“We will,” Mid yelled back, and she waved from the door of the little bakery as we trotted away, her form becoming but a small speck in the lantern-lit streets.
THE AIR HAD GOTTEN BITTERLY cold on the way back to the castle, and I shivered into Ghost’s soft fur, trying to ignore the stinging winter winds.
“You're freezing,” Mid said and loosened his cloak from off his shoulders, wrapping it around me. Once seeing I was sufficiently bundled, he pulled me a little tighter against him. I blushed at his closeness, but didn’t argue because he was extremely warm and it was helping.
“I’ve got one last place to show you,” he said suddenly.
I knew I shouldn't be out with him, that he was betrothed to Jasper. Being alone with him was a dangerous and scandalous endeavor, but it felt so good. I realized that soon I’d never get the chance to feel this way again, and my feelings won out over my practical rationalizing.
“Lead the way,” I consented.
When we arrived back at the castle, we strode right past the stables where we began our journey and headed into the forest. I watched curiously, wondering what could possibly exist out here in the woods behind the castle. The farther we journeyed, the more curious I became.
Abruptly Mid stopped in a clearing of pine trees and helped me down from Ghost’s back.
“Where are we?” I asked, but he just smiled, not revealing anything.
“You’ll see.” He took my hand and began guiding me into what looked to be an archway of bushes. We slipped into the hollowed out section of greenery and found a small wooden gate, nearly invisible nestled amongst the foliage. He opened the latch and carefully led me inside.
It took a moment for me to realize where we were. When it finally dawned on me, I looked over at Mid in disbelief.
“It’s the place in my dream.” We had entered a garden. Roses bloomed on the tree trunks, on the forest floor, and they even dripped from tree branches. The beautiful crimson flowers were mesmerizing in the moonlight. I reached out to touch one and stroked several soft petals, reveling in their luster.
“Is this real?” I asked, skeptical that he was making me see the garden as an illusion.
“It’s real,” he said, a small smile playing on his lips. I walked across the blooming carpet of roses to more supple flowers growing on a wall of tall green hedges and continued to gaze in awe.
“How?” I asked, genuinely curious how the beautiful garden was growing, despite the cold air and sunless conditions.
“My mother, her gift allows her to grow plants. She created this garden and keeps the roses alive year round. And you may have noticed the way the castle is held together by branches and vines. That would be my mother’s doing as well.”
“It’s incredible,” I marveled, and turned around to face him. He was a couple paces behind me, his hands pressed into his pockets and his eyes downcast in a sullen expression.
“Why did you come to my room tonight, Sabeara?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper now. When he looked up again, his eyes were pleading. I sighed and had to turn away from him, unable to take the vulnerability in his expression.
“I . . . I don’t know,” I stuttered. I honestly didn’t know how to explain my erratic behavior. It was something I myself still hadn’t quite comprehended.
“I think you do, you just don’t want to admit it to yourself,” he challenged, and I spun around, feeling anger start to rise within me. Couldn’t he just leave it alone?
“We shouldn’t be here,” I whispered, somehow holding back all the feelings that were beating furiously inside my chest.
“This is exactly where we should be,” he said intently, and took several steps toward me. I tensed, not wanting him to get closer. I couldn’t think straight when he got close.
“You’re still betrothed to Jasper. Tonight changes nothing.” I could see that he wanted to raise his voice but compelled himself to keep it level. I hid my hands beneath the cloak still wrapped around my shoulders, hoping he wouldn’t see I was shaking.
“It changes everything. Don’t you see? I love you, Sabeara.” He reached for my face, his large tan hand cupping my cheek. I moved my head away roughly, trying not to let his words, his touch, manipulate my perceptions.
“Mid, please. I’ve seen the way you have been acting around her. She has feelings for you now, and from the looks of it you feel the same.”
“You and I both know that’s not true,” he bit darkly. “I was only doing what you asked me to do. None of it was real.”
I was the one that told him to be with her. But it didn’t mean I wanted it that way. I also knew there was a chance he was finally obeying my wishes to make me feel the full force of that decision. I hated how jealous it had made me. But honestly it was hard to tell what was real when in reality she should be the one he wanted. If he just gave it a little more time. . . maybe he would finally see Jasper was the one for him.
“I told you I don’t want to rule. And I can’t betray her.” As if those weren’t good enough excuses I made sure to add more. “I also have a loyalty to my kingdom that I can’t ignore.”
“Damn betrayal, damn trivial loyalty.” His words vibrated through my entire body, their intensity shocking me to my very core.
“How can you say that?”
“Because”—he took my face into his hands, this time not letting me break from his grasp. I had no other choice but to stare into his eyes, eyes that rendered me helpless and entirely captivated—“I am a selfish man, selfish enough that I can ignore everyone else's feelings but my own. And despite the effects it may have, I must have you for myself.” He crushed his lips to mine, forcing us into a passionate kiss. It was culpable and so grievously cruel, the omnipotence he had over my powerless soul. At first I resisted, but it didn’t take long for my resolve to melt away and I softened against him. I could hear myself whimper when one of his hands reached out to grip my waist.
He backed me up against one of the trees, trapping me against it, while his other hand reached up to cup the side of my face. I responded to his wild caress and let my hands wind into his hair. I tugged him closer, demanding him, needing him.
Eventually he broke our fervent entanglement and pulled away, resting his forehead against mine. Both of us were panting as he reached up to smooth a wild strand of hair behind my ear. For a moment all we did was look at each other.
“I love you too,” I admitted, my heart skipping in my chest at the words I’d been holding in.
Couldn't he see the pain this was causing me? Couldn’t he see that despite everything that was holding me back that yes, I did love him, but that the far away avidity would be all I could have with him?
“But, Mid, this changes nothing. I can't be with you.”
He was silent, stunned as my rejection rolled off of him. I clenched my eyes closed. Love wasn’t supposed to be selfish, and I couldn’t allow us to be together knowing the consequences. I pushed him away, and he didn’t try and stop me as I tore the cloak from around my neck and let it fall to the ground. I escaped through the gate of the rose garden, tears streaming down my face, immediately feeling the aftermath of pain and regret.
TWENTY-EIGHT
It seemed like several days before the sun began to lighten the room, shining behind the drapes, brighter and brighter as the daybreak rose. I sat unmoving until I couldn’t ignore the sun’s rays streaming in. I knew I needed to get up.
I slowly dragged myself from the sheets and began getting dressed. I stripped down and pulled on a lavender dress and a pair of boots. It took me several long minutes to lace up my shoes and do up the ties in the back of my dress. I braided my hair, letting it rest over my shoulder, the very tips of my dark locks reaching my waist. When I was done, I looked a little more alive. Knowing there was nothing left to do, I forced myself out the door.
When I walked down to breakfast, I could hear voices coming from the dining hall. When I walked in, I saw a group of Ethydon and Aveladon soldiers
talking together. Among them were Oli and Shar. They looked to have just arrived home from the borders.
I began walking over to them, unsure of how to approach such a large group of men. As I neared, all eyes turned toward me,their talking ceasing. Embarrassed, I tried to take the stares with stride, but it didn’t stop the red that rose to my cheeks.
“Bear, you’re awake,” Oli said, as he spotted me walking toward him, and I couldn’t help but feel relieved at the sight of him.
“The wedding’s tomorrow. I thought I’d get up and try to help,” I lied, and looked over at Shar and saw he was watching me intently. He raised an eyebrow at me, and I suddenly remembered his power. My eyes narrowed slightly at him before I flitted my gaze back to Oli. “Well, I’m glad you're awake because I’ve called a meeting.”
“A meeting?” I questioned, genuinely confused.
“Remember when I told you to trust me?” he said, and my eyes widened.
“What about Jasper?” I asked, and this caused him to let out an aggravated sigh.
“About that. . . I sort of told Jasper about the curse.”
WHEN WE WALKED into King Knadian’s study for our second meeting, I immediately noticed the tension in the room. Everyone was at the table. When I sat down in one of the chairs beside Oli, I noticed Jasper wouldn’t look at me. I could feel Mid’s gaze trained on me from across the table. His eyes met mine for a moment, his expression piercing. I tried to ignore the pained look he was giving me and turned my gaze back to the table. I had two people in the room upset with me and it was exactly the thing I was trying to avoid.
“All right, now that everyone is here, we can begin.” Oli was the one doing the talking, and I couldn’t help but fidget in my chair. I had never talked to anyone about the curse except for Oli and Mid.
“I’ve brought together this meeting to discuss a curse.” As Oli began the meeting, I looked over at my father and noticed his eyes were stone cold. “We have reason to believe that soon a curse will befall the realm. And we need everyone's help in breaking it.”
King Knadian raised his hand to speak and Oli nodded for him to continue.
“Almost every person in this room has abilities or will receive abilities stronger than most Stone-Hearted can even conceive. It is our duty as the royal society to bring our people back to unity.”
“King Knadian is right. Which is why I’ve created a plan,” Oli said. Reaching into the pocket of his cloak, he pulled out a map. He spread it out across the table, pointing to different locations.
“I’ve sectioned off the realm into possible areas that the tokens may exist. The plan is to send groups to cover their assigned areas. This way we can cover as much land as possible.”
Oli pointed to himself.
“I will be going north to Severesi with King Casimir and several of my men. While Midennen and King Knadian, with their group of soldiers, will be going to cover the South Seas.” His finger landed on another area on the map marked with a red circle.
“Shar will be going to the Sethen Courts to build a team that will help him search in those lands and eventually head into Obscurum.”
My eyes widened at Oli's words, and I couldn’t stop myself from inquiring. “Aren’t those prisons?” I asked, and Oli nodded. Shar didn’t seem phased at the mention of the Courts, his face still expressionless.
I’d heard of the Sethen Courts in a tutoring lesson long ago. It was a place for criminals and outcasts, filled with people who had committed horrible crimes or refused to live the laws of their kingdom.
“Embrosine, Jasper, and Sabeara.” Oli looked at all three of us very intently. “You will be under Queen Ruby’s direct orders. The remaining people of Aveladon and Ethydon must be taken care of and guided. All of you need to stay and lead the people. Tokens may also exist here, and you will search out those as well. But to keep you all safe and to make sure the kingdom is strong, we need you to stay.”
I felt disappointed at the task given to me and wanted to do more. But I didn’t argue, knowing I was powerless.
“Embrosine, would you like to tell everyone about the plan we discussed?” Oli asked suddenly, and she nodded, standing from her chair. She seemed nervous and was clenching her hands in front of her.
“To keep Sunn safe, I’ve decided to transport her to the Isles of Arradale, whenever contentions may arise. I have a boat ready for her at the docks. It’s about a night's journey from here. The ship captain is waiting on standby in case a battle transpires.” She took her seat, and I looked over at Sunn. The girl’s face didn’t hold its usual brightness. She was looking down at the table, her eyes expressionless. I knew this meant they would be separated. I also knew that the Isles would be safe. I remembered Embrosine saying that was where Sunn’s father hailed from.
“A battle will most likely occur soon. We have heard that Obscurum and Severesi armies are headed for us. We’ve gathered as many soldiers as we can and are preparing for a fight. Once they attack, the plan will be set into action. You are to immediately report to your location.” Oli suddenly turned and unexpectedly gestured to me. “Sabeara would you tell us about the amulet?”
Nervously, I lifted the amulet from around my neck and laid it out on the table. It was still glowing a beautiful shade of blue from last night with Liony.
I explained the amulet to them and where I had found it. I talked about my mother and her visionary dreams. Then I told them about catching Sunn, and how it can harness other powers for a small moment. Everyone was looking at the amulet when I finished speaking.
“As you can see, we are already one step ahead,” Oli pointed out. "I don’t know if Obscurum has tokens in their possession, but we just have to hope they don’t. There are four more tokens left and I’m hoping you will all join me in finding them.”
I watched Shar stand from the table. “I will help you.”
Mid stood, then Embrosine and Sunn. “We will too,” Embrosine said.
Ruby and King Knadian stood hand in hand and smiled at Oli. “We were always ready to fight with you.”
Then lastly it was Jasper and my father. Slowly Jasper stood and gave a graceful bow. “I will do everything I can to save this kingdom.”
It was my father who hadn’t taken his turn, and I could tell he was struggling. We had shown him all our evidence, and my heart began beating faster in my chest, hoping he would stand.
“I’ve never been one to believe in curses. But it seems I may have been wrong.” He stood from his chair. “If the curse exists, I will help you fight. I want to save our people as much as all of you do.”
Oli sighed as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. “It’s settled then”—he glanced over at Shar, a small smile growing on his lips—“let the battle begin.”
AS EVERYONE LEFT the study I spotted Jasper and hurried after her. She was walking down the hallway, her back turned to me.
“Jasper, wait,” I called, but she continued walking. “Jasper, please.”
“I don’t want to talk, Sabeara.” It wasn’t common for Jasper to be so upset, and it left my gut in knots. I had to jog to catch up to her. I laid a hand on her arm and spun her around back toward me.
“I wanted to tell you,” I explained, but she just shook her head, tears in her eyes.
“You think this is how I wanted to find out? Oli telling me? I would have believed you, Bear. You just didn't trust me.”
“I didn’t even know if I believed! When it finally was real to me, you were betrothed, and Oli told me to wait to tell you.”
She glared at my explanation and shook her head.
“Since when do you listen to Oli?” she spat.
I winced, realizing she had a point. She turned on her heel and continued to storm away. I caught up to her again and forced her to look at me once more.
“I can’t do this without you, Jasper. Please don’t be angry with me,” I pleaded.
She bit her lip, holding back her tears. When she spoke again, her voice wa
s a mere whisper.
“I have a wedding to get ready for. Now if you’ll excuse me.” She tugged her arm sharply from my grasp, and this time I didn’t chase after her.
THAT AFTERNOON I was fitted for my evening gown that I would be wearing to the wedding. I numbly let the dressing maids fit the gown to my body, not caring what they did. I felt nothing, standing in front of the mirror as they pinned the beautiful fabric to my body. It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline and intricate flowers woven into the bodice. The sheen material was a dusty light blue, the pale hue of my skin barely visible beneath. The dress had an impressive skirt that billowed to the floor in satiny waves. I wished I was in a better mood to enjoy it.
I knew I should've been excited for this moment, and that I should’ve been happy for Jasper’s big day. Both of us had dreamed since we were little girls of marrying a handsome prince someday. But I couldn’t even think about the wedding, otherwise a sharp pain would hit my heart, making it hard for me to breathe.
When I was finished being fitted, I was told to wash up and get ready for the morning. I took a hot bath—taking my time to wash my body and massage through the tangles in my hair. In my efforts to keep busy, I nearly rubbed my skin raw, turning it a tone of angry pink. The water eventually became cold and I was forced to get out and ready for bed.
Knowing it would be impossible for me to fall asleep, I grabbed my mother's book and set up camp on the plush green carpeting. I wrapped a blanket around my shoulders and began reading. The soft trickling of water on the ceiling created an ambient background noise, filling in space where other thoughts might’ve been tempted to enter.
The moon eventually came into the sky, and I had to light a candle. I was reading by the dim flame when I heard a tap at my window. Startled, I jumped a little and turned to the balcony. The curtains were pulled, and I searched the other side of the glass for the source of the noise, but quickly found no one was there. Carefully I stood from the floor, my body strung with unease. I tiptoed over to the double doors and slowly opened them.
Granted (Granted Series Book 1) Page 22
