“Are they here yet?” Kahlynn asked again.
“Not yet, but I think we have other matters to discuss, don’t we?” Allie eyed her niece with a frown. “Out with it, kid. What do you got for me?”
The girl emptied her coat pockets of chocolate bars, potato chips, and snack cakes she'd pilfered from the kitchen when Naeemah wasn't looking.
“Did you forget your great-grandpa?” The Scholar gave the little girl a wounded look.
“No way, Gramps.” Kahlynn handed him a fist full of beef jerky.
"You two are diabolical.” Darius shook his head as he watched them from kitchen doorway. “Using the kid to feed your bad habits.”
Allie beamed at the sight of him, the Syntrophos bond igniting between them like a living thing. “You’re just sad because she didn’t bring you anything.” Allie tore into a bag of potato chips, sharing a secretive smile with her niece.
“Alísun doesn’t think jerky qualifies as real food.” Sighing, Alexander leaned back in his overstuffed armchair. “I beg to differ.” He cracked open a beef stick and inhaled the spicy scent. “It’s the best food there is.”
“You two are dangerous.” Darius came to sit beside Allie. “What kind of trouble did you get up to yesterday? Your cover story of ‘going out to dinner’ was total BS.”
"We went skydiving," Alexander said.
"In the dead of winter?" Darius asked.
“It was awesome.” Allie leaned across the side table to give her grandpa a high-five. Of all her Immortal family, she’d slipped into her relationship with Alexander as if she’d known him her whole life. He was so easy to love, and it didn’t hurt that they were pretty much the same person.
"So that's why my heart stopped for no reason yesterday afternoon?" Darius said. "Give me a heads up next time you two decide to get destructive."
"Sorry, Dare." She squeezed his hand. Their bond hummed with the satisfaction of reunion.
“Where are they now, Allie?” Kahlynn asked eagerly.
Allie glanced around, checking for the ghostly images still wandering about the room. “Oh, it looks like they’re in the tunnel. You’d better go if you want to meet them in the hall.”
Kahlynn shot to her feet and raced across the common room. “Daddy’s home!”
Allie took a deep breath, pushing the spectral figures back into her peripheral vision now that she no longer needed them. Her chest heated with the use of her power, casting her world with a tinge of green light as the forms reluctantly receded. Just as she exhaled, she thought she saw some familiar faces among the shapeless blobs but couldn’t be certain. It was a struggle to force the visions out of her main line of sight, but once she managed it, they stayed there. She could still see them, but it made it easier to function if they weren’t right in front of her face.
“Where are my girls?” Liam's voice echoed across the vaulted hall as he raced to scoop Kahlynn up into a big bear hug and kept moving into the common to envelop Allie in his arms—Kahlynn clinging to him like a monkey.
“We missed you,” Allie said, burrowing into her brother's side. A month was a long time to be away from her brother and sister—who were now married. To each other. “Where’s your sister-wife?” She grinned up at him.
Liam rolled his eyes. “We’ve told you a thousand times, your sister is not my sister. That’s not how this works.”
“My mortal brain just can’t see it like that.”
“The natural bond between us would have been as brother and sister-in-law, but because we met first and neither of us knew Livia, we bonded as brother and sister instead because that was the only way we could understand our relationship. It does not make Livia my sister and my wife.”
“If you say so, bro.” Allie slapped him on the back. She got it. It made perfect sense, but she liked messing with him.
“Stop teasing him, Allie,” Livia said as she entered the room. “Even though he does make a rather large and easy target.” She winked, reaching to hug Allie. “I missed you way more than I care to admit.” Livia gave her an extra squeeze, almost cutting off her circulation.
“Missed you too, Liv.” Allie gazed into her sister’s silver eyes. Those eyes used to be so full of hate and resentment, but now they sparkled with happiness. Livia was still a guarded and severe woman. She probably always would be, but Allie also knew her sister didn’t feel like she deserved the life she had now. Allie sometimes still felt a lingering resentment toward the woman her sister used to be, but Livia was not that woman anymore. She’d redeemed herself and deserved whatever goodness life had in store for her now.
“Can I have the munchkin now?” Livia held out her arms. “I need to squeeze her.”
Liam beamed as he passed his daughter to her mother.
“I missed you … Mom.” Kahlynn buried her face in Livia’s shoulder.
Livia wrapped her arms around the girl, inhaling the scent of her hair. “I missed you, too, Munchkin.”
“What’d you bring me?” Kahlynn glanced up at her mother.
“Your mom has plans to spoil you rotten with all the presents she brought home from our honeymoon,” Liam said. “But I need to get a report on your behavior before you get anything.” Liam grasped Kahlynn’s hand as he turned to Allie. “Give it to me straight, Auntie Allie. Was she a holy terror for you or your parents?”
“I don’t know what you mean. Kahlynn’s a perfect angel,” Allie insisted.
“Right. I forgot who I was asking.” Liam shook his head. “What new bad habits have you taught her?”
Allie gave him an affronted look. “We did homework together every night after training and when I had class, she was on her best behavior for my parents.”
Liam rolled his eyes and turned to Darius for a translation.
“Behind all that waffle about angels and best behaviors, Kahlynn was her usual mischievous, prank-loving self, but she was mostly good. It's these three together that can't be trusted.” Darius gestured at Allie and Alexander. “Vince and Kayla helped with babysitting during our few evening classes, and she spent most of her afternoons with Lily and Carson after school and training.”
“I see.” Liam frowned. “Didn’t we talk about that before I left?” He turned to Allie with an accusing glare. A glare that would make most people tremble in fear.
“We did, but I decided you’re an ass,” Allie said, folding her arms over her chest. “The munchkin loves Vince and Kayla, and they are happy to babysit—for free, I might add. So don’t get your undies in a twist about it.”
“Fine.” Liam grumbled. He’d always had a difficult time trusting Allie’s mortal friends with his daughter. He felt like they had a little too much interest in her.
“By the way, what’d you bring me?” Allie cocked her head and smiled.
“Aren’t you too old for presents by now? You just had your twenty-first birthday.”
“As long as I live, I will never be too old for presents, Liam. And my birthday was months ago. We’ll be gearing up for my twenty-second soon.”
“I may have gotten you a little something.” His serious demeanor thawed with the half smile he reserved just for her.
“I'd settle for an open tab at your bar,” Allie said, grinning. “The law says I’m old enough.”
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m the law inside my bars, and they are no place for you or your friends. And no, you don’t get an open tab. Are you nuts?”
“If you got me a snow globe, I’m going to divorce you.”
“He got you a leather jacket in Milan,” Livia interjected. “You’ll love it. I got you a fully stocked wine fridge for the cottage.”
“Wine and leather, that’s more like it.” Allie wrapped her arm around her sister’s waist. Her hair stood on end as an icy prickling sensation swept through her. The Ice Queen's here. Allie and her grandmother—Queen Alísun of Indriell—hadn’t always seen eye to eye. Allie loved and respected her grandma, but the queenly side of Alísun made for one intimidating I
mmortal.
“Relax, Allie. Your face is going to freeze like that.” Livia turned to greet their grandmother.
“It’s so good to have both my girls home again,” Alísun said softly as she hugged her granddaughter. “I trust you’ve had a relaxing honeymoon?” Leaning back, she gave Livia a once over.
“It was wonderful,” Livia replied.
“You both deserve it.” The queen turned to her new great-granddaughter. “Kahlynn, darling.” She bent down to her level. “Run along to the kitchens. Emma and Parker have a treat for you.”
“Bring me some,” Allie whispered before Kahlynn ran off to find Emma and her two-year-old son, Parker.
“Now that we’re all together for once, I’d like to call a family meeting in the yard,” Alísun said. “Navid will meet us there.”
“I’ll catch up with you later,” Darius said, squeezing Allie’s hand.
“Nonsense. You are my granddaughter’s Syntrophos, Darius. You are family,” the queen said.
“Uh, thank you. Ma’am.” Darius was always flustered whenever the queen spoke directly to him. Allie felt the same way but for different reasons. Whenever the queen looked at her, Allie felt like she was disappointed with what she saw. Alísun was an ancient prophetess who foretold of Allie's birth thousands of years ago. Allie couldn’t help but think there was no way she’d ever measure up to her grandmother's expectations.
Chapter Two
Allie elbowed Darius in the ribs as they followed the queen down the underground corridor leading to the yard. The royals had taken up residence there for the last several years. “Stop fidgeting,” she whispered.
“Why am I here?” he asked.
“I don’t even know why I’m here.” She smiled nervously, waving at Navid as they crossed the grassy lawn. Navid spent most of his time in the yard after his accident in the dreamworld a few years ago. He was still recovering and getting better every day, but it had taken a toll.
“Gather round everyone.” The queen gestured for them to sit around the picnic table at the pavilion beside the small underground lake. She and Alexander had a little cabin in the woods just a short way down the hiking trail, and Navid lived alone in the nearby cottage along the lake. He spent his days relaxing and fishing at the dock, enjoying the peaceful environment in the safety of the underground. The low stress level was just what he needed during his recovery.
“Welcome home, darling,” Navid said, taking Livia into his arms. “It’s so wonderful to see our family growing again.” He cast his eyes around the small group. Alísun and Alexander stood at the head of the table while the others took their seats.
“These last few years have been such a joy, getting to know my family again,” Alísun began. “For so long, we’ve been scattered across the globe. It’s been wonderful learning what it's like to be a family together.” A rare smile lit her face, transforming her from the proverbial ice queen into the warm, kind grandma Allie preferred. “We welcome Liam, Kahlynn, and Darius with open arms, and we are honored to have you join our small family.” The warm moment faded as Alísun returned to the reason she’d called them together.
Perching on top of the table behind her, Alísun was casually dressed in jeans and a white t-shirt, yet she still managed to look like a queen on her throne. “I dissolved the nation of Indriell so long ago sometimes I can hardly remember those days. The royal family ruled the Immortal world for thousands of years before my birth, but I was the one who destroyed it.” Alísun’s eyes held a shadow of the tears she’d shed for her people. “It was one of the most difficult decisions Alexander and I have ever made. And we have been party to some difficult decisions.” She grasped Allie and Livia’s hands.
“My reign was vastly different from my parent’s and grandparent’s. I inherited a broken nation at war. I inherited chaos and death. But as a child, I learned of the old ways. Liam, as Complement to a princess of Indriell, you would have held a position of honor on the queen’s council. Darius, as a Syntrophos to an Indriell princess, you would likely have commanded the queen’s army.”
The color drained from Darius’s face, and Allie squeezed his hand in sympathy. In moments like this, she felt really bad for him. He’d never asked for any of this, yet he found himself in the midst of more drama than he ever bargained for.
“In ages past, the queens had multiple children,” Alísun continued. “Long before our fertility rates declined. In the old days, a queen would name her heir, choosing among her children for the rightful queen to rule the nation. Someone who would bring the Immortal race into the future as a thriving, peaceful community. Her other children would be given high offices in service to their future queen. Many sons of the Indriell queens served as their sister’s second—an ally and trusted advisor.”
Alísun sat back, resting her hands on her knees. She seemed a million miles away, haunted by the past. “But those days are gone,” she said sadly. “During my reign, the world changed. We did heinous things that ultimately gave birth to the mortal race. Alexander and I had another child once. A son. Kristopher.” She glanced at her husband. “For years we watched him grow into a beautiful, strong prince. But we worried, like all parents did during those days. Would he be like me and the other children of my generation who were among the first to experience an Awakening, or would he be afflicted like so many other post-war children? On his sixteenth birthday, we knew. Kristopher was mortal. My only son. I loved him despite his disability. But my duty was to my people, both Immortal and mortal alike. You all know the true reasons I destroyed Indriell. History says I did it to protect the Immortals from the disease of mortality, but I did it to save my mortal subjects from those who would see them annihilated. I destroyed my inheritance and never looked back. Until now.” Alísun drew a shaky hand across her forehead.
Alexander laid a sympathetic hand on her shoulder. “After we left Indriell and our numbers grew once more, the Senate ultimately took the place of the Indriell queens.”
“And they’ve done a remarkable job." Alísun gave a weary sigh. "I was content to fade into the history books and leave our world in their capable hands."
“But they are like turds spinning around the rim of a clogged toilet now,” Alexander said.
“Eloquently put, as usual, Husband.” The queen managed a ghost of a smile. “The Senate has grown corrupt. There are other entities now, like Soma and their Amrita front, that threaten the future of our children. And our government is their best customer.” Alísun shook her head in dismay.
“I have never officially renounced my title. As long as my line exists, Indriell still exists. There is a chance our family still commands enough respect that others would look to us to lead again. It could mean war. It could mean the beginning of another dark time in our history, but I believe it is a necessary risk. I can no longer stand on the sidelines watching others rule in deceit.”
“You’re going to resurrect Indriell?” Livia asked.
Alísun nodded. “In a manner of speaking, yes. But I am old. This modern world is not mine to rule. This world is for the young. We cannot expect to return to the old ways. It would never work. We must set a new course for the coming generations.”
“And how do you plan to do that?” Allie asked, glancing nervously at Livia.
“If I were to publicly name my heir, it would speak of the royal family’s intention to step forward as leaders again. Should the people respond positively to the act of the naming, it would be our royal right to intercede where we feel the Senate is failing.”
Allie reached for Darius’s hand under the table. “Not it,” Allie whispered. Please don’t let her choose me.
“And what does that mean?” Livia asked, ignoring Allie’s quiet freak out.
“What that means and what happens from there is for the heir to decide. After the naming, it would be her decision.” Alísun attempted to catch Allie’s gaze, but Allie cast her eyes down at her hands twisting in her lap.
“And you are
ready to make this announcement public?” Navid asked.
“Not public. But I have chosen my heir. I am ready to name the new first princess of Indriell, for our family’s ears alone … for the moment.
Allie closed her eyes and tried to swallow. This is not happening. Her heart hammered in her chest, her power churning deep inside her as she reached for Darius’s hand like a lifeline.
“I have chosen Allie as my heir.” The queen’s words fell with a resounding thud in Allie’s mind. Ancient power filled her words with finality. “I chose her even before she was born,” she added softly.
Allie gasped, a tear splashing on her hand still entwined with Darius’s.
“Look at me, Allie,” Alísun said. This was her grandma speaking, not the ice queen. Allie lifted her gaze to meet her grandmother’s.
“I am so sorry, my darling. But you are the child of prophecy. You are destined to lead us. I have always known you would struggle to accept this mantle. I have given you as much time as I dare, but I have faith that you will soon come to understand you are the right person for the job.”
“But Livia is the eldest,” Allie said, desperate to find any excuse to avoid this madness.
“She is, but that has never been recognized as significant when it comes to choosing an heir. Livia will be your champion. Your second in command. She will be the one you trust as much as you trust your Syntrophos and your future Complement. Her hard life has prepared her for this role as much as yours has prepared you.”
“I’m not ready for this, Grandma,” Allie choked. “Please, it’s too much. I can’t be the right one. You need someone like Navid. Someone older and wiser. I will screw this up.”
“The naming is complete,” Alísun murmured, sadness etched across her features. But in the next instant, the queen steadied her voice and lifted her chin. “Alexis Ann Marie Carmichael, you are my heir and the first princess of Indriell. The question now is what will you do with it?”
Emerge- The Heir Page 2
