I let out a groan. This wasn’t working. My mind was simply too awake to let me sleep. I swung my legs over the bed and felt the cool, stone floor beneath my bare feet. Perhaps a walk around the apartment would do me good. Surely everyone else had retired for the night by now.
I turned the knob, and the door opened with a creak. I jumped back with a squeak as a dark human-shaped shadow caught me off guard.
“Zephyra?”
I blinked hard a few times, trying to adjust my vision to the dark hallway. “Percifal?”
“Apologies; I didn’t mean to frighten you. I only wanted to check on you. I couldn’t—”
“Couldn’t sleep? I finished.
“Right.”
“Me neither.” I backed away, allowing him to enter.
His eyes were dark and serious as they held mine.
Forgetting myself, and my promise to keep my emotions in check, I rushed to him. We were suddenly locked in an embrace, his arms encircling me as our lips met. His mouth felt soft and succulent as our lips parted and our tongues danced in a long, heated kiss. I had never felt more alive. My heart beat fast with excitement, and my eyes welled up with emotion.
Suddenly, I remembered myself… what had happened the last time I allowed myself to feel such passion. I broke away. “No—I can’t. I’m sorry.” I looked down, unable to meet his eyes.
He breathed heavily, trying to compose himself. When he spoke, his voice came out rough. “No, I’m sorry. I just… the way you make me feel…”
I looked at him then and smiled reassuringly. “’Tis all right. I know. I feel the same.”
He cupped my face, running his thumb across my jaw.
“Would you do one thing for me?” I asked.
“Anything.”
“Would you lay with me until I fall asleep? I’m not used to being alone anymore. My mind, it won’t leave me be.”
“I’d be honoured to ease your mind.” He gestured for me to climb into the large best first.
We laid down, the heat from his body beginning to relax me as I placed a hand upon his chest and closed my eyes. He wore only a white shirt and black trousers, having changed from his fancy doublet and breeches. I could feel the rhythm of his heart beat through the thin fabric.
It lulled me to sleep just as I heard him whisper, “I fear I’m falling for you…”
Chapter 26
Sunlight beamed through the window, taking place of the moonlight from the night before. I lifted my head. Percifal was no longer there. He must have snuck away after I’d fallen asleep.
Stretching, his last words came rushing back to me. I fear I’m falling for you. I sucked in a deep breath, feeling as though I needed more air. I knew we cared for each other, but I didn’t know he’d started to have such deep feelings for me. I had never been in love before.
Did I love him? I wasn’t sure, but I hoped he would forgive me for not returning his declaration. He’d shocked me, and I was unsure of my own heart. After all I’d been through; I’d never expected to find love.
My grandmother seemed so sure I would. I remembered her dying wish to me that I would wait for love and not marry out of duty, as my father had. Mayhap she was right. Perhaps love had already found me. The notion made my stomach flip, and I couldn’t stop myself from grinning.
A knock sounded at my door, interrupting my thoughts.
“Yes? You may enter,” I called as the door opened with a creak, revealing a short, older woman with silver hair wearing in a plain blue dress.
“Pardon me, milady, but Madam Lacrima has asked me to give you this dress to wear.”
I’d begun to wonder if the maid even existed until now as I’d seen no sign of her the night before. “Thank you. Please leave it on the chair. I shall dress myself.”
“As you wish, milady,” she replied, setting it down and taking her leave.
I donned the simple grey dress that was more appropriate for a servant, though a bit snug on me, and then I wandered to the dining room to find Percifal and his mother breaking their fast.
Madam Lacrima smiled brightly and beckoned for me to take a seat beside her. “Good morning, Lady Zephyra. I hope you slept well.”
“I did,” I replied, lowering myself into the chair. I glanced at Percifal, who only inclined his head at me. I felt a tinge of guilt that I’d said nothing to his proclamation and took to awkwardly studying the food Madam Lacrima put on my plate.
Percifal and his mother continued their conversation about the trip we would be making to Chel’s as soon as we’d finished eating.
“If we take the northern route through the hills, we should be there before nightfall,” Percifal stated, taking a bite of honeyed bread.
“Those steep cliffs leading out of Aquila are quite dangerous and will slow you down. I wish you would take the eastern route around the cliffs,” his mother pled.
“We’ll be fine, Mother. There’s no ice upon the cliffs yet. And we’ll be careful. You need not worry.”
“It is not you I’m worried about.” Madam Lacrima tipped her head toward me.
Before I had the chance to argue, a loud pounding at the front doors reverberated throughout the apartment.
Madam Lacrima’s brow furrowed. “You’ve delayed your departure too long, I fear.”
The little old maid who had brought me the dress, which I could only guess was one of her own, entered with two guards in tow. Sir Dante must have opened his mouth about us.
“Apologies, madam, but these men insisted.” She scowled at them, causing the thin skin on her face to crinkle.
“Sorry to disturb you, my lady,” the taller of the two guards spoke. “King Zaeden has requested an audience with Percifal and his prisoner.”
Goddess damn it! We should have left before dawn, I thought.
“Can this not wait? We are enjoying a meal with my mother, as you can see,” Percifal rose, standing over the guard. He was taller and broader than both guards, but there were two of them and only one of him. And they carried weapons. Still, he held his ground, and I silently prayed they wouldn’t restrain him.
The guard who’d spoke crossed his arms while his partner stood by idly, ready to lend aid if needed. “All right, King Zaeden has demanded an audience with you and your servant girl—immediately. I think you know what happens to those who defy him.” He paused before adding, “Even those who were once like family to him.”
“It seems we have no choice. Take us to see the king.” He clutched my arm, hauling me out of my chair. Our charade was back on.
In utter shock, I let him pull me from the apartment, one guard leading the way, the other following behind us.
The way Percifal held me was firm, but not painful. I risked a look at him. His eyes were cold and hard. He wouldn’t spare me a glance, keeping his eyes locked onto the space in front of him as we neared the main entrance to the palace.
The large double doors were thrown open, allowing us entrance.
My mind whirling, I didn’t notice much about my surroundings as I was basically dragged into the throne room.
“Your majesty, Percifal Lacrima and his prisoner are here, as you asked,” the guard announced, and then he and his comrade both bowed deeply.
The king, who sat upon his throne on the dais before us, was clad in blue velvet robes and sparkling jewels. A golden crown with sapphires upon its spikes rested on his head of dark curls.
Daylight seeped in from the large, arched windows, lighting the throne room.
Behind King Zaeden, hung the royal coat of arms; the same design that the guards wore on their chests. That was all I saw before Percifal pulled me too my knees alongside him. I lowered my gaze to the blue carpet under us.
“So it is true,” the king confirmed. “The constable who abandoned his kingdom has returned with a prisoner of his own. I was beginning to think you dead, Sir Lacrima.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I assure you I only left on your behalf. I was hoping to tip the scales in our favou
r.” Percifal rose but kept his hand on my back to keep me from rising with him.
My blood boiled, but I knew I must keep up this act. On my knees I stayed, my gaze never leaving the floor. I bit my lip to keep the discomfort from my face, courtesy of the stone floor jabbing into my knees from under the thin carpet.
Silence drew on, and I risked a glance at the king, only lifting my eyes and not my face. He steepled his fingers against his lips, deep in thought.
I felt Percifal stiffen at what the king said next. “A poor choice, that was. You say you left on our behalf, and yet, you were never asked to do so… never even asked our permission. Nor would you have been allowed. We do not need the aid of those other imbeciles. No, after such a long absence, we find we cannot trust you. Because your parents were so dear to us, though, we shall not condemn you to death, as is custom. Guards, take Sir Lacrima to the dungeon. Give him one of the empty cells. See, your king is not so cruel as to throw you in with all the other filthy criminals.” He smiled to himself as I tried to get up off my knees in a panic.
Percifal’s hand pressed down harder on my back, and I was unable to gain my feet. I glared up at him, but he wouldn’t even spare one look in my direction. He remained as icy and silent as a cold winter night while the guards apprehended him.
“No!” I shouted when they pulled him away from me, the absence of his hand on my back allowing me to stand. But as soon as I got to my feet, I found myself falling back to my knees before the king, hands clasped in front of my chest.
My heart ached as I watched Percifal disappear from the room without a fight, and a horrible thought occurred to me. I might never see my companion again. Companion? No. Who was I kidding? I realized in that moment that he was more than that. I love him, I thought, regretting not having told him so. “I beseech you, Your Majesty.”
He looked down on me with a malicious smile. No warmth filled his blue eyes. “My dear girl, whatever is the matter? You should be gladdened. You are free.”
I quickly checked myself. If he knew I was something other than Percifal’s prisoner, he’d likely throw me in the dungeon along with him—or worse. If I ever wanted to see him again, I would have to make King Zaeden believe I was only a harmless prisoner. I needed to buy myself enough time to come up with a plan to rescue him.
I lowered my gaze again, “Apologies, Your Majesty. It is only that I know not what I shall do now—or where I shall go.”
His gaze darkened, and he dropped all formalities. “I have much more important matters to worry about than what is to become of the prisoner girl who belonged to the man who betrayed me! Although,” his expression softened, “I dare say, Lady Dulcina is quite lonely with her husband gone from this world and her daughter married off to my queen’s cousin. And now, her son is wasting away in the dungeons. I’m sure she could use your services and company. Perhaps I’ll allow you to keep serving her. Percifal’s last gift to his mother.”
“Your Majesty is generous to think of Madam Lacrima.” I decided to use flattery. “I shall not disappoint you or my new employer. I thank you, Your Majesty.”
He waved a hand in dismissal. “Good. Now, off with you. Guards! Return this servant girl back to Lady Dulcina’s apartment.”
A guard grabbed me by the arm and pulled me up and away from the king and his throne room. I let him escort me back willingly, too defeated to care.
Chapter 27
Madam Lacrima sat listening to me in her drawing room, her lips pressed together as I revealed what had befallen her son.
When I finished all there was to say, she folded her hands in her lap, regarding me. “This is terrible. We can thank Celestia that King Zaeden hasn’t ordered him executed, at least.” She rose and stared out the window. “Do not worry, we shall free my son.”
“I beg your pardon, madam, but I don’t see how that’s possible.”
She turned and looked pointedly at me. “You hold the power of fire, do you not?”
“Yes, but I don’t have control over it yet. I—”
She silenced me with a raised hand. “That may be true, but a visit to Sreda can change that.” She raised her brows in earnest.
“But Sreda—”
“Is locked in the tower. Yes, I know. But that doesn’t mean you can’t pay her a visit.”
“Surely the guards shan’t let me see her if the king is indeed using her as you said.”
“There’s only one guard posted at the tower’s entrance.” She smiled coyly. “But don’t worry about him; I shall make sure he never even sees you.”
A puff of air escaped through my lips, and I felt my shoulders stiffen. “I don’t know…”
“Come to my chambers when the moon is at its peak, and I shall take you to the tower where Sreda is held.”
A moment passed before I raised my chin and squared my shoulders. “All right, Madam Lacrima. Percifal has saved my life twice. I must do whatever is necessary to save his.”
“Good. I have some things to take care of. You are welcome to bathe. I shall have my maid assist you. Meet me in the dining room for supper at sunset. We can discuss more then.”
I nodded in agreement and left the room to take advantage of the bath she’d offered.
I hadn’t been able to fully submerge myself in anything but a creek since the Golden Lilly. It felt euphoric to soak my whole body in warm, clean water. Madam Lacrima’s bath wasn’t as large as the walk-in pools I’d once used in the palace, but the copper tub was deep enough that the water came up to my neck.
I tilted my head back as the maid, whose name was Pearl, poured lavender-scented water over my hair. I felt guilty taking such comforts while Percifal was left to rot in the king’s dungeon. How he must hate me for not telling him my feelings before he was taken away. So much so that he couldn’t even look at me in those last moments. Tears threatened to fall as I resolved that I would tell him of my feelings as soon as I saw him.
If he died without knowing how I felt about him, I would never forgive myself. No, I thought, he isn’t going to die, because I’m going to save him just as he saved me.
Time seemed to stretch on forever before the sun had set, and I went to meet Percifal’s mother for our final meal of the day; mayhap my final meal on this earth, I thought with dark sorrow.
I wasted no time with small talk. “So, exactly how do you plan to get me passed the guard unnoticed?”
Madam Lacrima inclined her forehead as she took a bite of sweet potatoes before answering, “These guards… they don’t get much attention from women. It shall be easy to—distract one who is stuck sitting out at the tower night after night.”
“Oh,” I blushed, averting my eyes from her stare. “You would do that?”
“For my son’s life, I would do anything.”
I understood completely.
Wearing the black cloak Madam Lacrima had sent to my room, I tucked the loose tendrils of my red hair under the hood and knocked on her door. When she opened it, my breath caught at the sight of her.
I daresay it would’ve been difficult for any man to resist her.
She looked like a mermaid, in a blue iridescent gown with a tight bodice that pushed up her pale bosom. Her dark hair tumbled loosely in waves down her shoulders. Instead of a cloak, she wore a lighter blue cape that accented the dress.
She gave me a wicked smile as she caught me eying her. I could see where Percifal got his beauty from.
“Follow me—and keep your hood up. We don’t want anyone to see that bright red hair of yours, lovely as it is.” As she walked past me, I caught a whiff of her fragrance, which smelled of roses and sandalwood.
I stayed silent as I followed her outside and toward the tower holding Sreda.
Without warning, she halted, holding her hand out to stop me. Bending close to my ear, she whispered, “Wait here until you see me draw that guard away from the door. Once inside, go to the top of the tower. There you’ll find Sreda in a barred cell.”
I swallowed hard an
d nodded curtly.
“Good. Oh, and do try to make haste. I shall do what I can to keep the guard’s attention for as long as possible, but eventually, he’ll want to retain his position at his post.”
“Yes, madam,” I replied.
She patted my shoulder, and then she spun and walked, with swaying hips, toward the tower.
It wasn’t long before I heard the sounds of giggling and flirting floating through the air. I kept a close watch from the shadows until I saw Madam Lacrima and the guard edging away from the door.
I crept quickly toward the tower; my heart thundering so loudly in my ears, I thought the whole kingdom could hear it. Madam Lacrima and the guard were now out of sight, but I held my breath as I tried the door.
It opened easily, and I slipped through, closing it behind me. I wasted no time once inside the dark tower, which smelled musty from the thick layers of dust. I found my way to the stairs and hustled up them as fast as my legs would carry me. I reached the top, breathless. I bent forward, trying to regain air into my chest.
“Well, well. Who do we have here?” a voice called from the shadows, startling me.
I looked up and squinted, trying to adjust my eyes to the dark cell that was in the corner of the room. “La—Lady Sreda?” I asked between breaths.
“Just Sreda. I’m no lady,” the sorceress stated, wandering up to the front of her cell. “Come here, child. Let me look at you.”
I slowly made my way to the door of her cell and pulled back my hood, peering at her behind the bars. The sorceress appeared to be the same age as Madam Lacrima, though her hair was white as snow, and her silvery eyes seemed to hold all the wisdom of the world in them. I believed she was a lot older than she looked.
The Elemental Diaries - Complete Series Page 21
