House of Artifice

by Lyn Forester

  I wrack my mind for any other time I left my palm-port unattended and find none. “Don’t worry, I can handle Nikola.”

  Connor’s black eyebrows swoop together. “I don’t like that he has access to your room.”

  “Trust me, I’ll be safe.” I push him toward the tea cart he brought in. “Get going before you’re caught.”

  “I’ll see you soon.” He grabs the handle and wheels it to the door before he glances back. “We’re in this together. Remember that.”

  I nod as he unlocks the door and exits into the hallway. My heart pounds as I wait for Mr. Purnell to spot him and question his presence, but only silence comes from outside. After three minutes, when no upheaval sounds, I settle back behind the desk and wait for the power to return to normal.

  ~

  Nikola arrives a few hours later with lunch.

  I glance up from my review of his school transcripts. Rereading them with a fresh frame of mind made it easy to locate the information I needed to cement my belief that he’s the one who messed with my palm-port.

  He serves lunch in silence, setting my plate and glass on the desk with his gaze focused down. It makes it easier for me to study him, and I note the stiffness of his body, the jerkiness of his motions. He lacks the fluid ease I’ve come to expect from him.

  Does Nikola feel out of sorts? Unsure of how he should act toward me in this moment? In the past, I would have rushed to apologize to him, to soothe the pain I caused. He must have expected that and now doesn’t know what to do when I let the silence drag on.

  At last, his dark gaze meets mine. “Will you need anything else for now?”

  I reach for the glass of water. “I have two guests visiting. The first will be here at 1300. Please see that they’re brought here as they arrive.”

  A frown flickers across his face. “I don’t have anything scheduled for you today.”

  Taking a sip of water, I swallow before responding. “I arranged them myself.”

  Annoyance replaces the frown. “I was not made aware of the change in your schedule.”

  “Perhaps if you’d not been pouting, you would have been?” I take another sip to hide my smile as his eyes widen in surprise. Setting the glass down, I fold my hands on the desk. “Nikola, you realize I’m eighteen, right?”

  “Yes, of course.” He presses his hands against his thighs, and his body relaxes. “We grew up together, of course I know your age.”

  “Then, you know that I can’t sign any binding contract with you until I’m twenty, right?”

  He straightens, his shoulders squaring. “That is the common age, though exceptions have been made in the past.”

  “My father is in good health, and should that change, the matriarch is fully capable of stepping back into the role of First Councillor.”

  I drag my plate of fruit and protein cubes closer. Looks like Nikola’s done sneaking me more filling food while he’s mad. I glance back up at him. “I respect the connection we share through our childhoods, but I won’t be forced into choosing a secretary right now. I can, however, reject candidates for improper behavior.”

  Tension fills his body. “Have you found me to be improper, Caitlyn?”

  I blink slowly in consideration. “I have found you to be more than proficient at your job.”

  His eyes narrow a fraction. “Why doesn’t that sound like a good thing?”

  “Because I’m not entirely sure our definitions of your job align right now.” I roll a red piece of fruit over to inspect the light pink underside. “I hope that I’m only misunderstanding.”

  He places his hands on the table and leans forward, his tone serious. “I will submit to any form of questioning you deem fit to reassure you I have only your best interests in mind.”

  I lift an eyebrow at him and ask softly, “And what are my best interests, Nikola?”

  His reply comes instantly. “To learn to navigate the political world and not be taken advantage of by those who would seek to use you for power.”

  “Do you seek to use me for power?”

  The question lays in the air between us, ready to tip the scales of how we will go forward.

  At last, he answers carefully, “All secretaries want some form of power. We’re trained to seek out the most advantageous position possible, and every classmate is competition. But I don’t want to be your secretary because you are part of the First House of Leton. I was raised here, this is my home, and you have always been my friend.”

  Silence fills the room once more. I can’t deny the truth he speaks, and I understand his actions, even if I don’t agree with them. At least with Nikola, I now know what lengths he’ll go to in order to stay, and I can use that knowledge against him. With the other two, I have no idea what motivates them.

  Stealing my spine, I slide my palm-port across the desk. “I believe there’s a glitch in my device, can you see about having it repaired? In the meantime, I will meet with both Erinhale and Garrett. I will not make a decision until tomorrow morning.” I hold his gaze steady. “Will that be sufficient time to see to the repairs on my palm-port?”

  He reaches out and picks up the slender device. “I will have to find someone versed in this beta technology, but it shouldn’t be a problem.”

  “You were top of your class in halion sciences.” When I smile, the expression feels brittle. “I have faith you can figure it out.”

  He gives an almost imperceptible twitch. “I’ll make sure your appointments are brought here as soon as they arrive.” He lifts the lid on the teapot and examines the contents. “And I’ll have more tea sent in. Would a calming herbal be acceptable?”

  “That sounds wonderful.” My attention shifts back to the folding port in front of me, but before he reaches the door, I call, “Make one for yourself, too, Nikola. I believe we can both benefit from a little calming right now.”

  “You are too kind.” With a short bow, he strides from the room.

  Absently, I pick up the piece of fruit and toss it in my mouth. It holds a tart sweetness to it that makes my tongue ache. I reach for another piece and study its smooth exterior. Bright red on one side and pale pink on the other, and perfectly round. It’s not a fruit I recognize. It must be a new variety only available on the upper levels.

  Biting off just the bright red side, it’s sweetness becomes almost overwhelming. When I eat the pale pink side, its tartness makes my mouth water. Combined, it has a nice balance of flavor.

  Grandmother should make a beverage out of this one. I press the intercom on the desk and wait for Mr. Purnell to pick up.

  His gruff voice fills the line. “Yes, demi-Councillor Lonette?”

  “Please have the kitchen send a plate of fruit to the matriarch.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” His response comes without question or confusion. “Will there be anything else?”

  “Please have sandwiches sent to the office before my first appointment arrives.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Thank you.” I disconnect the line and lean back in my father’s chair.

  Despite the early hour, fatigue makes my eyes heavy. I should have requested Nikola bring me a caffeinated tea. Worn from the emotional upheavals, I lean my head back and close my eyes.

  I just need to make it through the negotiations for the new Mr. Black. Then I can once more escape from this house, and all of the machinations that come with it.

  THE HOPE OF BLOOM

  “Thank you for coming today.” I rise from the desk to walk around to where Erinhale stands.

  Side-by-side, she towers over me, all sleek lines and broad shoulders. In person, she gives off a pleasant persona with a hint of meekness that comes off false. It could be my imagination playing on the assumptions I made about her based on her school transcripts, but I can’t help but notice the close-lipped smiles and the way she frequently pauses a second too long before answering a question, as if narrowing down her response to the one best suited for me.

  If I hadn�
�t already determined to eliminate her, today would have decided it for me. The meek act puts me on edge and makes me wonder what darker depths hide beneath.

  “I appreciate your consideration.” Her eyes drop to the ground, and she glances up at me through her lashes, no small feat considering she stands almost a head taller. When she reaches out to shake my hand, her thumb caresses over my knuckles. “I hope to work closely with you in the future.”

  “I will contact you soon with a decision.” I release her hand and walk her to the office door.

  When I open it, I find Garrett waiting in the hall. He leans casually against the wall, his arms folded.

  Erinhale misses a step when their eyes meet before she strides forward. “Latven, good to see you again.”

  Garrett straightens, his eyes hooded. “Reed, I didn’t expect to find you in Lonette Manor.”

  “How’s the shoulder? Still giving you trouble?” Concern fills Erinhale’s voice, but it lacks the warmth of true caring.

  “Reconstruction went perfectly.” He rotates his left arm to show it swings freely. “A little torn tendon won’t slow me down for long.”

  “Too bad it cost your team the game.” Her lips pout in sympathy. “It worries me that you were taken down so easily. Are you sure your health is in order?”

  “My perfect attendance speaks for itself.”

  “How are your scars?” Her eyes flicker to me for a moment. “I heard the doctors couldn’t erase them completely. How unpleasant for you.”

  Equal in height, they circle each other, two fencers seeking an opening in the other’s armor.

  I reach back and close the office door, and their attention shifts to me. With a smile, I gesture for them both to walk with me toward the foyer. “Erinhale, once again, thank you for coming. Mr. Purnell will see you out. Garrett, your grandfather is with the matriarch. Won’t you join us for afternoon tea?”

  At the mention of his grandfather, Garrett straightens with pride. “I would be honored. Tea at Lonette Manor is always a treat.”

  Erinhale frowns at the easy familiarity. Before Mr. Purnell can come forward to collect her, she grabs my hand once more and lifts it to her lips. “It was a pleasure to meet you in person, demi-Councillor.”

  Her lips press against my knuckles, soft and fever hot.

  “I’m sure the pleasure was all mine.” Gently but firmly, I tug my hand free and resist the urge to wipe it on my slacks. My eyes shift to Mr. Purnell, who leaps to put himself between us as he directs her to the door.

  As soon as she leaves, Garrett turns to me. “She’s a wicked viper. Don’t let her anywhere near your house.”

  Surprised at his bluntness, I raise an eyebrow at him. “I’ll take that under advisement.”

  “I’m not saying that because I want the job.” He stares back at the door, one hand absently massaging his left shoulder. “When she’s not ahead, accidents happen to those who stand in her way.”

  “Then, you should guard yourself.” I nod to the hall across from us that leads to the solarium.

  He walks at my side, head tipped toward me. “Should I take that to mean I’m ahead of her for the position?”

  “You may take it as you please.” Silence settles between us.

  The hall that leads to the solarium brightens as we get closer, the walls transitioning into pale yellow with a pattern of leaves painted over the top in the same color, only with a gloss finish. Overhead, the holo-ceiling displays fluffy clouds against a blue sky. The two suns peek from behind one, bright orange and pale yellow. As we pass under them, our shadows flip from back to front, growing in length to cover the holo-tiles beneath our feet. My flat shoes whisper over holographic grass.

  Garrett breaks the quiet. “Where is Nikola today?”

  “He is attending to an errand.” I glance up at him, and for a moment, I regret not choosing shoes with heels. Everyone overshadows me. But I push the thought aside. I can’t change my height, and the heeled shoes unbalance me. Better to be short than to trip.

  His warm brown eyes study me. “You’ve known him for some time, yes?”

  “Since I was born.” I shrug. “His mother is Councillor Lonette’s secretary.”

  He gives a knowing nod. “He’s the favored choice.”

  I hum noncommittally. “The matriarch would say otherwise.”

  As we near the entrance, his hand on my arm pulls me to a stop. “And what would you say?”

  I study him for a long moment. “I would say I’m two years away from signing any contracts.”

  He grins, a genuine expression that lights his face up. “Then, I’ll keep my hopes up until I hear otherwise.”

  My head tilts to one side, braid swaying against my back. “Aren’t you worried you’ll lose a good position while you wait?”

  “I have schooling to complete myself before then.” He motions to the waiting archway. “Shall we?”

  As we enter the solarium, the fresh scent of herbs washes over us. Colorful plants fill the tables that line the room, baskets overflowing with flowers and leaves of every variety. Overhead, the octagon tiles of the ceiling form a dome that shines brightly with lights designed to help the plants grow. The rich smell of freshly turned earth and the burble of a water fountain add to the decadence.

  The holo-tiles give way to real grass with a stone path that meanders through the greenery. It leads us to the center, where a round patio waits with lounge chairs piled with soft pillows and lap blankets meant for restful contemplation.

  Grandmother lays propped up in one, a cup of tea on the small table by her elbow. Tobin sits at her feet, a tablet in his lap that he reads from. She wears a peach-colored, flowing dress, with soft-soled shoes that almost look like slippers.

  It’s the most relaxed I’ve ever seen her, and my steps slow, hesitant to intrude on their intimacy. But when Grandmother’s pale gaze finds us at the edge of the patio, Tobin rises and sets the tablet aside.

  “Caitlyn, dear, come sit.” Her papery lips fold into a smile. “And you have Garrett with you. How nice to see the two of you together.”

  “Thank you.” I walk forward to take the seat opposite her, perching on the edge instead of laying back. Garrett assumes the secretary’s position at my right shoulder, within easy reach if needed.

  “It pleased me to see your name on my schedule for the day.” She reaches out an arm, and Tobin places her teacup into her hand. “You have done well running the house.”

  “It’s been less than a day,” I demure as I accept the tea Tobin passes to me next. “I’d hardly say it’s a broad enough sample of my capabilities.”

  “Nonsense. Tobin tells me you handled yourself with admirable confidence during the Cafe Brinu incident, and the servants are happy with their unplanned free time.” She takes a small sip of tea. “Lonette House has acquired a profitable company. I’ve also reviewed your reports from the last week of meetings and found your notes insightful. I’m proud to see you stepping into your future role with ease.”

  “Any success I have can be attributed to my family’s tutelage.” I lift my cup and inhale the floral steam.

  “A fine response, but you should give yourself more credit.” She turns her head enough to acknowledge Tobin. “Would you like to show Garrett the new plot space?” She turns back to me. “I had new soil brought in for a new rose hybrid. Your father will not be pleased.”

  I keep the smile from my face. It costs a small fortune to remove the toxins from the dirt gathered outside the city’s walls in order to make it safe to grow edible food. Most of the resources go to the farms located on the Rims, where natural sunlight helps promote better growth than grow lights can produce.

  Warmth fills Garrett’s voice. “I’ve always enjoyed your garden, Matriarch. It’s such a magical place.”

  “Yes, it is.” Pleased by the compliment, she motions the men away. “Enjoy the western path. There are new fruit trees since your last visit.”

  Once they walk out of earshot, sh
e turns back to me, one thin eyebrow raised. “What did you wish to discuss, Granddaughter?”

  Of course, she would cut right to the heart of things. This is the first time I’ve ever initiated an appointment with her, but now that I have her alone, my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. My desire for this meeting is stupid and has the high potential to make her think I’m weak. After her praise just now, I don’t want to ruin her opinion of me so fast.

  She sighs and swings her legs over to sit up straight. Setting her teacup aside, she stands. “Walk with me.”

  Hastily, I set my cup aside as well and rise to my feet. We move in the opposite direction as the men, closer to the archway that leads back into the house.

  Partway down the path, she stops in front of a basket filled with chamomile. She caresses the deep yellow center and delicate white petals. “Do you know why I grow plants, Caitlyn?”

  Surprised, I stare around at all the plants. “To be able to experiment with different tea combinations?”

  “In part.” She walks down the row of tables to a basket of spearmint. “One can also assume it’s a symbol of status. Only the truly rich can afford so much greenery.”

  “You don’t grow herbs for status.” I make the statement with confidence. There are far easier ways to flaunt wealth than to have a personal garden.

  “No.” She glances at me. “And I can easily pay others to grow my plants and mix my teas for me. So why do I grow plants?”

  I inhale the rich scents around us, a combination not found anywhere else. “Because you enjoy it?”

  “Very much so.” She plucks a piece of mint and holds it up to her nose. “At your age, very little pleased me. Our world is a dark place. Everything is artificial, and while we attempt to recreate what our ancestors lost, we lock ourselves in the past. As I grew older, I realized there was nothing of Lonette Manor that was truly mine. I would pass from this planet as indistinguishable as my father, and my grandmother. One Lonette in a long line of other Lonettes.”

  “You’ve done so much in your time, though,” I protest. “Without your investments, Lonette House wouldn’t be where we are now.”