by Allison West
* * *
Aria woke in his arms, her pulse pounding against her chest, feeling as though it would leap out at any moment. The nightmares of her time at the palace had yet to cease. James had been kind and comforting. However, when they'd left the palace, she had known they were not safe, and each day their safety wavered.
The protection of the guards was gone. The rebuilding of a society was no easy task. Many were happy for the disillusion of the monarchy, but just as many blamed the princes, including Prince James. He was on the country's hit list. Photos of Prince James were tacked to the market with a bounty on his head, worth more money than Aria could ever earn in ten lifetimes.
She didn't know how to keep him out of harm's way, except to leave. Molotov cocktails were thrown nightly through the palace windows. Stones were constantly battering the outside of the building. What would be next, an explosion, a bomb? They were buried in the farthest rooms of the palace, but they didn't feel safe.
Both of them leaving Brayleigh and traveling into uncharted territory was their only option. What would they find? Were there survivors after the war?
"You're shaking," James said, and Aria gently pushed herself away, not wanting him to see the fear instilled in her. The palace still terrified her, and though she hadn't spent a single moment in the royal harem or her old room, with the smell of the building, the feel of the cold marble floor under her bare feet, she couldn't erase the memories.
"I can't help it." It was a confession she hadn't been ready to admit, although she felt confident that James knew already. Watching the guards die, Ethan's execution, her mother's murder, it all overwhelmed her.
Aria sat up in bed. James' hand rested on her back, moving in soft circles as his touch slipped under her shirt. She opted not to wear the nightgowns or dresses since the fall of Brayleigh. It had all been a reminder of the royal harem and her time as a courtesan. Aria knew she needed to move past it, for both their sakes.
"What can I do?" James asked. She knew he wanted to help, and she could hear the concern in his tone.
Aria shifted on the mattress and turned to face him. "Come with me, far from here." Leaving the palace might save both their lives, or it could bring them closer to death. They would make this decision together.
James emitted a soft sigh as he considered Aria's request. It was not the first she had spoken of escaping the city, and he had to realize the danger he posed to himself, the longer he stayed at the palace.
There were no guards, no police or military of any kind. Though the rebels were trying to instill order and form a new government, those things took time. A luxury they didn't have.
"If it's what you want," James said, "then we'll go." He sat up and pulled Aria into his lap. One arm wrapped around her, cradling her like he would a small child, and the other fell to her thigh.
"Good." Aria leaned in and brushed her lips over his. "The boat leaves in three days, at sundown."
"Boat?" James asked, his lips against hers. He pulled back slightly. "We're really going to do this? Try to discover the rest of the world and what's left after the destruction?"
Aria took his hands in hers. "It's been decades, James. Besides, we're not going alone." A wealthy merchant had funded the voyage, hoping to get richer by traveling across the sea, finding antiques.
"I'm in if you're in," he said, kissing her ear, his breath mingling against her neck as his hands skimmed over her stomach.
* * *
This was supposed to be the safer option, leaving Brayleigh and starting over. They had never imagined facing pirates.
James clenched Aria's hand and nodded in the distance. At first, she suspected he'd been pointing at the guard, coming up with a plan of attack, until she saw past the man and the strip of land with beaches that grazed the shore and trees that shaded the sand. Before that moment, Aria doubted the ship would take them to inhabited land. It had been a gamble but a worthwhile risk. Would they walk upon the sandy shores, or would their bodies wash up along the bank?
The pirates lowered them into the lifeboat tender, to the water's surface. They were not murderers, even though they waved guns and threatened the hostages with bullets. The injuries sustained were from those who fought back. The pirates came for one thing: the ship.
Once the crew and passengers were no longer attached to the ship and drifted from the vessel, the engine of the lifeboat tender hummed as they powered it on and sped away to safety.
Behind them, the cruise ship horn blew. Were they mocking them? Waves tossed the small boat unsteadily as the vessel backed up and turned around, moving away from land. Where were they taking the ship? Who were those men?
From the distance, Aria spotted another boat, larger than the one they were on now, skirting alongside the giant vessel across the sea. The pirates must have used the boat to board the vessel.
Everything they brought with them was gone. The clothes Aria had acquired at the market, the small supply of treasures they'd brought with them, they would likely never see again. James had paid a fortune for passage across the sea. So much for paying for protection on the vessel; seemed it did little good.
The sun fell below the horizon. An array of reds and oranges painted the evening sky. They needed to reach the patch of green in a sea of blue before dark. An older gentleman, a crewmember of the vessel, steered the boat toward land. Aria sat beside James, her hand tight in his. All they had were each other, nothing more.
If the pirates hadn't stolen the vessel, there would have been enough seed to plant crops, should they find soil. Aria hoped wherever they ended up, there would be survivors, people who would offer shelter, help them cultivate the land, and they could be neighbors living among one another. It was a stupid dream, with no basis for reality. A child's wish, nothing more.
The boat breached the shore, and they all stepped off, one-by-one. Aria's feet stumbled at first, after having spent months on the sea. She lost count of the days after two weeks.
Her feet sank into the white sandy beach. This land was no good for planting. They would have to wander farther inland at first daylight.
James took Aria's hand and walked with her toward the tree line. The reds and oranges faded. It would be night soon.
Aria stumbled in the dark. The captain of the ship rubbed two stones together. There was no fire, barely any light left. The moon was not quite full but allowed them to find the sea and a place to sleep. Feeling only sand under her feet, Aria sat and reached for James. He was always within her grasp, trying to keep her safe. She no longer worried about the pirates or the passengers who were on their ship. The unknown concerned her, the question of when they would find fresh water. She wasn't nearly as worried about food. She knew how to fish and could teach the others if they stayed together. She didn't know what James had in mind, and she wanted to ask him when they were alone, without prying ears or watchful eyes.
James brushed up against her. Across the sand, a flicker of light shimmered with a spark. The branches the crew collected simmered before catching.
"Looks like we have fire," Aria said and breathed a sigh of relief. They would need the fire tomorrow when they caught fish and wanted to eat.
James wrapped his arm around Aria's waist and she shifted, leaning into his warmth. The night air felt cool yet comfortable.
Her eyes fluttered shut. It had been an exhausting day. Behind closed eyelids, the fire roared to life. She could hear the sizzle and pop of firewood, and the glow of daylight though it edged closer to bedtime.
"I could get used to this," James said.
Aria smiled and yawned, her fingers trailing across his chest. "We're going to have to. This is our life now."
"Before you get too comfortable," James said, nudging Aria. "We should move back closer to the trees. I'm worried the tide might come in while we're sleeping."
"Good idea."
"Come on," he said and offered Aria his hand. She obliged, standing up and stretching. With ease, he pulled her farth
er from the group.
In the thicket of trees, James walked Aria up against a trunk, one hand on her hips, the other pushing her hair behind her ear. Her roots had grown out considerably on the journey, the dark tresses peeking through the blonde dye job she'd done during her short time among the rebels.
James leaned in, his lips brushing against hers. Aria's hands wrapped around him, tangling in the nape of his neck.
A branch snapped, causing James to pull back. He'd heard it too.
"Hello?" he asked, turning around.
Aria didn't see anyone. "Maybe they're just finding a place to pee," she half-joked. If the person wandered over, was he or she trying to be a pervert and watch the two of them fool around? Aria wasn't crazy about giving a show of how she felt for James. She'd give him a private show, but that was all she was interested in doing.
James didn't say anything. He remained quiet, listening for further evidence that someone watched them. What could they do if they were being watched? Aria could barely make out the fire across the beach. They should be bathed in darkness and privacy.
In the distance, the sound of a horn escaped through the forest to the beach. The deep rich tone grew in intensity. The noise felt as though it emanated from the sky and fell down upon them.
"What do you think is going on?" Aria asked.
James gripped her hand and pulled her farther into the darkness from the flames. "We're not alone," he whispered into her ear.
A dart slammed into her neck, pierced the skin, and drew blood. Aria quickly lost body function, unable to keep her eyes open or her legs standing. She grew weak, collapsing to the ground.
"Aria?" James' voice sounded frantic and filled with fear.
Through the air, Aria heard a shot whizzing by her ear. Was it an arrow? Her mind felt foggy, and she shut her eyes, no longer fighting the temptation to sleep.
The wind lulled against Aria's skin, cocooning her as she imagined herself swaying like a child on a swing. The sun, warm and bright, woke her early. As her mind cleared from the drug in her system, she shifted, trying to move, only to find herself lifted above the ground. Her arms and legs flailed as she sat up, falling onto the grass, tasting dirt.
Aria's stomach churned, and as she moved to stand, she couldn't see a damn thing. Her vision grew black. She knelt back down, took a deep breath, and felt relieved when her sight returned. Though it didn't alleviate the nausea or the clamminess coated to her skin.
"Relax, Emerald," a female voice said. "The hammock is yours for today. I suggest you sit on it a little longer while you gather your strength."
Aria reached behind her for the green roped vines and pulled the hammock down, slipping back into the comfort of its cocoon. The soft rocking helped Aria feel better, at least for now.
"My name's Aria. Where's my friend, James?" Aria could only assume that if she was at this camp, then he must be too.
"The young man you were with? He's around and resting with the others. We separate the higher gems until the ceremony."
"What ceremony?" Her heart skipped a beat. Who were these people, and what was going on? "Where are we?" Aria asked. The forest surrounded them, and if she listened, she could no longer hear the waves of the ocean pounding the shore.
"Relax," the young blonde said as she approached Aria. She carried a wooden cup, handing it to her. "Drink."
Her mouth parched, Aria eyed the liquid skeptically. "What is it?"
The young woman's eyes were a deep shade of chocolate. She rested a comforting hand on Aria's arm. Her touch was calming, and Aria relaxed with a nod, pressing the cup to her lips and downing the liquid. It was sweet and warm and was exactly what she needed. Aria knew she should be cautious about what these people were giving her after last night, but what other option did she have? Did they not want them to find the location of the camp on their own? Aria had so many questions, but as quickly as they surfaced, they floated away and she felt as though it no longer mattered.
"The commander will be here soon. Gather your strength for her questions."
Aria had plenty of questions that needed answering. She took another sip of the sweet nectar. "Where am I?" Aria emptied the wooden cup and handed it back to the girl.
"Amity Island," the girl said.
Aria was surprised for an answer, especially after being kidnapped and dragged off during the night. "What's your name?"
She paused, glancing behind her shoulder. "Kali," she said. "You're lucky; do you know that? To have green eyes protects you on our land. It's written into our doctrine, a rite of passage to become one of us."
Aria leaned forward, shifting on the hammock. The liquid helped her gather strength and stamina. "One of you?" She didn't understand what the young woman meant. "What happens to those without green or brown eyes?" Aria asked.
Kali shifted on her feet. Again, she checked behind her, probably for company. "I should wait for the commander."
"Okay." Aria offered Kali a smile, trying to reassure the girl she meant her no harm. "Why did you bring me to your camp last night?"
Her shoulders relaxed, and her eyes cast a look from Aria down to the earth. "My people brought you. Invaders of Amity Island are not welcome. Sapphires are the least desirable after they destroyed our world. They are the first sent in to fight."
Aria's stomach clenched. She pushed herself off the hammock, steady on her feet. "Fight?" she repeated, desiring more of an answer. James was a Sapphire.
"Good, you're awake!" a brunette woman said, wearing a thin strip of pink fabric that covered her most intimate areas. Her eyes were amber, and her skin sun-kissed, like the color of honey from a bee. "I'm Commander Sienna. Come with me."
"Where are we going?" Aria asked.
She didn't wait for Aria. Sienna already headed past her, and Aria hurried on after the commander. If anyone had answers about James, it would be Sienna. "Where's my friend who was with me, James? He has brown hair, blue eyes—"
"That describes most of the invaders," Sienna said. She kept a brisk pace, and Aria rushed to catch up, wanting to hear every word from her lips. Taller than Aria, Sienna had longer legs, which made her strides seem natural while Aria was forced to practically run to keep pace. "Relax. You will have time to see him again."
They wandered through the forest. Every tree looked the same to Aria. "Where are we going?"
"To the flat," Sienna said. "Our sleeping quarters are separate within the tribe. You were in Kali's habitat while you recovered."
Aria didn't dare ask where Kali had slept the previous night, while she wore off the hangover from the dart they'd shot her with. She still didn't understand what they wanted with her or any of the people from their ship. Hesitant to ask, Aria wanted to give as little information to Sienna as possible. She didn't trust her.
"The first order of business is dressing you like the members of our tribe. You will thank us, especially as the heat of the afternoon sun shines down on you."
Aria swallowed nervously. Did Aria have to dress like Sienna? She barely wore any cloth as the bright pink sheer fabric wrapped around her intimate areas, leaving her stomach bare. Kali covered herself like one might with panties and a bra, in stitched fabric. Flowers decorated her cotton undergarments. Neither option made Aria feel at ease.
"You don't speak much," Sienna said. She slowed as they entered the flat. Foot traffic stomped down the grass, leaving a clearing in the shape of a circle. Had they burned the forest intentionally, or did something else happen many lifetimes ago? At least six women sat under the shade along the edge of the flat, a man at each of their sides. "The show tonight will loosen you up. You'll be expected to choose a man worthy of warrior status."
"When can I see my friend I was brought in with, James?" Aria asked. No doubt she would choose James tonight.
Sienna nodded and smiled. "Yes, the boy who won't shut up. Of course. You will see him tonight. I've assured him that you are being well-cared for." The commander turned to face Kali. She stood beh
ind them, trying to keep her distance, though she never seemed too far away. Did she serve the commander? The ranks sounded military, from what Aria had read at the cottage, before she met James. She didn't know what to make of Amity Island. It didn't sound or look military in any way. "Kali, find our newest tribe member clothes and walk her to the river. The girl needs a bath."
Aria's cheeks burned with embarrassment. The cruise ship they were on had a limited supply of fresh water. There had been enough to cook and clean dishes with, but frivolous usage to bathe was against the rules. James and Aria had joked about bathing together, but the shower was much too small. It barely fit one person; it wasn't possible for two to sneak in together.
Kali was kind enough to loan Aria what she called a bikini, along with a ribbon dress. That was what the commander wore, typical for the ceremony that would follow tonight. Aria was expected to wear a ribbon dress as well. She didn't get to ask Kali if everyone would be wearing one or if she'd been lucky enough to stand out, being new here.
The tribe was genuinely nice, providing Aria with nuts, berries, and fresh meat. Her stomach grumbled as she hungrily devoured every bite of food.
Drums beat, and music surrounded the tribe. A bonfire sat nestled in the center of the clearing. They rested beneath the stars, and if Aria craned her neck upward, she could see the heavens speckled in glitter.
The commander sounded the horn in three short bursts as she walked into the flat with the men and women from the ship, along with a few others Aria didn't recognize.
Seated in a circle of at least forty couples, Kali and Aria appeared to be the only two sitting alone.
Aria's heart quickened and she moved to stand up, to run toward James. He was five men deep, his sapphire eyes shining in the darkness. He looked hardened, stricken, and worried. Did the commander not tell him Aria was okay?
Kali sat beside Aria and reached for her leg, firmly planting her hand on Aria's thigh. She shook her head no. The time wasn't right. Aria tried to accept the tribe, their way of life, what this meant for their future. Most of it didn't seem so bad, but Aria couldn't know everything in the span of a day.
