by Trisha Wolfe
But unlike the Reckoning where I was forced from her side, I can’t focus on Caben and Bale and what I must do if she’s still my sole priority. Even thinking this, the guilt is consuming. But she’s safer, everyone’s safer, if I can ensure Bale’s capture.
Still, I need my empress’s guidance. And I need her to release me.
Pushing those thoughts aside, I focus on why I’m here. Bax. My palms slick with sweat and I run them across my black uniform shirt. Building myself up mentally and physically before I reach the door, I inhale a couple deep breaths.
Murmured voices sound from inside the chamber. I stand in the hallway, bothered that I didn’t find him alone. I didn’t want an audience for this, but then, maybe it’s best. That way Julian Paynebridge can’t accuse me of anything before I leave. I wouldn’t put it past him. So I roll my shoulders back just as the voices hush, and knock on the door.
“Enter,” Julian calls out. His voice sounds strained.
A Nactue guard—Whip—opens the door and steps aside so I can enter. I nod to her, confused as to why she’s here, until I’m greeted by not only Julian, but Empress Iana, also.
I bow quickly. “I apologize for the intrusion,” I say, lifting my head. “I was hoping to have a private audience with Julian, Empress.” But, as I’ve already decided, a witness might be needed. And my own empress is probably the right choice. Not even Julian is weasel enough to try to turn her word against me. He’s not completely lacking in common sense.
Empress Iana is draped in sheer white, flowing robes. Her long blond hair pinned into a loose bun atop her head, her thin silver crown lining it. When she steps forward, away from Julian’s side, I glimpse swirled henna peaking from beneath her sleeves. She must have cut her prayer ritual short to be here.
An added dash of guilt pulls my lips into a frown. I gave instruction to Lilly to oversee the Nactue in my absence, and she’s already taken to the role. Although I’m curious why Whip was appointed the empress’s sole guard today instead of Kia—a more experienced Nactue. Regardless, I had no idea that Empress Iana was well enough to tackle her usual, daily schedule.
Which means she’s already aware that I’ve shirked my responsibilities.
“Protector Kaliope, I was just about to summon you,” Empress Iana says. “Please.” She waves her hand toward the couches.
It feels odd having the empress invite me to a meeting with Julian here—this being his chambers. But I do as instructed, my stomach in tight knots. Wondering why they should need to speak to me together.
Julian follows Empress Iana’s lead and settles down on the rose-colored couch opposite me. Whatever they’ve just been discussing put a sour expression on his usually smug face. “As you were clearly on your way to address something with me, Protector, why don’t you start?”
I want to demand the whereabouts of Bax. Beat out of him what he’s had done with him—but I temper my irritation. Julian could well be innocent, even if he’s always resented Bax’s presence here.
Nodding once, as much as a bow he’ll receive from me, I say, “I’m seeking Bax. I haven’t seen him since before the palace was attacked, and I need to talk to him.”
Empress Iana and Julian share a look, and my unease grows. “Kaliope, this is why we were soon to bring you into the discussion.” She pulls a beige letter from the inside pocket of her robe. “We haven’t confirmed its truth, but I believe this message will answer your questions concerning our dear Bax.”
Immediately, my being fills with dread. I unfold the letter with sure hands despite the trembling ready to overtake me. I recognize the handwriting. I’ve read enough of Bax’s quick-jotted notes, messages sent to me in the field when communication was lost. It could be a forgery, but the mercury cooling my blood senses the truth.
Bax has been taken.
By Caben.
I shake thoughts of retaliation from my head with a sharp jerk. Bale is the responsible party. It’s already too late for Caben if I allow myself to feel anger toward him.
“There’s nothing else, then.” I hold up the letter. “We must go after him. It’s what we need to do anyway—track the Otherworlders. Capture Prince Caben and—”
“And what?” Julian interrupts. He raises his hand toward the empress. “Keep him locked in a dungeon, the goddess within him like she’s a prisoner?” He shakes his head. “Surely, Empress, you can talk some sense into your protector.”
Empress Iana casts her eyes on me, and the unmoving look in them chills me. She’s been supportive of this plan since she was restored to her full authority. But now I sense something has changed.
“You agreed, Julian,” I say, trying to alleviate the empress of the responsibility of disappointing me, “that quarantining the moon goddess was the only, reasonable course of action. Giving us time to discover a way to save Prince Caben.”
“Well, our newest discovery has changed my initial outlook,” he replies. Now I look to Empress Iana for clarity. I don’t want Julian to be the one to deliver this disappointment.
Her amethyst eyes cloud over. “Kaliope, it’s been a very long time since anyone practiced or even witnessed the rituals of Bale. Being the estranged deity, they were banished. Since the Otherworlders’ uprising, the leaders of the Three Realms have been secretly conducting research in order to be a step ahead of the Otherworlders, and to anticipate their next move.”
She folds her hands on her lap, ignoring Julian’s impatient foot tapping. I love my empress, but I admit, I’m with Julian here. I’d rather her rip the bandage off quickly; tell me everything at once.
“The hasty and unprepared attack on Perinya and then Cavan left us little time to conduct this inquiry,” she continues. “By the time we uncovered any information on the Reckoning, it was already the day of the eclipse, and we still hadn’t discovered the location of the Otherworld. But”—she slowly rises and walks toward me—“we now know, at least, why the Otherworlders were targeting the rulers. Why Perinya, King Marcus, was the first to be attacked, despite Cavan being the source of mercury.”
Julian sighs, and I make the connection before he can interrupt again. “They wanted anyone with any possible knowledge of Bale eliminated,” I say.
She nods. “I’m too young to remember, of course. And there was never any need to teach me of Bale’s religion…until now. So only my goddess relic was of use to Bale.”
And that’s why they left her alive—why it was more important to steal the relic than to ensure the empress was dead. They didn’t feel Empress Iana was a threat.
But now she is. Worry coils in my belly. “Empress, Bax has been abducted. Even though you weren’t an expert before, he’s been your advisor on all things Bale since. Bax has been the source you’ve been working with. He wasn’t taken during the raid, was he?”
She glances at Julian before she answers. “No. It was after, and it was by someone who knew our inside dealings.”
Even though I don’t trust Julian, and first wanted to point the blame at him for Bax’s disappearance, my suspicion shifts to another, more likely candidate. Carina, the former Nactue leader, had tried to warn me of a traitor in the Cavan Council with her last words. Since then, I’ve narrowed down the list to one.
However, speaking against Councilor Herna would be treason. If I make a claim like that, I have to be absolutely sure. And, I can’t simply go now, leaving behind a traitor who will continue to botch any well-laid plans, or harm the empress.
I feel the mercury rising to the surface of my skin, like a gauge marking my apprehension. I’m trapped. Boxed in, just like in the Cage. That fear, that feeling of helplessness, drives me to what I say next. Regardless of the outcome.
“I may know who it is.”
Empress Iana looks down at me with a guarded expression. I shouldn’t be talking about this in front of a Perinyian Court member. But the longer this takes, the more Caben’s trail grows cold, and the less likely I’ll get to Bax in time.
Please, Caben. Don’
t do anything you’ll later regret.
Empress Iana turns toward Julian. “I need a moment with my Nactue.”
“Your Highness, this concerns the welfare of Perinya, our safety. If there’s a traitor among your people, then I should—”
“Then you should be well attuned to know when your counsel is dismissed on principle out respect for your ally country.” She clasps her hands, dismissing Julian without any room for debate.
Chagrined, Julian yanks his vest lapels straight and stands. “I expect full disclosure at your earliest convenience, Empress.” He bows, then turns serious eyes on me. “And I still have matters to discuss with Protector Kaliope before a firm decision on our current situation is reached.”
Just like a petulant child, Julian wants to be the center of attention. He reeks of fear, scared that any business done outside of his presence will strip him of his newfound power.
Once he exits the room to his personal chamber, leaving us in his briefing quarters, I say, “Should we discuss this in a more private location, Empress?”
She shakes her head. “That’s not necessary. There’s very little privacy in this palace, besides.” Motioning me to move closer, she takes a seat on the couch she was seated on before. “I’m glad that he’s left, because I still need to tell you of our discovery. It concerns you, Kaliope. And though I’ve been confident in your abilities since I first chose you as my guard, I’ve been struggling with my faith. I’ve been in prayer the whole morning.”
As long as she doesn’t state I’m to compete in another Reckoning, nothing she can say will alarm me. But if she expects me to offer comfort, claiming the goddesses will guide us, protect us—then I have nothing to offer. “We need to act quickly,” I say. “For Bax, and for the prince. The Perinyians, in particular, Julian, seem anxious to end this war with Bale.”
She takes my hand, reminding me of when she did the same months back in the palace chapel. “Tell me who you suspect, Kaliope. We can’t have mistrust among our leaders. No word of this will reach them, but we must be decided, together, in our next action.”
With a level breath, I seal my fate. I tell her of Carina’s suspicious behavior the day Cavan was invaded. Of Councilor Herna’s, and of the discord I sensed between them through the bond. Of Carina’s dying declaration of a traitor, but that she left this world before she could divulge her full confession.
After carrying this burden for what feels like forever—only Caben to share in its weight—my soul feels lighter. I just pray…hope…that I’ve done the right thing.
♦ 13 ♦
Caben
THE URBAN LIGHTS OF Sydian, a territory southeast of Perinya, brighten the thin wisps of clouds over the cliffs. Their luminescent greens and purples filter into my loft, casting the dark room in a soft violet-gray hue. Just to enjoy their brilliance more, I douse the fire in the pit and program the windows to drain all color from the glass.
I used to hate mornings. Spoiled prince that I was, I had to have my late starts, cocooned in down blankets and served breakfast off silver trays. I’ve been exceedingly hard on myself lately. But I’m seeing myself in a whole new light these days. Granted, I did work hard, pursued grappling from an early age and advanced to become one of the top fighters in my league. It’s not enough, though.
I don’t know whether it’s Bale’s influence in my head, scrutinizing my every thought and move…but I feel the need to prove I am not a spoiled prince. That I’m worthy of the power I now possess, and the greatness I’m to obtain.
Greatness. Something that should take a lifetime to achieve, Kal was bestowed at such a young age. Does she even appreciate her gift? I think back on how she hid the mercury, how ashamed she was. Even though it came at a difficult price, her father’s wrath, the outcome should’ve been enough. It’s never enough. Not for anyone.
Silencing my ridiculous thoughts, I tint the windows, blotting out the magnificent, Sydian sky.
My Otherworlder detail are in rare form this morning. Milling about, rowdy, loud. Boisterous. The war has been stalled, all units stationed to their camps, and the reprieve has fuelled their confidences in winning.
Loud bangs and shouts fill the central room as I enter. It seems they’ve been feasting and celebrating ever since the invasion on the palace. There was no punishment from Bale after we were overthrown, so I suppose they assume it was a job well done.
Fools. The only thing worth celebrating is the capture of Bax, which will ensure Kal, and possibly the relic, will be at our doorstep directly. And they had nothing to do with that. The Cavan Councilor plopped that gift right onto our lap.
I could scold them, bring them back to the dim reality that we’re still so far away from our goal, but then I’d have to reprimand myself, too. I got just as sidetracked at the palace.
Instead, I allow them to enjoy what little triumph they can. Who knows what hell Kal will bring with her when she arrives. I grab a mug of blackberry ale from the toasting Otherworlder and tip it to my lips.
The Otherworlder looks startled at having his Liege so near, drinking his beer, but then he cheers me on as I guzzle.
The room echoes his chant as I down the rest of the bitter alcohol, then hold the tin mug in the air. “Drink up, swine!”
Hollers roar, ricocheting off the wood and glass walls, and stomping rises from the floor. The treehouse rumbles with the celebratory quake.
Our message has arrived, Prince. She comes soon.
A smile splits my face. But beneath the anticipation, a nagging spear of dread sinks in its talons.
♦ 14 ♦
Kaliope
“COUNCILOR HERNA IS NOT the traitor.”
Empress Iana levels me with a solemn look, and I’m torn over whether her invested belief in her council has blinded her to the truth, or whether I’ve just put a permanent wedge between my empress and me. Maybe both.
She releases my hand and sits back, her shoulders loose. “I’m aware of the events that happened prior to the invasion, and I know how it all must look from your perspective. I’m sorry that you’ve been struggling with the right action to take, I appreciate its burden.” Her pink lips lift in a faint, sad smile. “But I hope in the future you will always come to me, Kaliope. On any matter. You shouldn’t have had to wrangle this doubt for as long as you did.”
I nod, confused. “Thank you, Empress. But what about what Carina said? If it’s not Councilor Herna, then who?” I want to add, how can you be sure? But I’ve already overstepped my bounds. I don’t want to question my leader and lose her trust in me. Even though I fear I might be losing some of mine in her. Curse everything.
“Protector Carina was retired early because she was believed to be consorting with the traitor.”
I take a moment to process this, realizing that, possibly, everything I saw and heard could’ve been the exact opposite. I did question Carina’s loyalties at first. Only her last words…
Empress Iana allows me to think it over before she continues, not needing any prompting. “I think Carina may have had a change of heart right before her death, and that is what she was trying to tell you. She was killed by Otherworlder invaders, after all. Her services to the Bale informant were ended the moment they deemed her useless.” She bows her head for a moment. “She did die with honor, Kaliope. She died defending me. That I can at least say.”
I remember the bloody scene in the empress’s quarters—Carina indicating toward Empress Iana, trying to warn me, trying to save her. Maybe she didn’t realize the empress would be harmed. Maybe she only discovered the truth of things when it was too late.
Pressing my forehead into my hand, I massage the building ache between my eyes. I’m not sure how any of this changes our situation. And I can consider what the empress told me later, because right now, I have to gain all information and tell her about my choice. No matter who the traitor is, she’s aware of them. I’ll make sure to give Lilly and the other Nactue explicit orders to be cautious around all Council memb
ers. I still don’t trust Councilor Herna completely.
“Councilor Herna suspected Protector Carina early on, and that was the reason for their falling out,” the empress says, and I look at her. “And once she found proof, she thought retiring her early would hinder the informant’s plans, force them to make a mistake…something that would reveal them.”
I shake my head. “Why not just question all the Council members? Or remove them from their seat of power until the traitor was uncovered?” Or ask Goddess Farrah to point them out? But I keep that to myself, though I don’t understand why our empress, who is the closest link to the goddess, hasn’t done so already.
A small smile spreads on her face, like she’s heard my thoughts anyway. “That’s not our way. Once we bring someone into our circle of trust, we do not remove them unless we have undoubtable proof.” She sits straighter. “Carina was discovered with Bale contraband, ritualistic items, and a missive containing coordinates meant to be delivered. We just didn’t comprehend at the time that the Otherworlders were the intended recipient. It had been over a century since they were last seen.” She sighs heavily. “Everything happened so quickly. I would say I regret not taking different actions, but I can’t. I trust the will of the goddess. Things are as they were meant to be.”
And at that, my defenses go up. “Empress, obviously this traitor has had a hand in Bax’s disappearance. Bax wasn’t captured during the raid, and he didn’t just walk away. Not from his family. We should be focused on finding the traitor before they do any more damage.”
“We have.”
My chest prickles. “Is this why you were summoning me? Is the traitor the new discovery?” My mind whirls, anxious to hear which one of the councilors have betrayed us. If she’s already been apprehended, I could question her. Find out where she took Bax—where Caben is.
Empress Iana stays silent, and it causes my unease to grow. Then, with a forceful jerk of her head, she says, “No. That is not why you’re here. Although be comforted that I’ve taken every precaution with Councilor Teagan”—my eyes widen, and she hurries on before I can question—“I know. She’s the last person anyone would’ve suspected.”
