The Elemental Diaries - Complete Series

by Andrea Lamoureux

  “It is important you act your best tonight, Your Highness,” Hilda lectured through tight lips. She picked a necklace of silver and amethyst out of my jewelry box and clasped it around my neck. The jewels were the same colour as my eyes. Another feature I’d inherited from my mother.

  “I know, Hilda.”

  My parents had already told me repetitively that we must put on our best appearances for the other three kingdoms of Sarantoa. We were a proud kingdom, regardless of our frigid weather.

  “Who knows, if you really impress our guests, you may be offered a suitor.”

  I scrunched up my nose in the reflection of the mirror. “I’m still young. I don’t need a suitor.”

  Hilda raised her dark blond eyebrows at me. “You’re the heir of this kingdom. You’re never too young to secure your bloodline.”

  I grumbled and hopped off the chair in my dressing chamber. She was right. Only those with Pavanas blood had a right to sit on the throne. Anyone who sat beside them was there only by marriage, like my father. I didn’t mind, not really. Being responsible for having the next heir was a small price to pay for being a queen. Even Star didn’t receive the attention I did.

  “How do I look?” I spun in a circle for the handmaid, who wore her usual clean, white uniform with a black apron.

  Hilda actually smiled, a rare scene. “Gorgeous.”

  Ready for the celebration, I walked into the largest room in the palace, the Diamond Hall, in front of my parents. The look of pride in my father’s indigo eyes had me raising my chin as I placed my foot on the glass tiles of the hall. The diamonds speckling the white stone walls and the crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling cast little prisms throughout the area. Candles sat on ledges along every wall, brightening the hall. It was like being on the inside of a diamond.

  Rows of long tables sat at one end, covered in pale linens of pink, purple, green, and blue… the same colours reflecting off the polished dishware. I didn’t hear the herald announce us as I marveled at the sight. I’d been inside the Diamond Hall before, but it’d never been decorated to this extent.

  Ice sculptures of Celestia sat on the middle of the tables. Our goddess… in the form of ice! And the people, there were so many people inside the hall! Everyone had dressed in their best outfit for the evening. I could easily pick out those who dwelled in Ventosa by their pale hair and cool coloured clothing. Our guests watched us with interest.

  Queen Ingrid and King Elis walked hand in hand to the table raised up on a dais, in front of the rest. The layers of silk making up the skirts of my mother’s gown rippled like a flag in the wind as she moved. My father’s doublet was the same colour, with accents of white and silver. Their heads bore the weight of matching crowns of white gold and diamonds. The perfect ice queen and her loving king.

  As heir, I was granted a seat beside my mother. One day, I would sit at the center of the raised table with a loving king of my own. I eyed some of the nobles’ heirs, who were my age. I had many to choose from. I decided then that it would be my choice who I let rule by my side.

  We sat in our seats, and the rest of the hall rushed to their positions at the other tables. A servant swept past and plunked tiny, crystal goblets filled with Sanguis in front of us. Sanguis, I’d been told, was the official drink of Noctis De Celestia. It represented the blood of our goddess. I was excited to taste the bubbly red liquid, but I sat as still as the ice sculptures while my mother clapped her hands. Everyone stood for the official toast that would start off our meal.

  “People of Ventosa! Guests hailing from the kingdoms Solis, Terra, and Aquila!” my mother began in a sweet yet authoritative voice. “We welcome you on this night of our goddess, Celestia, to celebrate with us. Tonight, we thank Celestia by feasting in her name, by drinking in her honour, and by dancing in her memory!” She raised her glass, and so did everyone else. “And now, we eat. Happy Noctis!”

  “Happy Noctis!” the hall boomed in unison.

  We lifted our goblets and downed the Sanguis. The drink was like nothing I’d ever tasted before. It warmed my belly as soon as it went down my throat. I gladly accepted another glass to enjoy with the food the servants brought around.

  After our filling meal of fresh bread, buttery potatoes, and roasted sheep with berry sauce, we enjoyed an assortment of sweets and more Sanguis. When the meal was finished, the musicians began playing a haunting tune that carried across the hall, stealing the attention of every attendee.

  My father pushed back his chair and rose. “A surprise for our guests.” He took my mother’s hand to help her from her throne. She wove through the tables to the back, where the musicians played and joined them, singing in a voice that could break hearts. She sang a song of ice and snow, of a spring that never woke. The whole hall watched her, mesmerized by her voice, by the ancient song. The song ended and she smiled delightfully, her violet eyes sparkling in the candlelight. We all rose from our seats and applauded her. My father cheered the loudest. I’ll never forget this moment, the moment my mother sang to the four kingdoms.

  The musicians played a quicker tune and people stepped out onto the dance floor to twirl and clap in time with the beat. Others intermingled, making light conversation with one another. Those wishing to compliment my mother on her song and thank her for the lovely evening crowded around her.

  “Come with me, Auralina,” my father said above the music and babble of conversations.

  I finished my goblet of Sanguis and followed him around the edge of the dance floor to where the regents of the other kingdoms gathered, watching the other guests dance up a storm.

  My father bowed his head slightly. “I trust you’re enjoying your evening here in Ventosa,” he said to the crowned rulers; two kings and their wives, and one elderly, widowed queen.

  The king dressed in green and gold—King Corbin of Terra—answered for the group. “We are. Though your kingdom is freezing, as always, we find your hospitality… just as cold,” he finished with a laugh.

  My father chuckled and King Zaeden of Aquila pulled his blue velvet cloak tighter around himself in agreement to add to the jest. His dark-haired wife, Queen Thea, shook her head, but a smile crept over her lips.

  “And who is this sweet, young girl?” The elderly queen, who hailed from Solis, crouched down to my height and held out her hand.

  I looked up to my father. His eyes sparkled as he urged me with a nod to accept her hand. I clasped her age-freckled hand and shook it. “I am Princess Auralina Pavanas. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”

  “It is very nice to meet you, Princess Auralina,” Queen Jelena replied, releasing my hand.

  “She’s lovely,” Queen Thea told my father. “She will make a great queen someday.”

  Pride shone like starlight in my father’s indigo gaze. I knew they were only being polite, but I couldn’t help but blush. I wanted to live up to their expectations. One day, I’d host Noctis for all of their heirs.

  The song changed, and Queen Thea pulled King Zaeden toward the dance floor. “Please, my love. This is my favourite dance.”

  “Anything for my queen.” He let her pull him and mouthed, “Sorry,” to my father.

  My father turned to the others. “I think it’s time the princess finds a dancing partner as well. Excuse us, Your Majesties.” He placed his hand on the small of my back and directed me toward a man, who was speaking candidly with a boy I assumed was his son.

  I recognized the father from court. They dwelled in Ventosa.

  “Good evening, Lord Nyberg.” My father then inclined his head at the boy. “Jorn.”

  “Good evening, Your Majesty,” Lord Nyberg replied brightly and bowed. His golden hair was braided neatly back, unlike Jorn’s, which was cropped short.

  A servant circled around to offer us more Sanguis. My father accepted, but when I was about to do the same, he waved the servant off. “She’s had enough for tonight.”

  Fine. I lowered my arm.

  “I thoug
ht perhaps you two would like to dance,” my father said to Jorn. “Auralina’s instructor informed us she’s an excellent dancer.”

  I couldn’t help but feel pride. I’d been prepared for this since the previous spring. I daydreamed about dancing with a partner my own age every day leading up to Noctis.

  Jorn took the cue, setting his ice-blue eyes on me and extended a hand. “Care to dance, Your Highness?”

  I accepted his hand and smiled back at my father as Jorn pulled me onto the dance floor. I let him lead me through the moves as though I’d been born to be his partner. It was wonderful. I felt other eyes on us as we drifted across the smooth, glass floor together. When the song finished, another boy was waiting to take Jorn’s place. Not a boy, I had to remind myself. A man. Everyone here had at least reached their first decade and would no longer be considered a child. Spinning, gliding, and dipping. Song after song I switched partners, dancing with young men from every kingdom.

  I noticed one watching from a corner who hadn’t yet asked for a dance. I maneuvered closer to him, believing he’d ask me next. He didn’t. Disappointment crept up into my chest. Didn’t the boy with hair almost as pale as my own want to dance with the princess? Was there something wrong with him? Perhaps he lacked the skill of grace and was embarrassed. But no, the next time I spotted him, he danced with a brunette from Terra. I studied his face as the pair swung closer. I didn’t recognize him, even though he was obviously from Ventosa.

  I tripped on my partner’s foot, distracted by my thoughts. “Sorry,” I mumbled. I finished the dance, but as soon as the song ended, I marched up to the man who refused to ask me for a dance. I accepted a goblet of Sanguis from a different servant passing by, ignoring my father’s words and asked, keeping my tone as light as possible, “Do you not wish to dance with me?”

  He looked me up and down before setting a hard gaze upon my face. “I do not, Your Highness.”

  Thank Celestia the musicians played loud enough to cover our conversation. The last thing I wanted was to embarrass my parents, but this man’s rudeness angered me. “What is your name?” I demanded, no longer caring about pleasantries.

  “Vidar.”

  I leaned in closer to his ear and put my hand on my hip. “Why don’t you wish to dance with me, Vidar?”

  The next words out of his mouth fell heavy, like lead. “Because I think you’re a spoiled chit—Your Highness,” he added. And then he turned and disappeared into the crowd.

  Both shocked and seething, I clenched my fingers tightly around the crystal goblet, and it suddenly felt cold. I glanced down at my forgotten Sanguis and dropped it with a gasp.

  The liquid inside the goblet, clouded with frost, had turned completely into solid ice.

  Thank goddess the Sanguis turned back into liquid when it hit the glass tiles, and I was able to slip away before anyone noticed who’d dropped the goblet.

  I found my father laughing gleefully with a group of lords from the other kingdoms. “Father, my head aches. I’d like to return to my chambers.”

  King Elis bent forward and brushed my cheek. “My sweet princess, this must be a lot for you. Did you enjoy your first Noctis De Celestia?”

  I thought about my answer. I had enjoyed myself until that rude man—Vidar he’d called himself—had called me a spoiled chit. “Yes, Father. It was wonderful.”

  “Say goodnight to these lords. Then you may go.”

  “Goodnight, my lords. We’re so happy you could join us.” I forced my lips to curve up, hiding my emotions like I’d been taught.

  “Goodnight, Your Highness.” They bowed.

  My father loved every moment of this. His future queen finally able to meet his peers from across Sarantoa. I would have stayed just for him had I not been so distraught by what had happened with my goblet of Sanguis. My excuse for leaving early wasn’t a lie. My head had begun to pound as soon as I’d noticed the frozen drink in my hand. I needed to get out of here because, more than anything, I was terrified by what I’d done.

  I would have bid my mother goodnight as well, but she was busy entertaining her guests. My father would explain my absence.

  I pulled the door to my chambers open, took my circlet off my head, and dressed myself for slumber.

  Chapter 3

  I hurled more contents from the previous night’s supper into the metal bucket I cradled on the floor beside my bed.

  Hilda waited for me to finish, her grey-blue eyes unsympathetic.

  I spat and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand and passed her the bucket.

  “What’s wrong with her?” Star whined from my doorway.

  “She had too much Sanguis,” Hilda explained, setting the bucket down to help me back onto my over-stuffed feather mattress. I knew that wasn’t the reason for my sick stomach and unrelenting headache, but I didn’t tell her that. “It’s a good thing she had the sense to retire early last night before she had the chance to embarrass herself in front of our guests.” She went to pull open the dark violet curtains covering my wide set of windows.

  “Please don’t,” I pleaded.

  The handmaid turned her furrowed brow on me. Wrinkles etched lines on her skin from so many seasons of expressions like the one she wore now. She opened the curtains a little, but not all the way. “A little sunlight will do you good.”

  I groaned and put my pillow over my face. I heard her pick up the pail and march to the door. I peeked out from the pillow. “I want to see Mother.”

  Hilda paused in the doorway. She’d already shooed my sister away. “Queen Ingrid is busy entertaining her guests today. She has no time to take care of you.”

  I rolled over and buried myself in my blankets. An image of ice flashed in my mind. A sick feeling rolled over me. I never wanted to leave my chambers again. I prayed Hilda would return with a clean bucket before I retched all over my bed.

  I spent the remainder of the day curled up under my blankets. I only got sick one more time, but I hadn’t eaten or drank anything all day. My headache subsided by the time darkness fell outside my windows.

  A soft knock sounded on my door before it opened. My father’s face appeared from behind the flickering candle he held. “How are you feeling, my poor, sweet princess?”

  I answered him with a groan as the mattress sank with his weight.

  “I’ve brought you some tea. It will help ease your stomach.”

  I propped my back against my pillows and accepted the cup and saucer, trying to keep my hand steady. “Thank you. I—I guess I drank too much Sanguis.” I blew on the steaming tea. “I’m sorry, Father.” Let him think that was the reason for my current state. It was better than the truth. Better than… I couldn’t finish that thought. Not with him right here.

  My father didn’t appear angry. His eyes held kindness and his words were gentle as he replied, “There’s nothing to apologize for. Your mother and I should have limited your drinking more. You’re more sensitive to the Sanguis because you’re body isn’t used to the indulgence of wine yet.”

  “I’ll be careful next time.”

  My father rubbed my back. “Get some rest. You’ll feel better tomorrow.”

  I managed a small smile, and he left me sipping on my tea.

  The next morning, my empty stomach grumbled with hunger. I sat up and stretched. And then I thought about leaving my room, about facing the world with a power I couldn’t seem to hide. The emptiness in my stomach turned to a queasy feeling again. I sank back down into my pillows. I wanted my mother. She’d know what to do. She always knew the right answers.

  “Hilda!” I bellowed through my closed door. If she wasn’t close by, someone would hear and tell her she was needed. “Hilda!” I repeated, louder this time.

  The handmaid entered my bedchamber, balancing a silver tray of biscuits on her arm. “You shouldn’t scream, Princess. It’s unbecoming. What would your mother say?” She placed the tray on the little table beside my bed.

  “Can you fetch her?” I pulled a lon
g face. “I want to see her now.”

  Hilda crossed her arms and stared down at me. “You should try to eat something. You need to keep up your strength. You look sickly.”

  “Please, Hilda.”

  Her mouth formed a firm line before she sighed. “All right, I’ll see if she’s finished seeing our guests off.”

  “Thank you,” I mumbled around the biscuit I bit into.

  I ate half the biscuit and finished the tea before my door opened again, revealing my mother’s watchful stare and the lines of worry between her brows. My stomach was accepting what I put in it, but I still felt ill at the thought of leaving my chambers… the thought of my magic being discovered.

  “My poor Aura,” my mother cooed, folding me into her arms. “You must have consumed a lot of Sanguis to have become so ill.”

  “I don’t think it was the Sanguis,” I confessed.

  “What do you mean? What else would’ve made you sick?”

  I looked down at my hand, the one that had held the frozen goblet. “I think my magic… It happened again. I didn’t want it to. It just—did.”

  My mother’s face paled before she forced a smile. “Oh, darling, tell me what happened.”

  “The goblet I was holding… It—it turned to ice.” I buried my face in her shoulder. “I’m so scared. I have the same power as Queen Pavanas. They’re going to lock me away.”

  My mother held me tighter. “You may have inherited her power, but it’s going to be all right. Promise me you’ll pay attention. Be careful, and try not to become too emotional. Tell me, did something upset you when this happened?”

  “Yes, a young man called me a spoiled chit.”

  My mother stayed silent for a moment, as if she needed time to collect herself. When she spoke again, she kept her voice soft, too soft. “People say cruel things sometimes. It’s because they are jealous. Jealous of what you have, of who you are. You must not let words affect you. Do you understand?”