by J. E. Klimov
His hands traveled to his chest and tugged his tunic. “I stumbled upon the remains of Cehennem. It was the activity that attracted me there. I can’t explain it.” He paused and looked away. “I saw him. Dante.”
“So, he was dead?” Isabel’s suspicion had been confirmed, but shock numbed her to the point where she couldn’t decide how she felt about it.
Face forlorn, he nodded once. “I knew I was risking my life if I used my powers. But how could I not? He was the King of Deran. If there was one person I would break the law for, it would be for the king.” His lips jerked into a half smile. “Or queen.”
Isabel’s legs grew wobbly as a tingling sensation crawled its way up her torso. “You brought him back to life…”
“I did. I made him stay with me for a while to make sure he was stable and unlike some of the resurrected in the past that ‘went wrong.’ But I’m afraid he has experienced some delayed side effects.”
When her body grew weak, Isabel supported herself against the bookshelf. Raiden stepped toward her, but she shot a searing glare.
“I’m so sorry, Isabel. I wanted to return him to you. To Deran. He didn’t deserve to die so young.”
He stood close enough where a hint of jasmine that lingered in his clothes reached her nose. It oddly calmed her nerves. And yet, so many questions popped into her mind, but she felt as if the connection between her brain and tongue had been severed. Isabel had a lot to think about. Perhaps she wasn’t alone.
“The agony you feel is my fault. But know this, we will fix Dante. I poured out my deepest secret to you. I have nothing to hide. Just because some Healers of the past used their bloodstones for unsavory purposes doesn’t mean we were all like that. All I want is for you to accept me.” Raiden fell onto one knee. “Are you willing to trust a Healer?”
CHAPTER
14
Bence had finished dressing, and Ami nodded in approval. The inn had provided him with a gray undershirt, a black tunic, slacks, wrist guards, and leather boots.
“How much did this cost you? These are high quality.”
“Don’t worry about that.”
“Hmph.” Bence strode to a rickety table. The room was modest. It fit a single bed, a tub for bathing, and plain walls with one painting of the harbor. A lone window allowed sunlight to enter, but a lantern sat on the table to accommodate guests. A mirror also leaned against the wall, catching Bence’s reflection. His hair had fallen tame with a good combing, no longer plastering the sides of his face. The red strands had faded even more after washing. He rubbed his jaw, smooth and faintly scented with rosemary from the oil he’d dabbed after shaving.
“And don’t forget this lovely wool cloak. This one cost a pretty silver coin!”
In the mirror behind him, Ami approached with arms full, fabric dragging on the floor.
“I hate cloaks. I don’t want to wear one.”
“It’s winter. While it’s warm in Camilla, it’ll be freezing at sea!”
As Ami stepped around the bed, she stumbled. Bence saw her as if in slow motion, lunged forward, and caught her in his arms.
“Clumsy me. Thanks…” She peered into his eyes. Her hands wrapped around his biceps, dropping the cloak onto the floor between them.
“You should be more careful,” he scolded.
She felt fluid against his rigid body. Even when silence pervaded, his arms refused to let her go. He swallowed.
Resting her head against his chest, she said, “I can hear your heart beating.”
Bence flushed as she hugged him tighter, unable to tame his pounding heart. “Well, I’m not dead or anything.”
“But it beats so fast. Are you nervous or something?”
He couldn’t stop staring into her eager, hazel eyes. Even her hair had a little bounce to it every time she spoke. Ami’s energy stoked the smoldering embers inside his soul, and his visceral response drained blood from his head, leaving him lightheaded. Hands trembling, he couldn’t figure out what to do or say, so it triggered panic, and he pushed her away. “Yeah, because you were going to crack your head open.”
Ami blinked furiously, breaking eye contact. “Oh. How… thoughtful.” She tucked strands of hair behind her ears and chewed her lip.
Bence busied himself by scooping the cloak from the floor. He patted dust off and lifted it in front of Ami as he examined the fine stitching, but the fluttering in his stomach distracted him. This was too much kindness for someone he’d just met. “What’s your angle?”
Her hand pushed the cloak aside, revealing a fallen expression on her face. “What do you mean? I don’t have any angle.”
Flinging the cloak onto his bed, Bence stared at the wall. “All these nice things. You followed me like a little pet across the country. No matter how much I try to shake you off–”
“Listen!” She grabbed his chin and jerked his face toward hers. “How about a question in exchange for another question? Why are you such a jerk? You are nasty and rude!” Red blotches spread across her cheeks.
Bence pointed a finger at himself and jutted his jaw forward. “I’m not always nasty, and you know it. I’m just as capable of being kind as the next imbecile, but it’s hard when I’m around such an annoying girl!” he thundered and pounded the wall, shaking the picture frame from its place and sending it crashing onto the floor.
A wet sheen formed in Ami’s eyes, but she kept her shoulders squared and posture straight. After a moment of listening to each other’s heavy breathing, Ami backed away. A pang of guilt struck Bence with each footstep. His well of anger drained, leaving him hungover with remorse.
“Ami,” he said, voice faltering.
She held her fist in front of her mouth to hide her quivering lip. “A question for a question, right? Okay.” She took a deep breath. “I always wanted to escape the lull of being an innkeeper. I’m tired of catering to strangers and wanted to treat myself for once, and that treat was an adventure. Then I met you. I knew you were some sort of trouble, so I couldn’t resist. Even when you abandoned me in the woods, I had to see my adventure to its end, which was to get you on that boat.” Her words shot out like hail; a short burst of stinging pellets.
By now, she stood by the door, laying her hand on the knob.
“You used me for the thrill of it? To escape your boring life for a few days?” he huffed. “And that’s all?”
She jiggled her bracelets with her free hand. “That’s all,” she replied, monotone.
With a curt nod, he said, “Good.” For some reason, he expected more. “Well, your wish will end tomorrow. Good night.”
Ami’s brows scrunched upwards before she shuffled around and stepped out of his room.
When the door clicked shut, Bence glared at the cloak. There was something about that exchange that stung him with aggravation. Heat erupted from his neck and danced through his body like a fever. He trekked toward his door but stopped when he heard sniffling. Pressing his ear against the wood, he strained to hear if Ami was still there. His hand gravitated toward the handle. The cool metal eased his burning hot hand.
But the noise was gone. Had I misheard? Rolling his forehead against the door, he sighed.
* * *
A seagull cawed. Bence shot up, expecting to be on a bed of sand and Isabel lying beside him. When he noticed the four corners of the room, he flopped back and blew hair from his face. Rubbing the space between his brows, memories of the night before flashed before his eyes.
As he dressed, all he could think of was Ami. Her oval face, her honey-coated voice, and even her stubborn personality attracted him like a magnet. The dull ache in his chest intensified as each second passed. His words had been too ruthless, and it had tumbled from his mouth with ease. I need to apologize.
Equipping his satchel, dagger, bow, and quiver of arrows, Bence stared at the wool cloak. He scooped it up, securing it with a metal clasp at his neck. He was surprised that it didn’t itch. Staring at his reflection, he adjusted his clothes. He ran his
fingers over the hem of the cloak, twisting it around himself to reach the back, all in vain until he re-straightened it. A bulge over his chest caught his eye in the mirror. Frowning, he patted the lump and discovered a pocket. He reached in and pulled out a string of bleeding hearts.
Emotions Bence never experienced before crashed into him like relentless ocean waves. It shook him from his boots and up to the point he could no longer stand being in the room any longer. Last night could’ve ended differently. And it’s all my fault. Pocketing the flowers, he marched to the door and ripped it open.
Ami stood, hand frozen in the air, about to knock.
“Morning.” His voice cracked, words bottlenecking in his throat.
She adjusted Hero on her back. “Sorry, I was just about to check in because the ship you need will be leaving shortly.”
“I’m…” He scratched his nose.
Peering into his eyes, Ami parted her lips.
“I’m ready. Let’s go.” Bence cleared his throat and pushed past her.
Bence knocked his forehead with the palm of his hand. Idiot. The two walked single file through the tight wooden corridor and down the twisted staircase. Each step groaned beneath Bence’s feet.
Once they exited the inn, rays of sunlight stretched through the sky like fingers. Vendors set up shops on the boardwalk, but the main street was deserted. The brisk air invigorated Bence. Wrapping the cloak tight around him, he peeked at Ami. She trailed a few feet behind, hanging her head. Her beloved spear strapped to her back bobbed up and down.
They approached the docks where one lone ship was anchored. Its polished wood glistened in the sun, its frame reinforced with steel. A carving of a graceful woman was mounted on the prow of the ship. Bence had to stretch his neck to soak in its massive size, pondering if he would be more or less seasick than his previous sea travel. Grubby sailors scuttled along the deck, shouting at one another. Sweat glistened on their faces and stains plagued their once white garments. Their rubber boots squeaked, adding to the cacophony of noise along with rolling barrels and cranking metal. The sail unfurled, revealing an image of Adin and Deva. It flapped in the wind enthusiastically. Bence spotted the old man from yesterday, leaning on the same spot.
“Is this the vessel you mentioned?”
“Well, good morning to you, lad,” the old man said. He massaged his mustache and chuckled. “It is, but you can’t just ride the seas for free.”
Bence tossed his hands into the air. Temptation prodded him to shove the man into the ocean, but before he could do so, Ami hustled between the two.
“I think you should take care of who you’re speaking to!”
The old man crossed his arms. “My lady, no free rides.”
“He’s related to the Deranian royal family.”
Bence glared at Ami. The innkeeper hadn’t bought it, and there was no guarantee this man would either.
She jabbed her finger into the old man’s face. “They’ve just survived a war and plan on expanding their diplomatic reaches. Everyone knows Deran, while small, carries many precious stones. They are a country of great value, and you’re going to stand in this diplomat’s way?”
“Ami, please.”
She elbowed Bence. “Show him!”
He fumbled for the twine around his neck and pulled out Isabel’s ring.
“See? The Deranian seal!”
The old man leaned forward and squinted. Wrinkles multiplied across his forehead as he studied the ring. Bence and Ami exchanged glances. When he opened his mouth, Ami made a slicing motion across her neck. He bit his tongue and waited for the old man to finish his inspection.
“Deran historically kept to themselves, accepting immigrants over the flow of history.” The old man said and extinguished his pipe. “I applaud the openness of trade, just don’t forget Camilla when dealing with Irelle. They don’t need help like we do. But I will not stand in the way of a royal.”
Ami regarded the old man with giddiness. “That’s wonderful news!”
“Not you. You look like a Camillian through and through. You got gold on you?”
Her shoulders slumped. Bence shook his head. Despite her words last night, she clearly didn’t want her adventure to end.
Turning back to Bence, the old man said, “Head on board. I suggest you hurry. It takes off in ten minutes.” He trudged up the plank that connected the ship to the dock. “Hey! You got one more passenger. Hold up, ya hear!”
Bence gaped at Ami. She exaggerated a curtsey.
“No need to say anything. Just know that you wouldn’t have made it without me,” she said with a smile.
However, that smile lacked its usual shine. Shifting his weight, Bence searched for his overdue apology, and even a thank you. A crinkling bag stole his attention. “Ami, what’s behind your back?”
“You’re sharp,” she said. She revealed a brown bag, steam seeping from the opening.
The earthy aroma made Bence’s mouth water.
“I bought you some roasted chestnuts and cashews. These are my favorite. Father would bring me some every time he would visit this town. It’s not a full meal, but it should satisfy any cravings you have. I doubt they’ll be feeding you anything good on that vessel.” She pinched her nose and dropped the bag into his hands. “It’s too bad I can’t come with you, but I guess it’s time for me to go home.”
A horn blasted from the ship, sending a jolt through Bence. The bag crinkled in his tightening grip.
“You’d better hurry.” Ami’s voice became demure. “You may be one complex creature… and pretty insufferable most times, but I’ll miss you. My wish is that someday I may run into you again. My life is too… dull without you. You’re like a little light in my life.”
Bence scoffed. “Light? I’m but a mere shadow.”
The horn blared two times, cutting him off and kicking his heart into overdrive.
“About last night,” she said.
Holding his hand up, Bence shook his head. “No. My behavior was inexcusable.” Gazing into the sky, he summoned as much courage as he could. “I didn’t mean to push you away, in fact, I wouldn’t have minded if you had stayed─”
When the horn sounded the three times, Bence leaned in and kissed Ami on the cheek.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered before turning toward the ship.
As he sprinted over the plank, he touched his lips.
CHAPTER
15
A wintry blast whipped Isabel’s velvet cloak into the air. She tugged at the clasp, pulling too snugly against her neck. Isabel flexed her half-numb fingers. Despite gloves, they’d grown cold only after a few minutes of traveling. She snuck a peek at her companion.
With his hair tied back, the silver studs on Raiden’s ears protruded. His angular jaw and well-defined chin tilted toward his steed as he caressed his horse’s mane. The sleeves of his signature black tunic were rolled up, exposing his tattoos.
“Aren’t you cold?” Isabel said through chattering teeth. She shoved her hands beneath her armpits.
“I’m fine.”
“Suit yourself.” She nudged her mare into a steady trot. Every time she pulled ahead, Raiden raced to catch up with her. Sulking, Isabel regretted agreeing to let him travel with her into town, but he had been so insistent at breakfast. He was like a petulant fly buzzing in her ear. She swatted her hand in the air. Looking past Raiden, she signaled to her two guards. “Okay, men. We are arriving into town.”
Winding through the familiar paved roads, her irritation melted away as she noticed Deranian houses had been built to completion. Candles flickered in each window, and evergreen branches tied with violet ribbons hung from most doors. Smoke billowed from chimneys, and Isabel closed her eyes, pretending she was sitting in front of her fire in the library. Hammering echoed ahead and snapped her thoughts to the present. She rounded the street corner, and pride flushed through her at the completed fountain that greeted them.
“It’s beautiful,” she breathed. Wisp
s of white mist evaporated into the skies like a prayer. She dismounted and approached the fountain. The statue of a broad shouldered man with a bushy beard and a woman with large oval eyes were chiseled to intricate details. A warmth expanded within as she inspected the tribute to her mother. Queen Febe had an arm raised with a sai in her hand. Fine lines defined her long hair, and the creases in her clothing made her look real. So real that Isabel imagined the granite crumbling and her parents stepping out, but their blank eyes reminded her it was just stone. It filled her with such sorrow.
Sitting on the granite edge, she ran her fingers along the smooth surface, allowing her emotions to run its cathartic course. Isabel imagined a bear hug from her father and a sympathetic smile from her mother when the hug was too tight. The picture dissolved, revealing the memory of her armlet ceremony. Her mother, the strong, smart Queen Febe slid the family heirloom up her arm, while the respectable and wise King Hadi grinned with pride. The armlet warmed her body as if she had re-lived that moment. When someone shuffled next to her, her eyes snapped open. A boy with a red nose hopped onto the fountain’s edge and swung his legs.
“Hi, Queen Isabel! Do you remember me?” He jabbed his thumb to his chest.
“Yes. It’s Andre, right?” Isabel pursed her lips, hoping he wouldn’t bring up the unpleasant exchange he had with Dante.
The boy clapped his hands, grinning. He seemed to have lost a tooth since her last visit. “Yup! Do you like the fountain?”
Cupping his cheek, she said, “I don’t like it. I love it.”
“Andre!” A male voice rang sharply through the air. Straw-colored hair bobbed through a distant alley. He waved his finger at the boy. “Stay out of the royal family’s way. You remember what happened last time?”
Isabel stood and dusted her pants. “Sir, everything is fine. I was just telling your son how proud I am of this fountain. The tribute to my parents is flawless.”
He bowed. “I’m relieved.” Andre’s father scanned the men behind her.
