by Nicole Adamz
Sniffing, I invaded Niles’s space while he scolded me, forcing him to step back uncomfortably. Words sputtered on his lips when I pressed him against the wall and breathed in. Niles swallowed nervously.
“Ari?” he said uncertainly. Niles cringed away from my exploring hands, his eyes widening when they headed south. “Skies! Ari, whoa! You look nice, but…uh…we’re just friends,” he said with a nervous laugh.
Firmly grabbing my hands, he sidled away. I swatted at him, sniffing the air. Sweets! Comprehension dawned on his face, and he looked around. Dragging me past the Inner Courtyard and into the Outer Courtyard, he fished a small package from his tunic.
“Here, I’ll share. It’s not often we attend these events, so I thought I’d try the food. Rations at the Tower are lean, but food will help you,” Niles said. “You can have half—” I shoved whole the sweet into my mouth.
“Ari! It wasn’t all for you!” he groaned. I gave Niles a sticky-sweet smile and staggered against him. It is now, I thought drowsily.
“Okay, we need to sober you up,” Niles said irritably, putting an arm around my waist.
My eyes closed at the warmth. I opened them when Niles’s breath softly fanned my face. His lips were inches away. What’s it like to kiss someone? I thought fuzzily. Niles grimaced.
“You have sugar here,” he said, wiping my mouth with a glare. “I guess this is the only part of the sweet I’ll get,” he said, licking his thumb.
If only…I thought whimsically. Shaking my head, I jarred myself against Niles’s broad chest. No, we’re friends. That’s all. Breathing in, I stepped out of his embrace. The air was crisp with change.
Niles led me to a fountain in the Outer Courtyard crafted by an Azoic Caelum to look like a natural waterfall splitting the lush forest scenery. I splashed water on my face, scrubbing around my nose before drinking handfuls of the cold liquid. Feeling more like myself, I walked towards Niles. He stood beneath a shifting tree, and we melded into its gloom.
“My shift fell on an active week,” Niles sighed, looking at the sky.
Remnants of unhappiness clung to him. “Why were you by yourself?” he said carefully.
I studied Niles’s face, knowing instinctively his question didn’t concern me. A sliver of hurt pricked my heart. That’s right, Ari. Friends. It was stupid to wish for more simply because Niles might be my only chance for a Life-Bond. Niles is like an old blanket: warm and comfortable.
I looked away from his shadowed eyes, shrugging with feigned indifference. He motioned to the Warders flying in tight-knit patterns above the Aerie. “From what I saw the High Lord likes Maewyn,” he pressed.
I scrunched my lips, nodding. The High Lord is interested in Maewyn—and my sister. My jaw clenched. I never thought Willow, with her cool logic, would be a social climber. She’s already achieved an elite status in Summit as the first female Healer in the Sanatorium.
Niles regarded my dark face, weighing his next words carefully. “I was serious earlier. That man isn’t someone you and Maewyn should be around.”
Confused, I cocked my head. What man? A vague impression of a shadowed face with dark hair swam in my mind. The one that wanted to help me?
“I warned Maewyn about him, but you need to know in case she didn’t listen,” Niles said, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck, “I know it’s not my place. She rejected me, but he’s dangerous.” I raised my brows.
“You know what I mean.” Niles said.
I studied his face. Is he thinner than the last time we met? When I stuck my tongue out Niles rolled his eyes.
“If I had something that nasty in my mouth, I’d stick it out too, squirrel face.” He chuckled, lifting a hand to flick a springing brown curl next to my cheek. “You look pretty, Ari. Even with the boots.” Grinning, I wiggled my feet.
“I have to go. I’ve left my partner alone for too long. He’ll start thinking I became an intense distraction for a group of women who carried me to a secluded spot to have their wicked ways with me,” Niles said, suggestively wiggling his eyebrows.
He deftly pushed into the sky, a nameless shadow in seconds. I stood under the tree, absorbing the moment. His statement lingered, and a slow smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. A shadow streaked through the greenery, and I glanced over at the movement.
A dark figure slunk silently into the Inner Courtyard. A flash of gold pierced the darkness, glinting eerily. I stared at the spot, my skin prickling. Was someone watching us? I shook off the disturbing thought and prepared to leave. No, we probably intruded on lovers.
Flying above the Aerie was prohibited for non-Warders, so I walked through the main gate before launching into the sky. Gliding over the Main Holding’s wall, I was uneasy at the barrenness of the empty shops at the Market District, but I reveled in the chilled air against my wine-flushed skin.
Small dots of light, like fireflies, winked in and out far below inside the Inner Holding. Two or three lights clustered together before dying, and after a few wingspans the pattern repeated. The lights swam together fuzzily, and I tried clearing my blurred vision. I’m still a little drunk.
When I reached our suite, I carefully peeled off the midnight blue dress, folding it in the back of my dresser. Putting on my shift, I donned my pendant and settled at my desk out of habit. My mind stumbled over the symbols and words in the open tomes, trying to decipher them. After a few minutes intense frustration set in.
The symbols wobbled. Is it the wine? Making a mental note never to imbibe again, I breathed deeply to calm my frazzled nerves. The small hairs on my skin waved at the cold air in the room, and I shivered, ruffling my wings for warmth. After stoking a fire in the pot belly stove in the corner, I touched the vial of sleep tonic on my nightstand. The dark yellow liquid glistened temptingly. This was the last vial the Sanatorium would send me unless I saw a Healer. What if I’m assigned to Willow? I made a face.
They’re only dreams, so I’ll use it sparingly. I put the tincture down and said a quick prayer before settling into bed. The twinkling stars in my small window lulled me asleep.
Chapter 18
Maewyn
IRAN A FINGER DOWN the gilded bed post, tracing the carved leaves around it. A quiver racked my body, fighting exhaustion. Ari’s parting expression flashed into my mind. I closed my eyes, regret piercing my heart. She doesn’t understand the pressure I’m under from my family.
An Anomaly entered, silently undressing me before putting my belongings in the intricately engraved armoire. The Anomaly drew a steaming bath, and I sat listlessly while she washed me. I took a shallow breath. Can I do this? I stared at the wall while the Anomaly brushed my hair. Can I really do this?
My stomach coiled tightly at the tray holding a pair of glimmering Rascette Cuffs and an array of body oils. The silver metal was worked into a twisting, intricate design threaded with the barest hint of gold. This will give our family status and power, and Castia doesn’t question our assignments. But…can I give my body to High Lord Bera after everything I went through with Greerson?
I took a deep breath. I’ve come this far. I can’t back out now. Strengthening my resolve, I randomly chose an oil, applying it before putting on the contraceptive cuffs. They’re heavier than they look, I thought anxiously. Like my family’s expectations. My stomach dropped at the thought of what I was going to do. Merchant Class. That’s all we are to High Families; a group of people that buy, sell, and trade for profit—even ourselves.
I almost laughed at the irony, but the reality was too bitter. I’m trading myself for power. Old anger at almost being forced into a Life-Bond with Caelum Greerson speared through me. Castia insinuated that if I fail my assignment, they’ll give me to someone else. Well, the High Lord isn’t my assignment, but once I’m the High Lady they’ll bow before me.
High Lord Bera was older than Heir Talon, but he had more power. If tonight had gone differently I’d be waiting for Heir Talon, but opportunities to meet the royal family were rare. I had to
take the ones presented. When the Anomaly extinguished all but a single glowing lantern, I carefully blanked my mind. This is my chance.
I sat in the middle of the room, trying not to fidget inside the sheer gown I wore, and stared into the dim glow of the lantern beside the door. I stared and stared until the small light snuffed out. The stiffness in my joints told me I’d been waiting for a long time. Shame and anger coursed darkly through me. High Lord Bera isn’t coming. Is he with Castia? Willow? Another woman?
The Rascette Cuffs scraped against my skin when I pried them off, angrily throwing them into the obscurity of the room. I wanted to cry, releasing the humiliation clawing at my throat. Instead, I stumbled to the bed, threw back the covers, and climbed in. I had just settled into the mattress when the faint click of a latch reached my ears. My breathing hitched. He’s here.
My heart beat against my ribs, a frantic rhythm filled with nerves and excitement. A small, swinging lantern hung close to the floor, illuminating High Lord Bera’s feet. His robed figure was blurred in the murky shadows. Everything I’d rehearsed became a void when the light neared. I squeezed my eyes shut, pretending to sleep. Heavy breathing suffused the air, and seconds smeared into each other.
A trembling hand caressed the hair spilling across my pillow. I pretended to stir, keeping my eyes closed. The hand bunched in my hair, tightening painfully. I almost choked. Memories of Caelum Greerson threatened to intrude, and I fought to steady my breathing. The lantern was quickly extinguished, immersing us in darkness. Why doesn’t he say something?
Fingertips smoothed my forehead and cheeks, resting on my lips. I can do this, I reminded myself. This is my choice. I’m giving myself to High Lord Bera. Opening my eyes, I stared at the dark figure. I bit my lip at the tense, silent expectancy filling the room.
High Lord Bera nuzzled his face against me. This is the only way to make him fall in love with me. I tightly clenched the soft mattress, willing myself to relax. If I didn’t think about the consequences it was easier. I will be free, I reassured myself, making my choice. I turned my head, squeezing my eyes shut.
When the morning light edged across the pillow, I rolled over with a forced smile. High Lord Bera hadn’t said a word the entire night, but I convinced myself to be pleased. I can’t go back now. My smile flickered, dying at the empty bed.
I sat up, wrapping the stained sheets around me. He left? An Anomaly entered and discreetly bowed at me before filling the tub and exiting the room. I waited until the door closed before swinging a leg off the bed, wincing. Surely, he’ll visit me this morning.
When the Anomaly came to wash me, I made her do it twice, so I smelled divine when she finished. While she brushed and styled my hair, I stared around the room with new eyes. Will this be my room, or will I have something closer to the High Lord’s quarters until I become the High Lady? A secret smile played across my face, but a small wink in the sunlight caught my gaze. I stared at the spot until the silver and gold Rascette Cuffs materialized under the glare of the morning sun.
Shock coursed through me. Skies! The Rascette Cuffs! I forgot about them when High Lord Bera came into my room! A hand flew to my stomach. Is it possible after one night? A huge grin bloomed on my mouth. This could be the most fortuitous thing about the entire evening! What if I’m carrying the direct Heir?
When the Anomaly finished dressing me, I hummed and smoothed against my dress. My fingers brushed against something in the hidden pocket. Curious, I pulled it out. An odd piece of silver sat in my hand. I don’t remember wearing this. Flipping the metal over, nausea swamped me. An amber tulip hairpin, identical to the one I threw away, fell from my listless hand.
How could it have gotten in my pocket? The only time I wasn’t wearing this dress was when…images from last night flashed through my mind. A shadowed, silent man with a familiar touch. NO! He can’t reach me in here.
Horror ripped through me. Please, Aeolus, don’t let it be true. Shudders racked my body, and I rushed to the waste pot, vomiting. Soured wine from the previous evening heaved into its noxious depths. A light sheen of sweat coated my shaking body.
My mind raced to make sense of events. Caelum Greerson couldn’t know which room I was in. My stomach squeezed tightly at the lack of solid answers, threatening to convulse around whatever was left in my stomach. When the Anomaly walked in with breakfast, I was on my knees. My mind raced through possible scenarios, revulsion holding me immobile as I stared blankly at the discarded hairpin. This can’t be possible. There’s no proof. I formed a Mate-Bond with High Lord Bera—not Greerson!
“Are you alright? Are you sick?” the Anomaly said with worry.
I swiped the tulip comb off the floor, shoving it deep into my pocket. No one can know. My hand hovered briefly over my stomach. If…if there is a fledgling, no one must know it might not belong to High Lord Bera. Even the family. Especially the family. I steeled myself, clenching my hand around my dress pocket.
The Anomaly reached for my shoulder, touching my wing, and I jerked away with an angry hiss. She immediately backed away, dropping her eyes submissively. I wiped the silent, warm tears off my face and squared my shoulders. Stalking from the room, I shoved my hand into my pocket. The metal pricked my skin. I must know for sure. Then I can do what I need to. I blindly wondered the hallway, searching the nearby rooms for the High Lord.
This section had closed gold-plated doors. Elegant archways speared into open sky between rooms, providing social areas replete with pillows and tables. They were empty. I’d been placed in a vacant part of the Aerie. I walked down numerous halls, turning when I came to an intersection. Each empty room turned my resolve into iron.
Even if it wasn’t High Lord Bera… my thoughts stumbled, and I paused at another vacant social area. I took a deep breath. Even if it wasn’t…no one else knows that. I reached another junction in the Aerie’s labyrinth and turned right, trying hard to remember the direction I’d taken to my suite last night. Somehow, I found myself in a shadowed pathway of arches twisting into the sky.
Beautifully manicured gardens spilled on both sides, spreading beyond the eye’s view. Bright sunlight spanned an archway, crossed the marble floor, and crowned Healer Willow in a glimmering pool. Framed between two columns, her slender silhouette was showcased in a golden gown.
I almost gasped, teetering on the brink of awe and rage at the sight of her. She looks like a ray of sunlight, I thought venomously. Was High Lord Bera with her last night? Healer Willow’s ebony hair spilled down her back in a shadow, emphasizing her bright wings. The Healer’s Coronet sat casually on her brow, and her slanted midnight blue eyes regarded me coolly. Dark berry colored lips quirked into a smirk.
“Sleep well?” she asked in a saccharine voice.
I carefully sneered, “I was busy all night.”
Surprise flickered across her face. “You had a visitor?”
I scoffed, the noise almost choking me. “Like you don’t know.”
“You jumped eagerly at the High Lord, but I attended him last night,” Healer Willow said imperiously.
My throat closed at the information. “Every woman wants to be in the Aerie,” I garbled out.
Healer Willow examined her nails. “Perhaps. But at what cost? If you spread lies I negate, what will that cost you? Your reputation? Your career? Your family?”
Healer Willow smiled mockingly, her navy eyes boring into me. I wanted to protest but didn’t dare. Last night I’d convinced myself a lie was the truth, and Healer Willow was offering proof. If she spent the evening with High Lord Bera, then someone else was with me.
Blue eyes watched me intently, the look so reminiscent of Ari it made me uneasy. What will I tell Ari? I swallowed. It doesn’t matter. Ari doesn’t need to know the truth. She wouldn’t understand. I kept my face blank, meeting Healer Willow’s gaze unflinchingly as I’d been taught. Glancing at the matching Rascette Cuffs adorning Healer Willow’s wrists, I smirked. A large ruby bracelet sat above one cuff, no doubt a gift
from the High Lord. Payment for services rendered. She’s no better than me.
Amusement and pity flashed in her eyes. Rage boiled deep inside. She thinks she’s high and mighty as the High Lord’s current pretty bird, but I’ll knock her down.
“The exit is that way,” Willow said with a sweeping gesture, pointing down the path. I didn’t bother speaking when I walked past, swishing my dress away from her.
“Oh, and Caelum,” Healer Willow called after me. I didn’t stop walking, so she raised her voice, “Make sure I don’t see you or your Tyro anywhere near the Aerie. Neither of you belong here.”
I pretended not to hear her as I entered a different section and found myself in another series of empty hallways. Where is everyone? My velvet slippers whispered across the floor. I turned a corner at random, frustrated with the Aerie’s inner maze. I haven’t even seen any Anomalies other than the one in my chamber, and the only other person I’ve met is Healer Willow. I’d rather not repeat that experience.
The distant clinking of glasses and silverware drew me down another hallway. I stopped at the cusp of a large dining room brimming with people, hovering in the doorway. A collection of Caelum caught my eye, and I recognized a few from last night. When the crowd shifted, I saw him. My stomach tightened, threatening to revolt again.
Thin, ash blonde hair hung around the sharp-nosed face with skin stretching across razor cheekbones, puckering with strain whenever he moved his reedy mouth. Pale, almost translucent, blue eyes full of clever ambition darted around the room while he spoke. Caelum Greerson. The name—the person—was poison to my mind.
Disgust and fear propelled me backward. The large Aerie doors sat open at the end of the long hallway. I tried to slip silently away, but those sharp eyes met mine, pinning me. An unpleasant smile stretched across wide, reedy lips. When Caelum Greerson moved forward, a gaggle of Caelum following him, instinct kicked in. I wiped the fear off my face and summoned a polite smile.
