Heirs of War, Crown of Flames

by Mara Valderran

  Bianca nodded her understanding, knowing full well her certainties about Alec's character would not be taken into consideration. “Would you like for me to pass my report on to the treior? Perhaps they might be able to locate the land this boy speaks of. With Ariana in a constant state of fear, her Cyneward will easily be able to track her once he sets foot on the same world.” She offered this as a suggestion, but the anger that flashed through Sylvanna's eyes told her that she had taken it for the challenge it truly was.

  Sylvanna stared at her levelly before responding. “Do not speak of this to anyone. I will inform those I deem necessary of this new development.”

  “As you wish, my lady,” Bianca said with a slight bow. “If that is all, I should get back to my patient. It isn't safe to leave her unmonitored for too long.” She bit the inside of her cheek when Sylvanna waved her off dismissively but made no move to leave. “It requires intense concentration to join my mind with hers, Banair Sylvanna. Privacy is of utmost importance.”

  “Very well. Solanna will relieve Isauria this afternoon. I expect a full report when she does.” Sylvanna turned and breezed out the room, not giving Bianca time to respond or protest.

  Bianca felt the tension leave her shoulders and turned back to her patient. Noticing that some of Isauria's ginger hair was in her face, she lightly brushed it away. Content that Isauria was comfortable, she lowered herself onto the bed beside her and intertwined their fingers together. She closed her eyes, concentrating on the familiar feel of Isauria's hand in her own as she tried to enter her mind. She did this with ease, having gained much practice with the controversial method in the weeks since Isauria's arrival, and quickly found the link between Isauria and Ariana she needed to follow.

  “You're back,” Isauria said with relief before her face lined with worry. “What happened?”

  Bianca stalked over beside her in the ethereal world they occupied. “Sylvanna is what happened. She was shaking me awake.”

  “Is that bad?”

  “I don't know,” she retorted with exasperation before calming her voice. “And if I don't know, I can guarantee that she doesn't either.” She stepped closer. “What we are doing is not only unprecedented but also frowned upon. The idea of invading someone else's mind . . .”

  “But you aren't an invasion. You're keeping me safe, and sane. You're my friend. I mean, right? We are friends, aren't we?”

  Bianca couldn't stand to see Isauria look so vulnerable. She knew she should tell her no, as it was also unprecedented to have anyone of her station assume such a close relationship with the Duillaine. The words would simply not come while she looked into Isauria's pleading gray-blue eyes. “Of course we are. The Duillaine are right to be wary of our connection, though. I mean, our mental connection, of course,” she clarified. She licked her lips to regain her composure. “The mind is a sensitive place to go traipsing around in. They have no way of knowing whether or not I am planting ill thoughts in your mind. As much as I hate to admit it, Sylvanna is correct to not trust Alec. She wants us to find out everything we can about him.”

  “What did she say when you told her about what he said? About where they are and the portal thingy?”

  “Sylvanna says that isn't the layout of Cahira,” Bianca answered. “I believe they are attempting to find out where exactly she is but this might take time.”

  “You're lying. I can tell.”

  The paion opened her mouth to protest but shut it. “You can't possibly know that.”

  Isauria gave her a half-smile. “You and I spend pretty much the entire day together, every day, for weeks, and you think I don't pick up on your little quirks? You always purse your lips like that when you lie. It's cute,” she insisted with a stifled giggle, “almost like you don't approve.” She turned serious and shifted their conversation back to the matter at hand. “What did she say?”

  “She didn't say much as I am neither a noble nor part of the council. Sylvanna is not one to let you forget your place. She ordered me not to tell anyone what I've learned. She said she will decide who needs to know and will inform them herself. She's more concerned with the boy, as well she should be.”

  “Why would you say that? Alec nearly died trying to save Ariana. I told you about that.”

  “Yes, and that was very noble . . . but he didn't die. He miraculously recovered.” She turned to the boy in question, watching while he talked and flirted with Ariana in their cave. “They've become quite close, and in an awfully short amount of time. They barely know each other.”

  Isauria touched Bianca's arm, turning her attention back to her. “That doesn't mean anything. Sometimes you just have an instant connection. We haven't known each other any longer than they have, and I completely trust you.”

  Bianca patted Isauria's hand, touched by the sentiment. “You're right. Their bond could be natural. However, in case it is some sort of trick, we should keep a close eye on him.”

  “It isn't right. Look at her, Bianca.” Isauria glanced back to her little sister with anguish. “She's on her own out here. And they're just going to leave her like that…”

  “We don't know that,” Bianca argued, her voice soft.

  “It's been over a month since they kidnapped her. Weeks since they escaped. How much longer are they going to give it before they do something? Because the longer they wait, the more likely Kellen is to get her first. And I can't watch that happen.”

  “You won't have to, Izzy. We'll find her, I promise. We're doing everything we can.”

  “We are,” she amended. “But are they?”

  Bianca let out a sad sigh and turned back to the youngest Duillaine. “I don't know. But I'm not sure what else we can do.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  “Zelene, would you stop fussing?” Ellowyn chastised.

  Zelene flopped her arms, encased in huge bell sleeves. “I look like a friggin’ bird, Ell. This is ridiculous. Why can't I just wear my normal clothes?”

  Ellowyn put her hands on her hips. “Because all you ever wear anymore is the uniform of the Tainted, and I doubt the Duillaine would be very pleased with you if you showed up to the first family dinner like that.”

  Zelene didn't care. The first family dinner came a little late, if you asked her. After all, the Duillaine waited until now to introduce them to their supposed family. Their delay spoke volumes of their priorities in Zelene's mind. The girls weren't family to them, only pawns.

  “Yeah, but it would definitely make a statement if I showed up dressed like the Tainted.”

  “Yes, and then you'd never be able to use your disguise again. I suggest you make up your mind as to which is more important to you: Moving around unseen, or pitching a fit.”

  Zelene deflated. “I hate it when you make sense at me.” She let out a cough when Ellowyn tightened the strings of her bodice roughly. “Ow! Sorry, okay?”

  “There,” Ellowyn said and turned Zelene around so she could get a better look at her. She beamed with pride at her work. Zelene's auburn hair was pulled up into an elaborate crown of braids and curls, and the ruby-colored dress contrasted with her pale skin and made her brown eyes pop. “Now you look like a proper princess. Just like a fairy tale.”

  “I hate fairy tales. It's never about the princess rescuing herself; some prince always comes in and sweeps her off her feet and away from her troubles.”

  “I like fairy tales,” Ellowyn said quietly. “They're about having hope when all hope is lost. That's what the Prophecy is about, really.”

  “I guess,” Zelene huffed. “Are you sure you can't come with me to this thing?”

  “Oh, that would be much better. Instead of dressing like the Tainted, bring one to a formal dinner with the Duillaine.” Ellowyn pushed Zelene towards the door. “Go, before you get us both into trouble.”

  Zelene greeted her brother in the hallway. “What's up, Nolan?”

  Nolan looked momentarily confused before catching on. “That phrase always throws me. I came to escort yo
u to dinner. The Duillaine await.” He glanced over her shoulder and brightly addressed Ellowyn. “Are you coming, Ellowyn?”

  “No, my lord, I don't think the Duillaine will be needing my services tonight,” Ellowyn responded with a curtsy.

  He reached out and touched the edge of her long, dark brown hair. “I noticed you weren't wearing your wrappings anymore. I'm glad.”

  Ellowyn shied away from his touch. “Zelene ordered me not to.”

  “Hey! Way to throw me under the bus, Ell. Geez.” Zelene rolled her eyes at the awkward air building around them. “You can relax, Ellowyn. He's trying to give you a compliment. Right, Nolan?”

  Nolan bowed his head in agreement. “Yes. I was saying that I am glad you are no longer wearing the wrappings. You look quite lovely with your hair down. It suits you much better.”

  “Thank you, my lord,” Ellowyn mumbled and rushed off.

  Zelene watched her wide-eyed friend disappear around the corner and then glanced wryly at her brother. “Way to make her head spin, Nolan.”

  “What did I do?”

  “She's probably never received a compliment in her life. Ease her into the flirting.” She patted his shoulder. “Come on.”

  “I'm glad we get this time, however little it is, to speak,” Nolan said. “I'm going away in a few days. There's been talk of some illegal fighting in Baileton, and I’m being sent to investigate.”

  Zelene stared furiously ahead. “Great. First the Duillaine send our father away and now you. At least you're saying goodbye.”

  “Yes, I still find it odd that our father left on such short notice without a word to either of us. He was so happy to have you back, and looking forward to spending time together as a family.” He paused, troubled by his own thoughts.

  “Do you even know where Dad went? Any idea if he plans on returning anytime soon?” She tried to mask her hurt with anger, but from the sympathetic glance Nolan gave her, she could tell she failed. “Don't look at me like that. He's the one who swoops in all 'Luke, I am your father' and then disappears. Not exactly earning him points.”

  “He's on an assignment from the Duillaine, but that's all I've been told. It's not all that uncommon for them to order someone away without explanation to even the Council.”

  Zelene twisted her hands together. She'd been asking about her father since he stole off into the night on his super-secret mission weeks ago, but no one seemed to know anything.

  They drifted into silence, each thinking this over while they walked to the top floor of the main building of Anscombe. Tate always corrected her when she referred to it that way, reminding her repeatedly that the building was referred to as Anamlar, roughly translating to “Spirit Center”. Each building was like that. Their names always referred to the Elemental power seated there. The building she lived in was called Tinalar, but she just called it the Fire Building.

  Zelene's anxiety spiked once they reached the elaborate wooden doors leading to the ballroom where her extensive family waited. She was content to keep her family narrowed down to the new siblings and father she had discovered last month. Throwing aunts and uncles and cousins into the mix seemed like it might push her already-complicated family tree over the edge into complete chaos.

  “You'll be fine, Zelene. They'll absolutely love you. You're well mannered, levelheaded, easy-tempered, compassionate, and witty. What's not to love?” He smirked when she stopped and glowered at him. “Two out of five isn't bad.”

  “You aren't making me feel any better.”

  “Perhaps the others were a reminder of how you're expected to be. You're already dressed the part, why not embrace the role?”

  “You mean roll over and accept all the backwards customs like none of it matters?” She could feel her chest flushing just thinking about all the terrible things she'd witnessed in this world. Despised servants, arranged marriages, no electricity, and no real way to function without magic—this world was about as backwards as they come, as far as Zelene was concerned. And her role as some supposed princess, or whatever, was right at the top of the list of backwards things she’d discovered.

  Nolan wasn't bothered by her attitude. “You don't have to roll over and do anything, but you can't change things overnight simply because you will it to be so. If you truly want to make a difference instead of simply ranting about all of these injustices, then you should stop skipping lessons and learn how to work within the system.”

  “Is that what you do? Work within the system?”

  “Yes, as our mother did, and as our father does even still.”

  Zelene didn’t want to hear about the great things her parents had done for their people. Especially since giving her up was probably on that list, and not a choice she agreed with at all. She impatiently gestured to the door they now stood in front of. “Why are we still standing here? Can't we go in?”

  Nolan shook his head. “No, we have to wait until your turn. Terrena and Rhaya go first. Isauria would be next, announced by me or our father, but I was told she refused to be pried away from her duties with Ariana.”

  “Lucky her.” Zelene tapped her foot on the stone floor, then traced the circular pattern carved into each tile with the toe of her shoe. “When do I get announced?”

  “After Terrena and Rhaya are announced and have had enough time to greet each member of the Duillaine personally.”

  “To hell with that.” Zelene threw open the doors and marched inside. All eyes were on her, which gave her pause. The ballroom was so large that she began to wonder how many new family members she'd be introduced to that night.

  The room must have taken up most of the top floor of Anamlar, and it was the largest building in Anscombe center. Chandeliers sparkled above her; elaborate candelabras and sconces lit the room. Ceilings arched high and large murals depicting the Duillaine throughout history adorned the walls. One wall in particular stood out to her, which was the one reenacting the moment the Great Mother spread her power to her four daughters. It showed an elderly and beautiful woman with silver hair and glowing eyes floating high over the four girls, her arms spread out like she welcomed the embrace of the universe. Zelene shook herself from her awe, realizing everyone still watched her expectantly. Several long oak tables lined the walls, with one set on a raised platform for the Duillaine. They stood in front of the platform, along with Terrena. The Cynewards were already present, lining the walls and standing identically with their hands clasped behind their backs. Zelene wasn’t used to seeing the Duillaine’s Cynewards—they melted into the shadows better than Varrick and his comrades.

  Sylvanna let out an exasperated sigh. “Zelene, it is customary for a family member to announce you.”

  Nolan came to her side casually. “Allow me to announce my sister, the Ainnir Zelene. As their brother, I formally apologize for the absence of my sisters Ainnir Isauria and Ainnir Ariana.”

  “Did you seriously just apologize for Ariana's absence?” Zelene hissed to her brother.

  “It's customary,” he whispered politely.

  Meridel stepped forward. “Please forgive the absence of my sister, Banair Nandalia.”

  “All is forgiven,” Sylvanna said.

  Zelene couldn’t believe her ears. Apologizing for Ariana and Isauria was one thing, but for her mother’s death? Like her murder had inconvenienced them all? It was too much. “Did you just forgive my mother for being dead?”

  “Zelene,” Terrena chided.

  “No,” she argued and jerked away when Nolan tried to pull her to the side. She turned back to the Duillaine with disgust. “Let's get something straight. My mother isn't here because she was murdered when she tried to rescue us. Isauria isn't here because she's too busy doing your job for you and trying to find Ariana. Ariana isn't here because she got captured, all because you guys failed to protect us the way you should have. So if anyone needs to be asking forgiveness, it's you.”

  “You're right,” Solanna surprised her by saying. She stepped forward and took Ze
lene's hands in her own. “I loved my sister dearly. She was my best friend. But you are right. We failed her, as we have failed Ariana. We beg your forgiveness, Zelene. Please.”

  Zelene didn't expect anyone to actually apologize. “Sure,” she stuttered. “Yeah. I forgive you.”

  Solanna pulled her into a brief hug and drew back with a genuine smile. “I can't wait for you to meet my daughter, Zelene.”

  “Your daughter?” Zelene glanced questioningly to Nolan, who shook his head discretely in answer to her unspoken confusion. She'd heard about Solanna's firstborn—and still felt the guilt weighing on her chest over Solanna’s loss. After all, it was clear that either she or Ariana had been the target. She covered the question with some platitude about looking forward to meeting her. Zelene barely listened to her own words, lost in thought as she took her place beside Terrena.

  “Is it impossible for you to do as you are told?” Terrena asked in her British accent, making the accusation sound nicer than Zelene thought it was meant it to be.

  Zelene shrugged. “I think it is, honestly.”

  Rhaya came in next, guided by one of the men from the so-called review a few weeks ago. Zelene realized he must be Rhaya and Terrena's father, which explained why Rhaya looked so pissed off. The empath had been less than impressed with her father's attitude during the review, and it also didn't help that she hadn't even met him up until that point.

  “I present my daughter, Ainnir Rhaya, to the Duillaine,” the man said.

  Zelene thought his name was Leo, or Leroy, or something like that. She had a hard time keeping track and knew it was about to get harder as she waited for the rest of her family to join them.

  “Thank you, Leone. We greet you Ainnir Rhaya, and welcome you back into the embrace of our family,” Sylvanna said with formality.

  Rhaya gave an awkward half-curtsy and then rushed to her place between Zelene and Terrena.

  “You don't have to be an empath to tell that you're pissed,” Zelene whispered to her cousin.