by Eliza Tilton
“The guards are looking for a group of girls. You’ll be caught the moment you go to the village.”
“We’re not going to the village. There’s a place in the forest. A safe place. No one will find us.” I tried reassuring him, but Jericho shook his head.
“How do you know of this place?”
“Lucino took me there once. It’s a sacred place. They can stay until your men take control of Daath.”
Jericho grunted. His brow furrowed so deeply I thought he must give himself a headache. “And what will you do for food? Water?”
“We’re not incapable,” Jezebel interjected. “Some of us were farmers and healers before Lucino took us from our homes.”
“Fine, but check in every three days. Where in the forest is this secret place?”
“It’s best if you don’t know,” I said softly, knowing he wouldn’t like that response.
He threw his hand up in the air. “You’re just as stubborn as your brother.”
I bit back a smile. “We’ll be safe, and I will check in. I promise. You’ve already done so much. You need to focus on taking control. With Daago gone, now is your chance.”
Jericho hugged me. “Be careful. I’ll give you any supplies you need. Come back here, and I’ll have more for you. Stay away from the village.”
“Thank you.” I hugged him back.
Jericho tossed an oil lamp on the carriage, then the torch. The flames rose in the sky and I worried that such a fire would ignite curious glances from the village.
“We’re far enough away,” Jericho assured me. “Go, and be safe.”
He handed me a sack that I slung over my shoulder. The fabric dug into my skin, the weight of dried fruit and blankets weighing me down. Each girl carried a similar sack.
Did they leave nothing for themselves? I glanced back at Anna who watched the fire beside Jericho. I prayed my actions did not cause them any trouble.
Taking the girls directly to Lucino’s might cause a stir; instead, I led them through the thick forest to the grotto. A few girls would stay there until I could come back with a carriage. That way, I had told Jericho a semi-truth, and Lucino wouldn’t be forced to explain nine girls all at once. If Jericho was correct about the search party, Lucino would have to call off his guards before the girls could return with me.
The tiniest bubble of excitement bloomed in my chest as we walked under the massive white-flowered willows leading to the grotto. Joyous whispers from the girls fluttered alongside the rhythmic humming created by the breathtaking hummingbirds that lived in this area. When Lucino visited here, he smiled for the first time. A real smile.
Our feet thumped across the mossy ground as each girl dropped their satchel and ran into the sacred place.
Gwen squeezed my arm. “This place is breathtaking.”
“It’s a sacred place. One we must honor.”
She nodded. “I’m going for a swim!”
Gwen tore off her clothes, leaving only her chemise, and leapt into the waters, splashing the nearby girls who soon jumped in with her.
“Stay tonight, and tomorrow Gwen will go with you to Lucino’s,” Jezebel said as she approached my side.
“Not you?”
“I’ll stay here and watch over the rest of the girls.”
“I’ll come back within a day, no longer. Will you be all right until then?”
Jezebel’s eyes glistened as the girls giggled and playfully splashed one another. It was the first time there had been any laughter. “We’ll be fine.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Jeslyn
“For as long as I’ve been in Daath, I’ve only seen Lucino’s home once.” Gwen’s gaze swept across the grounds, absorbing the manicured lawns and the bright red flowers sprouting around the hedges.
“Where did you live before?”
“Galbadon. Near Raswood Forest.”
“Is that in the Tenth Land?”
She nodded, lost in her thoughts.
“Don’t you want to go home?”
“I miss my family, but I left searching for someone.”
“Who?”
“A boy. He left our village because he was a magic user. I tried to leave with him, but he refused, telling me it was too dangerous. I wish I knew where he was or how to find him. Lucino’s men took me while I was out searching. I’ve been here ever since.”
“Lucino might be able to help. What’s his name?”
“Tavo.”
“Tavo?”
Her eyes widened at my question and she gripped my arm. “Do you know him?”
Could it be? “I was on a ship and there was a boy named Tavo. He wielded fire from his hands.”
She jumped up and down on her feet. “That’s him. Dark hair?”
I nodded.
She clapped her hands together. “He’s alive. I knew it. Where did you see him? What ship?”
“There was a battle. Lucino and I were shipwrecked.”
Her excited expression fell into a dark frown, her bottom lip trembled.
“I’m sure he’s fine,” I reassured. “You should’ve seen the magic he used.”
“I miss him so much.” Her voice cracked and I hugged her.
“We’ll find him.”
Her shoulders sagged while we walked to the front door. We kept our hoods up, hiding as best we could. I banged the bronze knocker.
Willis answered with the same stiff expression he always wore. “I’ll take you to your quarters.”
My quarters hadn’t changed since the last time I had stayed here. Nostalgia spread through me like wildfire. Would this be my new home? Ruby silk draped the mahogany four post bed, the white, oversized bear rug laid across the dark wood floor. Delicate rose petals decorated the buttercream wallpaper, and a fire blazed in the speckled fireplace. A serving plate of fruit and bread awaited us on the table. Even the vanity, arrayed with powders and brushes, remained just as I remembered. Had no one entered since?
Gwen and I ran over to the platter of food and shoveled grapes and roasted figs into our mouths.
“Hungry?”
I swung around and Lucino stepped out of the shadows in the corner of the room, smirking. Dressed in a deliciously handsome navy doublet, he stood tall, my future king. I smiled and ran to him, throwing my arms around his neck. He gently kissed my cheek, his gaze fixated on Gwen.
“Who’s this?” he asked.
“Gwen. She’s from the dollhouse.”
“Ahh. Yes, I remember you.”
“Hello, my lord,” she said around a mouthful of food as she curtsied.
“I thought you said there were nine girls?”
“When I told Jericho how I wanted to help get them to safety, he said not to go to the village because the Daath guards were hunting for a group of girls. I took them to the grotto. I figured we could return for the rest with one of your carriages.”
“I’ll have Willis retrieve them in the morning. If you’d excuse us,” he said to Gwen, “I need to speak with Jeslyn alone for a bit. We’ll return later. I’ll have a servant come and draw you a bath and bring fresh clothes.”
“Thank you.”
Lucino put his hand on my waist and escorted me out of the room.
“Where are we going?”
“To the gardens.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
Lucino
Deep within the garden maze, Jeslyn and I were secluded from prying ears. She linked her hand through mine, gripping me as if I would ever leave her side again. The suns cast a warm glow over her peach, sun-kissed skin and illuminated the auburn hidden within the waves of her long hair. The desire to caress those waves and her smooth skin that smelled like the morning lilies overwhelmed my senses.
I pulled her hand, swerving her body to face mine, and kissed her. Each brus
h of her lips reminded me of how I had almost lost her. How this feeling I couldn’t describe with words, not even sounds, would’ve been lost forever. Both my natures warred inside. One wanted to take her, the other wanted to hold, to love.
“I’ve missed you,” she whispered between breaths.
“Missed is a low comparison to how I felt in your absence. I will never leave you again.” I held her face with my hands, examining the crystal blue of her eyes, the freckles dancing on her nose. “You are exquisite.”
She reached a hand up to touch my cheek and slid her delicate fingers through my hair. “I like your new haircut.”
“A side effect of war.”
“It looks good.”
I rubbed her sides, wanting to kiss more than talk. She pushed up on her toes, attempting to meet me at eye level.
“I love you.” She kissed me before I could reply.
Wind rushed by us, rustling the bushes of the maze, and lifting her hair around me in a cyclone. While I didn’t bring her out here to kiss and cuddle, I couldn’t pull myself away. Her scent tore at my senses, dizzying them with emotions of want and desire. If war did not stand at the door, I would keep her in this maze until the season passed.
I broke away from her. “We need to talk.”
She nodded and grabbed my hand, leading me to the stone bench. “What is it?”
“Men stand outside our borders. We have mages coming from the seas to support our efforts. We will take Daath within the week.”
Her bottom lip quivered, and she stared at our hands linked together.
“You’ll be safe here,” I said, stroking her hand, “but I can’t protect everyone.”
“Can you clarify ‘everyone’?”
If I could shield her from what lie ahead, I would, but I had a duty to my people. “Jericho is at the head of the rebellion. He cannot live.”
She shook her head and ripped her hands out of mine. “No.”
“You must understand there is no other way.” I reached over and she scooted across the bench, folding her arms and disconnecting any contact between us.
“I don’t believe that. Why does everything have to be death or life?”
“This is war. Men will die.”
“I won’t accept it. I can’t.”
“I know this is difficult, but you must prepare yourself.” I waited before speaking further, knowing that my next words could lose her forever. “If you are to be by my side, then you must choose.”
“You’re asking me to approve of you killing someone who sheltered me, sheltered my brother …” She stood, tears spilling onto her cheeks. The tip of her nose blotched red with emotion.
“And what would you have me do? Allow the man who outright defies me to walk free?”
“Show mercy,” she pleaded, her tearful eyes ripped at my defenses. “Capture him, but don’t kill him. Imprison him if you must.”
I laughed. If she only understood how Reptilians handled prisoners, a life trapped in darkness until madness broke the mind into a loyal slave. “Killing would be mercy.”
“Please.”
“You ask too much of me.” Frustration forced me to turn away from her. This was not a decision I would be swayed from, yet knowing how much pain it caused her broke my will. I wanted to give in to her demands, if only to wipe the tears off her face. The rebellion had to be crushed, and if I showed any mercy, I would lose the faith of my people.
“I’ll bring you back to your quarters” I said, softly. “If you choose me, then I’ll see you in the morning at breakfast.”
Her lip trembled while her fierce gaze showed no signs of deterrence. We were at a standstill, and I would not yield.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Jeslyn
I cried into the pillow, soaking it.
“What’s wrong?” Gwen sat beside me on the bed. “What happened with Lucino?”
My chest ached and I hugged the pillow tighter.
I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t face the truth about the decision Lucino was forcing me to make. Killing Jericho? No. No, I couldn’t be a part of it. Yet, I had no idea how to save him and stay with Lucino. Lucino loved me, but the determination in his eyes … he was going to kill Jericho, regardless of how much I begged or cried, and leaving him wouldn’t change that.
Gwen rubbed my back. “Whatever it is, you’ll work it out. I know you will.”
I hated this war. The mages, Reptilians, humans, The Order… weren’t we all just trying to survive? Didn’t anyone have the common sense to know fighting would only destroy us?
Tear after tear fell, blurring my vision. Wetness dripped from my nose and I rubbed it clean with the blanket I huddled. Lucino and I were finally together, and this decision threatened to separate us forever. The thought of never seeing him again, never feeling his touch, drowned me in a sea of sadness. I loved him so much, and right now I hated that he was making me choose.
Closing my eyes, I dreamed of a life without him, and that gray existence frightened me. Only by his side could I encourage him to protect my people, and together we could change the world.
Alone, I feared we would both be lost to the horror ahead.
I would find a way to save the people I loved, and still be with Lucino. There was no other option.
When dawn broke through the sheer drapes, I wiped my eyes and sat up.
“Are you okay?” Gwen yawned and stretched out her arms.
“I’ll be fine. I need to go downstairs.”
“Okay. I’m going to rest more.” She yawned again and fell onto the pillow. “This is the nicest bed I’ve ever slept in.”
I opened the wardrobe and searched the gowns for the dress I had first worn when I arrived in Daath. The auburn fabric hung between two blue dresses. Numbness spread through my mind as I dressed and walked downstairs to the dining area.
Lucino sat at the head of the table. A morning spread of eggs, cheese, fruit, and warm, soft biscuits laid across the long table. I took my seat at the opposite end, chin held high.
“You look lovely.” Lucino patted a handkerchief to his lips.
Would he remember the significance of this dress? Of that first night I spent here?
“I want to gather the rest of the girls.”
“Willis has already been told. You can leave as soon as you are ready.
I nodded and picked at the biscuit on my plate.
“Jeslyn …”
“There’s nothing more to say. I don’t agree with your decision, but I’m not leaving either.”
“So you understand?”
“No. I will never understand the need to kill.” Daago’s pained face flashed through my mind and I squeezed the biscuit to crumbs. I had killed someone. Someone who I thought deserved more than death. Was I any better?
“We do what we must,” Lucino whispered in my ear. He stood behind me, leaning over me. His cold winter scent enveloped me. “Daago was a monster. You did what you had to, to survive. It’s what we all must do. There is no beauty in war.”
I closed my eyes, imagining us back on the island, far away from choices that hurt too much to make.
“I know you care for him.” He slid his hand over my shoulder. “If there was a way to save you from this pain, I would.” He kissed my cheek. “I must go now. Tell Willis when you are ready to leave.”
It wasn’t until we had all the girls tucked away in the west wing that I was able to pull Jezebel aside. I poured out the hurt, the confusion, and the decision Lucino had made.
“If I warn Jericho, he’ll know I’m talking to Lucino, and he’ll wonder why.” I bit my nail, pacing across the rug.
“Even if you warn Jericho, he’s not going to abandon his cause.” Jezebel lay on the chaise, tossing grapes from a fruit bowl into her mouth. “He’ll still attack.”
“Maybe
he won’t. He has a daughter, and a wife.”
“You can’t warn him.” She tossed me a grape and I watched it fall to the floor. How could she be eating?
“Why are you on his side?” Folding my arms, I huffed away from her.
She sighed. “Because you are, and he’s right.”
“You agree with Lucino?”
“The only reason Lucino would keep him alive is for you. If he doesn’t kill him, his people will see it as weakness. He’ll be in danger.”
I fell onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. “What am I going to do?”
“Nothing, for now. We don’t know when either side is attacking.”
“I have to go back to Jericho’s. Every three days, remember? If I don’t show, he’ll worry and send out a search party. How can I face him knowing Lucino plans to kill him?”
“I’ll go.” Jezebel walked over and sat beside me on the bed.
“No. This is my problem.”
“You’re too soft. The moment you see Jericho, you’ll cry and then have to explain yourself. I’ll go, and tell him I insisted you stay out of sight until the guards stopped looking for us.” She placed her hand over mine. “Don’t worry, we’ll find a way to keep them all safe.”
Somehow, I doubted that.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Avikar
Raven ran up the path leading to Jericho’s home. Anna met her outside with open arms. They slammed into each other in a mess of hugs and tears.
I still had no idea how to explain Yoshi. To everyone else, he acted like an old man, but the more time I spent with him, the crazier he became. Before I rushed to the barn, I turned to him. “Act normal.”
He shrugged.
My heart raced as I pushed open the barn door. Be here. In the stall right across from Raven’s horse, Onyx, was my girl. Brushfire pawed at her gate and neighed when she saw me. I rested my face against her muzzle. “I missed you too, girl.” I unhooked the stall door and stepped closer, rubbing her side. She nuzzled my shoulder, wanting to ride. “Soon, girl.”
