by Janeal Falor
“Not yet,” Venda says to him. “You need rest.”
He stays down but looks around the room until his gaze stops on me.
Does he remember that I tried to kill him? It was my fingers, my actions that put this thing into motion.
Dagger the First Queen and her controlling ways. I should have realized what she was when I met her, shouldn’t have been taken in by her soothing voice and ways. There has to be a way to fight this, but I don’t know what it is.
“What happened?” Nash asks.
Venda shoos everyone out of the room, except me and Jaku. Once the door is closed tight, she looks at me. “Tell him what happened.”
“I—I…” Can’t manage to get the words out. I clear my throat and try again. “I shot you with the darts. The poison got in your system, and Venda saved you.”
He grimaces, opens his mouth, looks at Venda, and snaps it shut.
“You people want to tell me what is going on?” Venda asks. “Why Ryn shot Nash, who she clearly cares about?”
A blush heats my cheeks, but I ignore it. Now is not the time to worry over who knows about my feelings. I glance at Jaku, who says, “It’s up to you.”
Would it be better for her to know or not? She’s helped us so far, and she believes in magic. I’d like to think that she’s on our side. “It may have been my body that shot him, but it wasn’t me.” I take a steadying breath. “The Mortum Tura does more than choose a queen. It makes the very first queen of Valcora part of whoever it chooses. At first, she said she was here to guide me, but I’ve since learned she’s there to try to take me over, so she can rule once again. It’s happens every time someone survives the Mortum Tura for the past thousand years.”
Venda purses her lips. “I was afraid a darkness was over your country, though I had no idea it was this bad.”
“Do you know a way to break the bond?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “None. It is dark, dark magic that made this. My people stay away from such things. Is this why you are practicing magic?”
“It’s why I’m trying to learn. Yes.”
“I see.” She turns her attention back to Nash, who’s trying to sit up again. Instead of scolding him, this time she helps him up. “Jaku, please fetch him a glass of water.”
Nash leans against the wall, head back and eyes closed. If only I could go to him.
Jaku leaves the room and returns a moment later with a cup of water. Venda helps Nash drink. The room is too quiet for what I’ve revealed to Venda. Do they blame me for drinking the Mortum Tura and bringing this down upon them all? Because I do.
Chapter 23
There’s no way to protect myself, and at the same time, protect those I love. The thought plagues me as I sit, unable to do much in this dreary, dark room. In my mind’s eye, I can still see Nash on the ground, jerking and twisting in ways he couldn’t control.
“Ryn?” Inkga’s voice pulls me out of my trance.
When did she get here? I want to berate myself for not paying attention, but I can’t find the enough energy to do so.
When I don’t respond, she says, “They’ve got Nash in the healing wing. He’s doing fine. They said he needs a couple days, and he’ll be back to himself.”
That stirs me. “Good.”
“Also, someone is here to see you.”
Who would want to see me? Jaku insisted on standing guard by himself, and Inkga is the only other person to come in my rooms. Venda left with Nash and hasn’t been back all evening.
Inkga opens the door, and Jem comes in. Inkga gives me a small smile before leaving.
I pull my thoughts together. Doesn’t matter how I’m feeling; I have a job to do. “How are you?”
“Is it true that the woman from Faner used magic on Nash?” she asks.
“Hello to you too.”
“Answer the question.”
This riles me. “Why are you being so rude?”
“Sorry, Ryn. I just want to know. It feels important.”
I contemplate denying it, but a whole slew of guards saw Venda. “She did.”
“And do you know magic?”
Not where I expected her to go. I thought she'd curse Venda having magic. “Why does it matter?”
“Because something hasn’t been adding up for a while now, and it’s surrounding you.”
“What if I practice magic? I’m free to do as I please.” It’s not true. As the queen, I’m trapped by more expectations, laws, and scrutiny than any other individual.
“People are calling Venda a witch. Some are wondering if you brought her here on purpose.”
I give a fake, sharp laugh. “I have no say in what Venda does. She’s more her own person than anyone I’ve ever met before.”
“I’m serious, Ryn. People are upset. Some are saying Venda was the one who hurt Nash and anyone could be next.”
“Now that’s just stupid.”
“Maybe, but fear changes people. Makes them think of the worst.”
“And magic would be the worst?”
She hesitates. “I’m not sure. As your Head Advisor, I need to know where you stand.”
I let out a long breath, wishing it was long enough to bore Jem and make her leave. When she doesn’t go, I say, “I have been enchanting items, yes, but it’s not what you think. You have to promise me you won’t say a thing. What I’m about to tell you is the country’s greatest secret.”
“I promise.”
Do I trust her? I make a swift decision. “The Mortum Tura is magic.”
“I could have guessed that.”
I go on, like I didn’t hear her. “It has a dark magic that imbues the very first queen of Valcora into the partakers that live.”
She takes a step back. “No. Ryn, you can’t talk like this. It’s going to get you executed for insanity.”
“It’s true. I know it’s hard to believe, but you have to trust me.”
She bites her lower lip. Her words come out as a whisper. “This is crazy talk.”
What can I say to reassure her? “Haven’t you wondered why I don’t always act like myself? Why I do unexpected things?”
She tilts her head to the side.
I bite my cheek. I hope giving her a moment to process all of this will help and not have her running for someone to haul me off to my death.
“This is bad, isn’t it?” she asks.
I hold back a sigh of relief. She believes me. “Very. The First Queen is not kind, and she’s trying to take me over, like she’s done to countless women before me. She wants to reign over this people forever. I’m determined not to let that happen.”
“This is why you pardoned Daros, isn’t it? He has something to do with this?”
“Unfortunately, yes. He claims he has the knowledge to defeat her.”
“But does he?”
I proceed to tell her the information he’s given us and how we’ve put it to use. By the time I’m done, she’s scowling.
By the time I’m done, she’s scowling. “It sounds like he doesn’t know what he’s doing.”
“But he must have some sort of plan. Not even Venda knew what to do about Androlla.”
“Who?”
“The First Queen.”
She takes a seat next to me. “I will try to help you the best I can.”
“Thank you. We’ve been reading a lot of books from the library, but there are so many, and with only a few of us and limited time, we’re not making as much progress as I’d like.”
“I can assist you with that, and I’ll keep your secret, but are you… safe to be around?”
I press my lips together, remembering what it felt like to watch Nash get hit with dart after dart, and not be able to do anything about it. “It’s definitely not safe.”
She’s silent a moment before nodding. “I can handle that.”
“Even if it means your death?”
“From what you’ve described, it’s going to be more than just my death, should we fail, so y
es.”
“Thank you. Your assistance will be much appreciated.”
“I’ll do what I can. I’ll try to tamp down the rumors of magic.”
A sudden thought hits me. “No. This country is going to have to deal with magic sooner or later. Might as well get them started.”
“All right, but I recommend keeping quiet on Androlla. I don’t think people will like magic to begin with, and having a voice in your head doesn’t sound good.”
“That’s what I was thinking,” I say.
Inkga comes in. “If you’re finished, I’ll help you get ready for bed.”
I realize it’s late, and I have some words for Androlla.
Jem gives her goodbyes, and Inkga to helps me change for the night.
Jaku comes in the room when we’re done.
“You’re going to wear yourself out,” I say.
“I’ll be fine. Julina should be on shift tomorrow.”
“She’s feeling better?”
“For a while now. She’s aching to get back on the job.”
I bet she is. “Thank you for letting me know. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
“Just taking cues from you.”
I shake my head and turn my attention to Inkga. “Thank you.”
“Of course, Ryn.”
She makes to go, but I ask, “Have you heard rumors about magic?”
She freezes. Without turning around, she says, “I have.”
“What do you think of them?”
She faces me. “I trust that people will comes to terms with it sooner or later.”
“You’re not worried about being caught doing magic? We have spent a lot of time with Venda.”
“I am a little worried, but I have hope that it will turn out all right in the end.”
Good enough for me. Especially since I don’t share her optimism. I’m not about to knock it away from her, though. “Goodnight, then, Inkga.”
“Goodnight, Ryn.”
She’s gone, and I close my eyes. Sleep doesn’t take long in coming.
The colors of sunset sweep into view in a blur across the sky. I whip around and spot Androlla, sitting serenely nearby. I march up to her and smack her across the face. The sting smarts my cheek but doesn’t wake me. I was prepared for it this time.
She widens her eyes for a brief moment before she starts to laugh.
I back up, watching her until she calms.
She says, “My methods are wearing you down.”
“You will not bring the people I love into this.”
She stands, growing bigger and taller than ever, until she’s looking down at me. “I will do whatever I want to win this war.”
She shrinks back as she returns to her sitting position, and I pretend what happened doesn’t bother me.
“Aren’t you going jogging today?” she asks.
“I’ll do what I want, when I want.”
“Because this is the only place you have that type of control.”
The urge to smack her again is so strong, I have to take several steps back to keep from hitting her. “I will win.”
Her only reply is a giggle.
“Why did you do it? Why hurt Nash?” I ask.
“The truth?” Her voice turns menacing. “Because if I can’t kill you, I will kill everyone and everything you love.”
I turn my back to her and run.
Chapter 24
Inkga rolls my chair into a meeting room with a window. Though I can see guards standing outside, I’m grateful for the view. Without it, it’s like being in Daros’s room of torture.
Eldim and Julina are in the room. It’s the first I’ve seen of her since she was injured, but this isn’t the time to talk because others are here.
Nash was supposed to join us since he’s feeling better after days of resting, but he didn’t show up. Is he avoiding me? I wish I could see him, but I focus on the couple that is here. A weight lifts from my chest, and I give them a genuine smile.
They curtsy and bow.
Kapeni, the woman who taught me to read, has the biggest grin on her face. It dims as she looks at my chair, but returns when she meets my gaze. “We’re pleased to join you here, Queen Ryn.”
“We’re friends. Please call me Ryn.”
“I might not be able to do that, but I’ll try.”
“Coplo, how are you? How was the journey?” I ask.
“Truth be told, it was long. My old bones aren’t used to such trips.” He is older than I thought; there’s gray in his hair and wrinkles at the corner of his eyes. Kapeni is the same, but her appearance seems as it did in my youth. When I met them on my journey, I was so excited to see her again. I didn’t pay attention to their appearance.
They both wear fine clothes. She has her gray hair pulled back into a bun, at the nape of her neck. Her smile makes me want to smile back. He’s gruffer, not grinning as much as she does, but when he does, it lights up his face—even those gray eyes of his.
“I’m sorry it wasn’t easier on you,” I say. “I’m grateful you’ll be staying a while. Hopefully that’ll give you time to recover from your journey.”
“Only to be worn out again. But that’s not what we came here to talk about. I’ve had my man of business draw up all the papers needed to sell you the mine.”
“I’ve looked them over, as has the rest of the council.” I snuck them in between practicing magic and dealing with Daros. “We are all in favor of the contract, and I’m ready to sign it today.”
“Good.”
A servant comes forward and offers Coplo a quill. He scratches his name on both contracts before returning it to the servant. The servant then takes the papers and places them under my hand. He dips the quill in ink and closes my fingers around it. As I sign, I realize it’s easier than before. It gives me hope for the future, that I may gain some of my strength back. My name is even legible. I sign the second copy, and it’s as clear as the first.
Kapeni claps. “I’m thrilled that the mine will be put to such good use. We worried so much over it, since we don’t have children to pass it down to.”
“I’m grateful we could purchase it from you,” I say. “I’m hoping it will help a lot of people.”
The servant hands Coplo his copy of the contract and takes the other away to be stored with official government papers.
“Now, tell me more about yourself,” I say. “I want to know it all. I’ve missed out on so much.”
They glance at each other, and something passes between them—the type of communication only possible between people in love.
“The truth is,” Kapeni says, “we wanted to come to Indell, now that the mine is sold. It may take some work to sell the house, but we can do it. Then we can come back to the place I grew up in. Although, I’m not certain. I heard you pardoned Daros?”
I don’t want to have to explain this again, though she deserves to know. “I did.”
She nods, a faraway look in her eyes. “I won’t pretend to understand your reasoning, but I would like to know that you and others are safe from him.”
“Including you and your husband.”
“Yes.”
But I have nothing to give them. I shoo the servants out of the room. Everyone leaves, except for Eldim and Julina. This will be news to her, but Eldim understands what’s going on. I hope she takes it well. Then again, she’s probably heard the rumors. “We are doing what we can with him. I can’t guarantee anything, but we’ve got him closely guarded.”
“And you think that’s enough?” Coplo asks. “You have to understand my concern for my wife. If I bring her back here, I don’t want anything to happen to her.”
“I do understand. While I’d like to assure you that you’ll both be one hundred percent safe, I can’t. No one can. The most I can offer is that we’re doing our best. That, and Daros may not even remember her, since many years have passed.”
Kapeni nods. “I suppose that will do for now. Do you expect the situation to last?�
��
“Honestly, I don’t know.”
“Very well.” She hesitates.
“What is it?” What is she’s not willing to say?
“I don’t know if I should ask.”
“This is me, remember? I used to tell you everything, even though it's been some years. It’s time you did the same.”
She pauses before saying, “When we last saw you, everything was fine. What happened that put you in this chair with wheels?”
I was worried she was going to ask something like that. “I was poisoned.” I hope they don’t ask by who.
“That’s awful. Who would do such a thing?”
Knife it all. “It was Daros.”
She gasps. “And you still pardoned him?”
“The circumstances are not ideal, but I’m doing the best I can with what I have.”
She’s quiet for so long. She must be disgusted with me.
I say, “He’s not the same man he was. Not that I’m excusing his behavior, but he’s… worn. He’s lost most of what he had before, including many of his material possessions and much of his physical stature. His mind isn’t as sharp as it once was. This doesn’t excuse anything, but it does make me feel a little better about keeping him around for what I need.”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to me. I was thinking how hard this must be on you.”
I clench my jaw, willing my emotions away before they get the better of me.
“I have to know,” she says. “Is he working as an assassin for you?”
I burst out laughing. “Daggers, no.” If only it was that easy. I’d hire a different assassin and be done with him. “Our arrangement is more complicated than that.”
“You don’t have to tell me about it, dear.” She leans over and goes to pat my hand. Her husband grabs her arm and gently pulls her back, and she gets a knowing look on her face. “I want you to be safe.”
“I’m doing what I can. It’s not as easy as it was when I had full control over my body.” The admission stings.
“Maybe it’s not about how much control you have over your body, but what you do with your mind that will make the difference.”
