by Erin Rhew
Wil turned to Layla. “Can you go find Zarina? We’ll see if she can help us figure out what’s going on with Iris.”
Layla nodded and fled the room. She knocked twice on Zarina’s door before barging in. Zarina lay cradled in Nash’s lap.
He sat up straighter. “Layla?”
“Something is wrong with Iris.”
“I don’t think now is the time. Zarina—”
Zarina lifted her head. Even with a bright red nose and tear-streaked face, the former queen looked regal. “What’s wrong with her?”
“Jule said Iris began having visions of the Outlander people this morning. She’s in the bed, sweating and moaning. We don’t know what to do.”
Nash kissed her cheek. “If you’re not up to helping—”
Zarina held up her hand. “I know what’s wrong. She’s the next queen.” She untangled herself from Nash’s lap and headed for the door. “She’s having the queen’s visions. But how can she see this far from the Outlands? When I had the visions, I couldn’t see past the Outlander forests.”
Layla furrowed her brow. “Wait…I thought the visions had to do with Haddey.”
Zarina snagged a shawl from an open bag beside the door. “I did too.”
Layla followed the Outlander down the hall, with Nash close behind. “But how?”
“I don’t know. Haddey obsessed over absorbing knowledge. During the centuries, she accumulated enough information to add additional powers to her people. After all, she shortened Outlander pregnancies. Haddey remained purposefully secretive and revealed only what benefitted her.” Zarina turned and smiled at Layla. “But I do know how to help Iris.”
The former queen crossed Iris’ room and bent down beside her.
“Iris, it’s Zarina. I know what’s happening to you because it happened to me.”
Jule peeked over Wil’s shoulder. “You do?”
Zarina nodded, but her eyes never left Iris. “You’re the next queen, Iris. The visions are normal, but you must learn to control them. Imagine yourself grabbing hold of the images and moving them into a corner of your mind. Can you do that?”
For a long while, Layla’s sister remained motionless. When her eyelids finally fluttered open, she stared at Zarina in wonderment. Layla poured her sister a glass of water. Iris gulped it and then sat up straighter.
Zarina sat on the edge of the bed and patted Iris’ hand. I promise, it will get easier.”
Jule rose from the chair, batting away her tears. “I thought Haddey had created the queen’s visions.”
“I did too.”
“They’re in so much pain.” Iris’ voice broke on the words. “I have to go to my people.”
“Of course.” Wil picked up one of Iris’ bags off the floor. “We’ll help get you ready.”
Layla, Wil, and Nash shoved Jule and Iris’ belongings into bags and had them prepared to go in minutes. Zarina stayed by Iris’ side to coach her. When the new queen rose from the bed, she possessed a strength Layla had not seen in her sister before.
Iris stopped in front of Wil. “Your country plans to go to war with Vance soon. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“The Outlanders will stand with you. Vance made a grave error entering my land and hurting my people. He will pay for that mistake.” Her greenish-blue eyes sparkled with anger.
“I will make sure Etherea is ready for your arrival.”
Iris turned to Layla. “I’m sorry we don’t have more time together, sister, but my people need me. I’m glad you know the truth about your family now, and I hope we will be able to spend time together when the long-awaited peace arrives.”
Layla enveloped her sister in an awkward hug. “I hope the same. Take care of yourself.”
Iris turned back to Wil. “I will return to the Outlands to comfort my people and appoint new servants and guards. When that duty is complete, my soldiers and I will travel to Etherea. With luck, Vance will hold off his attack, and we can fight him together on the battlefield.”
“We will await your return. If the Ethereals can do anything to aid the Outlanders, let me know.” Wil shook Iris’ outstretched hand. “Thank you.”
* * *
The next morning, Layla loaded her belongings on her horse. She glanced over at Wil, who helped Mia load her filly. The bulge beneath her dress had grown bigger. Closing her eyes, she pressed her cheek against her steed. The animal’s heart beat with a steady rhythm, while Layla’s tripped and stumbled from too much loss and heartache.
A heavy hand fell upon her shoulder. “Leaving so soon?”
She spun around. Her father grinned, but she read the unmistakable sadness in his eyes. “Not soon enough for the Voltons, I’d wager.” She shielded her eyes from the morning sun. Atop the steps of the main house, a large number of Voltons had gathered to watch the Ethereal king and his troupe leave their land at last.
“Too soon for this Volton. I wish I could hug you, but you see how many of my people are watching.”
She nodded. “I understand.”
“Did you see Lia and Jensen? I know they love you and worry about you.”
“Samson, Grant, and I went to see them last night. If we win the war, they’ll be free to go home. Are you ever going to speak to your brother? He’s been in Volton for months, and you’ve avoided him the whole time.”
Holt kicked a rock. “It’s complicated with Jensen and me. Maybe one day.” He gazed at her, his dark blue eyes earnest. “If I’d known about you, Layla, I would never have joined the Voltons.”
“I know.”
“But now that I have—”
“I know.” She smiled to reassure him. He belonged to the Voltons, and she to the Prophecy. While their lives crossed, they did not connect.
He chuckled. “You’ve got your mother’s sensibility.”
“I wish I’d gotten the chance to know her.”
“So do I.” Holt sighed. “She loved you, you know. She risked her life because she loved you.”
Layla nodded, unable to speak through the lump in her throat.
“As a Volton, I’m not supposed to remember my old life, but I’ve never forgotten your mother. And despite the rules, I kept a necklace that once belonged to her.” He opened Layla’s hand and placed a golden necklace into her palm. Still smiling, he wrapped her fingers around it and squeezed. “I’m so proud of you, Layla.” His voice broke. “I love you.”
She waged war against her own torrent of feelings. “Thank you for everything, Father. I love you too.”
Appearing out of nowhere, Wil stepped up beside her. He placed a light, steadying hand on the small of her back and offered his free hand to her father, who shook it. “Volton Holt, thank you for all of your assistance.”
“I’m glad I could help.”
Wil touched Layla’s back once more before turning to go. She and her father watched him hoist Mia onto her horse and help settle her in the saddle.
Holt nodded toward Wil. “Don’t give up on him.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Layla
Layla stood on her tiptoes to see if she could glimpse her sister’s entourage. She jumped up and down and waved when she caught sight of Iris on horseback with the Outlander army at her back. Grant, who’d been charged with integrating the Ethereal and Vanguard soldiers with the Outlander ones, joined Layla on the roadside.
He laughed. “The Ethereals must think we’re crazy. First, we ask them to join with a band of rouge Vanguards, and now we bring in the Outlander army.”
Layla nodded. “They are far more adaptable than our people. That’s for sure.”
“True. Vanguards would never be so accommodating.”
Iris stopped her horse a few feet from Layla and slid down. The two stood facing one another for a heartbeat before racing forward to embrace. Iris smelled like marjoram, a herb Layla would always associate with the Outlands.
Layla stepped back to take in her sister. “You look wonderful.”
“I’m happy. My people are finally free.”
Layla took Iris’ arm and led her toward the castle. “So things are going well in the Outlands?”
“We lived under Haddey’s tyranny for so long. Sometimes, I get the impression the people are waiting for me to transform into a monster as past queens have done. They can’t quite comprehend that she’s gone or that a centuries-old First One tormented us for all those years. It’s a lot of information to absorb at once.” She sighed but the smile did not leave her face. “We’re obviously still trying to figure everything out. My people have only known one way to exist, so it will take time to change that. Jule and Adelia are helping while I’m away.”
Layla stopped and yanked her sister to a halt with her. “Adelia? I thought she was killed by Vance.”
Iris shook her head. “She and a few others escaped and hid in a secret compartment in the queen’s quarters.” The smile vanished from her face. “I promised my people I would avenge those murdered by Vance. Are the war preparations underway?”
“Everyone is waiting for you in the meeting room to discuss our plans.”
Iris nodded, a pleased expression on her face. “I’m ready to destroy him.”
“Good, because we’re done waiting. As soon as your men are prepared, we will launch an offensive attack on Vanguard.”
“I can’t wait.”
* * *
Layla marveled at the people seated around the meeting room table. Even the Ecclesiastics could not boast of having ever assembled such a team in all their years of existence; Ethereals, Vanguards, and Outlanders all bound together by the promise of peace.
Rex cleared his throat and began. “With your permission, Queen Iris, I believe the Vanguards and Outlanders should lead the attack.”
Iris tipped her head in deference. “Please, call me Iris. The Outlanders agree to these terms. We are eager to participate in Vance’s downfall in any way that we can.”
Rex nodded. “After we’ve cleared a safe path, the Ethereals will follow behind. Wil, Vespa, and Sansolena will perform the Alteration. I expect some Vanguards and some Outlanders will be caught up in the mind control, despite our best efforts to train them to guard against it, so we need to be prepared for a reduced battle force. Once the Alteration has subdued the remainder of Vance’s men, I want to give my people the opportunity to surrender and receive a pardon.”
Iris’ jaw tightened. “What about Vance?”
Rex traced an invisible circle on the table before responding, “Our soldiers have been ordered to kill Vance on sight.” He breathed a heavy sigh. “Iris, the three most powerful Ethereals—Wil, Vespa, and Sansolena—will train your soldiers to erect mind guards against their Alterations. I want to attack in one week.” He glanced at Sansolena. “Do you think that’s enough time?”
The dowager queen nodded. “We can teach them the basic techniques in that time, though as Rex said, despite our best efforts, we will lose a few to the Alteration during the battle.”
Iris folded her hands on the table. “We came to avenge our people and fight for peace. My men and women know they may perish on the battlefield, but they are willing to take that risk. I agree to the one-week timetable.” She glanced at Layla before turning her attention to the rest of the group again. “As I’m sure my sister Layla and the others have told you, we Outlanders are shape shifters. In the battle, we can change ourselves to look like Vance’s men or even like Vance himself. That should add an element of chaos.”
Nash frowned. “How will we tell your soldiers from his?”
Wil held up a finger. “When we fought against Queen Cataleen, Vespa suggested we tie a piece of yellow cloth around our swords. We could do something similar.”
Rex paused for moment before agreeing. “That will work. I’ll have the men in the armory begin outfitting all weapons with a piece of yellow cloth.”
“You can have the dress we used in the battle against Cataleen.” Vespa shrugged. “It’s ruined anyway.”
Volton Mars glanced up from his note-taking. “I’ll see what other yellow material we can find around the castle.”
“It’s settled then,” Rex said. “In one week, Etherea, Vanguard, and the Outlands will ride against Vance.”
* * *
After dropping Iris off at her room, Layla headed toward the library. She needed some time alone to review the battle plan. As she rounded the corner, tense but familiar voices arose from inside the library—Wil and Mia. She paused, debating whether to make her presence known or to hide until they finished their conversation.
“You can’t.” Layla heard the frustration in Wil’s voice.
“I am the only Outlander who is immune to Alterations.” Irritation laced Mia’s words.
Wil sighed. “You are about to give birth to our daughter. In one week’s time, you may even have already had her.”
“If I haven’t, I want to be on the battlefield.”
“Mia, think about our daughter.”
“I want to be able to protect the people I care about.” She sniffled. “I can’t wait around to find out if all of you lived or died. I’ll go crazy with worry.”
He sighed. “I’ll compromise with you. Will you agree to wait in a carriage away from the fighting if I promise to send an Ethereal runner to update you throughout the battle? That way, you can protect our daughter but still know how the rest of us are faring.”
“Yes. Thank you, Wil.”
Layla pressed herself against the wall and waited for them to proceed down the hallway, leaving the path clear for her to cross. She blew out a wisp of air to flip her hair out of her face. Seeing Wil with Mia still hurt. She wondered if she’d ever get used to it.
“Are you spying again?”
She whirled around to find Nash grinning at her. “Shhhh.”
He placed a finger over his lips, but the grin stayed on his face. “Who are you spying on?” His loud whisper threatened to give them away.
Layla rolled her eyes. “You lack subtlety in all areas. How do you ever manage to be successful in a fight?”
“You don’t need to be subtle when you can knock someone out with one punch.” Nash puffed up his chest.
Layla rolled her eyes again. Nash started to laugh but caught himself. Covering his mouth with his hand, he crept around the corner.
“They’re gone.”
She breathed a sigh of relief. “Good.”
Seriousness replaced his playful expression. “He loves you, Layla. Don’t forget that.”
She turned her head to the side. “You loved me once too. Things change.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Layla
As the carriage bounced along, Layla asked herself for the thousandth time how she’d been wrangled into escorting Mia. Wil’s assertion—that he trusted only her to protect his daughter—had convinced her then but felt hollow now. Across from her, Mia rubbed her round belly and stared out the window. Layla’s Vanguard anger burned. She should be out marching with the rest of the army, not riding in a carriage babysitting Mia.
“Do you know how lucky you are?” Mia raised an eyebrow at Layla, though her tone held neither malice nor bitterness.
“What do you mean?” Layla had still not grown accustomed to seeing the Outlander in her normal state—chocolate brown hair with flecks of red and bright blue eyes.
“You’re lucky. Everyone loves you, especially Wil.”
Layla considered the pregnant girl’s words for a moment. Layla had her family—Samson, Grant, Holt, and Iris. Maybe they couldn’t always be together or even acknowledge their relationship, but they still remained a family. She had also garnered the respect and affection of Sansolena, Rex, Nash, and even Zarina. But Wil…She knew he loved her, but they could never be together. That one missing piece to her life’s puzzle cast a gray shadow over the rest.
“I suppose I am.” Layla remembered her promise to Samson and swallowed down all the negative feelings Mia’s presence always stirred up. “Tha
nk you for what you did in Volton. You were very brave to impersonate Werrick and to risk your life during the extraction. I’m not sure we could have done it without you.”
Mia’s cheeks pinkened. “That’s very kind of you to say.”
Layla glanced down at her hands. “And you should know, I’m leaving after the war.” Her Vanguard ire rose. She’d been dragged all the way to Etherea by Elder Werrick only to fall in love with a man who could never be hers.
“Leaving?” Mia’s eyes widened.
“I’m going to the Outlands with my sister.” She forced out the rest of the words. “You’re free to marry Wil and build a life together for your daughter.” The claws of heartache scraped along her already bleeding soul.
“Have you told him?”
“No.” She couldn’t even imagine how to formulate the words—how to look into those blue eyes and tell him goodbye forever.
Mia’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Thank you for giving me a chance with him. I know how much you love him and how hard it must be for you to leave. I promise to do my best to make him happy.”
Layla swallowed down the lump in her throat and fought back tears that threatened to spill over. “I know you will.”
When the carriage jerked to a halt, Layla’s Vanguard sensibilities took over. She may not have enjoyed riding instead of marching, but she intended to uphold her promise to ensure the baby’s safety before joining the rest of the army.
She surveyed the landscape from both windows before opening the door and jumping out, but detected no threats.
Layla walked back to the door. “This area is secure. Stay inside the carriage for the duration of the battle. You promised Wil.”
Mia nodded. “What about a runner? Wil said he’d provide a runner.”
A young man, who had ridden up front with the driver, hopped down. His blond hair belied his Ethereal heritage. “I am Youg. King Wilhelm sent me to serve as your runner, Princess Mia. I will report back to you at regular intervals.”
Layla scaled a nearby hill. In the distance, the Ethereal army approached the engagement site. She’d done her duty and seen Mia to safety, but now she longed to take her place beside the others in what she hoped would be the last fight in Ethereal-Vanguard history. The peace, which she thought so impossible the day Elder Werrick proclaimed her the Fulfillment, finally seemed attainable.
