.
“Yeah, that’s right. Vernalis.”
I ground my teeth. That’s the House Cash said his apartment was near.
“So, what about this prince I hear about? Shouldn’t he be doing this as well? I would’ve thought he had the most pure blood.”
Silence again.
Then Wren leaned into me. “No one has seen him. Ever. Not since the day he rebelled against his mother. Well, that’s what we’ve heard.”
“You know what I think?” Lincoln said. “I think he doesn’t exist. I think he’s a bogeyman story told to little Players to make them do as they're told.”
Wren’s eyes lit up. “We were told he can separate from his body and poison you from the inside.”
“I heard he knows everything… like he can follow you without you knowing,” Lincoln added.
While I enjoyed seeing the light of connection flare between Lincoln and Wren, I was getting nowhere uncovering Bruce’s plan. Without specifically saying to them, What are the experiments for? I had no idea what else to say. I checked the time. We were almost done with dinner. I needed to get Lincoln’s phone.
“What about—” I started.
“Shh.” Cygnus glanced at the grownups, who were now more animated in their private conversation, their voices growing louder.
“How do we know your offer is authentic?” Mathieson wiped his chin with a cloth. “You will have to do better than that.”
“You will have to do better than fifty.”
“Fifty!” Mathieson slammed his napkin on the table. “That’s a remarkable figure considering the source pool.”
“You’ll get proof when you meet my price.”
Mathieson sucked his teeth. “But that’s bleeding me dry. I’ll be empty after that. If this doesn’t work, I’m done.”
“As are the rest of us if we don’t do something.”
“Fine. Seventy-three. That’s all of them.”
“Done.”
They shook hands.
Then my father looked directly at me.
Something was wrong.
All my senses lit up in warning. I couldn’t breathe with the power of it.
“Lincoln, would you take your betrothed to your room and close the door? There’s something we need to discuss with the other two. In private.”
“But we haven’t had dessert—”
“Now.” My father’s voice boomed across the dining room. The floor shook with his power.
Lincoln and Wren jumped up from their seats. Wren gave me a concerned glance then followed Lincoln who closed the door behind him.
“St
and up, both of you,” Bruce said. “Roo, come here.”
Cygnus took a deep breath, but stood.
He didn’t scare me. I clutched the keyring until it cut into my palm. I remained in my seat.
“I was hoping you’d resist,” my father said.
Then I saw his mouth move, but I didn’t remember the word. Everything after that point went blurry. My body tingled. Blackness encroached my vision. I had just enough time to wonder what was happening, then—
Chapter 16
I woke up with a metallic taste in my mouth. I must have bit my tongue in my sleep.
Wait a minute.
Sleep. I rolled around on my bed in the semi-light, testing the rumpled surface beneath me. Definitely a bed. The fake window showed dawn breaking over mountains, painting the sky in purples and yellows. The light bounced off every surface in the room, including a tiny porcelain hobby horse on my bedside table. That hadn’t been there before.
When did I go to sleep?
Shit.
In fact, when did I go to bed?
Frantically, I ran my mind back to the last thing I could remember. Dinner. Wren was there. I met her brother. Cygnus. He wasn’t so bad. Cute, in a puppy sort of way, but a little stiff. I supposed that’s what happened when your nose was in a book all day. Or in his case, a machine. The black oil on his fingers had been from building things. Wren said he had a knack for making machinery work. He seemed to like me too. I remembered thinking I made more friends. That was until Bruce sent Wren out of the room with Lincoln.
My nerves itched.
I had blacked out.
The last thing I remembered was Cygnus’s horror as he stared at my eyes. Why had he been afraid, and why did I pass out?
I shot up in bed.
Double shit!
Cash.
After dinner, I was supposed to go to his place. Now it was morning. He would think I changed my mind.
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