Daughters of Delirium (Tainted Queens Book 1)

by A. M. Miller

  Lu fought to keep the smile on her face. “Lady Narshala informed us that you would not be here for another fortnight.” Her eyes turned cold as she glanced at Lady Narshala who sat next to Lecive.

  Narshala sat with her hands in her lap looking straight ahead.

  “I sent the royal horses out to bring her,” Prince Lecive said.

  Lu looked back at her brother. “And who gave you permission to touch the queen’s horses?”

  “No one, but I knew it needed to be done. After you left for Zendel, there was no one here to protect the castle or the inner city. The previous queen and kings unexpected departure has greatly weakened the queensland and you have yet to formally name an Ace. I was merely acting in the queensland’s best interest.”

  “Did you not think to inform me of any of your plans, Prince Lecive?” Ramor asked with a glare.

  Lecive glanced over at Ramor and then back to Lu. He smiled. “As I’ve said the queen has yet to name a formal Ace.”

  “And what of your queen. Did you not think to send word to me?” Lu asked.

  “I tried, my queen, but your stay in Zendel lasted longer than expected. When I saw that you’d returned, I tried yet again to speak with you. I found the ninth and the Jack in the stables, but you I could not find you. Several servants said they saw you storming off somewhere. ”

  Lu’s fingers flexed and tightened against the armrest of her chair. Her brother had manipulated the situation since the day she left. Lu opened her mouth preparing to speak but was interrupted by The Red Queen. “I’m beginning to think you do not want us here.”

  Lu turned to look at the queen. “Of course we want you here. The Heart welcomes our sister queens.”

  “Yet you scold your brother when all he has done is take action so that my son and I would arrive as soon as possible.”

  “I did not mean for it to come across that way. You and your son are welcome here and I am thankful for my brother’s quick thinking.”

  The last statement felt like claws in the back of Lu’s throat. She would find a way to make Lecive pay for those words.

  “Right. Now that is settled, what is this mission I hear of that has kept you away for so long?” The Red Queen asked.

  “Our majesty had her first mission as queen. A man in one of the lower villages,” Lord Kirik said.

  The Red Queen frowned. “Ah, your first mission. How did you fair? I myself have always found it to be such a messy business.”

  “Her majesty’s efficiency in handling the task, allowed for the man’s swift and painless death,” Domicin answered for Lu.

  “I heard there was an uprising during the village feast,” Lady Narshala said.

  “It wasn’t an uprising. It was one woman and I handled it.” Lu’s fist clenched under the table. She wished she could skip past this part.

  The Red Queen arched a brow at Lu. “By handled it you mean…?”

  “She was executed as our laws instruct for those who speak against the goddess.”

  Lu pushed the images of the woman from her mind, knowing now was not the time. But it still lingered like flashes of light in one’s eye. Throat cut, resting in a pool of blood, the woman’s colorless eyes stare back at her.

  “It is as I told you. Our young queen has proven to be quite capable of protecting her people,” Prince Lecive said to The Red Queen. Lu looked at her older brother. Her entire life she’d never once heard her brother give a compliment that didn’t have a hidden agenda. She didn’t trust him now.

  “Your brother is right. Even at a young age, it would seem that the people of the Heart Queensland are bred for battle,” The Red Queen said.

  “No, not bred, trained. We work hard at what we’ve got,” Lu said.

  The Red Queen’s lips quirked into a smile but there was no amusement inside of her eyes. “Yes, you need to be strong this close to the wall but from what I hear that preparation can be quite expensive.”

  “It can be,” Lu said carefully choosing each word. “But we have been lucky to have friends who understand the importance of our queensland’s success.”

  The Red Queen’s smile widened clearly pleased with Lu’s answer. “Very lucky indeed.” Her gaze remained locked on Lu but Lu refused to look away.

  Ramor cleared his throat gaining the attention of everyone in the room. “Are there any other subjects the council wishes to speak on?”

  “There is an issue with the white roses we need to discuss.” Leo spoke for the first time. All eyes turned toward him. He pushed back his glasses and held his head high. Only Lu knew how uncomfortable this was for him. She couldn’t see his hands, but she bet they were twisting at the gold ring he always wore.

  “What is the problem, Leeano, have the plants decided to shy away from you as well,” Prince Lecive teased. Lu glared at her eldest brother.

  Leo ignored Lecive’s comment. “During my travels I discovered a patch of white roses that had been coated in a red substance. This substance had a paint like texture when wet, but when dried the petals retained their original texture.”

  “What is it doing?” Ramor asked.

  “I’ll need to do more studies but the substance appears to be tainting the roses. The healing effects of the roses seem to be reversing.”

  The room went deathly silent. Everyone knew the importance of the white rose. If something was reversing the healing effects it spelled great danger for everyone.

  “Do we know what affect these red roses have on people?” Lu was the first to ask. She feared finding out but knew it had to be asked. The image of the flower painted on the wall of the cabin came back to her mind.

  You are a death curse.

  “There was a village near the garden. In the morning a young boy from the village was seen holding red roses. Later that evening his entire family was found murdered inside their home. The little boy took his own life.”

  The council room was silent. Lu looked around the room. She could see the fear on their faces. Lu didn’t blame them for being afraid. White roses were one of the few ways to reverse the effects of madness. If the white roses were in danger then so were they.

  “Are you saying the boy lost his mind within only a day of coming in contact with the roses.” The Red Queen asked.

  Leo shook his head. “Within hours.”

  The council room went silent again.

  “Impossible,” said Lord Amber. He was the only one in the council room dressed in all white. The only color in his wardrobe came from the green satchel draped over him with the symbol of the white queensland.

  “That’s the fastest it’s ever happened,” Lu said. She believed her brother, despite wishing that it wasn’t true.

  “I’ve spoken with several people from the village. All the accounts are the same,” Leo said.

  You are a death curse on our land. The woman’s words came back to her again. Lu closed her eyes. Maybe the woman was right. Things only seemed to be going from bad to worse since she’d taken the crown.

  Lu opened her eyes and looked at Leo. “Have you learned anything about reversing the effects of this red paint?”

  “No, none yet, but the good news is that it's not spreading. Unless the paint is placed directly on the rose there is no way for it to get infected.”

  Lu thought for a moment. “Will need to increase security around the gardens. Jack, have two more of our men posted at each one of our gardens.”

  Domicin nodded. Lu turned toward Lord Amber. “Write to your queensland. Ask them if they have any reports of white roses painted red. Then warn them of its effect.”

  “Are you sure you want to do that?” The Red Queen asked.

  “Of course, if the white roses are being tainted than it affects us all.”

  “Yes, that is true but The White Queen holds the biggest reserve of white roses. If your supplies suddenly become tainted than the white queensland will have even more power.”

  “Are you suggesting the White had something to do with this?” Lo
rd Amber asked.

  “All I’m saying is that the white queensland would have a lot to gain from the loss of our rose gardens.”

  The council members seemed to consider her words. A few even nodded in agreement.

  “We have a treaty with the White Queen.” Ramor said, knowing full well where this was heading.

  “And the treaty only has meaning as long as everybody is willing to play nice.” Lady Narshala glared back at Lord Amber.

  “So far the White Queen has kept to her promise and until we have evidence that proves other wise we will treat her as our ally. We will not start wars where wars are not needed, am I clear.” Lu glanced at each of the council members. Her eyes stopped on the queen.

  The Red Queen glared at her but Lu refused to back down. She would not have another war breaking out in her council room. The treaty had only been in place for thirty years and tensions were still high between the three. The Red Queensland had been in wars with both the Heart and White.

  “But perhaps we could send some of our men over to help protect your gardens,” Lecive offered The Red Queen.

  The council members all turned to look at Lu, waiting for her response. “I can have one extra man sent to each of your gardens if that would allow you to feel more secure,” Lu said.

  The Red Queen offered another tight smile. “It would, we’ve missed our boys.”

  Part of the agreement was that both red and white send men to train at the wall and serve for a time period. Each queensland had something to offer. Heart’s fighting style was without match.

  “Then I will have Jack prepare some men to return with you when you leave for The Red Queensland. Is there any other issues the council wishes to discuss?” Lu asked.

  This council meeting was taking too long. Too much had happened in the queensland since her parents' death and Lu needed time to process. Her entire body ached to leave this council room and never return.

  “We still haven’t discussed your wedding to my son,” The Red Queen said.

  Lu mentally sighed. If it were up to her she’d marry the prince right here and now. At least then she could focus on more pressing matters. She looked back over at the prince. His eyes were already on her. He offered her a small smile.

  “What is it you wish to discuss?” Lu asked.

  “Well for starters, it would be nice to set a date for the wedding. I’d really hate to be away from my queensland for so long.”

  “No, we wouldn’t want that. When do you think would be a good time for the wedding?”

  “Two months should be enough time for preparation,” The Red Queen said. Lu thought a week would be long enough but said nothing.

  “And I suppose the we will be financing it.”

  “We have card set aside for the wedding. If you should need it feel free to speak with me or our treasurer,” Ramor said.

  The Red Queen glanced over at him and frowned. “Trading cards for currency, Heart’s way of handling these things has always been strange to me. What real value does your paper have?” The Red Queen shook her head. “Perhaps, if we need spare flowers I’ll come to you.”

  Lu was too tired to even get angry at her insult. “Good, than if there’s nothing else…” She waited to see if the was another problem they wanted to add to her plate. When no one said anything Lu continued, “Than this meeting is over. Prince Lecive I’m sure you will have no problem showing the queen and prince to their chambers.”

  Lu stood from her chair. Everyone else stood up after her and bowed. Lu turned and left the council room. She was the first one out with Domicin and Leo following close behind.

  “It’s strange,” Leo said.

  Lu glanced back at him. “What is?”

  “Not being able to remember. Different from mother. I never used her name, but with you. You were always my little…” Leo frowned, unable to find the word.

  Lu felt her heart rise up to the back of her throat and had to swallow it back down.

  It’s still me, Leo. I’m still here. Please don’t look at me like that.

  Leo smiled. “I suppose you really are a queen now.”

  Lu smiled back. “I suppose I am.”

  32

  The Heart Queensland

  “Oh dear, you look awful,” Eleaa said when Lu entered the room.

  Lu gave her a small smile. “You always did know how to make me feel better, Eleaa.”

  “My apologies, your highness. Here, let me help you change.”

  Eleaa led Lu over to the mirror and began undressing her. When she was done Lu stood naked before the mirror. Lu looked at her body. It seemed so much smaller without her clothes. She could see her ribs moving as she breathed in and out. She turned so that her back was facing the mirror and stared down at it.

  A tangled black web. Lu placed her hand against the black rose. There was no difference between the textures of skin. Sometimes Lu would imagine it crawling against her back, moving and spreading out, but the mark never changed. It was always there, where it always had been.

  Eleaa handed Lu a washcloth so that she could wash her face. “I heard about what happened today.”

  Lu pulled the rag away from her face and held it tight in her hands. “I don’t want to talk about it.” She looked up at Eleaa, not trying to hide anything. “I’m tired of talking about it.”

  Eleaa walked over to Lu and pulled her into her arms. She held Lu against her chest. Lu closed her eyes and after a moment relaxed into Eleaa’s hold. She felt the older woman stroking back her hair. She fought back the urge to cry. Lu wanted to tell Eleaa everything but the words stuck at the back of her mouth.

  “All queenslands are sinking ships. Empires built to crumble. We just try to prolong the inevitable. Don’t blame yourself, sweet girl.” Eleaa pulled back and placed a kiss against Lu’s cheek. “This ship has been sinking long before you became captain.”

  Lu looked up at Eleaa and shook her head. “That’s not good enough, Eleaa. I can’t- I won’t give up. People die if I do.”

  “People die if you don’t.”

  Lu stepped back, brows furrowed in confusion. “Where is this coming from?”

  Eleaa reached out for Lu’s hands, pulling her back. “Nothing, my queen, it has just been a long night for both of us. Let me finish dressing you for bed.”

  Lu nodded. There’d already been enough talk of the dead. Lu didn’t want to prolong the conversation by asking any more questions. Eleaa helped her into her nightgown. Lu walked over to her dresser and kneeled down in front of the candelabra.

  “Merciful goddess, bring blessed morn,” Lu said pinching her fingers into the fire. She didn’t leave them in long enough to burn but when she pulled her fingers back there was a black residue on the tips. She pressed her thumb to her forehead leaving a black dot.

  Lu didn’t pray as often as she should at night, but on this occasion, it felt necessary. The mark would fade in her sleep, but while it remained the goddess would watch over her sleeping form.

  Lu stood. Eleaa pulled back her bed covers and Lu crawled into bed.

  Eleaa bent down and kissed Lu’s temple. “Growing up can mean facing hard truths, but you must remember to take care of yourself. There are people who love you even when you’re not the queen.”

  “He didn’t remember,” Lu whispered.

  “What?”

  Lu shook her head. “Nothing.” Of course, Leo hadn’t remembered. The power of the goddess made the spell absolute.

  Not completely, her thoughts whispered. The image of the bloody Lulana flashed in her mind.

  Lu turned over on her side. “Good night, Eleaa.”

  “Good night, my queen.”

  The door closed and Lu closed her eyes soon after. Sleep came easier than she would have expected.

  The candles flickered before extinguishing. Thin trails of smoke rose from their burnt wicks. Eyes still closed, Lu shivered deeper into her covers.

  She dreamt of a ballroom where the dead danced all around
her. Her dance partner was a tall man made to look even taller by his top hat. She couldn’t see his face, no matter how hard she tried. He pulled Lu’s body closer until her chest pressed into him. She smelt the scent of tea and spices heavy in the air. His body was cold as ice, the chill of his skin spreading out with every touch. He leaned down so that she could feel the curve of his smile against her cheek.

  “Soon,” He whispered.

  The ballroom erupted into laughter.

  33

  Dion slid his thumb across the screen of his phone ending the call. It was the fifth time he’d tried to contact Tiffany and for the fifth time he’d been greeted by Tiffany’s annoying answering machine. He hadn’t heard from her since she texted him.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Dion looked up to see his little sister, Amber, standing in the doorway. She was still dressed in her school uniform, checkered skirt and yellow button down. Five years his junior, Amber attended a private school. It was the same one Dion had attended before transferring.

  Dion put his phone back into his pocket. “Nothing, Bee. Did you finish your homework?”

  “You know I finish my homework during free period. Stop trying to change the subject,” Amber said, crossing her arms over her chest.

  Dion stood up and walked over to his sister. “I’m not changing the subject.” He passed her.

  Amber followed him down the hall. ”Then how come you won't tell me what’s wrong?”

  “Because it’s nothing.”

  “That’s such bull.”

  “Hey, watch your mouth,” Dion said looking over his shoulder. Amber rolled her eyes and shook her head. He was beginning to think he let his little sister spend too much time with Tiffany. Their mannerisms were starting to mirror each other. One Tiffany was all his sanity could take.

  He walked into the kitchen and pulled out a loaf of bread. His mother had just gone shopping. The refrigerator was fully loaded, a blessed sight. He grabbed some turkey slices and placed it all on the table. Amber sat down next to him. She watched as her brother started to prepare a sandwich.

  “You want one?” Dion asked pointing to the bread.