by Nina Walker
“Darling, I must go now,” Madam Silver said. She gave me a quick hug before sweeping from the room, as gracefully as a professional ballet teacher would be expected to leave a room. I stared after her, the joy still dancing within me.
“Thank you.” The words fell softly as I looked up to meet Lucas’s gaze.
His expression was unreadable. He stood across the room, completely still, just watching me. The room was dark, the only light coming from the afternoon sun peeking through a partially shaded window. Long shadows were cast over his hooded eyes. Finally, he nodded slowly. “Can you do me a favor?”
“Depends.” I bit my lip.
“Remember all of this.” He motioned to the room that was to be my new studio. “Tomorrow night, I will escort you to meet with my father again. He will make his next move, and whatever it turns out to be, please just, remember I did this for you. No matter what, Jessa, I care about you. Everything I do, it’s for you.”
But that was the problem. He still believed that. What he’d done to betray my trust had been for him, not for me.
Tears filled my eyes. I wanted to nod, wanted to agree and just forgive him and be with the man I’d loved so deeply. Still loved. But the sting of betrayal was too hot. I didn’t say a word. I couldn’t. It was all too much. Instead, I turned around and left him there, closing the door behind me.
I’d tried to check on my father and Sasha, or I guess her name was Frankie, but I wasn’t allowed to see them. I had no idea if they were okay, or even alive. I’d spent the next day in a complete frenzy, trying to find out information but getting nowhere. I didn’t even care about being discreet, either. I’d asked guards, officers, anyone who would talk to me, but nobody had information. Eventually, I’d had to give it up and get ready in the dress that had been delivered to my door. True to his word, Lucas had come to deliver me to his father.
I held his arm lightly, but kept my mouth shut and my eyes ahead. The day spent trying to help my family, who were still prisoners, had left me feeling helpless and angry. We walked into a ballroom that was lit with twinkling lights and black and white linens on tables scattered throughout the room. There were long-stemmed white roses in the center of each. In fact, it looked like everyone had been outfitted in elegant black and white, as well. We were instantly surrounded by tuxedos and exquisite dresses of all lengths and styles, but the colors were the same.
The crowd opened for us as we walked, everyone staring. I was sure we looked like a perfect pair. Lucas was styled to perfection, his suit crisp, his hair dark and gelled back, and his face clean-shaven. He smelled of ocean salt and citrus, a combination that made my mouth water. And I was wearing a full face of makeup. My hair was pulled back and adorned with crystal pins, and my sleeveless dress wrapped around me perfectly in crushed black velvet, fanning out around my hips and traveling all the way down to the ground. I hated everything about it; Richard had likely been the one to assign it to me. But I had to play along.
I planned to talk to Richard about my family tonight. Maybe I could work out some kind of deal to get them better accommodations.
“Ready for this?” Lucas whispered low in my ear.
I didn’t reply. I wasn’t sure what “this” was, and being here on his arm, against my wishes, made the wound between us fester even more.
He led me to a raised platform where his father sat relaxed on his throne. As we ascended the stairs, I noticed the media cameras set up again, a long row of black equipment with people buzzing around it. Last time the media was invited here was for the execution of Officer Thomas and subsequent proclamation of war. Not to mention Celia had been the one on Lucas’s arm that night. My stomach flipped.
Celia. The woman was still in the palace. I’d seen her from afar a couple of times, and she’d barely even seemed bothered by her broken engagement. She was the same stoic, glossy, gorgeous redhead as always. But she was no longer set to be the next Queen. How did she feel about that? And why was she still here? I glanced around the room, but didn’t see her here.
“Hello, my dear Jessa.” Richard smiled coolly as we approached. “I am very excited for you to see what I have in store for you, little girl.” His use of “my dear” and “little girl” made me want to spit in his face. I curtsied and smiled carefully.
“Hello, Your Royal Highness,” I replied.
“Please, call me Richard.” He smiled. “I am to be your future father-in-law, after all. I would say you could call me “Dad”, but even Lucas doesn’t do that anymore.”
Lucas was watching the exchange between us without revealing an ounce of emotion. His eyes kept flicking to me as I talked to his father, but that was the extent of it. He waited for me to nod my agreement to the King and then he cupped my elbow and led me to a chair, one that looked like a mini-throne with its red velvet seat and high back. He gently sat me down and sat beside me.
The mixed crowd of alchemists and officers turned to watch us now. Their faces were a mass of curious eyes and hesitant smiles.
Richard leaned toward his son. “It’s showtime, boy,” he said, his heady voice a mix of threat and anticipation. He stood. No blue alchemist to bolster him, I noted, as I looked around for one to pop into the picture. How long until Reed came back from the war? I bet Richard was missing his particular set of skills.
The King strode to a podium and pointed to the line of media with their row of black cameras. They adjusted with a few buttons and gave him a series of nods. He stood at the podium, rolling back his shoulders, his back to us. The spotlights were hot and bright. I resisted the urge to squint as the rest of the room was sent into shadows. Everyone quieted as Richard swept his arms wide and began to address his kingdom.
“My beloved New Colony, thank you for your attention tonight. It is with great pride that I can announce our war efforts against West America are succeeding. We’ve taken over vast amounts of land and continue to gain ground every day.” He paused, the light reflecting off the gold ornate crown on his head. He rarely wore it, but when he did, it meant business. “Thank you to those who’ve volunteered to help, and of course, many thanks to those men and women in the field, risking their lives for our freedom. I trust that because of these heroes, I will soon have good news.” His voice was smooth silk, practiced and confident. He didn’t need Reed tonight. The crowd of alchemists and officers were nodding along with every word, as—I was sure—were the people at home, watching from their various slatebooks.
“That is all I can say for now without giving too much away to our enemy, but rest assured this continues to be our number one priority here in the palace. We will not let you down,” he continued, straightening his shoulders, gold embroidered patches on each. He also had a red sash-looking thing across the outside of his suit jacket. There were tassels and shining buttons, a slightly more elaborate get-up from Lucas’s. “West America has committed many crimes against us, from the tragic death of our beloved queen, to a public attempt on Lucas’s life and my own. An act that, unfortunately, killed innocent people. West America will not get away with it. We will not rest until we’ve destroyed their evil ideology and taken back what is rightfully ours.”
He paused, only for a moment, before the crowd exploded in applause.
“Thank you,” he said, after they’d quieted. “I also have to thank the Guardians of Color and the Royal Officers.” He motioned to the media, and on cue, they pivoted their cameras to face the crowd of guests, in all their finery. None of the small children were in attendance, of course; they rarely were. It was teens and adults, as usual.
“I know we have kept the vast majority of what we do here hidden from you,” Richard said to the cameras as they swiveled back to him. “We made that choice to protect everyone involved. What we do with magic here at the palace has stayed classified from our enemies and we wanted to keep it that way. But I’ve come to realize that, while we should and will continue to keep some of what we do under wraps, it’s not in your best interest to be blind to
the advantages of color alchemy. This ability is the very bedrock of why we’re so prosperous. It’s high time you learned the basics of what it is and why it’s so important to cultivate. For example, our alchemists who help to make crops grow are the reason our citizens have healthy food on their tables tonight.”
The crowd cheered again. A distrustful feeling washed over me as he continued to speak of alchemy so openly to the press. People at home must be glued to their screens! Color alchemy had always been such a mystery. Seeing it was as rare as snow in July. Very few ever met an alchemist. Why was he talking about it now, when for decades, it had been mostly kept secret?
Bile rose in the back of my throat. Something was coming. Lucas reached out and grasped my hand, but it did little to calm my nerves.
Richard continued, “It’s with this revelation that I’ve decided to hold a series of public exhibitions to showcase the power of color alchemy. It is my hope that you will understand not only why it’s so important to willingly send alchemists to train with us, but for you to have faith that with these people heading our war efforts, we cannot fail. The exhibitions will be publically broadcast and a lottery system will select a small number of you to have the opportunity to watch live. There will be three of these events, one here in the capitol, one north, and one south. More information will be coming soon with exact times and locations, so please stay tuned for updates.”
I glanced at Lucas. His eyebrows were pulled together in intense focus as he studied the back of his father’s head. Did Lucas know about these exhibitions? Could it really be that the King just wanted to be open about alchemy all of the sudden, or was there something else going on?
“And finally,” Richard said, his voice turning from smooth and serious, to amused. “I have one more item of happy news to share. I know, there’s more!” He chuckled to himself, and even though I couldn’t see him, I was sure he was smiling from ear to ear. The cameras shifted and slid back. Another tug of nerves gripped my stomach. They were filming Lucas and me. “As you can see, my son is joined by someone other than the pretty redhead Celia you’ve all come to love. I hate to say it, but truth is, I wanted that marriage more than the two of them. Poor Lucas, he’s such a wonderful son, he’d do just about anything for me. But these last few weeks since the engagement, I’ve been feeling overwhelming guilt about it. You see, I knew it was another girl who had captured his heart. I fought it because I didn’t know this girl well, and I already thought Celia was best for Lucas. But I’ve taken the time to get to know this beautiful girl you see seated here tonight and I’ve decided to let my son choose her as his bride. I’d like to introduce you to Jessa Loxely.” He turned to us, no longer facing the cameras; his gaze was as sharp as ice.
Lucas grabbed my hand, and together, we stood.
I froze, a million questions running through my mind. I didn’t want this. I should pull away. But I couldn’t, not with the King’s eyes pinned on me. He had my family downstairs in his prison. There was nothing I could do but play along. Besides, I was engaged. That was the whole point of why Lucas revealed my secrets, destroying the Resistance in one night, my dear sweet Jasmine gone with it.
I’m engaged but this makes it official. Time to buckle up and smile, Jessa!
“You two lovebirds can sit down now,” Richard said with a wink. I fell back into the chair as my knees gave way. I smiled through it, somehow. Lucas placed a hand on my leg to temper the shaking, and when it didn’t stop, he frowned slightly and removed it. I ignored the immediate sense of loss.
Richard had returned to the podium. “Part of why I’d like you to understand color alchemy better is because of Jessa. You see, there’s something rather remarkable about the girl besides the fact that she stole Lucas’s heart.”
He paused, and I could feel the slight shift as the cameras zoomed in on my face. Was I breathing funny? Frowning or smiling? I couldn’t even feel my cheeks anymore.
“She’s a color alchemist,” he declared. “One of the most powerful we’ve ever seen. It is my hope that you will accept her, knowing that not only does she make your prince happy, but she can potentially bring in a new line of remarkable power to our royal bloodline.”
More cheers. More fluttering in my heart.
“The wedding will be a joyous affair in the midst of the tremors of war, but life must go on. Their wedding will be broadcast upon the completion of the three exhibitions. The wedding date is set for the first day of the new year.”
I held my breath to keep the tears from falling. That wasn’t even two months away! It was everything I had wanted, but had come in the worst package. I loved Lucas, I couldn’t pretend otherwise. But I also saw too much of his father in him, too much greed and deception. I couldn’t do it.
I have to find a way out.
Lucas squeezed my hand, and I smiled wide for the cameras and leaned over to offer him a quick kiss. On the outside, any tears in my eyes must have added to the presentation of the announcement. I probably looked so overcome with happiness that I was brought to tears. If only that were true.
“Thank you again, my dearest friends, for all you do,” Richard continued. “I know there’s a lot of change in the air right now, but rally with us and we will come out stronger than we’ve ever been before. Goodnight.”
There was another blast of cheers followed by a pause and a release of air. The media began to take down their equipment, and Richard strode over to greet us.
“Congratulations again,” he said to us and grabbed my hand, pulling me into a hug. The buttons on his suit coat dug into my chest and my whole body went rigid at his touch. He smelled so much like Lucas that I had to hold my breath. This man was a monster. And now he would be my father-in-law? The fact he could fool the kingdom so easily frightened me most. He could charm everyone at a moment’s notice, all while killing anyone who got in his way. Was this an attempt to get closer to my red alchemy? Was it something else? I had a sinking feeling there was more to this charade than I knew. Even if I married Lucas, I would still be a prisoner.
Maybe even more of a prisoner than ever before.
“Enjoy the party.” He released me and patted his son on the back. “Both of you. This is your engagement party, in case you didn’t figure that out already.” He laughed jovially, but it did nothing to quiet the fire in his eyes. They flickered between us for a moment. “You will behave,” he threatened, then turned and briskly walked away, a flurry of people in his wake.
I followed. Now was not the time to be timid. “Wait, please, what about my sister and father?” I had to ask. I wanted to ask so much more. I wanted to know about the camp as well. Where were Mom and Lacey?
“What about them?” He continued to stride away, never bothering to look at me. We were nearing the back of the room, as if he was trying to get out of here before he was bombarded with guests wanting their moment with him.
“Are they okay?” I pressed. “If I’m to be royalty now, can’t I help them?”
He stopped and whirled on me, expression hard, his eyes beat down on me with disdain. “There’s nothing I can do for your sister, she’s made her choice. She will remain in the prison for now.”
I sucked in a shuddering breath. For now? Did that mean he would execute her? And if so, when?
“Your father, on the other hand,” he continued, his voice dangerously low, “was smart enough to comply with our wishes. As long as he continues to stay out of our way, he can stay. He’s already been set up with accommodations next to what will be your suite in our royal wing. Tomorrow you will be moving from your dorm and beginning preparations for your upcoming nuptials.”
I nodded. What else could I do? Once again, I would be moved, like a piece on a chessboard. I was used to it now. “And what of my mother and little sister? Did you find them? Are they alive?”
I shouldn’t have asked. I knew that, but I couldn’t help it. And now I would pay. Rage was filling his entire body, his eyes widening and a purple vein bulging in hi
s forehead. I stepped back, regretful. My knees began to buckle again.
Warm arms caught me and Lucas pulled me against him.
“Jessa,” he said, loud enough for Richard to hear, “be careful how casually you address my father. He is your King. You must not make demands of him.”
Richard’s eyes danced between the two of us and he nodded, the anger fading slightly. “Quite right,” he quipped, then pushed through the back door and disappeared.
I shifted away from Lucas and turned on him. “Since when do you talk to me like that?”
His eyes narrowed. “Your mother and sister weren’t at the camp. Nobody was. They got out,” Lucas said this wonderful news, emotionless, as if he was reading a math problem. “Now, let’s do as we’re told and go mingle with our guests.”
He never answered my question about why he’d talked to me like that in front of Richard. Was he saving me from Richard’s wrath, or was he really his father’s son?
I followed him, no longer caring about having to feign happiness in front of all these people. I was elated! A swell of gratitude threatened to bring me to tears all over again. Sometimes it bothered me how quickly I was brought to tears, but that moment was not one of them. Mom and Lacey had gotten out! I had no idea where they were, of course, but they had to be okay. And maybe, just maybe, that meant there was still a chance.
Maybe there was still a Resistance.
3
Lucas
I held Jessa close, breathing her in as we danced. It broke me.
We spent the evening dancing, making small talk with everyone who crowded us, held hands every moment. It didn’t matter. She wasn’t with me. Emotionally, she’d shut me out, not a single crack left in her exterior. She currently rested her head on my shoulder, the soapy lilac scent of her shampoo wafting through the air between us. I closed my eyes briefly and scoffed at my naiveté.
